Sofia Airport is one of the cheapest major airports in Europe to get into town from. The city center is only 10 km away, and you have several options ranging from under €1 to about €20.
Metro — the cheapest option
A single metro ticket costs 1.60 BGN (~€0.80). That's it. No surcharges, no zones, no confusion. The metro takes you from Terminal 2 directly to Serdika station in the heart of Sofia in about 20 minutes. You can buy tickets from machines at the station (coins and contactless cards accepted). If you're staying more than a day, grab a day pass for 4 BGN (~€2).
Taxi — still very affordable
The official airport taxi company is OK Supertrans. A ride to the city center typically costs 10-15 BGN (€5-8). The meter should start at around 0.70-0.79 BGN and charge per kilometer. Night rate (10 PM - 6 AM) is slightly higher at ~0.90 BGN/km.
Warning: Only use the official taxi rank outside arrivals. Some drivers inside the terminal will quote you 30-50 BGN for the same trip. That's a scam.
Ride-hailing apps
Bolt and Spark both operate in Sofia. Airport pickup typically costs 8-12 BGN (€4-6) to the center. Prices can surge during peak hours or late at night. The app gives you the price upfront, so no surprises.
Pre-booked private transfer
A sedan transfer from Sofia Airport to the city center runs €15-20. This includes meet-and-greet at arrivals, help with luggage, and a fixed price with no surprises. For a minivan (up to 8 passengers), expect €20-30.
Price comparison table
| Transport | Price (BGN) | Price (EUR) | Time | Best for | |---|---|---|---|---| | Metro | 1.60 BGN | ~€0.80 | 20 min | Solo travelers, budget | | Bus (Line 84) | 1.60 BGN | ~€0.80 | 30-40 min | Terminal 1 arrivals | | Bolt/Spark | 8-12 BGN | €4-6 | 15-20 min | Convenience | | Official taxi | 10-15 BGN | €5-8 | 15-20 min | Small groups | | Private transfer (sedan) | — | €15-20 | 15-20 min | Comfort, late arrivals | | Private transfer (minivan) | — | €20-30 | 15-20 min | Families, groups |
Hidden costs to watch for
- Currency exchange at airport: The rates at airport exchange desks are notoriously bad. Use an ATM instead — Euronet ATMs are everywhere, but your own bank's partner ATM will have better rates.
- Unlicensed taxis: Can charge 3-5x the normal fare. Always use the official rank or an app.
- Luggage surcharges: Official taxis don't charge extra for luggage. If someone tries to add a luggage fee, they're not official.