Sofia Airport handles flights until around 1-2 AM, and some budget airlines love scheduling late arrivals. If you're landing after 10 PM, here's what you need to know.
What's still running
Metro — closes at midnight
The last metro train departs the airport station around midnight. If your flight lands before 11:15 PM and you clear passport control quickly, you might catch it. But it's tight — don't count on it unless you have no checked bags and can sprint. Miss it and you're looking at other options.
Buses — stop around 11 PM
Bus Line 84 stops running around 11 PM. Not useful for late arrivals.
Official taxis — available but limited
The OK Supertrans taxi rank operates 24/7 in theory, but late at night the number of available cars drops significantly. You might wait 10-20 minutes for a taxi after midnight. The night tariff kicks in at 10 PM — expect to pay 12-18 BGN (€6-9) to the center instead of the daytime 10-15 BGN.
Ride-hailing (Bolt/Spark) — works but can be slow
Bolt runs 24/7 and usually has drivers near the airport. Wait times of 5-15 minutes are normal late at night. Surge pricing may apply between 11 PM and 6 AM, pushing the fare to 12-18 BGN.
Pre-booked transfer — the reliable option
A transfer booked in advance is the only option that guarantees someone is waiting for you, regardless of when you land. The driver monitors your flight and adjusts for delays. You walk out, find your driver with a name sign, and you're in the car. Costs €15-20 to the center.
Safety considerations
Sofia Airport is safe, but late at night the usual cautions apply:
- Avoid unlicensed taxi drivers — they're more aggressive at night when fewer legitimate options are available
- The airport area is quiet — it's not in a dangerous neighborhood, but there's nothing around it either
- Don't walk — the airport is connected to the city by highways, not pedestrian-friendly roads
- Keep your phone charged — you'll need it for ride-hailing apps or contacting your transfer driver
If your flight is severely delayed
If you land after 2 AM, your options narrow to: 1. Pre-booked transfer (they track your flight) 2. Bolt (if drivers are available) 3. Waiting at the airport until the metro opens at 5:30 AM — the terminal has seating but it's not comfortable
Our recommendation for late arrivals
Book a transfer in advance. When you're exhausted after a long day of travel and it's past midnight in a foreign city, the last thing you want is to hunt for a taxi, negotiate with unlicensed drivers, or wait 20 minutes for a Bolt. The extra €10 over a taxi buys you certainty and a stress-free arrival.