The cheapest way to get from Sofia Airport to the city center in 2026 costs only €0.80. Metro line M4 runs directly from Terminal 2 to Serdika, the main metro interchange in central Sofia, and the journey takes approximately 20 minutes. For most travelers arriving at Terminal 2, it is not only the cheapest option but also the simplest and often the fastest because the train avoids city traffic completely.
Passengers arriving at Terminal 1 can still use the metro by taking Sofia Airport’s free inter-terminal shuttle to Terminal 2. Alternatively, city bus 84 serves both airport terminals and continues toward central Sofia for the same basic €0.80 public transport fare. Travelers arriving after the metro closes also have a low-cost option: night bus N4 serves both airport terminals and connects them with Sofia’s overnight public transport network.
A taxi is considerably more expensive but still relatively affordable compared with airport taxis in many European capitals. A normal licensed taxi journey to central Sofia usually costs approximately €10–15 depending on traffic, exact address and time of day, while a pre-booked private transfer generally starts around €25. If you are planning the rest of your trip budget as well, our Bulgaria travel costs guide for 2026 covers accommodation, food, transport and realistic daily spending.
Sofia Airport to City Center: Quick Comparison
- Metro M4 from Terminal 2: €0.80, approximately 20 minutes to central Sofia.
- Bus 84 from Terminal 1 or Terminal 2: €0.80, approximately 40–45 minutes depending on traffic.
- Night bus N4: low-cost overnight public transport when the metro is closed.
- Free Terminal 1–Terminal 2 airport shuttle: operates 24 hours a day.
- Licensed airport taxi: approximately €10–15 to central Sofia under normal conditions.
- Private transfer: generally around €25–35 for a standard sedan.
- Distance from Sofia Airport to the city center: approximately 10 km.
- Metro station: directly beside Terminal 2.
- Best stop for the historic center: Serdika.
- Uber: not currently available in Bulgaria.
What Is the Cheapest Way From Sofia Airport to the City Center?
The cheapest practical route is metro line M4, which costs €0.80 for a single journey from Sofia Airport Terminal 2 into central Sofia. The same price applies to a standard single metro ticket elsewhere in the city, so there is no airport surcharge, special airport tariff or premium express fare.
This makes Sofia one of the cheapest major European capitals for airport transportation. In many cities, the airport railway or express bus costs €10–20 even when ordinary public transport is inexpensive. Sofia Airport is simply part of the normal urban network.
The most useful central station is Serdika. From there, you can walk to many hotels around the central pedestrian area or transfer to metro line M2 without buying another metro ticket as long as you remain inside the paid metro system.
Option 1: Metro M4 — Best Overall
For most visitors arriving at Terminal 2, M4 is the obvious choice. The station is immediately beside the terminal building, trains run frequently through most of the day and the route goes directly through central Sofia without requiring a change for Serdika.
Unlike a bus or taxi, the metro is unaffected by Sofia’s road congestion. That makes a €0.80 train capable of beating a €10–15 taxi during busy traffic periods.
How Much Is the Metro From Sofia Airport?
A normal single metro journey costs €0.80 in 2026.
This is an important change for anyone reading older Bulgaria guides. Bulgaria adopted the euro in January 2026, so old references to a 1.60 BGN metro ticket should no longer be used for current trip planning.
The current Sofia public transport products include:
- Single metro journey: €0.80.
- 30+ transfer ticket: €0.80.
- 60+ transfer ticket: €1.10.
- Calendar-day public transport card: €2.
- 24-hour card including night transport: €3.
- 72-hour card including night transport: €7.60.
For someone arriving at the airport and then spending the rest of the day using trams, buses and metro, the €2 day product can therefore be more useful than repeatedly buying individual tickets.
Where Is the Metro Station at Sofia Airport?
Sofia Airport metro station is directly beside Terminal 2. Follow the metro signs after entering the public arrivals area and leaving the terminal building.
The station is the eastern terminus of line M4, so there is very little room for confusion about which direction to take. Board the train heading into the city.
Does the Metro Serve Terminal 1?
No. Terminal 1 does not have its own metro station.
If your flight lands at Terminal 1, use the free airport shuttle to Terminal 2 and board M4 there. The shuttle operates around the clock, generally every 30 minutes during the daytime and approximately every 40 minutes overnight.
This does not add anything to the transport price, so Terminal 1 passengers can still reach central Sofia for only €0.80.
How Long Does Sofia Airport Metro Take to the Center?
The journey from Sofia Airport to central Sofia takes approximately 20 minutes. Serdika is the most useful stop for the historic center and provides an interchange with M2.
Allow slightly more time for walking through the airport and metro station, waiting for the next train and reaching your accommodation after leaving Serdika.
A realistic Terminal 2 arrivals-hall-to-central-hotel journey is therefore closer to 30–40 minutes even though the actual metro ride is only around 20 minutes.
How Often Does the Airport Metro Run?
M4 runs frequently throughout the day. Current summer schedules generally provide departures approximately every 12–15 minutes for much of the daytime period, with shorter or longer intervals at particular times.
Exact departures vary by weekday and weekend, so use the current timetable if you are traveling close to the first or last train.
What Time Does Sofia Airport Metro Start?
Current 2026 schedules have the first airport departures at approximately 05:20–05:30, depending on the day.
This makes the metro practical for many early arrivals but not for every early-morning flight departure.
What Time Is the Last Metro From Sofia Airport?
The final airport departures are currently around 23:40–23:50 depending on the day.
If your flight lands close to midnight, do not assume you will catch the final metro simply because the aircraft arrives before the last train. Passport control, baggage collection and walking through the terminal can easily consume twenty or thirty minutes.
For genuinely late arrivals, night bus N4 or a licensed taxi is more reliable.
Where Should You Get Off the Metro?
Serdika for the Historic Center
Serdika is the best stop for most first-time visitors. It places you close to the central pedestrian area, the Largo archaeological complex, St Nedelya Church and the northern end of Vitosha Boulevard.
Many central hotels and apartments are within a 5–15 minute walk.
Sofia University for Alexander Nevsky Cathedral
If your accommodation is around Alexander Nevsky Cathedral, Sofia University or the eastern edge of the center, Sofia University St Kliment Ohridski station can be more convenient than Serdika.
Serdika + M2 for Central Railway and Bus Stations
If you are continuing from Sofia by train or intercity bus, take M4 to Serdika, transfer within the metro system to M2 and continue to Central Railway Station.
You do not need to buy another single metro ticket when making a normal internal metro transfer without leaving the paid area.
Can You Pay for Sofia Metro With a Bank Card?
Yes. Contactless bank-card payment is available at the metro barriers.
Tap the same physical card or payment device consistently when using Sofia public transport so that the system can correctly recognize your journeys.
A standard bank-card validation activates the current €0.80 30+ transport product where applicable, making it unnecessary for most visitors to buy a separate plastic transport card simply for an airport journey.
Do You Need Cash for the Sofia Airport Metro?
No. The metro accepts contactless bank cards, and tickets can also be purchased from station machines and ticket offices.
This makes Sofia Airport particularly easy for newly arrived visitors because there is no need to withdraw cash solely for transportation.
Bulgaria uses the euro in 2026, so travelers arriving from another euro-area destination also avoid currency exchange entirely.
For other practical details about money, payments and transportation, see our Bulgaria travel tips for first-time visitors.
Option 2: Bus 84 — Best From Terminal 1
Bus 84 is the main daytime airport bus connecting Sofia Airport with the city. It serves both terminals and continues toward central Sofia, finishing around General Gurko Street after passing Eagles’ Bridge.
Older guides often show separate lines 84 and 184. That information is outdated. The two airport services were reorganized in July 2025 and the current principal airport route is line 84.
For most Terminal 2 travelers, the metro is quicker. Bus 84 becomes much more useful when you arrive at Terminal 1, when your accommodation lies closer to the bus route or when the metro is temporarily disrupted.
How Much Is Bus 84 From Sofia Airport?
The standard 30+ public transport fare is €0.80.
This is the same basic price as the metro, so choosing between bus and metro should be based on route convenience rather than cost.
Where Does Bus 84 Go?
The current route connects the airport with central Sofia through areas including:
- Terminal 2.
- Terminal 1.
- Druzhba.
- Pliska area.
- Eagles’ Bridge.
- Sofia University area.
- General Gurko Street.
Eagles’ Bridge is particularly useful for accommodation around Sofia University, Borisova Garden and the eastern side of central Sofia.
General Gurko Street is farther into the center and within walking distance of several major central sights.
How Long Does Bus 84 Take?
Allow approximately 40–45 minutes from the airport to central Sofia under ordinary conditions.
Unlike the metro, however, the bus uses city roads and therefore becomes vulnerable to traffic. During rush hour, the journey can take longer.
Is Bus 84 Better Than the Metro?
Usually not from Terminal 2. M4 is quicker, equally cheap and unaffected by traffic.
Bus 84 can be better when:
- You arrive at Terminal 1 and do not want to transfer to Terminal 2.
- Your accommodation is near Eagles’ Bridge.
- Your hotel is directly along the bus route.
- You prefer avoiding an additional walk from a metro station.
- The metro is temporarily disrupted.
What Happened to Bus 184?
Bus 184 appears in many older Sofia Airport articles because it previously operated alongside line 84 with a slightly different order of airport-terminal stops.
The services were reorganized in July 2025, with 84 becoming the main airport route serving both terminals.
For a 2026 trip, do not build your airport plan around finding bus 184 just because an older tourism website still lists it.
Option 3: Night Bus N4 — Cheapest After the Metro Closes
Sofia has a useful advantage over many comparable cities: public transport access to the airport does not disappear completely after midnight.
Night bus N4 was extended to Sofia Airport in July 2025 and serves both Terminal 1 and Terminal 2.
This provides a very inexpensive alternative for passengers landing after M4 has stopped running.
How Much Does the Night Bus Cost?
The current dedicated night transport card costs €1, while the €3 24-hour transport card and €7.60 72-hour card include night transport.
If your trip involves several journeys during the same period, compare these products rather than treating the airport ride in isolation.
Where Does N4 Go?
N4 crosses Sofia as part of the city’s overnight network and connects with the central night-bus transfer point around Knyaz Alexander I Square.
This places travelers close to the historic center and allows connections with other night routes when needed.
Is N4 Better Than a Taxi After Midnight?
For price, absolutely. A night transport card costs around €1, compared with approximately €10–15 for a licensed taxi into central Sofia.
For convenience, the answer depends on your hotel and arrival time. Night buses operate much less frequently than daytime metro services, so waiting for the next departure can erase much of the practical advantage after a tiring flight.
Terminal 1 to Terminal 2: Free Airport Shuttle
Sofia Airport provides a free shuttle between Terminal 1 and Terminal 2 throughout the day and night.
Current operating intervals are approximately:
- 08:00–20:00: every 30 minutes.
- 20:00–08:00: every 40 minutes.
The exact departure schedule is more detailed than those simple intervals, but this is a useful planning rule.
You do not need a public transport ticket to use the inter-terminal shuttle.
Should Terminal 1 Passengers Take Bus 84 or the Metro?
The bus is simpler because it stops directly at Terminal 1. The metro is generally faster once you reach Terminal 2.
Your practical choices are therefore:
- Bus 84 directly from Terminal 1 to central Sofia for €0.80.
- Free airport shuttle to Terminal 2, then M4 for €0.80.
If the airport shuttle is leaving shortly after you arrive, metro can still be faster overall. If you have just missed the shuttle and bus 84 is approaching, taking the bus directly may save waiting time.
Option 4: Official Airport Taxi
A licensed taxi is the simplest door-to-door option and remains relatively affordable because Sofia Airport is only about 10 kilometers from the center.
Yellow! is currently the contractual airport taxi partner listed by Sofia’s official tourism information. The company has service desks in the arrivals areas of both Terminal 1 and Terminal 2.
A normal licensed taxi journey to central Sofia is typically around €10–15, depending on your hotel, traffic, waiting time and whether you travel under the daytime or nighttime tariff.
How Much Is a Taxi From Sofia Airport to the City Center?
Approximately €10–15 is a sensible 2026 planning range for an ordinary licensed taxi to central Sofia.
Sofia Municipality regulates minimum and maximum per-kilometer taxi tariffs. From January 2026, the permitted tariff bands are:
- Minimum daytime kilometer price: €0.73.
- Minimum nighttime kilometer price: €0.84.
- Maximum daytime kilometer price: €1.24.
- Maximum nighttime kilometer price: €1.52.
The final fare also includes the company’s applicable initial charge and waiting time, so multiplying the airport distance by the kilometer rate does not produce the exact total.
Why Do Sofia Airport Taxi Prices Vary?
Sofia taxis use regulated meters rather than one fixed city-center airport tariff.
Your fare therefore depends on:
- Exact destination.
- Day or night tariff.
- Traffic and waiting time.
- Taxi company’s permitted tariff.
- Whether the hotel is actually in the central area.
A property near Serdika should cost less than accommodation on the opposite side of the city.
How Do You Get an Official Taxi at Sofia Airport?
Use the official airport taxi desk or the designated taxi rank rather than accepting an unsolicited offer from someone approaching passengers inside arrivals.
Yellow! is the current contractual airport partner and operates from both terminals.
Confirm that the taxi is clearly marked, that the displayed tariff is reasonable and that the meter is operating.
Are Taxi Scams a Problem at Sofia Airport?
Taxi overcharging has historically been one of the more common practical problems reported by visitors in Sofia. The safest approach is not to select a random car simply because someone offers you a ride while you are leaving arrivals.
Use the official airport partner or a recognized licensed taxi app instead.
If you are traveling alone, our Bulgaria solo travel safety guide covers taxis, transport hubs and other common visitor issues in more detail.
Option 5: Taxi Apps in Sofia
Sofia has several licensed taxi apps that provide an alternative to arranging a car at the airport rank.
Useful options include Yellow!, TaxiMe and other established Sofia taxi companies with their own apps.
An app can be particularly useful because it lets you enter the exact hotel address, follow the car on a map and often see an estimated price before the trip.
Does Uber Work in Sofia?
No. Uber does not currently operate a normal passenger ride-hailing service in Bulgaria.
If you have an existing Uber account from another country, do not rely on it for transportation after landing in Sofia.
Does Bolt Work in Sofia?
Bolt has a presence in Sofia for services such as scooters and e-bikes, but its current Sofia service listing does not show the standard Bolt passenger-car categories familiar from many other European capitals.
For airport transportation, use established licensed local taxi services rather than planning your arrival around finding a normal Bolt car.
Which Taxi App Is Best for Sofia Airport?
Yellow! is particularly relevant because it is the airport’s current contracted taxi partner. TaxiMe is another established local option for journeys within Sofia.
Prices can vary with route, traffic and tariff, so use the live estimate rather than relying on a permanent fare quoted in an article.
If you want an app working immediately after landing, arrange mobile data before the flight using our comparison of the best eSIMs for Bulgaria.
Option 6: Private Airport Transfer
A private transfer is substantially more expensive than public transport and usually somewhat more expensive than a normal licensed taxi, but it provides the most predictable arrival experience.
Current 2026 providers commonly quote approximately €25–35 for a standard sedan from Sofia Airport to the city center.
For example, one current local operator publishes a fixed €25 airport-to-center sedan fare for up to four passengers, while larger vans cost more.
What Does a Private Transfer Include?
Typical services include:
- Driver waiting in arrivals.
- Name board.
- Flight tracking.
- Pre-agreed fixed price.
- Help with luggage.
- Direct hotel drop-off.
- Larger vehicles available for groups.
For a solo budget traveler, paying €25 when the metro costs €0.80 makes little financial sense. For a family arriving at midnight with several suitcases, the same transfer can be perfectly reasonable.
Taxi vs Private Transfer: Which Is Better?
A licensed taxi is normally cheaper. A private transfer provides greater certainty.
If a standard taxi is approximately €10–15 and a pre-booked transfer costs €25, you are effectively paying an additional €10–15 for meet-and-greet service, a fixed vehicle reservation and a predetermined total.
For a straightforward daytime arrival, the official taxi is difficult to beat if you do not want the metro. For a late arrival, large group or special luggage requirements, a transfer can be more convenient.
What Is the Best Option for One Traveler?
Take the metro. A €0.80 airport journey to Serdika is so inexpensive that no private vehicle comes close on price.
Choose a taxi only if the metro is closed, you have unusually difficult luggage or your accommodation is far from a useful metro station.
What Is the Best Option for Two Travelers?
The metro still provides overwhelming value. Two passengers pay only €1.60 in total.
A €12 taxi divided between two travelers is approximately €6 each, however, which is still inexpensive by European airport standards. Couples arriving late or carrying several bags may therefore prioritize convenience.
What Is the Best Option for Three Travelers?
Three metro tickets cost €2.40 in total.
A €12–15 taxi costs approximately €4–5 per passenger when divided among three people. At that point the absolute price difference becomes small enough that hotel location and luggage should determine the decision.
What Is the Best Option for Four Travelers?
Four metro tickets cost only €3.20, so public transport remains cheaper.
A €12–15 licensed taxi divided by four costs approximately €3–4 each. For that price difference, most groups with suitcases may reasonably prefer a direct ride.
Check luggage capacity before assuming four passengers and four large cases will fit inside a normal sedan.
Best Option After Midnight
If you arrive after the final metro, check night bus N4 before automatically taking a taxi.
N4 serves both airport terminals and provides overnight public transport toward central Sofia. A night transport card currently costs only €1.
The disadvantage is frequency. Night buses run much less often than daytime metro trains, so waiting can be significant.
If the next N4 is inconvenient, use the official airport taxi partner or a pre-booked transfer.
Best Option for an Early-Morning Flight
The first M4 trains leave the airport end of the line shortly after 05:20, which means the metro can work for some morning departures but not flights requiring arrival at the terminal around 04:00.
N4 provides an overnight public transport alternative, but its timetable should be checked carefully.
If one missed night bus could jeopardize your flight, a licensed taxi booked in advance is the more sensible choice even though it costs considerably more than public transport.
Sofia Airport to Serdika
Serdika is the easiest central destination from Sofia Airport because M4 runs there directly.
- Price: €0.80.
- Journey time: approximately 20 minutes.
- Transfers required: none.
- Best for: historic center, northern Vitosha Boulevard, central hotels and M2 connections.
For most first-time visitors, this is the airport transfer to use.
Sofia Airport to Vitosha Boulevard
Take M4 to Serdika if your hotel is near the northern section of Vitosha Boulevard. Accommodation farther south along the pedestrian street may be closer to NDK or another M2 station.
You can change from M4 to M2 at Serdika without purchasing another single metro ticket as long as you remain inside the metro network.
Sofia Airport to Alexander Nevsky Cathedral
Sofia University station can be more convenient than Serdika for hotels around Alexander Nevsky Cathedral, Sofia University and the eastern central area.
Bus 84 is another practical option because it stops around Eagles’ Bridge and Sofia University.
Sofia Airport to Central Railway Station
Take M4 from Terminal 2 to Serdika, transfer to M2 and continue to Central Railway Station.
The complete metro journey generally takes less than 40 minutes, depending on connection time.
The Central Bus Station is immediately beside the railway station, so this route also works well for travelers connecting to an intercity bus.
Sofia Airport to Central Bus Station
The metro is usually the easiest option. Take M4 to Serdika and transfer to M2 for Central Railway Station.
From there, walk to the adjacent Central Bus Station.
If you are continuing beyond Sofia immediately after landing, this is usually cheaper and more predictable than taking an airport taxi directly to the bus terminal.
Is Sofia Airport Public Transport Good With Luggage?
Yes for normal travel luggage. The metro is particularly easy because there are no road transfers between Terminal 2 and Serdika.
The public transport system allows normal passenger luggage under its applicable baggage rules. Travelers carrying unusually bulky items should check the current transport conditions before travel.
The main inconvenience arises at Terminal 1, where choosing the metro requires the extra inter-terminal shuttle.
Should You Stay Near Sofia Airport?
Usually no. Because the airport is only about 20 minutes from the center by metro and the ticket costs less than €1, there is little financial reason to stay beside the terminal merely to simplify transportation.
An airport hotel becomes useful primarily for an extremely early departure, an overnight connection or a flight disruption.
For an ordinary Sofia city break, central accommodation provides much better access to restaurants, sightseeing and nightlife without making airport travel difficult.
Should You Rent a Car at Sofia Airport?
Do not rent a car simply to reach central Sofia. The metro is cheaper, generally faster in traffic and eliminates the need to find parking.
A rental car becomes useful later if your itinerary includes Rila Monastery, mountain regions, smaller villages or a wider Bulgaria road trip.
If you plan to spend two or three days entirely in Sofia first, collecting the vehicle only when you leave the capital can save rental days and parking costs.
Is Sofia Airport Transportation Cheaper Than Other European Capitals?
Yes. A €0.80 metro journey is unusually inexpensive for a direct airport railway connection in a European capital.
The airport is also integrated into the normal transport fare structure rather than carrying a dedicated airport surcharge.
This is one reason Sofia remains a particularly strong-value destination for short city breaks. Our Bulgaria cost guide shows that the same pattern continues with everyday city transport, restaurants and many other local expenses.
Do You Need Mobile Data at Sofia Airport?
You can reach the center without mobile internet because the metro is clearly signposted and the route to Serdika is straightforward.
Data becomes more useful if you plan to order a taxi, navigate from the metro station to an apartment or check real-time night bus schedules after a delayed flight.
Bulgaria participates in EU Roam Like at Home, so many European visitors can simply use their existing plan. Travelers arriving from outside the EU can compare current prepaid options in our Bulgaria eSIM guide.
How to Save Money From Sofia Airport
- Use M4 from Terminal 2 for €0.80.
- If you arrive at Terminal 1, take the free inter-terminal shuttle before paying for a taxi.
- Compare bus 84 with the metro when your accommodation is around Eagles’ Bridge.
- Use N4 after midnight if its timetable works for you.
- Pay contactless rather than buying an unnecessary tourist transfer product.
- Use the same bank card consistently when validating public transport journeys.
- Do not follow old guides quoting airport public transport prices in Bulgarian lev.
- Do not look for bus 184 based on outdated airport articles.
- Use the official Yellow! airport taxi service or an established taxi app rather than accepting an unsolicited ride.
- For groups, divide the taxi price by the number of passengers before deciding that public transport is automatically worth the extra walking.
- Do not rent a car solely for a Sofia city stay.
Common Sofia Airport Transfer Mistakes
Using Old 1.60 BGN Ticket Information
Bulgaria switched to the euro in 2026. The current single Sofia metro ticket and 30+ ticket cost €0.80.
Looking for the Metro at Terminal 1
The airport metro station is beside Terminal 2 only. Use the free terminal shuttle if you land at Terminal 1.
Looking for Bus 184
The former airport routes were reorganized. Current airport bus planning should be based around line 84 rather than old articles describing 84 and 184 as separate parallel services.
Assuming Public Transport Stops at Midnight
The metro does stop around midnight, but night bus N4 now serves both airport terminals.
Taking an Unsolicited Taxi Offer
Use the official airport taxi partner, designated taxi desk or a recognized licensed taxi app. Airport taxi overcharging is one of the few travel scams worth actively avoiding in Sofia.
Paying €30–40 for a Random Taxi to the Center
A normal licensed journey is generally much less than that. Check the current tariff and use the official service rather than agreeing to an inflated fixed price.
Buying a Private Transfer Without Comparing the Metro
A €25 transfer can make sense for a family arriving late, but it is more than thirty times the price of the €0.80 metro ticket.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cheapest way from Sofia Airport to the city center?
Metro M4 is the cheapest and generally best option. A single journey currently costs €0.80.
How much is the metro from Sofia Airport?
The current 2026 single metro fare is €0.80.
How long does Sofia Airport metro take?
Approximately 20 minutes from Terminal 2 to central Sofia.
Which metro line goes to Sofia Airport?
Line M4 serves Sofia Airport.
Which airport terminal has the metro?
Terminal 2. Terminal 1 passengers can use the airport’s free shuttle between terminals.
How much is the shuttle between Sofia Airport terminals?
It is free.
Does the terminal shuttle run at night?
Yes. Sofia Airport operates the inter-terminal shuttle 24 hours a day.
Which metro stop is best for Sofia city center?
Serdika is the most useful stop for the historic center, northern Vitosha Boulevard and many central hotels.
Can I pay for Sofia Airport metro by card?
Yes. Contactless bank-card payment is available at the metro entry barriers.
Does Sofia Airport have a direct bus to the center?
Yes. Bus 84 serves both airport terminals and travels toward central Sofia via Eagles’ Bridge and General Gurko Street.
How much is bus 84?
The standard 30+ public transport fare is €0.80.
How long does bus 84 take?
Allow roughly 40–45 minutes to the central area, with additional time possible during congestion.
Does bus 184 still go to Sofia Airport?
The former airport routes were reorganized in 2025. For current 2026 travel, use line 84 rather than relying on old guides describing 184 as a separate airport service.
Is there a night bus from Sofia Airport?
Yes. Night line N4 serves both Terminal 1 and Terminal 2.
How much is Sofia night transport?
The current dedicated night card costs €1. A €3 24-hour card and €7.60 72-hour card also include night transport.
What time does Sofia Airport metro start?
Current schedules begin at approximately 05:20–05:30 depending on the day.
What time is the last metro from Sofia Airport?
The final current departures are around 23:40–23:50 depending on weekday or weekend schedule.
How much is a taxi from Sofia Airport to the center?
Approximately €10–15 is a realistic range for a normal licensed taxi to central Sofia, depending on traffic, destination and time of day.
Which taxi company is official at Sofia Airport?
Yellow! is currently listed as Sofia Airport’s contractual taxi partner and has service points in the arrivals areas of both terminals.
Does Uber work at Sofia Airport?
No. Uber does not currently operate normal passenger rides in Bulgaria.
Does Bolt work for taxi rides in Sofia?
Bolt currently has Sofia services such as micromobility, but standard passenger-car categories are not listed in the same way as they are in many other European Bolt markets. Use a licensed Sofia taxi app for airport rides.
Which taxi apps work in Sofia?
Established local options include Yellow! and TaxiMe, along with apps from other licensed Sofia taxi companies.
How much is a private transfer from Sofia Airport?
Current standard-car offers generally begin around €25, with many services falling in the €25–35 range.
How far is Sofia Airport from the center?
The airport is approximately 10 kilometers east of central Sofia.
Is there a train from Sofia Airport?
The metro is the airport’s direct rail connection. There is no separate mainline airport train comparable with airport express trains in some other European capitals.
What is the best option for a late-night arrival?
Check night bus N4 first if price matters. If its timetable is inconvenient, use the official licensed taxi service or a pre-booked transfer.
What is the best option for four people?
The metro remains cheapest at €3.20 total, but a €10–15 taxi costs only around €2.50–3.75 each when shared, making a direct ride very competitive for a group with luggage.
Bottom Line: Cheapest Way From Sofia Airport to the City Center
The cheapest and best way from Sofia Airport to the city center in 2026 is metro line M4. A single journey costs only €0.80, the train runs directly from Terminal 2 to Serdika in approximately 20 minutes and there is no airport surcharge. For most travelers arriving during metro operating hours, there is little reason to choose anything else.
If your flight arrives at Terminal 1, you have two equally inexpensive possibilities: take bus 84 directly toward central Sofia or use the airport’s free inter-terminal shuttle to Terminal 2 and continue by metro. Bus 84 also costs €0.80 but usually takes around 40–45 minutes because it travels through city traffic.
After the metro closes, Sofia still has a budget option. Night bus N4 serves both airport terminals and connects them with the city’s overnight public transport network. A dedicated night transport card costs only €1, making a late arrival possible without paying for a taxi.
A licensed airport taxi normally costs approximately €10–15 to central Sofia, while private transfers generally start around €25. The taxi becomes increasingly attractive for three or four people because the vehicle cost is shared, but for a solo traveler Sofia’s €0.80 metro remains one of the best-value airport transfers in Europe.
The simplest rule is therefore: Terminal 2 during metro hours, take M4; Terminal 1, compare bus 84 with the free shuttle plus metro; after midnight, check N4; several travelers with luggage, compare a licensed taxi. For the rest of your trip, our Bulgaria travel tips, best time to visit Bulgaria and Bulgaria budget guide can help with the planning beyond the airport.