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Sofia Airport transfer: the centre, Plovdiv, Burgas and the coast

Car and suitcases outside an airport terminal for a prearranged transfer

Sofia Airport sits about 10 km from the city centre. If you are staying in town, the ride is short and easy. If you are heading to Plovdiv or the Black Sea, you have hours of driving ahead, often after a late flight. That is where a car booked in advance makes the biggest difference.

Two terminals, two places

The airport has Terminal 1 and Terminal 2. They are separate buildings some distance apart, not two halls under one roof. A driver waiting at the wrong one will be late.

  • Your terminal is on the booking or boarding pass. Check it again on the day.
  • Give the driver your flight number, not just the landing time. Then they can track the flight and adjust if it is delayed.
  • Agree where you will meet: in arrivals with a name sign, or at the car park.

For a departure, say which terminal when you book. At rush hour, allow extra time for traffic on the boulevard out to the airport.

How far and how long

A guide to distance and driving time from the airport:

  • Sofia centre — about 10 km, around 20 minutes.
  • Plovdiv — about 140 km, around 1 h 40 min.
  • Burgas — about 380 km, a little over 4 hours.
  • Sunny Beach — about 385 km, around 4 h 25 min.
  • Varna — about 460 km, roughly 5 hours.

Real times depend on traffic leaving the city, roadworks on the motorway and stops. On a long run, ask the driver where they plan to take a break.

Luggage and child seats

Say how many people are travelling, how many suitcases you have and whether there is anything bulky: skis, a bike, a pushchair. That decides whether a saloon is enough or you need a bigger car.

For a child, give their age and weight. Child seats have to be arranged in advance; the taxi rank rarely has one ready.

When booking ahead beats the taxi rank

For a ride into the centre, a taxi from the official rank is usually fine. Booking ahead pays off when:

  • you are going beyond Sofia and want the fare settled before you set off;
  • you land at night or your flight is often late;
  • you travel with children, lots of luggage or a group;
  • someone else is arranging your pickup and wants to know exactly who will meet you.

Routes and details are on the transfers from Sofia Airport page, where you can also post a request with your flight and address. For other services in the capital, see Sofia.

Common questions

What should I tell the driver so they find me? Your flight number, your terminal and how many people are travelling. With the flight number the driver can check the landing time on their own.

What if my flight is delayed? The driver tracks the flight and comes for the actual landing. Ask in advance how much waiting time is included.

How long is the drive from Sofia Airport to Plovdiv? About 140 km, roughly 1 hour 40 minutes if traffic leaving the city is light.

Can I go straight to the coast? Yes. Burgas is about 380 km away and Sunny Beach about 385 km. Plan at least one stop on the way.

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