How to Get from Sofia Airport (SOF) to Alexander Nevsky Cathedral

Sofia Airport is 9.5 km east of Alexander Nevsky Cathedral. The trip takes about 21 minutes by taxi or private transfer, about 35 minutes by metro plus a 10-minute walk, and around 45 minutes by bus.

✓ Verified Oct 30, 2026 • 9.5 km road distance

Private Arrival Transfer

Door-to-Door

21 mins •On Demand / Pre-Booked

€42 - €50 (Per Vehicle)

Luggage: 2 Pieces Free

How to take it step-by-step:

Exit the arrivals hall after baggage claim and look for your pre-booked driver holding a name sign in the arrivals area.
Confirm the vehicle and fixed price with the driver before boarding.
Ride directly to Alexander Nevsky Cathedral, pl. Sv. Aleksandar Nevski, about 21 minutes without heavy traffic.
The driver will drop you at the nearest accessible point to the cathedral entrance.

Book Fixed-Price Transfer

Official Airport Taxi (Yellow)

Metered

21 mins •Available 24/7 at Official Rank

€13 - €20 (Per Vehicle)

Luggage: As per vehicle boot space

How to take it step-by-step:

Follow signs to the official Yellow taxi desk and rank outside the arrivals hall at Terminal 1 or Terminal 2.
Tell the coordinator your destination: Alexander Nevsky Cathedral, pl. Sv. Aleksandar Nevski.
Before boarding, check the taxi meter is switched on and the tariff sticker is visible on the window.
Ride about 21 minutes; pay by card or cash at the end.

Metro Line M4 + Walk

Cheapest

35 mins •Every few minutes in centre; less often on airport branch (check metropolitan.bg)

€0.80 / Person

Luggage: Hand luggage easy; no dedicated storage

How to take it step-by-step:

From Terminal 2, follow the 'Metro' signs to Sofia Airport station (M4). From Terminal 1, first take the free inter-terminal shuttle or bus 84 to Terminal 2.
Buy a €0.80 single ticket at the machine/cash desk or tap a contactless bank card at the barrier.
Board Line M4 towards Slivnitsa and alight at Sofia University St. Kliment Ohridski after about 25 minutes.
Exit and walk about 10 minutes following signs to Alexander Nevsky Cathedral / pl. Sv. Aleksandar Nevski.

City Bus 84 + Walk

City Bus

45 mins •Every 12 Minutes

€0.80 / Person

Luggage: Small luggage okay; no dedicated storage

How to take it step-by-step:

Follow bus signs to the bus stop serving line 84 at Terminal 1 or Terminal 2.
Board bus 84 towards Sofia University / Gen. Gurko Street.
Tap a contactless bank card on the validator or use a valid Sofia City Card (€0.80 '30 plus' fare).
Alight near Sofia University / Gen. Gurko Street and walk about 10 minutes to Alexander Nevsky Cathedral.

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Tours & activities: Alexander Nevsky Cathedral

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⚠️ Important Local Taxi & Arrival Tips

Ignore taxi touts inside the arrivals hall and do not follow anyone offering a cheap ride; only use the official Yellow taxi desk or rank.
Check the taxi meter is switched on and the official tariff sticker is displayed; refuse flat-fare offers from airport taxis.
The shuttle between Terminal 1 and Terminal 2 is free. Do not pay anyone for a ride to the metro station.
Uber does not operate in Sofia, and Bolt car rides are not confirmed; use licensed taxi apps Yellow or TaxiMe instead.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the cheapest way from Sofia Airport to Alexander Nevsky Cathedral?

The cheapest option is Metro Line M4 from Terminal 2 to Sofia University, €0.80, then a 10-minute walk. From Terminal 1, take the free shuttle or bus 84 to Terminal 2 first.

How long does the journey take?

A taxi or private transfer takes about 21 minutes without heavy traffic. The metro takes about 25 minutes to Sofia University plus a 10-minute walk; bus 84 takes roughly 45 minutes including the walk.

Can I pay for Sofia public transport with a contactless bank card?

Yes, metro barriers and bus validators accept a tap of a contactless bank card for the €0.80 '30 plus' city fare. 24-hour and 72-hour cards are also available.

Are taxis safe from Sofia Airport?

Use the official Yellow taxi desk or rank and check the meter and tariff sticker before boarding. A typical ride to the cathedral costs roughly €13 to €20.

Is there a night metro from the airport?

Metro runs from early morning until about midnight. For late-night arrivals, use an official taxi or pre-book a private transfer; night bus N4 exists but check current timetables.

Which option is best for a family with luggage?

A private transfer or official taxi is best for door-to-door convenience and luggage space. The metro and bus are cheaper but require walking and managing bags in crowds.

Nearby places

More transfers from Sofia Airport (SOF)

Vasil Levski National Stadium · 10.5 km Sofia City Centre (Serdika) · 10.1 km Vitosha Boulevard · 11.5 km National Palace of Culture (NDK) · 11.5 km Central Bus Station Sofia · 10.5 km Sofia Central Railway Station · 10.7 km Boyana Church · 18.2 km Business Park Sofia · 11.4 km Vitosha Mountain (Aleko) · 30.6 km Borovets · 71.9 km