ComeToGuide
10.1 km • ~22 mins

How to Get from Sofia Airport (SOF) to Sofia City Centre (Serdika)

Sofia Airport (SOF) is about 10 km east of Sofia City Centre (Serdika). Depending on your choice, the trip takes about 22 minutes by road or roughly 35-45 minutes by public transport.

✓ Verified Oct 30, 2026 • 10.1 km road distance

Official Airport Taxi (Yellow)

Metered
22 mins •Available 24/7 at Official Rank
€13 - €20 (Metered)
Luggage: 2 Pieces Free
How to take it step-by-step:
  1. Follow 'Taxi' signs to the official rank outside Arrivals (both terminals).
  2. Use the Yellow taxi desk in Arrivals or book via the Yellow app to avoid touts.
  3. Before entering, check the taxi's tariff sticker on the window; the meter should start when you leave.
  4. Ask the driver to take you to Sofia City Centre (Serdika); the ride normally takes 20-30 minutes.

Metro Line M4 to Serdika

Cheapest & Direct
35 mins •Every Few Minutes (Airport Branch Check Timetable)
€0.80 / Person
Luggage: Luggage Space Limited
How to take it step-by-step:
  1. If you arrive at Terminal 1, take the free 24/7 shuttle bus to Terminal 2 first.
  2. From T2 Arrivals follow the metro signs to Sofia Airport station.
  3. Buy a €0.80 single ticket at the machine or tap a contactless bank card at the barrier.
  4. Board M4 towards Slivnitsa and ride about 25 minutes to Serdika.
  5. Get off at Serdika and follow signs to Serdika Square / Vitosha Blvd in Sofia City Centre (Serdika).

City Bus 84 to Sofia University / Centre

Every 12 Minutes
40 mins •Every 12 Minutes
€0.80 / Person
Luggage: Luggage Space Limited
How to take it step-by-step:
  1. Find the bus 84 stop outside Terminal 1 or Terminal 2.
  2. Tap a contactless bank card on the on-board validator to pay the €0.80 fare.
  3. Ride towards Druzhba / the centre and get off near Sofia University – Gen. Gurko Street area.
  4. From there it is about a 15-minute walk to Serdika, or use a short taxi ride for the last leg.

Sofia Airport Deals

Compare all terminal car rental desks with free 48h cancellation.

Compare Terminal Car Prices
Landing in Bulgaria?
Skip expensive airport SIM kiosks. Activate a 5G eSIM on your phone in 2 minutes before takeoff.
Get Bulgaria eSIM

Tours & activities: Sofia City Centre

See all tours & tickets
Was your flight delayed or cancelled?
In some cases passengers are entitled to compensation. AirHelp checks your flight for free and only charges a fee if they win your claim.
Check my rights for free

⚠️ Important Local Taxi & Arrival Tips

  • Ignore taxi touts in the arrivals hall who may quote inflated flat fares; use the official Yellow taxi desk or the marked rank outside.
  • Before any taxi ride, check the tariff sticker on the window and make sure the meter is running from the airport to Serdika.
  • Do not accept rides from people claiming to be Uber or Bolt passenger cars: Uber does not operate in Sofia and Bolt passenger rides are not confirmed.
  • Pay the official €0.80 metro/bus fare by contactless bank card or ticket machine; do not buy tickets from unofficial helpers at the airport.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the cheapest way from Sofia Airport to Sofia City Centre (Serdika)?

The metro line M4 is cheapest at €0.80 per person. It runs directly from Terminal 2 (take the free shuttle from T1 to T2 first) to Serdika in about 25 minutes.

Is the metro from Sofia Airport direct to Serdika?

Yes, line M4 runs from Sofia Airport Terminal 2 directly to Serdika without changing trains. You can tap a contactless bank card or buy a €0.80 single ticket at the barrier.

How long does it take to get from SOF to Sofia City Centre?

By taxi or private car allow about 22 minutes in normal traffic. The metro takes about 35 minutes including walking to the platform; the bus 84 takes about 40-45 minutes with the last walk.

Can I pay by card on Sofia public transport and taxis?

Yes, metro barriers and bus validators accept contactless bank cards for the €0.80 fare. Taxis usually accept cards but ask the driver or use the Yellow app to be sure.

What should I do if I arrive at Sofia Airport late at night?

The official taxi rank is available 24/7 and costs roughly €13-€20 to Serdika. Night bus N4 also serves both terminals, but check the timetable in advance; the metro does not run all night.

Is a private transfer worth it for families or lots of luggage?

A pre-booked private transfer is often best for families or heavy luggage: it is door-to-door, fixed-price, and takes about 22 minutes. It costs around €25-€35 per vehicle.