In short: ~400 km. Bus: 7–9 hours, €15–25 (faster, more practical). Train: 10–12 hours, from €15 (more comfortable, much slower). Check flights too — Wizz Air sometimes offers this route from €30.
Bus (recommended): FlixBus, Eurolines, local operators. Daily direct. €15–25. 7–9 hours from Sofia Central Bus Station. Book via FlixBus.com or Omio.
Train: One or two daily direct services via Bulgarian and Romanian railways. 10–12 hours. From ~€15 second class. Significantly slower. Worth it only for committed rail travellers or Eurail pass holders.
Flight: Worth checking — cheap fares occasionally available on Wizz Air. If under €30, it saves 7–8 hours.
Currency note: Bulgaria adopted the euro in January 2026. All Sofia fares now in euros. Romania still uses RON (Romanian leu).
FAQ
Direct train Sofia to Bucharest? Yes — approximately 10–12 hours.
Bus journey time? 7–9 hours on direct services.
Visa needed Bulgaria to Romania? No — both EU/Schengen. Citizens cross freely.
Night bus available? Some operators run overnight departures — check FlixBus for current schedules.
Created by WanderGuide Travel Desk
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