Bansko is a very popular ski resort in Bulgaria, just 155km southeast of Sofia, at the foot of the Pirin Mountains. With a total of 75km of ski tracks and the ability to produce artificial snow, it’s no wonder its popularity is growing every year.
There are four main ways to get from Sofia Airport to Bansko. For a direct transfer from the airport of Sofia you can travel by either taxi, private airport transfer or shuttle bus. Alternatively, if you don’t mind connecting at the Sofia Central Bus Station, you can also take the public bus to Bansko.
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Getting from Sofia Airport to Bansko
Kostas PlisiotisApril 14, 2022
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20 minute gap between transfers
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Regular Car Sanitisation
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Contactless ride
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Sanitiser in every car
Comparison of the options
| OPTION | PRICE | DURATION | AVAILABILITY | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Welcome Pickups | €96 | 120min | 24/7 | |
| Taxi | €80 | 140min | 24/7 | |
| Bus | €16.4 | 210min | 08:30–16:45 | |
| Shuttle bus | €84 | 150min | 24/7 |
How to get from Sofia Airport to Bansko by taxi
Choosing a taxi for your Sofia Airport to Bansko transfer is a convenient transport option. The taxi will give you a door-to-door service, picking you up at Sofia Airport and taking you to your exact Bansko destination. You can either use the official airport taxi company or prebook a private transfer online. The journey to Bansko from the airport of the Bulgarian capital takes just over two hours under normal traffic conditions.
Taxi fare from Sofia Airport to Bansko
The taxi fare to Bansko from Sofia Airport is approximately €80(BGN156.50) when riding with 4 passengers. Extra charges may apply for additional passengers or luggage, waiting time, advanced call-out or larger vehicle. For a guaranteed fixed price, you can book a Sofia airport transfer in advance with Welcome Pickups.
Cost
€80
Trip Duration
2 Hours
*The final taxi fare when riding an airport taxi will vary, as taxis in Sofia are metered.
Convenience
Safety
Value for Money
Taxis to Bansko are available on a 24/7 basis at Sofia Airport
Where do I get it from?
Taxis at Sofia Airport are available right outside the Arrivals Hall at both airport terminals. To ride with the official airport taxi company, OK Supertrans AD, approach the counters before exiting the terminal, book a ride, collect the slip and follow the yellow markings on the floor. They will take you to the taxi ranks. Show the driver your slip and pay at the end of your trip.
Convenience
Travelling by taxi to Bansko from Sofia Airport is a convenient transport option, but you need to be aware the trip is just over two hours long on average. This means you will have to sit in the vehicle for a long period of time.
Editor’s Note
There are a few taxis at Sofia Airport featuring similar logos to the official taxi provider. Be extra careful not to ride with an unauthorised vehicle.
Useful Tips
How to get from Sofia Airport to Bansko by bus
To take the bus to Bansko, you first need to connect at downtown Sofia. To get from Sofia airport to the Central Bus Station you can ride the metro, a bus or a taxi from the airport. Once you’re at the Central Bus Station of Sofia, located next to the Railway Station, you can purchase a ticket to Bansko. Buses leave daily at the following times: 08:30, 09:45, 11:25, 13:15, 14.00, and 16:45. The journey duration is 3.5 hours one-way.
How much is the bus ticket from Sofia Airport to Bansko?
A single bus ticket from Sofia Central Bus Station to Bansko is €8.2 (BGN16). You need to also account for the cost of getting from the airport to the bus station in central Sofia.
Cost
€8.2
Trip Duration
3.5 Hours
*Prebooking is recommended to ensure you board the bus at the expected time.
Convenience
Safety
Value for Money
Buses are available daily at the following times: 8.30am, 9.45am, 11.25am, 1.15pm, 2.00pm, 4.45pm.
Where do I get it from?
The public bus station is located in the city centre of Sofia at Knyaginya Maria Luiza Blvd. Enter the station and purchase a ticket at the cashier desks. Check your ticket and follow the signs to your Bansko bus.
Convenience
Choosing to travel by bus from Sofia to Bansko is not a convenient transport option. Routes are not frequent and you may end up waiting for long before the next available bus. Also, the journey duration to Bansko when travelling by bus is far longer; it will take you 3.5 hours on average. Finally, if you arrive at Sofia Airport you will have to transfer to the Central Bus Station, since the bus station is not located in the airport, but in the city centre of Sofia.
Editor’s Note
As schedules change often, you are advised to consult the bus company or an airport employee for up-to-date information.
Useful Tips
How to get from Sofia Airport to Bansko by shuttle bus
The shuttle bus option to Bansko from the airport of Sofia offers the best value for money. Shuttle buses at Sofia Airport need to be booked in advance, so times of departure vary based on demand. There are different companies, but if you travel with Ski&Board Traventuria, single tickets for one passenger start at €19(BGN37) for a shared shuttle bus service. For a private shuttle bus service, a single ticket for a single passenger costs €25(BGN49) when travelling as a group of 4 people. Journey duration is 2.5 hours.
How much is the shuttle bus ticket from Sofia Airport to Bansko?
For a shared service the ticket costs €19 per passenger. The price for a semi-private service is €39 per passenger and for a private service it’s €84 per passenger.
Cost
€25
Trip Duration
2.5 Hours
*Fares differ greatly depending on number of passengers and type of service (private, semi-private, shared).
Convenience
Safety
Value for Money
Shuttle buses are available upon advance request at Sofia Airport.
Where do I get it from?
Shuttle buses at Sofia Airport are available to board outside the Arrivals Hall at the airport. Follow the signs to buses and contact your operator for more information.
Convenience
If you choose the private transport option, shuttle buses offer the most convenient transfer to Bansko from Sofia Airport after private transfers. The vehicle will wait for your arrival monitoring your flight, and the driver will take you exactly at your preferred Bansko destination.
Editor’s Note
Most vehicles are equipped with free WiFI, so you can work or keep in touch with your close ones while on board.
Useful Tips
Welcome Pickups transfer
Book a trained, English-speaking taxi driver to pick you up at the same price as a regular cab from the line
If you feel more relaxed knowing that somebody is waiting for you, you may as well book a Welcome Pickups transfer. As soon as you arrive at the airport you will be greeted by your driver. He will be waiting for you at the terminal of your arrival with a sign that has your name on it. Your driver will help you out with your luggage and together you will make your way to the vehicle. While he is driving you to your accommodation, the driver can give you some tips and recommendations on what to do during your holidays in Sofia. Our drivers are hand-picked and speak fluent English. No need to worry about miscommunication issues that you may face with the local taxi drivers regarding your destination. Relax and enjoy your ride.
Read more Book Welcome Pickups transferFrequently asked questions
How long is the transfer from Sofia to Bansko?
Although this depends on the mode of transportation, you can expect a trip from Sofia to Bansko to take you around two hours by private transfer and 3.5 hours by public bus.
How far is Bansko from Sofia Airport?
Bansko is located 180 km south of Sofia Airport. There are four options for your trip to Bansko from Sofia airport, taxi, private transfer, shuttle bus or public bus with a connection in Sofia city centre.
Where do you fly into for Bansko?
The closest airport to Bansko in Bulgaria is Sofia airport. The airport is 156km away from Bansko and will take between two hours and 3.5 hours to get there depending on the mode of transportation you choose.
How do I get to Bansko?
If you’re flying to Bulgaria landing at Sofia Airport, you can take a taxi, bus or shuttle bus to get to Bansko. Trains are also available, but it takes eight hours and multiple stops to get there.
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