How to get from Sofia Airport to Bansko
There are three main ways to get from Sofia Airport to Bansko. For a direct transfer from the airport of Sofia you can travel by either taxi 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. A taxi ride from Sofia Airport to Bansko is approximately 80€ (156.50BGN) for a group of 4 passengers. You can choose to prebook with a private company in advance or use the official Sofia Airport taxi operator. The journey will take approximately 140 minutes under normal traffic. The shuttle bus option is also popular. There are different companies offering shuttle bus services from the airport of Sofia to Bansko. If you travel with a group of 4 and you book a private transfer with Ski&Board Traventuria, tickets cost 25€ (49BGN) per person. Journey duration to Bansko is 150 minutes. Finally, if you don't mind transferring to Sofia city centre, you can take the public bus to Bansko for just 8.2€ (16BGN) per single ticket. Buses to Bansko leave from Sofia Central Bus Station six times a day and the journey lasts 210 minutes.
Comparison of the options
| OPTION | PRICE | DURATION | AVAILABILITY | |
|---|
| Bus | €16.4 | 210min | 08:30–16:45 | |
| Taxi | €80 | 140min | 24/7 | |
| Shuttle bus | €84 | 150min | 24/7 | |
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 to the city centre of Sofia - the Central Bus Station in specific - 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: 8.30am, 9.45am, 11.25am, 1.15pm, 2.00pm, and 4.45pm. The ticket costs 8.2€ (16BGN) and the journey duration is 210 minutes 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€ (16BGN). 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
210 Min.
*Prebooking is recommended to ensure you board the bus at the expected time.
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 210 minutes on average, more than 60 minutes longer than by taxi or shuttle bus. 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
If you travel with children, it is better to avoid this transport option, as you will need to make different stops and connections to get to Bansko
Some bus routes to Bansko from Sofia stop along the way and passengers board another bus to continue their journey to Bansko. Be prepared for such a connection. 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. The fare for this journey is approximately 80€ (156.50BGN) for a ride with up to 4 people. You can either use the official airport taxi company or prebook a private company online. The journey to Bansko from the airport of the Bulgarian capital is 140 minutes under normal traffic conditions.
Taxi fare from Sofia Airport to Bansko
The taxi fare to Bansko from Sofia Airport is approximately 80€ (156.50BGN) when riding with 4 passengers. Extra charges may apply for additional passengers or luggage, waiting time, advanced call-out or larger vehicle.
Convenience
Travelling by taxi to Bansko from Sofia Airport is a convenient transport option, but you need to be aware the trip is 140 minutes long on average. This means you will have to sit in the vehicle for long periods 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
Check that the telephone number on your slip matches the number on the taxi side before getting on board. This way you'll know the taxi is legitimate.
Upgrade to a more deluxe or larger vehicle for a more relaxed trip to Bansko. How to get from Sofia Airport to Bansko by shuttle bus
The shuttle bus option to Bansko from the airport of Sofia is probably the most convenient. 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€ (37BGN) for a shared shuttle bus service. For a private shuttle bus service, a single ticket for a single passenger costs 25€ (49BGN) when travelling as a group of 4 people. Journey duration is 150 minutes.
How much is the shuttle bus ticket from Sofia Airport to Bansko?
For a shared service when one passenger is travelling it is 19€. For a semi-private service when one passenger is travelling it is 39€. For a private service when one passenger is travelling it is 84€. Prices per person fall as the number of passengers rises.
Cost
25€
Trip Duration
150 Min.
*Fares differ greatly depending on number of passengers and type of service (private, semi-private, shared).
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. 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
Request that your driver speaks English if you're not fluent in Bulgarian. This will help with navigation and will make your trip more relaxing.
Some shuttle bus companies also offer ski packages and other services at Bansko, Consider booking transport and ski trips with the same company for a better price. 
