Sofia - Bansko: Three ways to travel to the fashionable Bulgarian ski resort

Sofia Airport to Bansko-3 ways to travel

Bansko: The Number One Ski Resort on the Balkans!

Bansko is a fashionable ski resort located at the base of North Pirin at an altitude of 927 m.. Regularly on the ski tracks of the resort are held rounds of the International Ski Federation(FIS) - European and World Cup. The modern ski slopes and facilities, combined with the hospitality of the locals and the unique architecture of the mountain town, have established Bansko as a ski resort # 1 on the Balkan Peninsula.

Sofia – Bansko: 3 main ways to travel

There are 3 main ways to trip from Sofia to Bansko.

1. The most affordable way to trip: By Train

Traveling from Sofia to Bansko by train is a possible option, but we do not recommend it. It is cheap (about 3-4 euros), but you have to make a changeover with different waiting time. And the whole trip is more than 7 hours.

Companies offering train transfer from Sofia to Bansko (Sofia to Septemvri; Septemvri to Bansko): BDZ

Sofia-Bansko Train schedule:

10:25 – 17:25 – one changeover at Septemvri (waiting time 15 minutes) Total: 7 hours

13:25 – 21:00 – one changeover at Septemvri (waiting time 40 minutes). Total: 7h 30min

22:50 – 07:50 – one changeover at September (waiting time 2 hours) Total : 9h

Using this option to travel is for people who like to explore, backpackers and budget travellers. The second part of the journey is by narrow-gauge and you get through a breathtaking scenery. As you cannot buy food on the train, get some before you get on the train.

2. Another way to travel: By Bus

A public coach transfer to the most famous skiing resort will take you about 3h 30min. The price is around €8. You can buy a ticket from Sofia Central Bus Station (SCBS).

Sofia-Bansko а public coach schedule:

The buses from SCBS to Bansko depart every day:

08:30, 09:45, 11:25, 13:15, 14:00 and 16:45 is the last one.

The buses from Ovcha Kupel Bus Station to Bansko depart at:

07:00, 09:20, 15:10, 15:50 and 16:20.

The bus schedule from Bansko to Sofia :

05:06, 05:37, 05:51, 06:40, 07:00, 08:37, 09:20, 10:40, 12:50, 13:10, 15:15, 17:20 and 17:50

If you are using a bus to or from Bansko, take an extra couple of hours just in case. Some buses make a few stops along the way. Arriving there, expect a 30 min uphill walk as most of the accommodation is neat the gondola lift.

If you are landing at Sofia Airport (SA), you need between 1h and 1h30min to get to the Central Bus Station.

The fastest and most affordable way to get there is by subway. Sofia Metro is open from 5 am to 12 pm. The ticket price is BGN 1,60 (0.82 EUR). The ticket is valid for all subway lines and can be used when moving from one line to another (if you need to switch from line M1 to line M2 - you can do it without buying another ticket).

The Sofia subway reaches Sofia Airport (SA) and has a metro station easily accessible from Terminal

3. The fastest way to get from Sofia to Bansko: By Private Transfer

Traveling to Bansko by private transfer is the most popular way. There is no stress. Even if your flight is delayed, you’ll be met by your personal driver , meet and greet at the airport and enjoy a smooth ride to your holiday.

The trip from Sofia to Bansko by private transfer you will take you less than 2 hours. Price: from 69 euros.

Companies offering a taxi transfer from Sofia to Bansko: Transfer Bulgaria Group (the company offers a transfer directly from SA to Bansko);

If you want maximum comfort and convenience while traveling, then it`s best to rent a premium vehicle or limousine with a driver.

4. The most comfortable way: Rent a car

If you like to self drive you can rent a car, then traveling will be twice cheaper than taking a taxi. Your fuel costs will be around 25 euros from Sofia to Bansko.

Our tips and tricks

If you trip alone and your budget is limited, then the perfect solution for you is to travel by bus from Sofia to Bansko.

If you came to Bulgaria with your family for a vacation, then we recommend you rent a car or a minibus.

However, if you don`t want to drive (the snowy roads in the mountains require serious driving skills) then we recommend a taxi transfer from SA to Bansko.

If you are not in a hurry and want to enjoy Bulgaria differently, try traveling by train to Bansko. (Note: Do not forget that the railway is not direct, but with the transfer station in Septemvri).

FAQ’s for travellers from Sofia to Bansko

Q: Where does the Sofia to Bansko bus arrive?

A: The bus stop in Bansko is next to the Grand Hotel Bansko

Q: How long is the trip Sofia - Bansko by private transfer?

A: It takes around 2h 15 min average.

Q: Can I drive from Sofia to Bansko?

A: Yes. The distance between Sofia and Bansko is 170 km and takes about 2 hours.

Q: Where does the Sofia-Bansko train arrive?

A: At the Bansko train station.

Q: Can I share a ride to Bansko?

A: You can book a shuttle service ( passengers from different flights share one minibus) for as low as €20 per seat. Waiting time can be longer than expected , in some cases up to 3 hours. It’s a perfect solution for a budget traveller.

Q: How do I get a bus ticket from Sofia to Bansko.

A: You can buy a bus ticket at the SCBS (Sofia Central Bus Sattion). Ticket offices are open from 08:00 till 20:00.

Q: How to buy a train ticket on the Sofia-Bansko route?

A: Tickets can be purchased from the SCBS from 08:00 till 20:00.

Q: How can I book my private transfer from Sofia to Bansko?

A: You can book your private transfer through this link. It’ll take you less than 2 min.

Have a nice trip and holiday in Bansko!

Legend:

SCBS - Sofia Central Bus Sattion

SA – Sofia Airport