SOFIA AIRPORT TO BANSKO – DRIVING DIRECTIONS AND PUBLIC TRANSPORT
We are often asked for driving directions to Bansko for people hiring a car and also for details of public transport options available. We hope you will find the following useful.
PRIVATE TRANSFERS
Enjoy the luxury of being met at the airport and delivered to your complex in Bansko. For private transfers we recommend http://www.bulgariatransport.com/ if you use the code BRT15 when booking you will save 5% on the costs.
BUS
There are 2 bus stations in Sofia with direct links to Bansko; Central Bus Station and Ovcha Kupel Bus station on the outskirts of the city.
CENTRAL BUS STATION
The opening of the new underground Metro Station in Sofia Airport Terminal 2 has made travelling in to the city centre far easier and cheaper than it has ever been. A single ride ticket valid for the whole Metro network costs just 1 BGN / 0.50 Euro per person and is the easiest way to get to the Central Bus Station. The journey time is just under 30 minutes and they operate every day of the week from 05.00hrs until Midnight. If you land at Terminal 1, you will need a taxi for the short 2 minute journey to Terminal 2 or you can wait for the free bus service which runs between the terminals every 30 minutes from 07.00hrs until 19.00 hrs. Its just a little too far to walk with luggage.
Once at Terminal 2 Metro Station, next to the statue of Orpheus, you will find the ticket vending machines. These machines have a menu in English. Alternatively, you can head for the ticket office to find additional information and a person selling tickets. Please note that luggage does not travel free if it’s dimensions are greater than 60/40/40cm. If you are caught without a luggage ticket, the fine is 20 BGN / 10 Euro and will be issued by the Ticket Inspection who can be recognised by his/her blue uniform!
Sofia Airport Metro Line 1 to the city centre Serdika Metro Station – change trains to Line 2 to Central Railway Station – Short walk to Central Bus Station
OVCHA KUPEL BUS STATION
Located just outside of the city centre, this bus station is a taxi ride away. Expect a charge of between 10 – 15 BGN. When catching taxis in Bulgaria, always check the rates displayed in the rear side window. Day rate should be approx 0.80 BGN per KM. Don’t feel obliged to get in the taxi at the front of the queue. You can also visit customer information in the airport who will order you a private taxi from a reputable supplier.
TRAIN
There are no direct trains to Bansko but for those looking for an adventure and a slow, long but very scenic journey, the route is as follows:
Sofia Airport Metro Line 1 to the city centre Serdika Metro Station – change trains to Line 2 to Central Railway Station – Short walk to Sofia Central Railway Station
Sofia Central Railway Station – Plovdiv – Septemvri – Bansko (narrow gauge across the mountains)
The Bulgarian Railway’s Official website is also available in English. Here you will find the latest timetables: http://razpisanie.bdz.bg
CAR HIRE
The journey time to Bansko has dropped to just over 2hr 15m since the opening of the motorway. Its also a much easier journey that everyone expects.:
- Follow the road straight out of the airport and continue until you reach the ring road (the last Junction you can take).
- Turn right on to the ring road passing Decathlon, Ikea etc.
- Follow the ring road until you see a glass building on the left designed to look as though it is disappearing in to the ground. Shortly after this you will reach a junction with traffic lights.
- Turn left at the traffic lights
- Follow this road until you reach a large roundabout at Pernik. Take E-79 Exit to Kulata and Blagoevgrad.
- Follow the motorway to the end where it brings you to a round about.
- Turn right at the round about and follow the old E-79 towards Kulata.
- Continue along the E-79 until you see the sign “40KM to Bansko”. Turn here on to the mountain road.
- Follow the mountain road to Bansko.
We wish you a pleasant journey and we look forward to welcoming you to Bansko
