From Varna to Sofia it is about 440 km, and the drive takes about 6 hours including short breaks. It is one of the longest trips in the country, and the train is even slower. With YesTrans you travel in a car that is just for you – from your address in Varna to your address in Sofia or straight to Sofia Airport.
Call us: +359 897 227 771 · Viber and WhatsApp · Book online · no prepayment
The road from Varna to Sofia
Most often we take the Hemus motorway from Varna to Shumen, then the road through Targovishte and Veliko Tarnovo towards Sevlievo, and back onto the Hemus motorway via Yablanitsa and Botevgrad to Sofia. Part of the route is motorway and part is an ordinary road through towns and villages.
The second option goes via Burgas and the Trakia motorway. It is longer in kilometres but almost entirely on motorway. The driver chooses the road according to roadworks, traffic and the weather – the aim is for you to arrive sooner and more relaxed, not to drive the shortest way.
We make at least one stop on the way – for a coffee, the toilet and to stretch your legs. If you want more stops or a lunch break, just tell the driver.
When to leave
- For a flight from Sofia Airport – leave Varna at least 8–9 hours before take-off: 6 hours on the road plus a time buffer and time at the airport.
- Sunday afternoons in summer – the roads from the coast to Sofia are at their busiest. It is better to leave in the morning.
- At night – the road is empty and you arrive in the morning. We work 24/7.
- In winter – the stretch through the Balkan foothills near Yablanitsa and Botevgrad is sometimes covered in snow. Allow extra time.
Where we pick you up and where we drop you off
In Varna we pick up from any address, the railway station, the bus station, the port or Varna Airport, as well as from the nearby resorts – Golden Sands, St. St. Constantine and Helena, Albena. If you are leaving from a resort or the airport, let us know – the dispatcher will confirm the price.
In Sofia we drop you at your address, at your hotel, at Sofia Central Station or at Sofia Airport – Terminal 1 or Terminal 2. In the calculator you can also choose „Sofia Airport“ as the destination.
Why by car rather than by train or plane
- The train from Varna to Sofia takes longer than the car, and you still need transport to and from the station.
- A domestic flight is short, but once you add the trip to the airport, security checks and waiting for your luggage, it often takes almost as long as the car – and large luggage and pets cost extra.
- With a transfer you leave whenever you want, your luggage stays in the car, and for three or four people the price of the car is shared between everyone.
Comfort on a long drive
Six hours in a car is a long time, so the choice of vehicle matters. For two people a sedan is enough. For three or more adults with luggage, a minivan gives more legroom. If you are travelling on business and want to work in the car, book a Mercedes S- or E-Class. If an elderly person is travelling with you, tell us – we will stop more often.
Travelling as a group
If you are travelling with colleagues, a team or a large family, one van is more convenient than several cars – everyone leaves and arrives together, and the luggage is in one place. If people are starting from different addresses in Varna, send us the list and we will collect them in the shortest order.
Which vehicle to book, luggage and children
The vehicle is chosen according to the number of people and the luggage. Our fleet has around 200 sedans, 50 minivans, 100 vans and 20 Mercedes S- and E-Class cars.
- Little luggage, up to four people – a sedan.
- A family with suitcases and a pushchair – a minivan, with room in the boot for everything.
- A group or two families – one van instead of two cars.
- A business trip – a Mercedes S- or E-Class.
If children are travelling, tell us their ages when you book – we fit a child seat or booster free of charge.
With a dog or cat from Varna to Sofia
The drive is long, so we stop at least once or twice to give your pet a walk.
- We carry dogs and cats only together with their owner or with a person who looks after them.
- The animal travels in your own crate or carrier.
- When you book, tell us what animal is travelling and how big it is – for a large dog in a crate we send a minivan or a van.
You will find more details on the page pet-friendly transfers in Bulgaria.
How to book your transfer
- Price. See it in the calculator above – for a sedan, minivan or van.
- Booking. Call +359 897 227 771, message us on Viber or WhatsApp at +359 897 227 771 or fill in the online booking form.
- Details. Pick-up and drop-off address, date and time, number of people, luggage, children and pets.
- Confirmation. The dispatcher confirms the vehicle and the price.
- Payment. No prepayment – you pay after the ride.
We work 24/7, including at night, on Saturdays, Sundays and public holidays.
The return journey
You can also book the opposite direction, Sofia – Varna, with us; all routes from the capital are on our Sofia transfers page. If you are in Varna on holiday, you can book both journeys at once, and if you land at Sofia Airport, the driver will wait for you at the terminal even if your flight is delayed.
What you get
- 24/7 – we leave at any time, including weekends and public holidays.
- No prepayment – you pay after the ride.
- Child seats – free of charge, just tell us the children’s ages.
- Door to door – no bus stations, railway stations or changes.
- Contact – +359 897 227 771 by phone, Viber or WhatsApp.
Frequently asked questions
How long is the drive from Varna to Sofia?
About 6 hours for 440 km, with short breaks.
Which road do you take?
Most often the Hemus motorway and Veliko Tarnovo. Sometimes via Burgas and the Trakia motorway – the driver chooses depending on traffic and roadworks.
Do you drive straight to Sofia Airport?
Yes. Choose „Sofia Airport“ in the calculator. Tell us your flight time so we can leave with a time buffer.
How much does the transfer cost?
The price for a sedan, minivan and van is in the calculator above. It is for the whole vehicle. You pay after the ride.
Can you pick us up from Golden Sands or Albena?
Yes. Give us the address and the dispatcher will confirm the price.
Do you drive at night?
Yes, we work 24/7.