Sofia public transport: tickets, passes and apps

Match the ticket to how many rides you will actually take. If you are in Sofia for a day or two and mostly walking, singles or contactless taps are enough. If you plan to ride three or more times a day, or you are staying three or more days, a day pass or multi-day pass usually costs less than paying per ride.

The metro is the backbone: fast, clean and easy to use with a contactless card at the gate. Trams and trolleybuses fill the gaps in the centre, and buses reach the outer neighbourhoods. One city fare zone covers all of them, so you do not need to think about zones inside Sofia.

Buy passes at staffed metro stations or ticket kiosks. Keep the ticket or card until you exit; inspectors do check.

The simplest option is a contactless bank card or phone wallet tapped at the metro gate. It works for a single ride and avoids queueing at a machine. If your card is not accepted, use a ticket machine or a staffed window at a metro station.

Ticket machines take coins and small notes; some accept cards. Kiosks near stops sell single tickets and passes, but opening hours vary. Keep small change for kiosks and for the occasional cash-only counter.

Apps: check the current official Sofia transport app before you travel, since names and features change. A local SIM or eSIM helps if you want to buy tickets on your phone.

Sofia runs a single city fare zone for the metro, trams, trolleybuses and city buses. A ticket bought for the city zone covers all of these, so you do not need to calculate zones for normal sightseeing.

Suburban buses and some routes beyond the city boundary may sit outside the city zone; ask at the station or check the route map if you are heading to a village or the mountains. For everything inside Sofia, one fare applies.

Sofia Airport has two terminals. The metro runs from Terminal 2 to the city centre in about 25 minutes, which is usually the fastest and cheapest way in. Tap a contactless card at the gate or buy a ticket at the station.

If you land at Terminal 1, check the free shuttle or walkway to Terminal 2 for the metro, or take a taxi. Metered taxis and ride apps cost more than the metro but are easier with heavy bags; agree the meter or book through an app to avoid overcharging.

Allow extra time on weekends and public holidays, when some services run less often.

Validate or tap correctly at the start of each journey and keep proof of payment until you exit. Inspectors work the network and fines apply to unvalidated tickets.

Rush hour in Sofia is busy but manageable; the metro is the most reliable option when traffic is heavy. Trams are useful for the centre but slower.

If you are staying several days, compare a multi-day pass with the cost of singles before buying. For a short visit, see our Sofia guides for routes that need little transport.