Sofia's metro has transformed the Bulgarian capital into one of the more navigable cities in the Balkans for public transport users. Four metro lines now crisscross the city, including a direct connection to Sofia Airport, and a fifth is under development. Combined with an extensive surface bus, tram and trolleybus network, getting around Sofia without a car is straightforward — and tickets are among the cheapest in any European capital.
Sofia Metro Lines: M1, M2, M3 and M4
The Sofia Metro is operated by Metropolitan EAD and uses standard-gauge electric rapid transit. The network is clean, modern and easy to use even with no Bulgarian language skills — stations are signed in both Cyrillic and Latin script, and the colour-coded system is intuitive.
Line M1 (the original line, opened 1998) runs from Obelya in the north-west to Business Park Sofia in the south-east, passing through the city centre via key stations including Serdika (the central interchange), NDK (the National Palace of Culture, a landmark square), and James Bourchier. The line is colour-coded red on maps.
Line M2 crosses M1 at Serdika and runs from Sofia Airport Terminal 2 in the east to Vitosha (near the southern boulevards) and James Bourchier, where it meets M1. This is the most important line for visitors arriving by air — the journey from the airport to Serdika (city centre) takes around 20–25 minutes. M2 is colour-coded blue.
Line M3 is a more recent addition, extending east–west and crossing the existing lines at Serdika. It serves the Sofia Central Station (the main railway station), Sofia Central Bus Terminal, and continues east to the Hadji Dimitar area and beyond. For visitors arriving by train or bus, this line provides a direct metro connection from both terminals. M3 is colour-coded green.
Line M4 serves additional areas of the northern and eastern city, expanding metro coverage to neighbourhoods previously only served by surface routes. It intersects with the existing network at several key stations.
All lines converge at or near Serdika station, which is the main central interchange. Key stations on the tourist itinerary:
- Serdika: city centre, Roman ruins visible through glass panels in the station, near the Presidency building.
- NDK: National Palace of Culture, central boulevard, many hotels.
- Sofia Airport T2: the metro stops directly at Terminal 2; Terminal 1 is connected by a short bus shuttle.
- Central Station: main railway station and central bus terminal on Line M3.
Getting from Sofia Airport to the City Centre
Sofia Airport (SOF) is located about 10 km east of the city centre. Line M2 connects the airport directly with the city: the metro stop is at Terminal 2. Passengers arriving at Terminal 1 should take the free shuttle bus between terminals (a short distance) and then board M2.
The journey from the airport metro station to Serdika (city centre) takes around 20–25 minutes and costs a standard metro ticket — one of the best-value airport connections in Europe. Trains run from early morning until past midnight.
Taxis also wait outside both terminals. Use official metered yellow taxis (OK Taxi is a well-established company) or the myTaxi/Bolt app rather than unlicensed drivers who may quote inflated fares to tourists.
Surface Trams, Trolleybuses and Buses
Sofia also operates an extensive surface network managed by Stolichen Avtotransport (urban buses), Tramcar EAD (trams) and Trolleybus EAD (trolleybuses). These surface vehicles cover areas between metro lines and the outer city.
For visitors, the surface network is mainly useful for:
- Reaching Boyana in the south-western hills (the National Historical Museum and the UNESCO-listed Boyana Church) — take a bus from the Hladilnika area or a taxi, as the metro doesn't extend this far south-west yet.
- Tram connections in the inner city between areas not directly connected by metro.
- Night services — buses run through the night on reduced routes after the metro closes.
Surface vehicles use the same single-trip ticket as the metro, validated in the yellow stamping machines on board.
Tickets and Passes
Sofia's public transport uses a simple, inexpensive ticketing structure:
- Single trip ticket: valid for one journey on any mode — metro, tram, trolleybus or bus — with no time-based transfers. Buy a new ticket for each vehicle.
- 10-trip carnet: a book of ten single tickets at a small discount per trip.
- Day pass (24 hours): unlimited travel on all urban public transport for 24 hours — the best option for a full day of exploration.
- 3-day and 5-day tourist passes: available at the airport metro station and some central kiosks — good value for a multi-day visit.
Tickets are sold at metro station ticket windows, vending machines (at most stations), from kiosks and tobacconists near tram stops, and from some bus drivers. On the metro, validate at the turnstile when entering. On surface vehicles, validate in the yellow stamping machines as you board.
Sofia's ticket prices are among the lowest in Europe — a single trip on the metro is currently just a few Bulgarian lev, and even a multi-day pass represents excellent value. Bulgaria uses the Bulgarian lev (BGN), not euros — change money at a bureau de change rather than at airport exchange desks where rates are typically poor.
Walking and Cycling in Sofia
The historic heart of Sofia — Vitosha Boulevard, the Alexander Nevsky Cathedral, the National Art Gallery, the yellow-brick streets around Serdika and the Ivan Vazov National Theatre — is compact and very walkable. Most key cultural sights are within a pleasant 20–30 minute walk of Serdika metro station.
Cycling in central Sofia has improved with dedicated lanes on several boulevards, and a bikeshare scheme operates in the inner city. The foothills of Vitosha Mountain are accessible by metro (Vitosha station on M2) and then on foot or by local bus — the mountain is a popular destination for hiking even from the city in a half-day.
Tips for getting around Sofia
- M2 makes the airport connection simple, cheap and reliable — use it instead of a taxi unless you have heavy luggage.
- Serdika is the central hub — all lines converge here, and it puts you in the heart of the old city.
- Day and multi-day passes are very cheap and remove the need to carry loose change.
- For the Boyana Church (UNESCO) and Historical Museum, take a taxi or arrange transport — the metro doesn't reach this area yet.
- The metro runs until about 00:00–00:30; night buses take over after that on key corridors.
Frequently asked questions
How many metro lines does Sofia have?
Sofia currently has four operating metro lines — M1, M2, M3 and M4 — with M5 under planning or development. All lines interchange at or near Serdika station in the city centre.
Is there a metro from Sofia Airport to the city?
Yes. Line M2 runs directly from Sofia Airport Terminal 2 to the city centre, reaching Serdika in about 20–25 minutes. This is one of the best-value and most convenient airport metro connections in south-eastern Europe.
Does the same ticket work on the metro and buses?
Yes, a single Sofia public transport ticket covers one journey on any mode — metro, tram, trolleybus or bus — but you need a new ticket each time you board a different vehicle (there are no time-based transfer windows as in some other cities).
What currency do I need for tickets in Sofia?
Bulgarian lev (BGN) — Bulgaria uses its own currency, not the euro. Ticket machines at metro stations accept card payment, but carrying some local cash is useful for kiosks and surface vehicle tickets.
Sources and further reading:
- Metropolitan EAD (Sofia Metro) — routes, timetables and maps at metropolitan.bg
- Sofia Airport — ground transport connections at sofia-airport.bg
- For travelling on from Sofia to other Balkan cities, see the Eastern Europe by train guide and the routes section.
- For Bulgaria's Schengen status and border considerations: Schengen 90/180-day rule explained.