Sofia to Belgrade by bus | Experience report, tickets & route

The bus connection from Sofia to Belgrade is one of the easiest and most affordable ways to travel between the two capitals — especially since a direct train connection is not reliably available. This guide covers everything you need to know: getting to the bus station, buying tickets, transferring in Niš, and arriving in Belgrade.

arrive at the Sofia main station

Sofia Central Station is well connected to the public transport network. The metro station „Central Railway Station" on line M2 (Blue Line) is located directly beneath the railway station building. In addition, numerous tram lines (1, 3, 6, 7, 10), trolleybuses, and bus routes (including 60, 74, 77, 78, 82, 85, 101, 213, 285, 305, 404, 413, and night bus N2) serve the station.

Bus station next to the main train station

Right next to Sofia's main train station is the central bus station („Sofia Central Bus Station" or „Sofia Serdica Bus Station", located at 100 Maria Louisa Blvd.). It is only a 1–2 minute walk from the railway station entrance.

where to buy tickets

I chose the company Matpu because Belgrade was listed as one of their destinations.

ticket offices at central bus station, Credits: kanpoan.net

I purchased the tickets directly at the counter in the company’s office. Communication in English was easy, and I was able to buy two separate tickets: one for Sofia → Niš and another for Niš → Belgrade.

The journey and transfer in Niš

The bus was reasonably comfortable. Crossing the border was quite quick, with no unnecessary delays. I collected my luggage when changing buses in Niš. There are several restaurants and shops at the bus station in Niš where you can buy refreshments.

Arrival in Belgrade

In Belgrade, the bus arrives directly at the new central bus terminal. Important: Since 27 September 2024, the main bus station is no longer located in the city centre but in the New Belgrade district (Block 42, Antifašističke borbe). Some passengers may get off at earlier stops.

The new bus terminal, 'Beogradska Autobuska Stanica', is located approximately 3 km from the city centre. It is well connected by public transport: trams 7, 9, 11, and 13, as well as bus lines 85, 89, 94, 95, 600, E6, 60, 60l, 67, 93, and EKO1 serve the station.

The best part? Public transport in Belgrade has been completely free for all passengers since 1 January 2025! This applies to buses, trams, trolleybuses, and the BG Train, making Belgrade the largest European city to offer free public transport. (Sources: https://belgradecard.rs/news/public-transportation/, https://www.tob.rs/en/info/useful-info/city-public-transport)

Alternative connections

Unfortunately, as of October 2024, there was no reliable train connection from Sofia to Belgrade available for booking. While historical direct train services existed, they were not operating regularly at that time.