Sofia Layover Guide (SOF)

What are you looking for in SOF?
Tours/To do | Relax/Sleep | Internet/SIM | Transport | Storage | Money

Sofia Airport (SOF) is an international airport located in Sofia, the capital of Bulgaria. It’s situated about 10 km (6.2 miles) from downtown Sofia. The airport officially opened in 1937. Sofia is the largest city in Bulgaria and serves as its cultural, political, and economic center. The city is known for its rich history, vibrant arts scene, and close proximity to beautiful mountains, offering a mix of urban life and nature.

Can you leave Sofia Airport (SOF) airport during a layover? Do you need a visa?
During a layover at Sofia Airport, you may leave the transit area and enter Bulgaria only if you hold a valid Bulgarian or Schengen visa covering your nationality. Without one, you must remain airside. Check whether your passport requires a transit or short-stay visa and allow for sufficient processing time. (more info).

Tours, Things to do, Sightseeing

Layover Guide Organized Tours

Layover Guide Things to do / Sightseeing

• Alexander Nevsky Cathedral Imposing Orthodox cathedral with elaborate gold-plated domes, stunning frescoes inside, an intricate iconostasis, panoramic views, and crypt museum showcasing rare treasures. (Time required: 1–1.5 hours. / Airport to here: Metro Line M2 to Serdika station, then 10-minute walk; taxi approx. 20 minutes. / official site)
• Boyana Church Secluded medieval church boasting UNESCO-listed 13th-century frescoes in vivid detail, depicting biblical scenes and saints, a picturesque, tranquil fusion of Eastern Orthodox art and history at Vitosha foothills. (Time required: 1 hour. / Airport to here: Bus 84 to Ivan Vazov, then Bus 64 to Boyana; taxi approx. 25 minutes. / UNESCO site)
• Vitosha Boulevard Vibrant pedestrian boulevard lined with chic cafes, designer boutiques, and traditional taverns. Perfect for leisurely coffee, shopping local crafts, and sampling Bulgarian cuisine under century-old sycamore trees along bustling stretch. (Time required: 1–1.5 hours. / Airport to here: Metro Line M2 to Serdika then 5-minute walk; taxi approx. 20 minutes.)
• National Palace of Culture (NDK) Modern cultural center hosting exhibitions and concerts within striking Soviet-era architecture surrounded by scenic lakes and fountains. Ideal for quick gallery stroll, coffee in the atrium, and people watching. (Time required: 1–1.5 hours. / Airport to here: Metro Line M2 direct to NDK station; taxi approx. 15–20 minutes.)
• Ivan Vazov National Theater Elegant neoclassical theater with ornate facades, grand colonnade, lavish interiors, street performances outside. Admire sculpted busts and relax in lush landscaped gardens. Illuminated nightly, artistic ambiance. (Time required: 45 minutes. / Airport to here: Metro Line M2 to Serdika then 7-minute walk; taxi approx. 15 minutes.)
• Central Mineral Baths Historic Art Nouveau bathhouse showcasing ornate ceramic mosaics and domes, now a cultural museum. Explore mineral water exhibits, photo-worthy architecture, living heritage, tranquil mosaic interiors, and lively locale. (Time required: 30–45 minutes. / Airport to here: Metro Line M2 to Serdika then 5-minute walk; taxi approx. 15 minutes.)
• Banya Bashi Mosque 17th-century Ottoman mosque featuring striking pink domes, slender minaret, and serene courtyard. Experience daily prayers from non-intrusive vantage points and admire Islamic architecture in central Sofia, peaceful ambiance, living heritage. (Time required: 30 minutes. / Airport to here: Metro Line M2 to Serdika then 3-minute walk; taxi approx. 15 minutes.)
• National Archaeological Museum Housed in former Ottoman mosque, this museum presents Thracian treasures, medieval icons, and ancient artifacts across nine galleries. Dive into Bulgaria’s archaeological past in atmospheric vaulted halls, immersive experience today. (Time required: 1 hour. / Airport to here: Metro Line M2 to Serdika then 4-minute walk; taxi approx. 20 minutes.)

Things to Do in Sofia Airport (SOF)

Relaxing and Sleeping

Airport Lounges and Relaxing
Sofia Airport features the Aspire Business Lounge in Terminal 2 offering complimentary Wi-Fi, television, snacks, beverages, workstations and a smoking area. The VIP Lounge in Terminal 1’s western wing provides private rooms, seating for around 20 guests per room, personalized service and exclusive pre-flight comfort. Open daily per flight schedules. » view all lounges or buy a lounge pass or membership online

Hotel and Sleeping
Sofia Airport has no on-site accommodations, but the SOF Connect desk landside in Terminal 2 offers reservations for nearby hotels. Guests can access several 3- to 5-star properties like Sofia Hotel Balkan, Novotel and Penta Hotel within a 15-minute drive, many with day rooms and shuttle transfers around the clock. view all or book an airport hotel online

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Rest Area and Sleeping in Airport
Terminal 2 offers designated Rest & Relaxation zones airside with ergonomic loungers and USB charging points. Cots are available upon request from Customer Service. No dedicated sleeping pods exist, but quiet corners near Gates A and C provide relatively peaceful spots for rest during layovers. Open 24-hour access throughout terminals.

WIFI/Internet and SIM Card

WIFI/Internet: Sofia Airport provides free high-speed Wi-Fi throughout both terminals. Passengers connect to ‘#SoFiA Free Wi-Fi’ with two-hour sessions and unlimited re-login. Power outlets and charging stations are widely available in landside and airside areas, and Ethernet ports for business travelers are located in selected work zones. Internet kiosks also provided.

SIM/eSIM Card: Prepaid SIM cards from A1, Vivacom and Yettel are sold landside in both terminals at kiosks and convenience shops. Packages include data, voice and SMS bundles. eSIM activation is available online. Top-up machines accept cash and card 06:00–22:00. Mobile network coverage is strong both inside terminals and on ramps nationwide. » Find out where and how to buy SIM card/eSIM in our Sofia Airport (SOF) sim/eSim page.

Transportation to/from airport

Taxi: Yellow! is the official licensed taxi operator at Sofia Airport with stands outside arrivals at both terminals. Fares to the city centre range from BGN 25–35. Electric vehicles comprise at least 5% of monthly journeys. Taxis accept cash, card and mobile payments 24/7, ensuring safe, metered transfers. Prompt reliable service.

Train: The Sofia Airport Metro Station on Line M4 sits adjacent to Terminal 2, offering direct service to the city centre in about 20 minutes. Trains run 05:30–24:00 daily. Standard single tickets cost BGN 1.60. Passengers access the platform via stairs, escalators and lifts for full accessibility. (more info).

Bus: Bus line 84 connects both terminals with the city centre, departing Terminal 2 and stopping at Serdika station. Services run 05:30–23:30 with 20-minute intervals. A single ride ticket costs BGN 1.60, purchased from onboard machines or UVT kiosks landside. Routes cover key business and tourist districts. Bus accepts contactless payments. (more info).

Shuttle: A free shuttle bus links Terminal 1 and Terminal 2 landside every 10–20 minutes from 05:00 to 23:00. Service runs in both directions at designated stops outside Arrivals and Departures. The journey takes about ten minutes and accommodates luggage. Seats are available on a first-come, first-served basis throughout operating hours.

Car rentals: Major car rental companies including Avis, Hertz, Sixt and Europcar have desks landside at both terminals. Vehicles range from compact cars to SUVs and luxury sedans, with daily and hourly rates. Reservations can be made online or at the station. Pick-up and return are available 24/7 at self-service kiosks conveniently. view available cars or rent a car now online

Parking: Sofia Airport offers three passenger car parks: P1 short-term adjacent to Terminal 2, P2 medium-term close to Terminal 1, and P3 long-term further afield. All feature CCTV, lighting and EV charging points. Rates vary by duration, with hourly, daily and extended stay tariffs payable at automated machines landside and airside.

Luggage Storage & Lockers

Landside in Terminal 2, baggage lockers are available for short-term storage at BGN 3 per 12 hours. The SOF Connect Help Desk offers staffed luggage storage at BGN 5 per bag per day. Lockers sizes accommodate small to large bags. Terminal 1 has no dedicated storage facilities. Secure monitored service. » book a luggage storage or locker at online (subject to availability).

Money Exchange and Withdrawal

- Sofia Airport (SOF) ATMs, currency exchanges and banks