Sofia Airport

Sofia Airport is not just a point on a map, but your first introduction to the unique atmosphere of Bulgaria. Upon approach, passengers are often treated to a breathtaking view of the Vitosha mountain massif, whose majestic peaks seem to guard the capital. The air hub harmoniously blends eras: the neoclassical charm of the historic terminal sits alongside modern architectural solutions of glass and concrete in the new building. Despite its status as the capital's main airport, it retains a cosy atmosphere, offering travellers a comfortable and peaceful start to their Balkan adventures.

Features and Advantages of the Airport

Bulgaria's main airport is distinguished by well-planned logistics and a convenient location, making it a suitable hub for both business trips and tourism.

• Excellent Transport Accessibility: A metro station is located right at the entrance to Terminal 2, connecting the airport to the city centre in just 20–30 minutes. A free shuttle bus runs between the terminals.
• Contrast of Terminals: The airport consists of two buildings with distinct characters. Terminal 1, with its mid-20th-century architecture, serves budget airlines and charter flights. The spacious and bright Terminal 2 handles the majority of scheduled international flights and offers a high level of comfort.
• Start for Skiers: Due to its proximity to the mountains, the airport serves as an ideal starting point for transfers to the popular resorts of Bansko, Borovets, and Pamporovo.
• Comfortable Waiting: In the modern terminal, travellers have access to business lounges with panoramic views, as well as Duty Free shops where you can purchase famous Bulgarian rose oil cosmetics and unique local products.

If you have any questions regarding the operations of Sofia Airport, you can use the following contact details to obtain the necessary information.

• Official Website: sofia-airport.eu
• Information Desk Phone: +359 2 937 2211 / 2212 / 2213
• Airport Address: Christopher Columbus Blvd 1, 1540 Sofia, Bulgaria
• Email for General Inquiries: public.relations@sofia-airport.bg
• Official Facebook Page: www.facebook.com/sofiaairport
• Lost Luggage Information: For issues regarding lost or damaged luggage, please contact your airline representative directly or the Ground Handling service that serviced your flight.
• Passenger Support Contacts: For immediate assistance, it is recommended to use the airport information desk telephones.

Getting to Sofia Airport (SOF), the main aviation hub of Bulgaria, is possible via several convenient and accessible methods. The choice depends on your budget, amount of luggage, and the time you have available.

Metro — the fastest and most reliable way to reach the airport from the city centre. The M4 (Yellow) metro line directly connects central stations (such as "Serdika") with Terminal 2. The journey takes only about 20-25 minutes, allowing you to bypass any traffic jams. This is also the most budget-friendly option. If your flight departs from Terminal 1, you can use the free shuttle that runs between the terminals every 30 minutes.

Another public transport option is the bus. Routes No. 84 and No. 184 run from the city centre and stop at both terminals. Travel time is approximately 30-45 minutes depending on traffic conditions. Tickets can be purchased from the driver or at kiosks throughout the city. This method may be convenient if you are staying far from metro stations.

For those who prefer comfort, a taxi or a pre-booked transfer is the ideal choice. It is recommended to use official taxi companies with counters at the airport to ensure a fixed rate. A trip from the centre to the airport will take 20-30 minutes excluding traffic. This is an excellent option if you have a lot of luggage or are travelling with family.

If you are travelling by rental or private car, Sofia Airport provides convenient parking zones. Both terminals have open and covered parking areas for short-term and long-term stays. Many international car rental companies have offices at the airport, allowing you to easily return the vehicle right before your flight.

Sofia Airport (SOF) consists of two passenger terminals — Terminal 1 and Terminal 2. They are located in separate buildings, so it is extremely important to check exactly which terminal your flight departs from before heading to the airport. This information can be found on your ticket or the airline's website.

Terminal 1 is the historic, older, and more compact building. Today, it primarily serves flights for budget airlines (low-cost carriers) and charters. Due to its small size, navigation here is very simple, though the selection of services, such as shops and cafes, is limited. Security procedures usually go quickly, but queues may occur during peak hours.

Terminal 2 is the main, modern, and larger terminal. It serves the majority of scheduled international flights by major airlines. Here, passengers have access to a wide selection of shops, restaurants, cafes, currency exchange points, and lounges. It is this terminal that is connected to the metro line linking the airport with the city centre. Arrivals and departures areas are standardly located on different levels, which simplifies orientation.

To move between terminals, a free round-the-clock shuttle bus is organised. During the day, it runs every 15 minutes, and at night — every 30 minutes. The ride takes about 5-7 minutes. Stops are easy to find by following the signs at the exits of both terminals. Be sure to factor this time into your itinerary if you need to transfer from one terminal to another.

In general, for a comfortable completion of all formalities, it is recommended to arrive at the airport 2-3 hours before the departure of an international flight. Signs in both terminals are clear and duplicated in English, making navigation quite simple even for first-time visitors.

The history of Sofia Airport reflects the history of civil aviation in Bulgaria. Its journey began in the 1930s, when, by decree of Tsar Boris III, a decision was made to build an airfield that was modern for its time. The official opening for civil flights took place in 1937, and initially, it was known as Vrazhdebna Airfield, named after the nearby village. It was a modest start that laid the foundation for the country's future main transport hub.

After World War II, a new stage of development began. In the late 1940s and early 1950s, a new runway and the main passenger terminal building were constructed, which is known today as Terminal 1. This building, designed in the Stalinist Empire style, became the airport's hallmark and a symbol of the post-war recovery of Bulgarian aviation for many years.

During the socialist period, Sofia Airport was the main base for the national carrier "Balkan". The volume of transport grew constantly, and the airport connected the Bulgarian capital with dozens of cities worldwide. By the end of the 20th century, the old infrastructure struggled to cope with the growing passenger flow, making the issue of expansion and modernisation critically important.

The most massive transformation in the airport's history occurred at the beginning of the 21st century. In 2006, shortly before Bulgaria joined the European Union, Terminal 2 was solemnly opened. This modern complex, built with co-financing from European funds, together with a new runway, allowed for a significant increase in capacity and brought service quality to a new level. The old Terminal 1 was reconstructed and is today used primarily for servicing low-cost airlines.

One of the most important achievements of recent years was the opening of the metro station in 2015, which directly connected Terminal 2 with the centre of Sofia. This made the airport much more accessible for both city residents and tourists. Today, the airport continues to develop, implementing new technologies and improving infrastructure to meet the status of a modern European aviation hub.

Sofia Airport (SOF) offers passengers a wide range of services and amenities to make waiting for a flight as comfortable and productive as possible. Regardless of the purpose of your trip, you will find everything you need right in the airport terminals.

For those wishing to have a snack or do some shopping, the airport features numerous cafes, juice bars, and restaurants offering both local Bulgarian dishes and international favourites. In Duty Free shops, you can purchase perfumes, cosmetics, beverages, tobacco products, and souvenirs. There are also shops selling newspapers, books, and travel essentials.

For a more comfortable wait, passengers can utilise the services of business lounges, such as Pliska and Preslav in Terminal 2. They offer a cosy atmosphere, complimentary snacks and drinks, press, and work zones. Free Wi-Fi is available throughout the airport, and charging stations for mobile devices are located in the waiting areas.

In the terminals of Sofia Airport, you will easily find bank branches, ATMs, and currency exchange points, allowing you to effortlessly resolve all financial matters upon arrival or before departure. In case of necessity, passengers can contact the 24-hour medical point for first aid.

The airport cares for passengers with special needs. For travellers with children, mother and child rooms are equipped where you can feed and change a baby in a quiet environment. Passengers with reduced mobility are provided with special assistance, including accompaniment through the airport territory, adapted restrooms, and ramps. It is recommended to book this service in advance through your airline.

If you need to rest between flights, several hotels are located in the immediate vicinity of the airport, many of which offer free transfers for their guests. For business travellers, conference halls and meeting rooms equipped with everything necessary for meetings and work are available in the VIP lounges and business centres of the airport.

At Sofia Airport, passengers will find diverse options for a snack or a full meal, suiting various tastes and budgets. The main part of the dining establishments is concentrated in Terminal 2, which serves the majority of flights, although Terminal 1 also has places to have a coffee before departure.

In the public area (before security control) of Terminal 2, there are several cafes where you can meet with people seeing you off or work quietly. After passing security (airside), the choice becomes wider: coffee shops offering fresh pastries and sandwiches, fast food restaurants, and snack bars operate here. For those with time to spare, there are restaurants with à la carte service where you can order dishes of European and Bulgarian cuisine.

Be sure to take the opportunity to try some local specialities. In many cafes, you can find traditional Bulgarian pastries, such as banitsa (layered pastry with cheese), or drink a refreshing ayran. In the departure area, you can enjoy refreshing beverages or specialty coffees while waiting for your flight.

Most establishments offer options for vegetarians, such as salads, vegetable sandwiches, and soups, which are also suitable for those seeking halal-friendly choices. Finding gluten-free or vegan dishes might be more challenging, but coffee shops usually have plant-based milk for drinks. Prices at the airport are generally higher than in the city but vary from affordable at fast-food points to average in restaurants. The opening hours of most cafes and restaurants are tied to the flight schedule; many open early in the morning and close after the departure of the last flight.

To ensure your journey through Sofia Airport goes smoothly and comfortably, make use of our practical tips. A little preparation will help avoid rushing and unnecessary stress, allowing you to focus on the pleasant impressions of your trip to Bulgaria.

Arrival Time and Check-in: We recommend arriving at the airport at least 2-2.5 hours before departure for European destinations and 3 hours before long-haul international flights. During peak seasons, such as summer months or holidays, it is better to add another half hour. To save time, complete online check-in, which usually opens 24-48 hours before departure. This will allow you to head straight to the baggage drop counter or, if travelling light, directly to security.

Security Control and Seat Selection: At the security screening stage, be ready to present your boarding pass and passport. Take laptops and other large gadgets out of your bag in advance, and pack all liquids according to regulations. When choosing a seat on the plane, note that the right side often offers a magnificent view of Mount Vitosha — the symbol of Sofia — during take-off or landing. An aisle seat will give you more legroom and the ability to stand up without disturbing your neighbours.

Hand Luggage and Customs: Remember the standard restrictions for hand luggage: liquids in containers no larger than 100 ml, packed in a single transparent bag. Sharp objects are prohibited. All power banks and spare lithium batteries must be carried only in hand luggage. Upon arrival in Sofia from a non-EU country, you will need to pass customs control. If you have no goods to declare, use the "Green Channel".

Tips for Transit Passengers: If you have a layover at Sofia Airport, check in advance whether you need to collect your luggage and check it in again. Usually, when flying with one airline or alliance, luggage is transferred automatically. The airport has two main terminals with a free shuttle running between them. Ensure you have enough time to transfer between terminals if necessary.

In Case of Flight Delay: If your flight is delayed, remain calm. First, contact your airline representative for the latest information. Remember passenger rights in the EU: for long delays, the airline is obliged to provide drinks, meals, and if necessary, hotel accommodation. Keep all receipts for unforeseen expenses.