World City Guide

Getting There By Air

Sofia Airport (SOF)
Tel: (02) 937 2211/12
E-mail: public@sofia-airport.bg
Website: www.sofia-airport.bg

Sofia’s principal airport is located ten kilometres (six miles) east of the city centre. Recently renovated, Sofia Airport is now bright, modern and smoke-free (except in designated caf areas) and has the capacity to serve 2.5 million passengers.

Major airlines: In addition to Bulgaria’s national airline, BALKAN (tel: (02) 981 5170; website: www.balkanair.com), airlines include Aeroflot, Air France, Air Ukraine, Alitalia, AUA Austrian Airlines, British Airways, CSA, Hemus Air, KLM, Lufthansa, Malev and Olympic Airways.

Approximate flight times to Sofia: From London is 3 hours 20 minutes; from New York is 10 hours 10 minutes; from Los Angeles is 14 hours 20 minutes; from Toronto is 11 hours 35 minutes and from Sydney is 26 hours 30 minutes.

Airport facilities: Facilities include several 24-hour bureaux de change and an ATM, located in the customs building some distance from the main entrance, as well as left-luggage facilities, bars, fast-food outlets and car hire from Avis and Hertz.

Business facilities: Business-class lounges are provided by some airlines.

Arrival/departure tax: None.

Transport to the city: The public transport bus 84 runs a frequent service – every ten or 15 minutes, 0500-2400 – from the airport to Orlov Most, close to the city centre (journey time – 20 minutes). Tickets cost Lv0.40 and can be bought from the kiosk near the bus stop or directly from the driver. Taxis are also readily available. Foreign visitors are sometimes overcharged, so a price should be agreed beforehand – approximately Lv40 is standard.