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Complete Guide to Vasil Levski Sofia Airport

Written by Andrea Vushkova
Last updated: March 06, 2025
AUG232023

Vasil Levski Sofia Airport (IATA code SOF) is Bulgaria’s main international airport and a hub for the flag carrier Bulgaria Air. The airport is located 10 km east of the capital, which makes it a suitable starting point for travels in Western Bulgaria. Sofia Airport also offers quick and easy access to the city centre: bus lines 84 and 184 and the metro line 1 can take you downtown in about 20 minutes. 

Sofia Airport operates flights of major airlines such as Air France, British Airways, Lufthansa, Turkish Airways and low-cost Wizz air, Easyjet, Ryanair and others.

In case your flight has been delayed or cancelled at Sofia Airport in the last 3 years, according to European Regulation 261/04, you may be entitled to compensation of up to €600. The experienced legal team at SkyRefund will gladly help you claim your reimbursement.  

 

Location

Sofia Airport is located about 10 kilometers east of the capital, which makes it a suitable starting point for travels in Western Bulgaria. Many tourists аrriving at the airport head directly to the popular ski and snowboard resorts Bansko and Borovets or go to Vitosha mountain which is less than an hour away.

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Terminals

 

Terminal 1

This terminal serves exclusively the low-cost carriers Wizz Air and Easyjet. It was recently renovated and has a capacity of 1.8 million passengers per year. In the west wing of Terminal 1, there is also a VIP terminal with a separate entrance. It is mainly used for government and diplomatic flights.

 

Terminal 2

Terminal 2 is a hub for the national carrier Bulgaria Air. This new and modern terminal is also used by other major carriers and by one low-cost carrier - Ryanair. The annual capacity of Terminal 2 is 2.6 million passengers, and during rush hour it can serve 2,500 people.

 

Terminal 3

Terminal 3 is the recently-announced addition to Sofia Airport. It's currently in the initial statges of creation but the airport plans on having Terminal 3 in operations by April 2031. With this addition Sofia Airport plans on becoming the first 5-star regional airport in Europe.  The terminal will have 4 levels and increase the number of gates to 34 to meet the growing demand of space at the airport.  

 

Transport

Sofia Airport offers quick and easy access not only to the capital, but also to various parts of the country.

Passengers can get to the city using:

  • Bus - lines 84 and 184 of the public transport connect both terminals with the central part of the city. The journey lasts about 30 minutes and costs BGN 1.60 but a suitcase with dimensions over 60x60x40 is charged extra.
  • The metro station at Sofia Airport is located at Terminal 2. The metro can take you to the city centre (less than 20 minutes away), and to the Central Railway and Bus Stations. The ticket costs BGN 1.60 and can be paid by card.

If your flight arrives at Terminal 1, you can take the free shuttle bus to Terminal 2. It runs 5 a.m. to 9 p.m. and departs every 30 minutes. If you need to use it after 9 p.m. you can contact the staff at the Information desks and request to be transferred.  

  • Taxis - Taxi stops are available at Arrivals at both terminals.
  • Car rental - Sofia Airport has contracts with several companies that offer car rental services like Avis, Sixt, Europcar, Choice, etc.

Parking - both terminals have parking lots that allow for both hourly and longer-term use.

 

Airlines and destinations

Sofia Airport operates flights of major airlines such as Air France, British Airways, Lufthansa, Turkish Airways and low-cost Wizz air, Easyjet, Ryanair and others.

Among the busiest routes are those to London, Munich, Frankfurt, Varna, Istanbul, Paris, etc.

In case your flight has been delayed or cancelled at Sofia Airport in the last 3 years, according to European Regulation 261/04, you may be entitled to compensation of up to €600. The experienced legal team at SkyRefund will gladly help you claim your reimbursement, contact us for more information.

 

Services

All visitors at Sofia airport can take advantage of the free Wi Fi on the territory of the whole airport. At both terminals, passengers can find vending machines for drinks and packaged food, as well as coffee bars offering soft drinks, sandwiches and desserts.

In the departure area of both terminals travellers can shop for cosmetics, perfumes, tobacco, and alcohol in the duty free shops. Product prices are displayed in Euros and passengers are free to pay using credit or debit cards. Cash payments are also accepted in the following currencies: BGN, EUR, USD, GBP and CHF.

At Terminal 1 travellers can find a VIP lounge offering free internet access, cable TV and complimentary food and refreshments. The lounge can be used for an extra fee or by passengers holding a Priority Pass, Diners Club, Club Card, etc.