Sofia Airport, officially Vasil Levski Airport, serves as Bulgaria’s largest international hub, welcoming around seven million passengers annually. Located just 10 kilometres east of Sofia’s city centre, this airport connects travellers to over 80 destinations across Europe and the Middle East, with airlines like Bulgaria Air, Ryanair, Wizz Air, and Lufthansa. Its manageable size and ongoing upgrades ensure a pleasant experience for those exploring Bulgaria’s capital or connecting to other destinations.
Accessing the airport is straightforward, with multiple transport options linking to the city. Metro Line 1, with its station at Terminal 2, offers an 18-minute ride to Serdika station in the city centre for BGN 1.60, running from 05:30 to midnight. Passengers can transfer to Metro Line 2 at Serdika for Central Railway and Bus Stations in under 30 minutes. Electric buses 84 and 184 provide a 20-minute journey to the city centre for BGN 1.60, with stops outside both terminals.
Taxis, operated by OK Supertrans, cost around BGN 15 for a 15-minute ride, bookable at desks in the arrivals halls of Terminals 1 and 2. Drivers benefit from easy access via Brussels and Tsarigradsko Shose Boulevards, with outdoor parking at BGN 3 per hour or BGN 30 daily, though the multi-storey garage is currently closed for renovations. Pre-booking taxis or checking metro schedules is advised during peak hours.
The airport’s layout includes two terminals, roughly two kilometres apart, connected by a free shuttle bus running every 30 minutes from 08:00 to 20:00 and every 40 minutes overnight. Terminal 1, used by low-cost carriers like Wizz Air and easyJet, is smaller with basic amenities, while Terminal 2, opened in 2006, handles most international flights with modern facilities, including 52 check-in counters and airbridge-equipped gates.
Security checks take 5-20 minutes, though queues can form in Terminal 1 during peak summer months, so arriving two hours early for domestic flights or 2.5 hours for international is recommended. Clear signage and digital displays aid navigation, but passengers must confirm their terminal, as missteps can lead to a 30-minute walk or shuttle ride.
Delays are uncommon due to the airport’s size, but summer peaks in July and August or holiday periods can cause congestion at check-in, security, or immigration, particularly for non-Schengen flights. Weather, such as fog or snow, may disrupt operations, and passenger reviews note occasional staff shortages or gate changes. On-time performance is generally reliable, especially for Bulgaria Air and Lufthansa, with real-time updates available via the airport’s website or Flightradar24. Monitoring flight status is advised to stay ahead of potential disruptions.
Dining options cater to diverse tastes, with Terminal 2’s Diner serving hot meals, sandwiches, and drinks from high-quality ingredients, open from 05:00 until the last flight. Terminal 1’s cafeteria offers coffee, cappuccinos, and desserts, while both terminals have snack bars and vending machines for quick bites. Retail includes duty-free shops in both terminals with perfumes, Bulgarian wines, and souvenirs, though Terminal 1’s offerings are limited to one shop and a newsstand. Terminal 2 features a best-seller store with chocolates and brandies, alongside a SUBRA pharmacy. Prices can match city rates, so comparing before purchase is wise.
Facilities enhance the travel experience, with free Wi-Fi via “AIRPORT FREE WIFI AENA” across both terminals. ATMs, currency exchange, and baggage wrapping are available, with storage at BGN 10-15 per suitcase in Terminal 2. Accessibility services, including wheelchair assistance and e-gates for EU biometric passports, are bookable 48 hours in advance. Terminal 2’s Preslav Lounge, with a smoking area, and Pliska Lounge offer snacks, Wi-Fi, and workspaces for €14.40-18 for three hours. Children’s play areas are in Terminal 2’s transit hall, and baby-changing rooms are in both terminals. The airport operates 24/7, with nearby hotels like ibis Sofia Airport, a 10-minute walk away, providing shuttle services for layovers. Passenger reviews note limited seating in Terminal 1 and occasional restroom cleanliness issues.
Connections are efficient, with minimum connection times of one hour for domestic and 90 minutes for international flights. Terminal 2’s transfer desk and signage guide passengers, though non-Schengen transfers require passport control, adding time. The shuttle between terminals can delay tight connections, so allowing extra time is prudent. Most flights are point-to-point, with hubs like Frankfurt or Istanbul handling onward travel.Sofia Airport’s modern amenities, accessible transport, and compact design ensure a smooth journey
