Sofia public transport in 2026: tickets, paying by card and passes
Sofia has four metro lines, a dense network of trams, trolleybuses and buses, and a metro line to the airport. Since 1 January 2026, when Bulgaria adopted the euro, all fares are in euro.
In short: a single ride costs €0.80. In the metro you can simply tap a contactless bank card or phone at the gate. With three or more rides in a day the system caps your fare at €2 a day. A monthly pass for all lines is €25.50, an annual one €185.
Fares
| Single ride | €0.80 |
| 30-minute transfer ticket (“30 plus”) | €0.80 |
| 60-minute transfer ticket (“60 plus”) | €1.10 |
| Daily cap when paying by card / one-day card | €2 |
| Monthly pass, all lines | €25.50 |
| Annual pass, all lines | €185 |
Fares are from the metro operator and city news as of October 2026; check them with the Urban Mobility Centre before you travel. Pensioners, students and children get reduced passes.
Paying by bank card
- In the metro, any contactless Visa or Mastercard, or a phone or watch with Apple Pay or Google Pay, can be tapped directly at the gate.
- With three or more rides in a day, the system caps the charge at the price of a one-day card, €2.
- Always tap the same card so that your rides add up to the daily cap.
- On surface transport, payment options depend on the line; tickets are sold at machines, in the app and at validators. Check the current rules with the Urban Mobility Centre.
Passes
Monthly and annual passes are loaded onto a personal photo card issued at Urban Mobility Centre offices; some passes can also be linked to a bank card. If you ride there and back every weekday, a monthly pass pays off in about 16 days.
From the airport
The metro runs from Terminal 2 to the city centre without changes in 20–25 minutes for the price of a normal ride. From Terminal 1, take the free shuttle bus to Terminal 2 or a city bus.
Tips
- Inspectors are frequent and the fine for riding without a ticket is far higher than the fare — pay for every ride.
- Night buses run on a reduced network; check your route in advance.
- Timetables and live vehicle tracking are on the Urban Mobility Centre website and app.
Choosing where to live? Compare districts and prices in our Sofia guide and see the cost of living.
FAQ
How much is public transport in Sofia in 2026?
A single ride is €0.80, a 60-minute transfer ticket €1.10. A monthly pass for all lines is €25.50 and an annual pass €185.
Can I pay by bank card in the Sofia metro?
Yes, any contactless bank card or phone can be tapped at the metro gates. With three or more rides a day the charge is capped at €2.
How do I get from Sofia airport to the city centre?
By metro from Terminal 2, without changes, in about 20–25 minutes for the price of a normal ride. From Terminal 1, take the shuttle to Terminal 2 or a city bus.
Is there a day ticket in Sofia?
Yes, a one-day card costs €2. When you pay by bank card in the metro, your daily charge is automatically capped at that amount.
📚 Sources: 5
For information only; not legal advice.
