Basic information
- Area: 492 km² (190 sq mi)
- Calling Code: +359
- Currency: Lev (BGN)
- Population (EST): 1,405,591
- Official language: Bulgarian
- Time Zone: EET (UTC+2)
Sofia – Getting Around
Bus
Buses operate on 93 routes throughout the city centre and the suburbs. Tickets can be purchased from most newsagents, or from the bus driver - although they rarely speak English. On boarding the bus make sure you punch your ticket, failure to do so could result in a fine of 10lv.
Metro
Sofia is home to Bulgaria's only metro line, which runs frequent services to 14 stations in the city centre. Tickets can be purchased for combined subway and ground transportation that cost 1.40lv. Visitors planning on doing a lot of travelling on the public transport system should purchase 5-day unlimited pass for 15lv.
On foot
Many attractions are located within walking distance from one another and they can be explored by foot, particularly around the Alexander Nevsky Church, where the Bulgarian Parliament, St.Sofia Church and the National Gallery of Foreign Art can be found.
Taxi
There are many yellow official taxis that operate in the city centre, which can be hailed in the street or pre-booked by telephone. Always check the company is registered. Taxi fares inside Sofia will rarely exceed 10lv.
Train
Trains are maintained and operated by the Bulgarian State Railways and depart from the Tsentralna Gara Station. Trains run to a number of international cities such as Kiev, Istanbul, Vienna, Athens, Moscow and Bucharest. Tickets for international cities and Lom, Vidin, Ruse and Varne can be purchased from attendants on the main floor, while tickets for all other destinations can only be purchased at the ticket offices located in the basement.
Tram
Trams provide a convenient and economical way to see the sights, with single fares starting from just 1.00 lv. There are 15 tram lines and over 300km of track, which operate both on-street and on private right of way and link areas in the city centre to surrounding suburbs.
