Sofia Metro Guide: How to Use Public Transport in the Capital City

Sofia’s public transport has quietly become one of Eastern Europe’s better urban systems — but if you arrived expecting to buy a paper ticket at the gate, you’ll hit a wall fast. Since 2024, the city has been pushing cash passengers toward electronic cards and contactless bank payments, and by 2026 the old single-use paper ticket is nearly extinct. First-time visitors also panic about the airport connection, unsure which line goes where and whether their UK or US bank card will actually work at the gates. This guide answers all of that, with exact fares, app names, and the steps you need to move around Sofia without stress.

The Four Metro Lines — What Goes Where

As of 2026, the Sofia Metro runs four lines across approximately 52 kilometres of track, serving 47 stations. The operator is Metropolitan EAD, and the network covers everything from residential suburbs to the airport.

• M1 (Red Line): Slivnitsa in the west to Business Park Sofia in the southeast. This is the original line and passes through the city centre, connecting major residential neighbourhoods to the commercial east.
• M2 (Blue Line): Vitosha in the south to Obelya in the northwest. The M2 is the line you want for the Central Railway Station and the Central Bus Station — both are on this route, and both are underground stops, not street-level connections.
• M3 (Green Line): Hadzhi Dimitar to Gorna Banya. This line primarily serves the western districts and has seen the most extension work since 2024, with minor additional stations added along its western stretch.
• M4 (Yellow Line): Obelya to Sofia Airport Terminal 2. Branching off from the M2 corridor at Mladost 1, the M4 is your direct link to the airport. More on that in a dedicated section below.

The transfer stations — where lines intersect — are clearly signed in both Cyrillic and Latin script. Audio announcements play in Bulgarian first, then English. Standing on the platform during morning rush hour, you’ll hear the dual-language announcements echo through the clean, well-lit tunnels as trains arrive every five to seven minutes. The system feels nothing like the crumbling stereotype of post-Soviet transit.

Tickets, Cards, and Contactless Payment in 2026

The Sofia public transport ticketing system is managed by the Urban Mobility Centre (Център за градска мобилност, or CGM). There are three practical ways to pay in 2026, and one increasingly impractical way.

The Green Card (Зелена карта)

This is the standard rechargeable electronic travel card. The card itself costs 3.00 BGN (approx. 1.53 EUR) to purchase at any metro station ticket office or automated vending machine. You then load it with single trips or time-based passes. It works across the entire network — metro, bus, tram, and trolleybus.

Sofia City Card

A tourist-oriented option available at specific points and metro stations. Beyond transport, it includes discounts at selected attractions. Worth considering if you’re spending three or more days in the city and plan to use public transport frequently.

Contactless Bank Card

Since late 2024, tapping your Visa, Mastercard, or Maestro contactless card directly at the turnstile validator has been fully operational across the entire network. Your phone or smartwatch linked to your card works the same way. There is a daily cap of 4.00 BGN (approx. 2.05 EUR) — meaning after 2.5 trips on the same calendar day using the same card, the rest of the day’s journeys are free. For most tourists, this is the easiest option: no queuing, no card purchase fee.

Paper Tickets

Still technically available at some older kiosks, but the price is higher — 2.00 BGN (approx. 1.02 EUR) versus 1.60 BGN electronically — and availability is shrinking. Do not rely on these.

AVM Mobile App

The official Urban Mobility Centre app allows top-ups, pass purchases, and journey planning. By 2026, the app has expanded to include NFC-based validation at gates where compatible readers are installed, as well as QR code options at others.

Step-by-Step: How to Ride the Metro for the First Time

1. Decide your payment method. If you have a contactless bank card, you likely need nothing else. If you want a Green Card, head to the ticket office (каса) or the vending machine — both are at every station. Machines accept cash (BGN banknotes and coins) and bank cards.
2. Load your card or confirm your bank card is contactless-enabled. Green Card users: top up with single trips or a time pass. The interface on vending machines is available in English.
3. Find the validator at the entrance gates. These are the turnstile readers at every station entrance. Hold your Green Card, Sofia City Card, or bank card flat against the reader — not at an angle.
4. Wait for the green light and the confirmation tone. The gate opens. If you get a red light, your card may be empty or not properly aligned. Step aside and try again — other passengers are moving fast during peak hours.
5. Check the platform screens. Screens show the next train, its terminus, and minutes to arrival. The direction is listed by the final stop name, so know which terminal station you’re heading toward.
6. Board the train, check your stop. In-train displays and audio announce each upcoming station in Bulgarian and then English.
7. Exit the station freely. You do not need to tap out. The fare is calculated on entry only.

2026 Budget Reality — What You’ll Actually Spend

Here is what public transport in Sofia costs across different usage levels in 2026.

• Single journey (electronic): 1.60 BGN (approx. 0.82 EUR / 0.90 USD). Valid for one metro journey including transfers within the closed metro system, or one trip on a single surface route.
• Single journey (paper ticket): 2.00 BGN (approx. 1.02 EUR). Avoid where possible.
• Daily cap via contactless bank card: 4.00 BGN (approx. 2.05 EUR / 2.25 USD). The most cost-effective option for tourists doing 3+ trips in a day.
• 24-hour pass (loaded on Green Card or Sofia City Card): 6.00 BGN (approx. 3.07 EUR).
• 72-hour pass: 15.00 BGN (approx. 7.67 EUR / 8.40 USD). Good value for a long weekend.
• Monthly pass (all lines): 50.00 BGN (approx. 25.56 EUR). Requires a personalised Green Card with photo — not practical for short-stay visitors.
• Green Card purchase fee: 3.00 BGN (approx. 1.53 EUR) one-time.

Budget traveller: Contactless bank card with daily cap — roughly 4.00 BGN/day for unlimited journeys.
Mid-range: 72-hour pass at 15.00 BGN for a weekend visit.
Comfortable: Sofia City Card for three days, combining unlimited transit with attraction discounts.

Children under 7 travel free on all Sofia public transport, including the metro. No ticket or card required.

Getting to and from Sofia Airport by Metro

Metro Line 4 (Yellow Line / M4) runs directly from Sofia Airport Terminal 2 into the city centre. This is easily the cheapest and most predictable way to arrive — a taxi from the airport in moderate traffic will cost 15–25 BGN (approx. 7.67–12.78 EUR), while the metro costs 1.60 BGN with a contactless card.

The journey from Airport T2 to Serdika station — roughly the centre of town — takes approximately 25–30 minutes. The train is air-conditioned, there are spaces for luggage, and during the morning the warm smell of coffee from a vending unit near the platform is usually the first real welcome to Sofia you’ll get after the arrivals hall.

If you land at Terminal 1, a free shuttle bus runs between T1 and T2 every 30 minutes. Take that shuttle, then catch the M4 from T2. The shuttle is free and clearly signed inside T1.

The metro runs from 05:00 to midnight daily. If your flight lands after midnight, you’ll need a taxi or pre-arranged transfer — budget 15–25 BGN for that.

Beyond the Metro — Buses, Trams, Taxis, and Trains

Surface Transport: Buses, Trams, Trolleybuses

The same Green Card, Sofia City Card, or contactless bank card that works in the metro works on all surface public transport. The fare structure is identical. Coverage extends to neighbourhoods the metro doesn’t reach. Frequency is strong in central districts during daytime hours.

Intercity Trains (BDZ)

The Central Railway Station is a direct Metro M2 stop. BDZ (Bulgarian State Railways) operates routes from Sofia to Plovdiv, Varna, Burgas, and Veliko Tarnovo. Book at the station, on the BDZ website (bdz.bg), or via the BDZ app. Approximate 2026 fares in standard second class: Sofia to Plovdiv — 10–15 BGN; Sofia to Varna or Burgas — 25–35 BGN. Prices vary by train type and booking time.

Intercity Buses

The Central Bus Station sits right next to the Central Railway Station, also on the M2 line. Buses cover most Bulgarian cities and often faster than trains on certain routes. Buy tickets at the station, on busfor.bg, or via autogarite.com.

Taxis

Always use an app — never hail from the street outside the airport or near major tourist spots. The established apps in 2026 are Yellow! Taxi (Yellow 333), InTime, and TaxiMe. Fares: starting fee 1.00–1.20 BGN, daytime rate 0.90–1.20 BGN per kilometre. Airport to city centre: 15–25 BGN depending on traffic.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Expecting paper tickets at the gate. The automated machines still exist, but many stations have removed cash-only windows. Go electronic from day one.
• Tapping your card at the wrong angle. Contactless readers are flat panels — hold your card parallel to the surface, not at a 45-degree angle. This accounts for most failed tap attempts.
• Using a taxi at face value from outside arrivals. Unmarked cars near T1 and T2 charge wildly inflated rates. Book through an app or take the metro.
• Assuming the Metro runs all night. Last trains leave terminal stations around 23:30–23:45. If you’re out past midnight, plan for a taxi or arrange in advance.
• Forgetting the T1 shuttle. If you fly into Terminal 1, the metro station is at Terminal 2. The shuttle is free, but if you miss the timing, you’ve added a 30-minute wait to your journey.
• Not checking Google Maps for the right direction. Metro platforms show the name of the last stop in that direction. Know your terminus before you board, or you’ll end up going the wrong way on the M1 or M2.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use my UK or US bank card directly on the Sofia Metro?

Yes. Since late 2024, contactless Visa, Mastercard, and Maestro bank cards from any country work at the turnstile validators. Tap your card and the correct fare is charged automatically, with a daily cap of 4.00 BGN — after that, journeys are free for the rest of the calendar day. Your phone or smartwatch linked to your card works the same way.

How long does the metro take from Sofia Airport to the city centre?

Metro Line 4 (Yellow Line) runs from Sofia Airport Terminal 2 to Serdika station in approximately 25–30 minutes.

Is the Green Card worth buying for a short visit?

For most visitors staying three days or fewer, tapping a contactless bank card is simpler — no 3.00 BGN card purchase fee, and the daily cap still applies. The Green Card becomes worthwhile if you want to load a 72-hour pass (15.00 BGN) or prefer not to use your bank card on the transit system.

What are the metro operating hours in Sofia?

The Sofia Metro runs from 05:00 to midnight every day including weekends and public holidays. During peak hours (07:00–09:30 and 17:00–19:00), trains run every 5–7 minutes. On weekends and holidays, expect trains every 10–15 minutes.

Do children need a ticket on the Sofia Metro?

Children under 7 years old ride free on all Sofia public transport, including the metro. No ticket, card, or registration is required. Older children and teenagers pay the standard adult fare unless they hold a qualifying student card issued in Bulgaria.

📷 Featured image by Akshay Nanavati on Unsplash.