Sofia to Thessaloniki transfer

A private transfer from Sofia to Thessaloniki costs 210 € for a sedan with up to 4 passengers, 260 € for a minivan with up to 6 and 310 € for a minibus with up to 8. The drive is about 295 km and takes around 3 hours 45 minutes, crossing into Greece at Kulata – Promachonas. The price is per vehicle and fixed when you book, the same from Sofia Airport, with no prepayment and drivers available 24/7.

How to book: orders in English by phone, or in the chat in your language on WhatsApp, Viber or Telegram. We answer the chat almost instantly, day and night.

Updated: 11.10.2026

How much does a transfer from Sofia to Thessaloniki cost?

From 210 € for the whole car, not per person. The table shows the three vehicle sizes from our Sofia and Sofia Airport price lists. The price includes the driver and the whole route to your address in Thessaloniki, and it does not change with traffic, the time of day or the amount of luggage.

Same price from Sofia Airport. If you land at Sofia Airport (SOF) and want to go straight on to Greece, the price is the same: 210, 260 or 310 €. A Mercedes E-Class or S-Class and coaches for groups larger than 8 are on request. The way back from Thessaloniki to Sofia has its own price, which we confirm when you book.

For a family of four with two big suitcases each, or for four adults with ski or golf bags, take the minivan: a sedan holds four people, but not always four people and a lot of luggage.

How long is the drive from Sofia to Thessaloniki?

About 3 hours 45 minutes without stops, for roughly 295 km. Most of it is motorway. From Sofia the driver takes the Struma motorway south past Pernik, Dupnitsa, Blagoevgrad and Sandanski. Part of the way through the Kresna Gorge is still the old two-lane road, so this is the slowest stretch on the Bulgarian side. After the border at Kulata – Promachonas, the Greek motorway runs past Serres and down to Thessaloniki.

A short break for coffee or the toilet is normal on a drive of this length; just tell the driver. If you would like a longer stop on the way, for example in Sandanski or at the small wine town of Melnik, mention it when you book. We agree the extra time and the price in advance, so nothing changes on the day.

Which border crossing do we use?

Kulata on the Bulgarian side and Promachonas on the Greek side. It is the main road crossing between Bulgaria and Greece and the most direct one from Sofia to Thessaloniki.

Bulgaria has been a full Schengen member since 1 January 2025, and Greece has been one for many years, so there is normally no routine passport control at this border any more. Police can still stop cars for spot checks, and temporary checks can be brought back at short notice. Waiting is usually short. On summer weekends, around Greek and Bulgarian holidays and at the start and end of school breaks, traffic towards the coast is heavier and the crossing can take longer. Our drivers know the road and plan for this, so tell us if you have a ferry, a flight or a check-in time in Thessaloniki.

What documents do I need to travel to Greece?

A valid passport or, for citizens of the EU and the Schengen countries, a valid national ID card. Greece is in the EU and in Schengen, like Bulgaria, so EU citizens can travel with either document. Travellers from other countries need a passport and must follow the Schengen visa rules for their nationality. Children need their own travel document as well.

Keep your documents with you in the car, not in the suitcase in the boot. Rules can change, so check the official requirements for your own citizenship before the trip. Our guide What documents do you need for border transfers explains the general points.

Where does the driver pick me up and drop me off?

At any address in Sofia or at Sofia Airport, and at the door of your hotel or address in Thessaloniki. In Sofia the driver is there on time and waits up to 15 minutes at the address. At Sofia Airport he meets you in the arrivals hall; we track your flight, and if it is delayed, waiting is free and has no time limit. If you are landing in Sofia for the first time, our Sofia Airport arrivals guide shows what to expect between the plane and the exit.

In Thessaloniki the driver takes you to your hotel, flat or any address in the city. Thessaloniki Airport, the port or a resort in Halkidiki are possible too; send us the exact place and we confirm the price before you book.

Child seats, luggage and travelling with a group

• Child seats at no extra cost: infant carrier, child seat and booster. Tell us how many children are travelling.
• Luggage: tell us about large suitcases, skis, bikes or a pushchair, and we send a vehicle where everything fits.
• Groups: up to 8 people travel together in one minibus. For bigger groups we arrange a larger bus or several vehicles; ask for a quote.

Private transfer or coach: a quick comparison

There are coach services between Sofia and Thessaloniki, and for one person with a small bag they are the cheapest choice. They leave at fixed times from the bus station, stop on the way and end at the bus station in Thessaloniki, so you still need a taxi to the hotel. A private transfer starts at your door or at the airport, leaves when you want, and stops at your hotel. For two or more people with luggage, or for a family with children, the price per person gets close to the coach, and the day is much simpler.

Who will drive you

True Drivers was started in 2015 by two drivers, Pavel and David. Today we work with a group of around 200 sedans, 50 minivans, 100 buses and 20 Mercedes S-Class and E-Class cars, so a large family or a company group can travel together in the same convoy. Besides trips all over Bulgaria, we drive to the neighbouring countries: Greece, North Macedonia, Serbia, Romania and Turkey.

Book your transfer in three steps

1. Send us the date, the pick-up address or flight number, the address in Thessaloniki and the number of passengers.
2. We confirm the fixed price and the pick-up time in the chat or by e-mail.
3. Your driver picks you up. You pay at the end of the trip.

Route details are also on our pages taxi transfer Sofia – Thessaloniki and Sofia Airport – Thessaloniki. You can book online with the booking form, and all our prices from the capital are in the Sofia price list.

FAQ

Do I have to pay in advance?

No, there is no prepayment. You book, we confirm the fixed price, and you pay the driver at the end of the trip. If you need a receipt or an invoice, tell us when you book.

Can I book a transfer from Sofia to Thessaloniki at night?

Yes. We work 24/7, so early morning, late evening and night departures are possible at the same fixed price.

What happens if my flight to Sofia is delayed?

We follow your flight. If it lands late, the driver waits for you at Sofia Airport for free and with no time limit, and then drives you to Thessaloniki.