🚗 385 km⏱ about 5:30 h🌉 Ruse – Giurgiu, Danube Bridge🇪🇺 No passport control (Schengen)
Sofia to Bucharest is the longest of our Balkan city runs that stays inside the Schengen area: about 385 km across northern Bulgaria, over the Danube Bridge at Ruse and on to Bucharest. A private car takes about 5:30 h door to door.
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Updated: 17 October 2026
Sofia to Bucharest: prices
Each price is for the whole car, one way, the same for one passenger or a full car. Times are driving times without the border and breaks.
All prices from Sofia are in the Sofia price list. More than 8 passengers: minibus or bus on request.
The road: north to the Danube
From Sofia the driver takes the Hemus motorway through the Balkan Mountains, then the road through Pleven or Byala to Ruse. Ruse is the last Bulgarian town; the Danube Bridge (Friendship Bridge) takes you across the river to Giurgiu in Romania. From Giurgiu it is about an hour on the national road to the south edge of Bucharest.
Most of the time goes on the Bulgarian part. The bridge itself is narrow and has one lane each way, so heavy lorry traffic can slow it down, especially on weekday afternoons.
Border and documents
Bulgaria and Romania are both full Schengen members since 1 January 2025, so there is no routine passport control on the bridge. Police can still make spot checks, so every passenger needs a valid passport or national ID card. Citizens of countries outside the EU should check their Schengen visa rules before the trip. Children need their own document.
Where we drop you in Bucharest
We drive to any address: a hotel in the Old Town, Piața Victoriei, a home in Pipera or Băneasa. For a flight from Bucharest Henri Coandă Airport (Otopeni), which is north of the city, tell us your flight time and we plan the departure from Sofia so you arrive with enough time to check in.
Good stops on the way
Ruse, about 4 hours from Sofia, is the natural break: the Danube embankment and the main square are a short walk from the road. Veliko Tarnovo, the old capital, is a short detour if you want lunch with a view of Tsarevets. Tell us when you book and the stop is planned into the time.
How booking works
Fill in the price finder at the top of the page: the route is already set. Choose the date and the time and leave your phone number. We confirm on WhatsApp, Viber or by phone. There is no prepayment: you pay the driver. Child seats are free, and waiting is free if your flight is late.
Questions about Sofia – Bucharest
Is there a border check between Bulgaria and Romania?
Not a routine one. Both countries are in Schengen since 2025, so the Danube Bridge has no passport control. Carry your passport or ID card anyway, because police can make spot checks.
How much is a private transfer from Sofia to Bucharest?
294 € for a sedan (up to 4 passengers), 353 € for a minivan (up to 6) and 426 € for a minibus (up to 8). It is a fixed price for the whole car, one way, from Sofia city or Sofia Airport.
Can you take us to Bucharest Otopeni Airport?
Yes. Give us your flight time when you book and we choose the departure time from Sofia with a safe margin for check-in.
Can we stop in Ruse or Veliko Tarnovo?
Yes. Ruse is on the route; Veliko Tarnovo is a short detour. Tell us when you book so we plan the time.
Do I pay before the trip?
No. There is no prepayment. You pay the driver at the end of the trip.
Do you have child seats?
Yes, baby seats, child seats and boosters are free. Tell us the age of the children when you book.
Is there a waiting fee if my flight is late?
No. Waiting is free if your flight is late.
Other routes: Sofia – Skopje · Sofia – Belgrade · Sofia – Thessaloniki · Sofia – Istanbul Airport · All price lists
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