🚗 295 km⏱ about 3:45 h🛂 Kulata – Promachonas🇪🇺 No passport control (Schengen)
Sofia to Thessaloniki is about 295 km straight south along the Struma valley to the Greek border at Kulata, then on the Greek motorway to Thessaloniki. It takes about 3:45 h.
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Updated: 17 October 2026
Sofia to Thessaloniki: 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: the Struma valley
From Sofia the driver takes the Struma motorway south past Pernik, Dupnitsa and Blagoevgrad. Through the Kresna gorge the motorway is not finished yet, so there is a slower stretch on the old two-lane road. After Sandanski comes the border at Kulata. On the Greek side the motorway runs past Serres to Thessaloniki.
Border and documents
Bulgaria and Greece are both in Schengen, so since 2025 there is no routine passport control at Kulata – Promachonas. Police can still check documents, so every passenger needs a valid passport or national ID card. Non-EU citizens should check their Schengen visa rules. In summer and on Greek and Bulgarian holidays the crossing can still be slow because of traffic.
Where we drop you
We drive to any hotel or address in Thessaloniki and to Thessaloniki Airport (Makedonia), which is south-east of the city. Many passengers go on to Halkidiki; ask us for the price to your resort.
Good stops on the way
Sandanski is the last Bulgarian town before the border and a good coffee stop. Melnik, the smallest town in Bulgaria with its sand pyramids and wine cellars, is a short detour. Rupite is near Petrich. Tell us when you book and we plan the stop.
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 – Thessaloniki
Is there passport control between Bulgaria and Greece?
No routine control since 2025, because both are in Schengen. Carry your passport or ID card, because police can still check documents.
How much is a transfer from Sofia to Thessaloniki?
206 € for a sedan (up to 4), 255 € for a minivan (up to 6) and 304 € for a minibus (up to 8), fixed for the whole car, one way.
Can you take us from Sofia Airport to Thessaloniki Airport?
Yes, same price. Give us both flight times and we plan the trip with a margin.
Can we stop in Melnik or Sandanski?
Yes. Sandanski is on the road, Melnik is a short detour. Tell us when you book.
Do you go on to Halkidiki?
Yes. Send us the resort or hotel and we reply with a fixed price.
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.
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