Sofia Vasil Levski Airport (SOF)
ICAO: LBSF
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Sofia Vasil Levski Airport (SOF) Arrivals & Departures — check real-time flight status, delays, gate changes, and baggage claim information for all domestic and international flights at SOF.
Overview
Sofia Vasil Levski Airport (IATA: SOF, ICAO: LBSF) is the primary international airport serving Sofia, the capital of Bulgaria, and the busiest airport in the country. Located about 10 km east of Sofia city centre in the Vrazhdebna district, SOF is the main hub for Bulgaria Air (FB) and a key base for Wizz Air (W6) and Ryanair (FR).
Opened in 1937, Sofia Airport has grown to become the largest and most important aviation hub in Bulgaria. It operates two passenger terminals — Terminal 1 (used by low-cost carriers and charter flights) and Terminal 2 (used by full-service international airlines) — connected by a free shuttle bus that runs every 30 minutes. The airport also has a dedicated cargo area and is connected to Sofia by the Sofia Metro (Line 4), bus lines 84 and 184, and taxi.
SOF connects to over 90 destinations across Europe, the Middle East, and North Africa, served by more than 27 airlines. It is a key hub for Bulgaria Air (FB) and a major gateway between Southeastern Europe and the rest of the continent. Popular routes include London (LTN, STN), Vienna (VIE), Frankfurt (FRA), Amsterdam (AMS), Rome (FCO), Istanbul (IST), Dubai (DXB), and Tel Aviv (TLV).
In 2024, Sofia Vasil Levski Airport handled 7,922,702 passengers, an increase of nearly 10% compared to the previous year, and 65,764 aircraft movements. The airport is currently undergoing a major expansion programme, including the construction of a new Terminal 3 and the modernisation of Terminal 2, which will increase annual capacity from 7 million to 20 million passengers. The airport is named after Vasil Levski, a Bulgarian revolutionary and national hero.
Popular Destinations from Sofia Vasil Levski Airport (SOF)
Regional routes include Istanbul (IST), Dubai (DXB), Tel Aviv (TLV), Athens (ATH), and Belgrade (BEG). Airlines serving these routes include Bulgaria Air (FB), Turkish Airlines (TK), Emirates (EK), El Al (LY), Aegean Airlines (A3), and Air Serbia (JU).
The airport connects over 90 destinations across Europe, the Middle East, and North Africa, operated by more than 27 airlines including Jet2 (LS), FlyOne (5F), and European Air Charter.
Terminals
Sofia Vasil Levski Airport operates two passenger terminals — Terminal 1 and Terminal 2 — located about 2 km apart and connected by a free shuttle bus that runs every 30 minutes.
Terminal 1 is the older terminal, built in 1937 and refurbished in 2000. It is primarily used by low-cost carriers such as Wizz Air (W6) and Ryanair (FR), as well as charter flights. It has its own check-in, arrivals, and departures facilities, and handles a large share of the airport’s low-cost traffic.
Terminal 2 is the newer and larger terminal, opened in 2006 and extended in 2013. It is used by full-service international airlines, including Bulgaria Air (FB), Lufthansa (LH), Austrian Airlines (OS), Air France (AF), KLM (KL), Turkish Airlines (TK), Emirates (EK), and most other international carriers. Terminal 2 is directly connected to the Sofia Metro (Line 4) and features a large duty-free area, multiple lounges, and a wide range of dining and shopping options.
The airport also has a dedicated cargo area and a separate general aviation terminal. A new Terminal 3 is currently in the planning stages and will be connected to Terminal 2, increasing the airport’s annual passenger capacity to 20 million. The airport operates 24 hours a day.
The minimum connection time at SOF is 45 minutes for Schengen-to-Schengen transfers and 60 minutes for international-to-international transfers. Passengers transferring between Terminal 1 and Terminal 2 should allow at least 30 minutes for the free shuttle bus.
| Terminal | Purpose | Airlines |
|---|---|---|
| Terminal 1 | Low-cost carriers & charter flights | Wizz Air (W6), Ryanair (FR), charter operators |
| Terminal 2 | Full-service international airlines | Bulgaria Air (FB), Lufthansa (LH), Austrian Airlines (OS), Air France (AF), KLM (KL), Turkish Airlines (TK), Emirates (EK) |
Transportation
Sofia Vasil Levski Airport is well connected to Sofia city centre and the surrounding region through several transport options. The airport is located about 10 km east of Sofia.
Sofia Metro (Line 4)
The Sofia Metro Line 4 connects the airport directly to the city centre, with a station at Terminal 2. Trains run every 6–15 minutes from 05:00 to 24:00. The journey to Serdika station (city centre) takes about 25 minutes. A single ticket costs BGN 1.60 (approximately €0.80) and can be purchased at ticket machines or via a contactless bank card. This is the fastest and most convenient option for reaching the city centre.
Bus
Two bus lines serve the airport: Bus 84 and Bus 184. Bus 84 connects Terminal 1 and Terminal 2 to the city centre, including stops near the National Palace of Culture and Sofia University. Bus 184 connects the airport to the Central Railway Station and the Central Bus Station. Buses run every 15–20 minutes. Fares are the same as the metro: BGN 1.60. This is a cheaper option but with longer journey times.
Taxi
Official taxis are available 24/7 outside the Arrivals hall of both terminals. A journey to Sofia city centre takes 20–30 minutes depending on traffic and costs approximately BGN 15–25 (approximately €8–13). Only licensed taxis (with the official yellow taxi logo) should be used. Ride-hailing services like Uber and Bolt also operate at SOF and are usually slightly cheaper.
Ride-hailing
Uber and Bolt operate at SOF. Pick-up zones are clearly marked outside each terminal. Prices are similar to taxis but can be higher during peak hours.
Private Transfer
Book a driver in advance for a stress-free arrival. Prices start from BGN 40 for a sedan, including meet & greet in the arrivals hall. Popular with families and business travellers.
Car Rental
Major international and local car rental companies operate at SOF, including Hertz, Avis, Europcar, Budget, Sixt, and Enterprise. Pickup counters are located in the Arrivals hall of Terminal 2 and at the airport’s car rental centre.
Car Rental at Sofia Vasil Levski Airport (SOF)
Compare live rates from Hertz, Avis, Europcar, Budget, Sixt, and Enterprise. Pickup counters are located in the Arrivals hall of Terminal 2. Free cancellation on most bookings.
🚗 Search available cars →Hotels Near Sofia Vasil Levski Airport (SOF)
Choose from 30+ hotels near Sofia Vasil Levski Airport — from budget options like Hotel Premier Sofia Airport and Ibis Sofia Airport (1.1 km from the airport) to premium brands like the Novotel Sofia and the Grand Hotel Sofia (about 20–30 minutes away). Free airport shuttle available at most properties.
🏨 See nearby hotels →Sofia Vasil Levski Airport (SOF) Map & Layout
Interactive map showing terminals, parking, taxi stands, ride-hailing pickup zones, and nearby landmarks.
Airport Information & Contacts
1 Christopher Columbus Boulevard
1540 Sofia, Bulgaria