Thessaloniki is the closest major hub airport south of Sofia, and many travellers use it for flights that Sofia does not offer. In the other direction, guests landing in Thessaloniki continue to Sofia, Bansko or Plovdiv. A private transfer covers the trip in about 4 hours, door to door, with no bus changes.
Since January 2025, Bulgaria has been in the Schengen area for land borders, so there is no longer a systematic passport check at the Kulata–Promachonas crossing and queues are much shorter. We still recommend carrying an ID card or passport.
We use a 9-seat van (up to 8 passengers) with air conditioning and room for luggage. Besides the Thessaloniki city centre and SKG airport, we also run transfers to the Halkidiki resorts — Kassandra and Sithonia.
Why book a private transfer
Door to door
We pick you up at your address in Sofia and drop you at the Thessaloniki Airport terminal, your hotel or apartment — no bus stations, no changes.
No border queues
Since Bulgaria joined Schengen (January 2025), crossing at Kulata–Promachonas is quick. Carry an ID card or passport just in case.
Good for groups and luggage
One van for up to 8 people with suitcases — cheaper and calmer than separate tickets or two cars.
Fixed price
We agree the price for the whole van in advance, including road tolls and vignettes for both countries.
What's included
- Pick-up at a Sofia address and drop-off at a Thessaloniki address
- Bulgarian and Greek road tolls and vignettes
- Help with luggage
- Child / booster seat on request
- A short rest stop along the route
- Invoice on request
The Sofia to Thessaloniki road
The route runs along the Struma motorway to Kulata, crosses the border at Promachonas and continues on the Greek A25 motorway to Thessaloniki. The total distance is about 300 km and the driving time about 4 hours, plus time at the border (usually short since Schengen).
| Section | Distance | Time |
|---|---|---|
| Sofia → Kulata (border) | ~180 km | ~2h |
| Promachonas → Thessaloniki | ~120 km | ~1h 30min |
| Thessaloniki → SKG airport | ~15 km | ~20 min |
For flights from Thessaloniki Airport we plan departure from Sofia at least 6 – 7 hours before take-off, to leave a buffer for the border and check-in.
Price
Fixed price per vehicle, agreed before the trip — no meter, no surprises. Send us the pickup point, destination and date and we reply with a quote within 30 minutes.
Book your Sofia → Thessaloniki transfer
Reply within 30 minutes. Flight tracking, meet & greet, child seats on request.