San Francisco (SFO) to Sofia (SOF) at a glance

Embark on an international long-haul journey from San Francisco (SFO) to Sofia (SOF) with a range of airlines at your fingertips. Explore options from both full-service and budget carriers to discover the flight that aligns with your budget, schedule, and travel preferences as you prepare to uncover the captivating sights and neighborhoods of Sofia. Here are the essential details for flights departing from San Francisco International Airport (SFO) to Sofia Airport (SOF).

• Fastest flight duration: around 13 hours in-flight, plus roughly 2h 45m layover with one stop
• Route distance: roughly 6,500 miles (10,460 km)
• Flights per week: around 9 departures on average
• Typical fares (one-way): economy tickets often range from $305–$925, depending on seasonality and how far ahead you book

Flights from San Francisco International Airport (SFO) to Sofia Airport (SOF)

Based on the latest traveler bookings, here are the top airlines favored for flights from San Francisco to Sofia, particularly for one-stop and multi-stop journeys. Common layover points include Franz Josef Strauss International Airport (MUC) with an approximately 3-hour layover, Istanbul Airport (IST) offering around 1 hour and 30 minutes, and Frankfurt International Airport (FRA) with about 4 hours and 15 minutes. This variety allows you to mix and match options based on price, total travel time, and cabin class to find your ideal itinerary.

• Lufthansa: This full-service airline provides a one-stop service option, with one-way ticket prices generally falling between $310 and $960. It represents around 33% of departures on this route, featuring an in-flight duration of 13 hours and a total travel time of approximately 16 hours, including layover time.
• United: Offering both one-stop and multi-stop service, United is a full-service airline with one-way fares usually ranging from $310 to $870. It makes up about 30% of departures here, with a standard flight time of 13 hours and a total journey duration close to 16 hours.
• Turkish Airlines: As a full-service carrier, Turkish Airlines offers one-stop service, with one-way fares typically between $305 and $815. This airline accounts for around 27% of departures on this route, featuring an in-flight time of 13 hours and a total travel duration of about 16 hours, including layovers.
• Delta: Delta is a full-service airline with one-way fares that generally range from $605 to $1110. This carrier represents about 3% of flights on this route, providing an in-flight duration of 13 hours and an overall journey time of roughly 16 hours, including layovers.
• KLM: KLM, a full-service airline, offers one-stop service with one-way fares typically ranging from $395 to $1040. It constitutes approximately 2% of departures on this route, providing an in-flight time of 13 hours along with a total journey time of around 16 hours, factoring in layover time.

Best time to fly from San Francisco (SFO) to Sofia (SOF)

The most popular months for travelers flying from San Francisco to Sofia are June, July, and August, when peak temperatures in Sofia reach up to 70.7°F in August. If you prefer quieter travel, consider October, the least busy and relatively cheaper time to visit with fewer crowds and temperatures around 52.2°F. For better deals, January usually offers the lowest average one-way fare around $391. Flight availability peaks in July, with approximately 11 flights per week, making it easier to find convenient departure times. February has the fewest flights, with approximately 7 flights per week.

• Cheapest time to fly: January usually offers good deals with average one-way fare around $391, roughly 24% cheaper than the yearly average.
• Another budget-friendly time to fly: September typically offers an average one-way fare of around $421.
• Most flight options: July has the highest number of flights from San Francisco to Sofia, with approximately 11 flights per week, giving you more flexibility in scheduling your trip.

Month	Temperature	Demand	Weekly Flights	Average one-way Fare
January	30.2°F (-1.0°C)	Average	8	$391
February	34.3°F (1.3°C)	Average	7	$467
March	40.8°F (4.9°C)	Low	8	$483
April	49.6°F (9.8°C)	Average	8	$525
May	57.7°F (14.3°C)	Average	10	$587
June	64.9°F (18.3°C)	High	10	$771
July	70.0°F (21.1°C)	High	11	$623
August	70.7°F (21.5°C)	High	9	$475
September	62.6°F (17.0°C)	Average	10	$421
October	52.2°F (11.2°C)	Low	10	$461
November	43.7°F (6.5°C)	Low	8	$517
December	34.2°F (1.2°C)	Average	8	$532

*Average one-way fare is based on Expedia flight booking data from January 2025 to April 2026 for the specified route and travel class and may change depending on availability, dates, and demand.

Alternative routes from San Francisco (SFO) to Sofia (SOF)

• Oakland to Sofia (OAK-SOF): Oakland International Airport (OAK) is located approximately 12 miles from San Francisco International Airport (SFO), providing convenient access for travelers.
• San Jose to Sofia (SJC-SOF): Norman Y. Mineta San Jose International Airport (SJC) lies about 30 miles from San Francisco International Airport (SFO), making it a viable option for flights to Sofia.

How to find the best prices for flights from San Francisco (SFO) to Sofia (SOF)

Getting some of the best deals on flights from San Francisco to Sofia is all about timing and flexibility. Here are some key tips to help you save:

1. Best times to book and fly: cheaper fares are typically available when booking at least two months in advance, which coincides with when most travelers make their reservations. Afternoon departures between 12 PM and 6 PM generally offer lower prices and are popular flight times. Additionally, flying on Sunday usually results in cheaper fares, although Tuesday is the most favored travel day.
2. Set up price alerts: stay updated on price changes by using Expedia's Price Tracker. Receive alerts when fares drop for your selected route.
3. Bundle and save: bundle your flight and hotel to save on Expedia, or unlock a hotel deal after booking your flight.*
4. Compare flight options: use Expedia's search tool to compare airlines, routes, direct vs. non-direct flights, and flight times. You can also sort by price to find the most affordable options.
5. Stay flexible with dates: being open to different travel days can sometimes help you find better prices on flights and hotels.
6. Think about luggage: nowadays, it's important to check the airline's baggage policies to find the best value. That may be paying for an additional carry-on bag or booking a ticket with checked luggage included. Either way, double-check your allowance before confirming your booking to avoid excess baggage fees at the airport.

*Members only. Savings vary and are not available on all bundles. Select hotels.

Arriving at Sofia Airport from San Francisco International Airport

Sofia welcomes travelers from San Francisco with a range of transport options based on price, convenience, and proximity. Here's how to reach Sofia efficiently:

• Hotel transfer: Transfers offer a convenient way to reach your hotel in Sofia, with private rides that can be arranged in advance.
• Car rental: Renting a car from Sofia Airport is a great option if you plan to explore and sightsee beyond the city. Browse cheap car rentals at Sofia Airport on Expedia.
• Taxi/ride-hailing: Taxis and ride-hailing services may be available from designated pickup areas outside the terminal, check locally on arrival.
• Public transportation: From Sofia Airport, several transport options are conveniently located nearby. Sofia Airport Terminal 2 Station, a metro station, is about 0.7 miles from the airport by car, while Sofia Central Station, a train station, is approximately 5 miles away by car. For those seeking maritime travel, Sofia Seaport, a seaport, is located around 4.6 miles from the airport by car.