$72 Cheap Flights from Sofia (SOF) to Bucharest (OTP)

Sofia (SOF) to Bucharest (OTP) at a glance

Travel between Sofia (SOF) and Bucharest (OTP) with a selection of airlines on this popular international short-haul route. Evaluate options from full-service carriers to discover an itinerary that aligns with your budget, schedule, and travel goals as you delve into Bucharest's renowned attractions and neighborhoods. Get all the essential information for flights from Sofia Airport (SOF) to Henri Coanda International Airport (OTP).

• Fastest flight duration: around 1 hour non-stop
• Route distance: roughly 200 miles (320 km)
• Flights per week: around 8 departures on average
• Typical fares (one-way): economy tickets often range from $100–$300, depending on seasonality and how far ahead you book

Flights from Sofia Airport (SOF) to Henri Coanda International Airport (OTP)

According to recent traveler bookings, here are the top airlines favored for flights from Sofia to Bucharest, featuring both non-stop and one-stop options. Many travelers opt for layovers at Vienna International Airport (VIE) or Istanbul Airport (IST), each with an approximate layover time of two hours. This variety allows you to tailor your journey based on price, total travel time, and cabin class, ensuring you find the perfect itinerary.

• Tarom-Romanian Air Transport: This full-service airline provides non-stop flights, with one-way ticket prices generally falling between $100 and $290. It represents around 72% of departures on this route, allowing for a total travel time of just 1 hour.
• Austrian Airlines: Operating as a full-service carrier, Austrian Airlines offers one-stop services with one-way fares typically ranging from $135 to $540. This airline makes up about 17% of departures, featuring an in-flight duration of 3 hours and 15 minutes, leading to a total journey time of approximately 5 hours and 15 minutes, including a layover.
• Turkish Airlines: As a full-service airline, Turkish Airlines provides one-stop options with one-way fares usually between $200 and $380. It accounts for roughly 4% of departures on this route, with an in-flight time of 3 hours and 15 minutes and a total journey time of around 5 hours and 15 minutes when factoring in the layover.
• Aegean: This full-service carrier, Aegean, also offers one-stop services, with one-way fares typically ranging from $100 to $230. It makes up about 4% of departures on this route, featuring an in-flight time of 3 hours and 15 minutes, culminating in a total journey time of approximately 5 hours and 15 minutes, including the layover.

Travelers flying from Sofia to Bucharest can opt for an upgrade, as Tarom-Romanian Air Transport provides business class service on this route.

Best time to fly from Sofia (SOF) to Bucharest (OTP)

The most popular months for travelers flying from Sofia to Bucharest are April, May, and September, when peak temperatures in Bucharest reach up to 68.5°F in September. If you prefer quieter travel, consider November, the least busy time to visit with temperatures around 46.8°F and typically the lowest average one-way fare (around $147). Flight availability peaks in December, with approximately 11 flights per week, making it easier to find convenient departure times. February, May, June, July, August, and September have the fewest flights, with approximately 7 flights per week.

• Cheapest time to fly: November usually offers good deals with average one-way fare around $147, roughly 25% cheaper than the yearly average.
• Another budget-friendly time to fly: March typically offers an average one-way fare of around $155.
• Most flight options: December has the highest number of flights from Sofia to Bucharest, with approximately 11 flights per week, giving you more flexibility in scheduling your trip.

*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.

How to find the best prices for flights from Sofia (SOF) to Bucharest (OTP)

Getting some of the best deals on flights from Sofia to Bucharest 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 usually found when booking at least two months in advance, although most travelers tend to book within two weeks. Evening departures from 6 PM to 12 AM often offer lower prices, while morning flights from 5 AM to 12 PM are the most popular. Additionally, flying on Friday usually provides cheaper options, despite Monday being the busiest 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 Henri Coanda International Airport from Sofia Airport

Bucharest welcomes travelers from Sofia with a range of transport options based on price, convenience, and proximity. Bucharest city center is approximately a 20-minute drive (covering about 12 miles) from Henri Coanda International Airport, depending on traffic. Here's how to reach Bucharest efficiently:

• Hotel transfer: Transfers offer a convenient way to reach your hotel in Bucharest, with private rides that can be arranged in advance.
• Car rental: Renting a car from Henri Coanda International Airport is a great option if you plan to explore and sightsee beyond the city. Browse cheap car rentals at Henri Coanda International 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 Henri Coanda International Airport, several transport options are conveniently located a short drive away. Baneasa Seaport, a seaport, is about 6.2 miles from the airport, while Străulești Station, a metro station, is approximately 7.1 miles away, and Bucharest Baneasa Station, a train station, is around 7.3 miles away, all accessible by car.

Sofia to Bucharest Flights

The cheapest times to fly from Sofia to Bucharest

On average, Thursday can be the cheapest time to fly, according to data from the Airlines Reporting Corporation (ARC), one of the world's biggest databases for global airline sales. The data reveals that you could save up to 16% by flying on a Thursday—the cheapest day to travel on average—instead of a Sunday—the most expensive. Some of the most affordable flights from Sofia to Bucharest are during the month of February. You can find some of the cheapest flights from Sofia to Bucharest with Expedia's search tool and vast selection of airlines.

The best time to book a flight from Sofia to Bucharest

Sunday is one of the best days to book for cheap flights from Sofia to Bucharest: Tickets reserved on a Sunday cost between 6% and 13% less than those reserved on a Friday, according to ARC data. The data also suggests booking early can also lead to cheaper airfares. You could save 24% by buying your tickets for domestic flights at least a month in advance and 10% by booking international flights 2 months in advance.

How to find cheap round-trip tickets from Sofia to Bucharest

Being flexible with your dates and using Expedia's Price Drop Protection and Price Tracking features are some of the best ways of finding a cheap ticket from Sofia to Bucharest in 2026. You can also book with separate airlines for your outbound and return journeys, from $72 one-way. Expedia also offers Price Drop Protection, so if the cost of your airfare goes down after booking, you'll receive a credit for the difference*. This is available for a small fee, and is free to One Key Gold and Platinum tier members.

Expedia's Price Tracking feature means you can stay on top of airfares without manually checking every day. It sends you automated price alerts for cheap Sofia to Bucharest flights and uses historical data to indicate when the best time to book is. Download Expedia's free app to activate this handy tool in a few easy taps.

You could also save big by booking one of Expedia's vacation packages. Bundling together your Sofia to Bucharest airfare with your accommodations and car rental is often cheaper than booking everything separately. There’s also One Key, Expedia's generous rewards program. Join for free and you could earn One Key cash on most bookings to save on future adventures.

*Terms apply.

Disclaimer: ARC The statistics are based on average round-trip ticket prices between January and August 2023. The percentages you see are averages.