โœˆ๏ธ Getting There ๐Ÿจ Hotels ๐Ÿ“ฆ Race Packages

GETTING TO SOFIA

Sofia International Airport (SOF)

The main gateway to Bulgaria, located just 10km east of Sofia city center. Direct flights from most European capitals and connections worldwide.

10 km to City Center
20-40 min Travel Time
2 Terminals

๐ŸšŒ Transport Options from Airport

Metro (Recommended)

Best Value
๐Ÿ’ฐ Price: 1.60 BGN (~โ‚ฌ0.80)
โฑ๏ธ Duration: 20-25 minutes
๐Ÿ• Frequency: Every 5-10 min
๐Ÿ• Hours: 5:30 AM - 11:30 PM
How to Use:
  1. Follow signs to "Metro" in Terminal 2
  2. Buy ticket from machine or booth
  3. Take Line M4 direction "Obelya"
  4. Change at "Serdika" for city center locations
๐Ÿ’ก Tip: Buy a day pass (4 BGN) if you plan to explore the city. Bikes are allowed in the last car!

Airport Bus

84 & 384
๐Ÿ’ฐ Price: 1.60 BGN (~โ‚ฌ0.80)
โฑ๏ธ Duration: 30-45 minutes
๐Ÿ• Frequency: Every 10-15 min
๐Ÿ• Hours: 5:00 AM - 11:00 PM
Routes:
  • Bus 84: Airport โ†’ Orlov Most (city center)
  • Bus 384: Airport โ†’ Central Bus Station
  • Stops at both Terminal 1 and Terminal 2
๐Ÿ’ก Tip: Validate your ticket on board. Inspectors are common and fines are โ‚ฌ25!

Taxi

Official Only
๐Ÿ’ฐ Price: 15-25 BGN (~โ‚ฌ8-13)
โฑ๏ธ Duration: 20-35 minutes
๐Ÿ“ Pickup: Outside arrivals
๐Ÿ’ณ Payment: Cash or Card
Recommended Companies:
  • OK Supertrans: +359 2 973 2121
  • Yellow Taxi: +359 2 91 119
  • Green Taxi: +359 2 91 199
โš ๏ธ Warning: Only use official taxis from the taxi stand. Avoid drivers approaching you inside the terminal!

Ride Apps

Convenient
๐Ÿ’ฐ Price: 12-20 BGN (~โ‚ฌ6-10)
โฑ๏ธ Duration: 20-35 minutes
๐Ÿ“ฑ Apps: Bolt, Spark
๐Ÿ’ณ Payment: In-app (card)
Available Apps:
  • Bolt: Most popular, best prices
  • Spark: Local alternative
  • Uber is NOT available in Bulgaria
๐Ÿ’ก Tip: Download the app and set up before arriving. Pickup is at the designated rideshare area.

Car Rental

Freedom
๐Ÿ’ฐ Price: From โ‚ฌ25/day
๐Ÿ“ Location: Terminal 2, Arrivals
๐Ÿ“„ Required: License + Credit Card
๐Ÿš— Best For: Exploring Bulgaria
Rental Companies:
  • Hertz, Avis, Europcar, Sixt
  • Local: Top Rent A Car, Choice
  • Pre-book online for best rates
๐Ÿ’ก Tip: Great for post-race exploring! Visit Rila Monastery or the Black Sea coast.

Private Transfer

Premium
๐Ÿ’ฐ Price: โ‚ฌ25-40
โฑ๏ธ Duration: 20-30 minutes
๐Ÿšด Bike: Can accommodate
๐Ÿ“‹ Booking: Pre-book required
Race Partner Transfer:
  • Book via our website for special rates
  • Driver meets you at arrivals with sign
  • Bike-friendly vehicles available
๐Ÿ’ก Tip: Best option if traveling with your bike. Book a bike-friendly vehicle when registering!

๐Ÿš— Driving to Sofia

From Bucharest

320 km via E85/E80

~4 hours

From Thessaloniki

290 km via E75/A3

~3.5 hours

From Skopje

240 km via E871

~3 hours

From Belgrade

390 km via E80

~4.5 hours
๐Ÿ“ Note: A vignette (road toll sticker) is required for Bulgarian highways. Purchase at border crossings, gas stations, or online at bgtoll.bg. Weekly vignette: 15 BGN (~โ‚ฌ8).

RECOMMENDED HOTELS

We've partnered with these hotels near the start/finish area. Use code GRANFONDO25 for exclusive discounts!

Sofia Hotel Balkan Luxury ๐Ÿ“ 0.5 km to start
โ˜…โ˜…โ˜…โ˜…โ˜… 9.2

Sofia Hotel Balkan

๐Ÿ“ 5 Sveta Nedelya Square, City Center

๐Ÿšด Bike Storage ๐Ÿณ Breakfast ๐Ÿ’† Spa ๐Ÿ“ถ WiFi

Historic 5-star hotel in the heart of Sofia. Secure bike storage and early breakfast available for race day.

Grand Hotel Millennium Luxury ๐Ÿ“ 0.8 km to start
โ˜…โ˜…โ˜…โ˜…โ˜… 9.0

Grand Hotel Millennium Sofia

๐Ÿ“ 89B Vitosha Blvd, City Center

๐Ÿšด Bike Room ๐Ÿณ Breakfast ๐ŸŠ Pool ๐Ÿ…ฟ๏ธ Parking

Modern luxury on Sofia's main boulevard. Dedicated bike room with stands and basic tools.

Hotel Central Forum Mid-Range ๐Ÿค Partner ๐Ÿ“ 0.3 km to start
โ˜…โ˜…โ˜…โ˜… 8.8

Hotel Central Forum

๐Ÿ“ 2 Tsar Osvoboditel Blvd

๐Ÿšด Bike Storage ๐Ÿณ Early Breakfast ๐Ÿ“ถ WiFi ๐ŸŽฏ Race HQ

Official Race Partner Hotel! Walking distance to start. Early breakfast from 5:00 AM on race day.

Rosslyn Central Park Hotel Mid-Range ๐Ÿ“ 1.2 km to start
โ˜…โ˜…โ˜…โ˜… 8.5

Rosslyn Central Park Hotel

๐Ÿ“ 106 Vitosha Blvd

๐Ÿณ Breakfast ๐Ÿ“ถ WiFi ๐Ÿ…ฟ๏ธ Parking โ„๏ธ A/C

Comfortable 4-star hotel near South Park. Good value with excellent breakfast buffet.

Best Western Plus Bristol Mid-Range ๐Ÿ“ 0.6 km to start
โ˜…โ˜…โ˜…โ˜… 8.6

Best Western Plus Bristol

๐Ÿ“ 69 Vitosha Blvd

๐Ÿšด Bike Storage ๐Ÿณ Breakfast ๐Ÿ“ถ WiFi ๐Ÿ› Bathtub

Reliable international chain with secure bike storage. Great location on the main boulevard.

Hotel Niky Budget ๐Ÿ“ 1.5 km to start
โ˜…โ˜…โ˜… 8.2

Hotel Niky

๐Ÿ“ 16 Neofit Rilski Str

๐Ÿณ Breakfast ๐Ÿ“ถ WiFi โ„๏ธ A/C ๐Ÿ”‘ 24h Desk

Clean and comfortable budget option. Family-run with friendly staff. Great reviews for value.

Hostel Mostel Budget ๐Ÿ“ 0.9 km to start
โ˜…โ˜…โ˜… 9.0

Hostel Mostel

๐Ÿ“ 2A Makedonia Blvd

๐Ÿšด Bike Parking ๐Ÿณ Free Breakfast ๐Ÿ“ถ WiFi ๐Ÿบ Bar

Award-winning hostel with private rooms available. Legendary free breakfast and social atmosphere.

Apartment Rentals Apartments ๐Ÿ“ Various locations
โ˜…โ˜…โ˜…โ˜… Varies

Apartment Rentals

๐Ÿ“ City Center Apartments

๐Ÿ  Full Kitchen ๐Ÿšด Space for Bikes ๐Ÿงบ Laundry ๐Ÿ›‹๏ธ Living Area

Great for groups or longer stays. Full kitchen for meal prep. Check Airbnb and Booking.com for options.

๐Ÿ’ก Booking Tips

๐Ÿ“…

Book Early: Hotels fill up fast during race weekend. Book at least 2 months in advance.

๐Ÿท๏ธ

Use Code: Enter GRANFONDO25 at partner hotels for 10-15% discount.

๐Ÿšด

Bike Storage: Always confirm bike storage when booking. Ask about secure rooms.

๐Ÿณ

Early Breakfast: Check if the hotel offers breakfast before 6 AM on race day.

RACE PACKAGES

Make your trip hassle-free with our all-inclusive race packages. Everything arranged for you!

Bronze Package

Essential Race Experience

โ‚ฌ 199 /person
  • โœ“ Race Entry (any distance)
  • โœ“ 2 Nights Hotel (3-star)
  • โœ“ Daily Breakfast
  • โœ“ Race Pack Collection
  • โœ“ Finisher Medal & Certificate
  • โœ— Airport Transfer
  • โœ— Pasta Party
  • โœ— Massage
Select Package

Gold Package

Premium VIP Experience

โ‚ฌ 599 /person
  • โœ“ Race Entry (any distance)
  • โœ“ 4 Nights Hotel (5-star)
  • โœ“ Full Board (all meals)
  • โœ“ VIP Airport Transfer
  • โœ“ Pasta Party + After Party
  • โœ“ Daily Massage
  • โœ“ Race Photo Package
  • โœ“ VIP Start Corral
Select Package
๐Ÿ’ฌ

Need a Custom Package?

Traveling with a group or have special requirements? Contact us for a tailored package.

Contact Us