Tickets and cards for the Sofia Metro
Tickets and cards for the Sofia Metro
Traveling on the Sofia Metro is easier than ever with a variety of tickets and travel cards, designed for every type of passenger, whether you are a visitor or a daily commuter.
Here is everything you need to know to get around the city smoothly and affordably.
- Tickets and cards for the Sofia Metro
- Single tickets
- Travel by bank card (contactless payment)
- Electronic travel cards: Sofia City Card and Ultralight
- Short-term ticket options (great for visitors)
- Long-term cards for frequent travelers
- Where to buy tickets and cards
- Related questions about Sofia metro tickets
Single tickets
If you are traveling by metro only once, you can get a single ticket for only 1.60 BGN.
- They are purchased from ticket machines or ticket offices, located at every entrance to a metro station.
- After purchasing, validate your ticket at the entrance barriers.
- Your ticket is valid for up to 60 minutes after its issuance — ideal for flexible travel on the metro lines without having to buy a new ticket.
Changing between metro lines is not considered a transfer. Your single ticket covers it!
Travel by bank card (contactless payment)
Prefer to travel without unnecessary things? Use your contactless credit or debit card directly at the metro barriers (look for the blue validators).
- The first two trips: They are charged at 1.60 BGN. each.
- Three or more trips in one day? You automatically reach a limit of 4 BGN. (day ticket).
No paper tickets, no problems — just tap, travel and enjoy!
The charge is made after midnight, so you will not see the payment immediately.
Electronic travel cards: Sofia City Card and Ultralight
Sofia offers two rechargeable travel cards for access to the metro and public transport:
Sofia City Card
- Price: 3 BGN. (one-time fee)
- Load tickets such as 30+, 60+, daily, monthly or even annual cards.
- Possibility for personalized (with photo) or non-personalized versions.
Ultralight Card
- Price: 0.80 BGN. (one-time fee)
- Load the most popular options such as Ticket 30+, Ticket 60+ and short-term cards.
- Ideal for visitors who stay a few days or for occasional users.
Both cards are available at the metro ticket offices and at the offices of the Urban Mobility Center.
Short-term ticket options (great for visitors)
| Ticket | Price | Details |
|---|---|---|
| Ticket 30+ | 1.60 lv. | 30-minute transfer window between metro, buses, trams, and trolleybuses |
| Ticket 60+ | 2.20 lv. | 60-minute window for unlimited transfers |
| Day Ticket (All Lines) | 4.00 lv. | Unlimited travel for the day (metro, bus, tram, trolleybus) |
| 24-Hour Ticket | 6.00 lv. | 24 hours of unlimited travel (from activation time) |
| 72-Hour Ticket | 15.00 lv. | Perfect for a weekend trip, unlimited travel for three days |
All tickets and cards must be validated when boarding any public transport vehicle, not just the metro.
Long-term cards for frequent travelers
If you are staying longer or traveling daily, Sofia offers attractive monthly and annual cards:
| Card | Price | Details |
|---|---|---|
| 1-Month Metro Only Card (Personalized) | 35 lv. | Valid exclusively for metro travel |
| 1-Month Metro Only Card (Non-Personalized) | 42 lv. | Can be shared with others |
| 1-Month All Transport Card (Personalized) | 50 lv. | Metro + Buses + Trams + Trolleybuses |
| 1-Month All Transport Card (Non-Personalized) | 70 lv. | Unlimited rides, can be shared |
| 1-Month Youth Card (<25 years) | 25 lv. | Special discount for students and young professionals |
| Annual Personalized Card (All Transport) | 365 lv. | The most cost-effective option for residents |
| Annual Non-Personalized Card (All Transport) | 600 lv. | Transferable between users |
With a personalized card, your name and photo are linked to the card, making it non-transferable. Non-personalized cards can be shared!
Where to buy tickets and cards
- Single tickets: You can buy single tickets from ticket machines and ticket offices, located at all metro stations.
- Monthly cards and other travel cards: For monthly cards or other travel cards, you need to visit one of the offices of the Urban Mobility Center in Sofia.
- Online top-up: Online top-up options for your Sofia City Card will be available soon.
Can I change between metro lines with one ticket?
Yes! Changing between metro lines is free within the validity of your original ticket — no additional payment is required.
What happens if I travel more than twice with my bank card?
You will automatically be charged a day ticket price of only 4 BGN., which gives you an unlimited number of trips until the end of the day.
How long is my paper metro ticket valid?
Your paper metro ticket is valid for 60 minutes after purchase, allowing unlimited transfers within the metro.