Sofia Metro Information
The Sofia Metro is a rapid transit system serving Sofia, the capital city of Bulgaria. The system was planned in the 1960s, but construction officially began in the 1990s. Construction was initially halted for some time due to lack of funding. Construction was later resumed and the system was inaugurated on 28 January 1998 with 5 metro stations and 6.5 kilometres. The system now has 40 kilometres of track and serves 35 stations. The Sofia metro system ranks 34th on the list of extensive European systems and is built and managed by Metropolitan EAD. As of 2016, it recorded 350,000 daily passengers on its two lines.
The use of the metro and the number of passengers is increasing day by day. According to the approved General Urban Plan and the Metro Technical Report, the Metro should be extended to cover a distance of 65 kilometres, increasing the number of stations to 63. This system would then be able to transport around 1.2 million passengers per day.
Recognised for its rich historical background, Sofia’s foundation dates back to the 7th century BC by the Thracians. The city has seen the rule of several civilisations including the Romans, Byzantines, Ottomans and later the Soviets.
This varied history has left Sofia with many remarkable landmarks. Among the most notable is Alexander Nevsky Cathedral, an important place of worship for Orthodox Christians worldwide. Other prominent sites include St Sofia’s Church, the National Palace of Culture and the Boyana Church. In addition, the National History Museum, visited by thousands of tourists, is a major destination and serves as a centre for historical documentation.
In terms of climate, during the colder months, Sofia experiences temperatures ranging from -1 to 8°C, while during the warmer months, temperatures range from 18 to 23°C.
The Sofia Metro, known locally as the “Sofiysko metro”, is a vital part of the daily commute for many Sofia residents, with an impressive average of 450,000 passengers per day. Although it doesn’t operate 24 hours a day, it does offer services from 6am to midnight.
Fares on the metro are quite affordable, costing as little as 0.51 Bulgarian leva per journey. It’s worth noting, however, that the Sofia Metro doesn’t have all the features found in some other metros around the world. Specifically, there is no air conditioning, no provision for walking between platforms and the trains are not driverless. There are also no screen doors on the platforms.
The trains aren’t the fastest out there, but they do reach a respectable top speed of 90km/h. The metro is operated by Metropolitan-Sofia JSC.
Sofia Metro Map
Map of Sofia Metro showing different lines and stations. Click on the map to enlarge it or download the Sofia Metro map in PDF format.
Sofia Metro System
The Sofia Metro is an essential mass transit system in the Bulgarian capital. It currently consists of 35 stations spread over 40 kilometres (24.9 miles) and operates two lines with considerable overlap. An additional line is under development.
Sofia Metro uses rolling stock from three different generations. The first batch in 1998, consisting of 12 trains and 48 carriages, was supplied by the Russian company Metrowagonmash. This company also supplied the second generation of trains, known as the Rusich series, between 2005 and 2009, adding another 40 trains and 120 cars to the fleet.
The latest contribution to Sofia Metro’s rolling stock comes from Siemens, with its state-of-the-art Inspiro trains. As of July 2018, three such trains are in service, with a total of 20 trains planned to renew the entire fleet.
The Sofia metro carries approximately 340,000 passengers per day. The system is operated by Metropoliten JSC, a subsidiary of the city government.
- Name: Sofia Metro (Sofiyskо metro)
- Length: 40 kilometers (24.9 miles)
- Rail Gauge: 1,435 mm (4.71 ft)
- Total Lines: 2
- Total Stations: 35
- Maximum Speed: 80 km/h (49.7 mi/h)
- Website: www.metropolitan.bg
- Operator: Metropoliten JSC
- Daily Ridership: Around 340,000
- Inception: January 28, 1998
Short Historical Overview
Following global trends in urban transport, Sofia embarked on the development of a large-scale metro system in the 1970s, despite being under a communist regime at the time. The project received formal approval in 1972, when the technical and budgetary report was approved by the Council of Ministers. The master plan, which included three lines totalling 52 kilometres (32.3 miles) and 47 stations, was given the green light in 1974, and the first contractor was hired in 1975.
The construction process encountered numerous challenges, including the discovery of significant archaeological artefacts underground, which caused significant delays throughout the 1990s. Priority was given to completing the sections serving the busiest routes.
The first section of the Sofia Metro was officially opened on 28 January 1998. Since then, it has undergone ten extensions, notably in 1999, 2000 and 2003. The second phase of the extension of Line 1 began in 2009 and Line 2 was opened in 2012, with further extensions planned for 2015 and 2016.
Overview of Lines and Stations
The Sofia Metro network consists of two operating lines, which mainly share the same route, but diverge towards their respective termini to cover different areas of the city. The metro system includes both underground and surface stations. The specific lines and stations are as follows
Line 1
Line 1, the first line of the system, built in 1998, consists of 16 stations. The line terminates at Slivnitsa and Business Park Sofia stations and is distinguished by its red colour. Serdika station on this line is a junction with Line 2.
Line 2
Line 2, launched more recently in 2012, has 32 stations with terminals at Vitosha and the Sofia Airport branch. This line can be identified by its blue colour.
Interlinkages with Other Transportation Systems
As a sprawling metropolis, Sofia offers a variety of transport options to meet the needs of its residents. The city has four major transport networks.
The Sofia Public Transport Company, regulated by the Sofia Urban Mobility Centre, manages the metro along with three other transport networks that serve the surface of the city: bus, trolleybus and tram.
The bus network, with 98 different lines, is the most extensive, reaching every corner of the city. After the collapse of the communist regime, what was once Sofia’s main mode of transport in the twentieth century was modernised. The metro integrates many bus lines. Certain bus lines such as 44Б, 47, 48, 49 and 54 have connections at Slivnitsa metro station, while buses 45 and 56 terminate at Vardar metro station.
Trolleybuses also form an important part of Sofia’s transport system. Established in 1941 during the Second World War, the trolleybus network extends over 257 kilometres (160 miles), but currently serves a length of 193 kilometres (120 miles), concentrated mainly in residential areas. The system includes nine different lines.
Trams are an iconic part of Sofia’s history, with the system inaugurated in 1901. Despite their historical roots, Sofia’s trams are modern and the network is extensive, covering 308 kilometres (191 miles) with 14 operating lines. Tram lines often connect with metro stations. For example, tram line 1 connects to Knyaginya Maria Luiza metro station, while lines 3, 11 and 22 pass through Konstantin Velichkov station. Other connections include line 6 to Beli Dunav station, line 7 to Han Kubrat, line 8 through Vardar station, line 10 to Vitosha and line 20 to Opalchenska.
Sofia also has a long-distance transport system centralised at the Central Railway Station, the oldest in the country. The central metro station on line 2 provides access to this station and the adjacent central bus station.
Airport Connectivity
Sofia Airport, the city’s main air terminal, also has the highest air traffic in the country. In 2017, passenger traffic at Sofia Airport exceeded 6 million, setting a national record, largely due to the modernisation of the airport with the construction of a new terminal. The airport was originally established in 1930.
Since 2015, Sofia Airport has been seamlessly connected to the city via the Sofia Metro, with the inauguration of the Sofia Airport terminal station on Line 2. Thus, passengers can easily commute from the airport to the metro by boarding at this station, which is directly connected to Terminal 2. A free shuttle bus service is available from 7:00 to 19:00 for passengers who need to reach Terminal 1.
Operating Hours and Frequency
The Sofia Metro operates from 5:00 am to midnight. However, the exact hours of operation may vary depending on the line and station. The frequency also tends to vary depending on the section of the line travelled.
There is a single timetable for the section between Slivnitsa and Mladost 1 stations, which are served by both Line 1 and Line 2. Line 2 also has a primary section running from Vitosha to Slivnitsa stations. Finally, the end sections of each line, from Mladost 1 to the Business Park on Line 1 and from Mladost 1 to Sofia Airport on Line 2, have their own timetables. Sofia Metro operates the following three timetables:
| Hours | Slivnitsa -Mladost 1 (Lines 1 and 2) | Vitosha-Slivnitsa (Line 2) | Mladost 1 -Bussiness Park (Line 1) and Mladost 1-Sofia Airport (Line 2) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 5 a.m. – 6:30 a.m. | 7 minutes | 14 minutes | 14 minutes |
| 6:30 a.m. – 7:30 a.m. | 3.5 minutes | 7 minutes | 8 minutes |
| 7:30 a.m. – 9:30 a.m. | 3 minutes | 8 minutes | 7 minutes |
| 9:30 a.m. -10:30 a.m. | 4 minutes | 8 minutes | 8 minutes |
| 10:30 a.m. -4:30 p.m. | 4.5 minutes | 9 minutes | 9 minutes |
| 4:30 p.m. – 8:30 p.m. | 4 minutes | 8 minutes | 8 minutes |
| 8:30 p.m. -10:00 p.m. | 5 minutes | 10 minutes | 10 minutes |
| 10:00 p.m. -11:00 p.m. | 6 minutes | 12 minutes | 12 minutes |
| 11:00 p.m. -midnight | 7 minutes | 14 minutes | 14 minutes |
A different timetable applies to weekends and public holidays. During these periods, only two sections operate. The Mladost 1 – Business Park section of Line 1 and the Mladost 1 – Sofia Airport section of Line 2 have the same hourly timetable. The frequencies are as follows
| Hours | Slivnitsa -Mladost 1 (Lines 1 and 2) | Vitosha -S livnitsa (L ine 2), Mladost 1 -Bussiness Park (Linea 1) and Mladost 1-Sofia Airport (Line 2) |
|---|---|---|
| 5 a.m. – 8:30 a.m. | 7 minutes | 14 minutes |
| 8:30 a.m. – 9:30 a.m. | 6.5 minutes | 13 minutes |
| 9:30 a.m. – 8:30 p.m. | 6 minutes | 12 minutes |
| 8:30 p.m. -9:30 p.m. | 6.5 minutes | 13 minutes |
| 9:30 p.m. -midnight | 7.5 minutes | 13 minutes |
Ticket Prices and Options
The fare structure of Sofia Metro is designed to meet the different needs of commuters, such as frequent or occasional travellers. A standard ticket, valid for 30 minutes on the entire system, costs 1.60 leva (about $0.95).
Multi-trip cards are also available for frequent commuters. A 10-trip electronic card costs 12 BGN (approx. $US 7.10), is valid for three years and can be recharged at any time. A 20-trip card costs 36 leva (about $US 21.29), a 40-trip card costs 48 leva (about $US 28.39) and a 50-trip card costs 60 leva (about $US 35.46).
For tourists or occasional commuters, the day pass is a cheaper option. This card costs 4 leva (approx. $US 2.37) and allows unlimited travel on all public transport in Sofia for one day. A 3-day version is also available for 10 leva (approx. $US 5.91).
Regular travellers have the choice of personalised rechargeable cards, exclusive to the cardholder. These are available for 35 leva (approx. $US 20.70) per month. Non-personalised cards are also available for 42 BGN (approx. $US 24.84) per month. System-wide access is granted by a personalised card, which costs 50 leva (approx. $US 29.57) per month, and a non-personalised version is available for 60 leva (approx. $US 35.46) per month.
These cards can also be purchased for longer periods, such as 3 months, 6 months and one year, in both personalised and non-personalised formats. Regardless of the type of card, a valid ticket must be used to access the system to avoid fines.
Rules and Regulations
As with any transport system at international level, the Sofia Metro operates according to a set of guidelines that regulate its functioning and daily operations. Some of these rules are
- Every passenger must have a valid ticket to enter the system and comply with the system rules.
- Passengers can take up to two bags on board at no extra charge.
- Pushchairs and wheelchairs are allowed on board.
- Wheelchairs not in use must be covered by a basic ticket.
- Bicycles are only permitted after 21:00 on weekdays and all day on weekends and public holidays. Cyclists must travel in the first or last car with their bicycle and pay for an extra ticket.
- Pets that do not pose a threat to other passengers are always allowed on the metro. Dogs, cats and small mammals travel free if
- they are in a suitable carrier. Dogs can travel freely if they are registered with the municipal authorities and carry valid travel documents.
- All passengers must carry some form of identification when using the system.
- It is forbidden to enter the system when intoxicated or under the influence of any harmful substance.
- Explosives or contaminants that endanger the safety and well-being of passengers are prohibited in metro facilities.
- Commercial activities and propaganda are not allowed on the system.
- Eating, drinking and smoking are prohibited in all facilities of Sofia Metro.
Planned Expansions
Due to its relatively recent inception, the Sofia Metro system has been in a state of constant development and expansion since its inception. The most recent extension took place in 2015 on Line 2. In May 2018, the city government launched a project for the construction of additional stations and lines in the system. The expansion project was divided into four phases, with the aim of extending two existing lines and creating two new ones.
Line 3, which is currently under construction, will have a total of 22 stations and will be built in two phases. In the first phase, 15 stations will be inaugurated, and in the second phase, 7 more stations will be added to the eastern section. The final stations of this line will be Gorna Banya and Vladimir Vazov.
The extension of the metro is a long-term project that will be carried out in several stages. The extension from Lyulin to Bojurishte will include two new stations. Other expansion plans include the extension from Business Park Sofia to Simeonovo and the construction of four new stations from Vitosha, from Cherni Vrah to Studentski grad, serving the Lozenets and Cuddendi areas. Seven more stations are planned on the eastern side of Line 3 to reach the Military Academy.
Travel Tips
Navigating an unfamiliar public transport system can be a challenge. To ensure a smooth journey on Sofia Metro, the following advice is recommended:
- As most signs are in Bulgarian, written in Cyrillic, consider using the English announcements or familiarising yourself with basic Bulgarian vocabulary and spelling.
- Be careful when reloading cards with ten or more journeys. Even if your card has trips remaining, topping up will automatically reset the number to one.
- Plan your travel route in advance and decide whether a metro-specific ticket or a ticket valid for all public transport in the city is the better choice for your journey.
Interesting Facts
- Most of the funding for the metro system, particularly for construction, comes from the European Union.
- The construction and opening of the metro system only became possible after the fall of the communist regime.
- The metro system is an essential part of Sofia’s public transport network.
Exploring Sofia Via the Metro
Steeped in history, culture and prosperity, Sofia is world-renowned for its historic architectural structures representing the various communities that have lived in Eastern Europe. In addition, since Bulgaria’s accession to the European Union and the steady growth of tourism, Sofia has evolved into a modern European city. Some of the notable sites accessible by metro include
- Ivan Vazov National Theatre: This theatre is more than just a venue; it symbolises Bulgaria itself. Built in 1907, it has become a must-see landmark for renowned artists visiting the city. The theatre can be reached by taking lines 1 or 2 to Serdika station and walking east, or getting off at SU St Kliment Obridski and walking a few blocks west. Several lines serve SU St Kliment Obridski.
- Alexander Nevsky Cathedral: Often associated with Bulgaria, this cathedral is 52 metres high and 72 metres long, making it one of the largest Orthodox cathedrals in the world. Inaugurated in 1912, it serves as the cathedral church of the Patriarch of Bulgaria and is a popular tourist destination. It is within walking distance to the north of SU St Kliment Ohridski station, accessible by metro lines 1 and 2.
- National Polytechnic Museum: Founded in 1957, this science museum houses a diverse collection of 22,000 items, including vintage cars, space food, pianos, organs and radio transmitters. The nearest metro station is Larov most, from which you can walk north and then east to reach the museum.