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Sofia Airport SOF Airport Traveler Guide

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SOF Airport Insights & Guide

Key SOF Airport Topics:

Getting to Know SOF Airport

Embark on your Bulgarian journey through Sofia Airport (SOF), the main international gateway to the country's capital, located just 10 kilometers from downtown Sofia. Notably, SOF stands out with its unique blend of modern amenities and cultural exhibits that showcase Bulgaria's rich heritage. Our concise guide offers essential tips and insights to streamline your airport experience, from flight updates to dining and shopping recommendations.

Discover everything you need for a seamless travel experience in our guide, ensuring a smooth transition from the entrance to your departure gate.

For a more detailed exploration of airports around the globe, check out our Comprehensive Airport Guide.

iFly Tip: Our Flying Info and Tips page offers quick links to essential air travel information.

SOF has two terminals: Terminal 1 and Terminal 2. Terminal 1 is the older and smaller terminal, with only 12 gates, while Terminal 2 is the newer and larger terminal, with 27 gates. Most major airlines, including Lufthansa, British Airways, and Turkish Airlines, operate out of Terminal 2. Terminal 1 is mostly used for low-cost carriers and domestic flights.

When arriving at SOF Airport, passengers will go through passport control and baggage claim before entering the arrivals area. From there, passengers can follow signs to either Terminal 1 or Terminal 2, depending on their airline and flight. Both terminals have a variety of shops, restaurants, and services, including duty-free shops, cafes, and currency exchange.

When departing from the airport, passengers should check their boarding pass to confirm which terminal their flight will depart from. Passengers can then follow signs to their designated terminal and gate. Security checkpoints are located before entering the departure area, so passengers should allow enough time to go through security.

Use our interactive airport map to locate food, services, and airline departure gates.

Connecting Between Terminals

At Sofia Airport, there is only one terminal, so travelers do not need to worry about getting between terminals. All gates and services are located within the same building, making it easy to navigate the airport. The airport is relatively small, so walking times between gates are short, and there are no shuttle buses or trains necessary to get around. Overall, Sofia Airport is a convenient and easy-to-navigate airport for travelers.

Tips from SOF Frequent Flyers

To help make your experience at Sofia Airport as smooth and enjoyable as possible, we’ve gathered the best advice and tips from SOF-based frequent travelers, flight attendants, pilots, and airport staff. Their first-hand insights are sure to provide you with valuable guidance. Here’s what they have to say:

Navigating the Terminals

"If you're flying with a major airline, you'll likely be using Terminal 2, which is much more modern and spacious. I always make sure to check my boarding pass for the terminal information, just to avoid any last-minute surprises." — Ivan K., Sofia, Bulgaria, January 2024

"Terminal 1 can get pretty crowded with low-cost carrier flights, especially during peak travel times. I recommend arriving early to give yourself plenty of time to get through security." — Maria P., Pernik, Bulgaria, March 2024

Getting To/From the City

"The metro is definitely the fastest way to get to the city center from Terminal 2. It’s efficient and avoids the traffic you might face with a taxi or shuttle." — Nikolay D., Sofia, Bulgaria, February 2024

"If you have a lot of luggage, consider taking a taxi. Just make sure to confirm the fare with the driver before starting your journey to avoid any surprises." — Elena S., Samokov, Bulgaria, April 2024

Parking

"For long-term parking, I always choose the open-air lots. They're more budget-friendly, and the shuttle service to the terminal is reliable." — Georgi L., Dupnitsa, Bulgaria, May 2024

"If you’re picking someone up, the cell phone waiting areas are a great option. You can wait there for free until your passenger is ready." — Petar T., Sofia, Bulgaria, June 2024

Inside the Airport

"For a quick meal, I usually head to Burger King in Terminal 2. It's fast and convenient, especially if you're in a rush." — Desislava M., Elin Pelin, Bulgaria, July 2024

"If you have some time before your flight, the Bulgarian Folk Art store in Terminal 1 is worth a visit for unique souvenirs." — Stoyan B., Sofia, Bulgaria, August 2024

Avoiding Delays and Stress

"Checking the Flight Information Display System regularly is crucial. It helps me stay informed about any gate changes or delays." — Vasil P., Radomir, Bulgaria, September 2024

"I always download the airline's app for real-time updates on flight status. It’s a lifesaver for staying informed about any last-minute changes." — Kristina V., Sofia, Bulgaria, October 2024

iFly Tip: Travel with confidence by reading our guide for overweight travelers.

Picking Up and Dropping Off Passengers

At SOF Airport, passengers can be picked up and dropped off at the curbside of the terminal buildings. However, there are restrictions on curbside parking, so it is important to plan accordingly. Drivers are allowed to wait for up to 10 minutes for free, after which they will be charged for parking. It is recommended that drivers use the cell-phone waiting areas, which are located near the terminals, to avoid parking fees.

The cell-phone waiting areas at the airport are free to use and provide a convenient place for drivers to wait for arriving passengers. Drivers can park their vehicles in the designated waiting areas and remain in their cars until their passengers have arrived and collected their luggage. Once the passengers are ready, the driver can then proceed to the curbside for pick up. It is important to note that drivers are not allowed to leave their vehicles unattended in the cell-phone waiting areas.

Parking Facilities & Options

When it comes to parking at Sofia Airport, travelers have several options to choose from. There are both covered and uncovered parking garages located close to the terminal, as well as open-air parking lots further away.

For those waiting to pick up arriving passengers, there are cell phone waiting areas available near the airport. These areas allow drivers to wait in their cars until their passengers have landed and retrieved their luggage before driving to the terminal to pick them up.

Handicapped parking is available in all parking areas, with designated spaces located close to the terminal for easy access.

For those looking for a more economical option, off-airport parking is available. These lots are located a short distance from the airport and offer shuttle service to and from the terminal. This can be a great option for those looking to save money on parking fees.

Transportation Options

When arriving at Sofia Airport (SOF), there are several ground transportation options available to get you to your destination:

  • Car Rentals: Car rental facilities are located in Terminal 1 and Terminal 2. Major providers such as Avis, Europcar, and Sixt are available for rental. It is recommended to book in advance to ensure availability.
  • Taxis: Taxi services are available outside of both terminals, with designated drop-off areas near the entrances. Fares are regulated and based on distance traveled, with an additional fee for luggage. It is recommended to confirm the fare with the driver before beginning the journey.
  • Ride-Share Services: Services such as Uber and Bolt are available for pickup outside of both terminals. However, there are restrictions on where they can drop off passengers, so it is important to confirm with the driver before beginning the journey.
  • Airport Shuttles: Airport shuttles are available for transportation to and from the city center, with pickup areas located outside of both terminals. Fares are based on distance traveled and can be purchased at the ticket desk located in Terminal 2.
  • Public Transportation: Public transportation options include bus and metro services. The metro station is located near Terminal 2, providing a convenient connection to the city center. Bus stops are located outside of both terminals, with several routes available to different destinations throughout the city. Tickets can be purchased at the ticket desk located in Terminal 2.

iFly Tip: Understand the importance of crew coordination in the cockpit by visiting our cockpit operations page.

Airport Hotels

Traveling can be a stressful experience, especially when dealing with the hustle and bustle of airports. To make your journey smoother, consider staying close to the airport to reduce your travel time. There are numerous hotel options nearby, catering to a range of budgets and preferences. From the Ibis Sofia Airport Hotel, just a stone's throw away, to the Best Western Premier Sofia Airport Hotel located in a burgeoning business hub, there's something for everyone. You can choose from cozy guest houses like VRAZHDEBNA, or opt for more spacious accommodations like the Paradise Guest Apartment or the Fantastic 3 Bedroom Apartment. Each hotel offers a unique set of amenities, including complimentary shuttle services, free parking, and WiFi. Some are also situated near prominent landmarks, providing an opportunity to explore Sofia's cultural and educational hubs. So, whether you're a business traveler, a solo adventurer, or a family on vacation, you're sure to find a hotel that suits your needs. Discover more about these SOF Hotels now.

Dining, Shopping & Enjoying the Airport

Travelers passing through SOF will find a variety of dining and shopping options to enjoy during their time at the airport. For those looking for a quick bite to eat, we recommend stopping by Burger King or Subway, both located in Terminal 2. For a sit-down meal, head to the La Cafeteria restaurant in Terminal 1, which offers a range of Mediterranean and Bulgarian cuisine.

In terms of shopping, there are plenty of options to choose from at SOF Airport. For duty-free shopping, we suggest visiting the Heinemann Duty Free store in Terminal 2, which offers a wide range of products including cosmetics, perfumes, and alcohol. For souvenirs and gifts, check out the Bulgarian Folk Art store in Terminal 1, which sells traditional Bulgarian handicrafts.

The locations of all food, shops, and services at the airport can be found using iFly's interactive map.

Passenger Services

  • Free Wi-Fi: SOF Airport provides complimentary Wi-Fi access throughout the terminal, ensuring travelers can stay connected during their time at the airport.
  • Lost and Found: If you misplace an item during your journey, the lost and found office is located in the arrivals area of Terminal 2 for your convenience.
  • Children's Play Area: To keep young travelers entertained, SOF Airport features a designated children's play area in the departures area of Terminal 2.
  • Special-Needs Services: The airport offers wheelchair assistance, accessible restrooms, and other services for passengers with special needs. It’s recommended to notify your airline in advance if you require any assistance.
  • ATM: Several ATMs are available throughout both terminals, providing access to banking services while you’re at the airport.
  • First Aid Station: In case of a medical emergency, a first aid station is located in the departures area of Terminal 2. Airport staff are also available to assist with arranging transportation to a nearby hospital if needed.
  • Airport Lounges: SOF Airport features several lounges including the Aspire Lounge and the Preslav Lounge. These lounges offer amenities such as complimentary Wi-Fi, beverages, snacks, and comfortable seating areas to relax before your flight. The lounges are located in Terminal 2 and are accessible to all passengers for a fee or through membership programs.

Flight Status Info

As an air traveler, it is essential to stay updated on the status of your flight departure. Fortunately, there are several ways to get flight status information at Sofia Airport in Bulgaria.

One of the most common methods is to use the Flight Information Display System (FIDS) located throughout the airport. These displays provide real-time updates on flight departures, delays, and gate information.

Passengers can also be alerted about departure delays, cancellations, or gate changes via the use of airline mobile phone apps. Most airlines have their own apps that provide push notifications about flight status updates. Additionally, passengers can sign up for text or email alerts from their airline.

Another useful resource is the Sofia Airport website, which provides flight status information for all airlines operating at the airport. Passengers can visit the website and search for their flight by flight number or destination.

Passengers can check the status of their flight departure at Sofia Airport by visiting the flight departures page on ifly.com, which provides real-time updates on flight departures, delays, and gate information.

Airport Facts & Stats

  • Location: Sofia Airport (SOF) is located in Sofia, Bulgaria.
  • Terminals: The airport has two terminals: Terminal 1 for low-cost carriers and Terminal 2 for all other airlines.
  • Airlines Served: Major airlines include Bulgaria Air, Wizz Air, and Ryanair. For a full list of airlines, visit the SOF Airlines Served page.
  • Passenger Traffic: Sofia Airport handles approximately 16,000 passengers daily.
  • Daily Flights: The airport sees around 130 daily flights.
  • Top Destinations: The most popular destinations served from SOF are London, Vienna, Frankfurt, Munich, and Istanbul.
  • Hub Status: Sofia Airport is a hub for Bulgaria Air, Wizz Air, and Ryanair.

Airport History

Sofia Airport, also known as Sofia-Vrazhdebna Airport, is the main international airport in Bulgaria. It was first established in 1937 as a military airport and was later converted into a civilian airport in the 1950s. Since then, it has undergone numerous renovations and expansions to become the modern airport it is today. Here are some significant events in the airport's history:

  • 1937 - Sofia Airport is established as a military airport.
  • 1947 - The first commercial flight takes off from SOF.
  • 1954 - The airport is converted into a civilian airport.
  • 1961 - The first international flight takes off from SOF Airport.
  • 1979 - The airport undergoes a major renovation and expansion to accommodate the growing number of passengers.
  • 2000 - A new terminal is opened to handle the increasing number of flights and passengers.
  • 2006 - the airport is privatized and sold to a consortium of German and Australian companies.
  • 2012 - A second runway is constructed to improve the airport's capacity and efficiency.
  • 2019 - Sofia Airport handles over 6 million passengers, making it one of the busiest airports in the Balkans.

Airport Contact Information

For more information about Sofia Airport, please refer to the following contact details:

Note that the contact information provided here is subject to change by the airport operator(s).

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Sofia Airport Q&A

There are two terminals. Terminal 1 is for low-cost carriers and domestic flights, while Terminal 2 is for major airlines like Lufthansa, British Airways, and Turkish Airlines.
The metro is the fastest and most economical option to reach the city center from Terminal 2. Remember to validate your ticket before boarding.
The Preslav Lounge in Terminal 2 offers a quiet spot to relax, with a selection of snacks and drinks available for a fee.
There are both covered and open-air parking lots. Covered garages are closer to the terminals, while open-air lots are more budget-friendly for long-term parking.
Yes, nearby hotels include the Ibis Sofia Airport Hotel and the Best Western Premier Sofia Airport Hotel, both offering complimentary shuttle services.
For a quick bite, Burger King and Subway are in Terminal 2. For a sit-down meal, La Cafeteria in Terminal 1 offers Mediterranean and Bulgarian cuisine.
Options include car rentals, taxis, ride-share services like Uber and Bolt, airport shuttles, and public transportation such as buses and the metro.
Yes, SOF Airport provides complimentary Wi-Fi access throughout the terminals.
The Lost and Found office is located in the arrivals area of Terminal 2.
You can check flight status via the Flight Information Display System (FIDS) throughout the airport, airline mobile apps, or the Sofia Airport website.

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