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Sofia Airport SOF

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Sofia Airport (SOF) Guide

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.

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.

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.

Get details about Sofia Airport parking options and rates, along with more economical off-airport parking here.

Transportation Options

When arriving at SOF, there are several ground transportation options available to get you to your destination.

Car rental facilities are located in Terminal 1 and Terminal 2, with major providers such as Avis, Europcar, and Sixt available for rental. It is recommended to book in advance to ensure availability.

Taxi services are available outside of both terminals, with designated drop-off areas located 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.

Shared ride 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 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 options include bus and metro services, with the metro station located near Terminal 2. 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.

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. For a complete list of restaurants, bars, shops, and news stands, click here.

Passenger Services

SOF Airport is the largest airport in Bulgaria, serving millions of passengers every year. The airport offers a range of services to make your travel experience as comfortable and stress-free as possible.

For those who need to stay connected, free Wi-Fi is available throughout the airport. If you have lost an item during your travels, the lost and found office is located in the arrivals area of Terminal 2.

Traveling with children? The airport has a designated play area for kids, located in the departures area of Terminal 2. Additionally, special-needs services are available to assist passengers with disabilities, including wheelchair assistance and priority boarding.

If you need to take care of banking while at the airport, there are several ATMs and currency exchange offices located throughout both terminals. And if you require medical assistance, a first aid station is available in the departures area of Terminal 2 to help with any emergencies or health-related needs.

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.

Helpful Tips

When to Arrive

When traveling through SOF Airport, it is recommended to arrive at least two hours before your scheduled departure time for domestic flights and three hours for international flights. The busiest times to avoid are typically during the morning rush hour from 6:00am to 9:00am and in the evening from 4:00pm to 7:00pm.

Getting to the Airport

The best way to get to the airport is by taxi or public transportation. Taxis are readily available and can be hailed on the street or booked in advance. The airport is also accessible by bus and metro. Bus lines 84 and 384 run regularly between the airport and the city center, while the metro provides a quick and convenient option for those coming from the outskirts of the city.

Getting Oriented

When arriving at Sofia Airport, iFly.com's interactive airport maps can be a helpful tool to get oriented. The maps provide a detailed layout of the airport terminals, gates, and amenities. They can also be accessed on mobile devices for easy navigation on the go. Additionally, the airport has information desks located throughout the terminals where staff can assist with any questions or concerns.

Avoiding Delays

To avoid delays at Sofia Airport, it is important to arrive early and be prepared for security screenings. Make sure to have all necessary documents and identification readily available and remove any items from your carry-on that may cause a delay during the screening process. It is also recommended to check the flight status before arriving at the airport to ensure there are no unexpected delays or cancellations.

Airport Facts & Stats

SOF, located in Bulgaria, is the largest airport in the country and serves as a hub for several airlines. The airport has two terminals: Terminal 1 for low-cost carriers and Terminal 2 for all other airlines.

On average, SOF Airport handles around 16,000 passengers daily with an average of 130 daily flights. The airport serves 74 destinations worldwide, with the top five being London, Vienna, Frankfurt, Munich, and Istanbul.

The airport is home to several airlines, including Bulgaria Air, Wizz Air, and Ryanair, which have the most daily flights. Other major airlines that use the airport as a hub include Lufthansa, Turkish Airlines, and Austrian Airlines.

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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