Spata-Artemida to Varna (ATH–VAR) — Airlines, Schedules & Connections

Greek passport holders enter Bulgaria without a visa for unlimited stays as EU citizens. No fee, no advance application. A valid Greek national ID card or passport works for entry. Bulgaria joined the Schengen air and sea border zone in March 2024, so flights from Greece land without passport control at most airports, though land border checks remain in place until full Schengen accession.

For stays beyond 90 days, EU citizens must register with the local Migration Directorate within 3 months of arrival and obtain a certificate of residence. Bring proof of employment, self-employment, studies, or sufficient funds (no fixed threshold). Registration costs BGN 18 (about EUR 9). Healthcare is covered by the European Health Insurance Card (EHIC).

Direct flights from Athens to Sofia run about 1 hour 10 minutes. Thessaloniki to Sofia is a 3 to 4 hour drive via the E85 highway. Bulgaria uses the Bulgarian lev (BGN), pegged to the euro at 1.9558 BGN per EUR 1. Euro adoption is expected in 2025 to 2026. No vaccination requirements. Greek driving licenses are valid throughout Bulgaria.

Metro Line 3 (blue line) connects Monastiraki and Syntagma stations in central Athens to the airport in 40 minutes for €10 one-way (€18 return, valid 48 hours). Trains run every 30 minutes from roughly 05:30 to midnight. Suburban rail (Proastiakos) also serves the airport, useful from Piraeus and the northern suburbs.

Express buses (X93 to Kifissos Bus Terminal, X95 to Syntagma, X96 to Piraeus) run 24/7 for €6.20 and take 60–90 minutes depending on traffic. Taxis from the city centre are metered with a flat rate of €40 (day) or €55 (night/holidays) from the airport to downtown. Ride-shares are limited; metered taxis are the standard option.