How to get to Varna: airport, trains, buses and cruise ships
Getting to Varna: the airport (VAR) is about 10 km from the centre, with bus 409; trains from Sofia take just under 8 hours; cruise ships dock centrally.
Most international visitors reach Varna by air: Varna Airport (VAR) lies about 10 km west of the centre (Wikipedia) and is linked to it by city bus line 409. You can also arrive by train or coach from Sofia and other Bulgarian cities, by car from Romania or Turkey, or on a cruise ship docking right next to the centre.
By air: Varna Airport (VAR)
| Codes | IATA VAR, ICAO LBWN |
| Location | about 10 km from the centre, near Aksakovo |
| Operator | Fraport Twin Star Airport Management |
| Runway | 2,517 m |
| Passengers | 1,865,319 in 2025 |
Traffic is strongly seasonal, with many more flights in summer. Bus 409 runs between the airport and the centre (about 20 minutes, Cathedral stop) and on to Golden Sands (about 50 minutes from the airport (Visit Varna)). Taxis wait outside the terminal.
By train
Varna’s central railway station is in the centre, next to the port. Bulgarian State Railways (BDZ) runs direct trains from Sofia: the fastest take just under 8 hours, and overnight trains with sleeping cars are also available. Timetables and tickets: razpisanie.bdz.bg. To compare train, bus and plane, see our Varna–Sofia guide.
By bus
Varna has two bus terminals with domestic coaches to Sofia and other cities and international routes. Within the city, two operators run buses and trolleybuses.
By sea: cruise ships
The Port of Varna is Bulgaria’s largest port. Its passenger terminal, at the north-east end of the East Port, has a three-storey building with shops and cafés and berths for ships up to 300 m long (MedCruise). From the quay you can walk to the Sea Garden and the old town.
By car
Driving from Romania or Turkey? See our guide to driving to Varna.
Once you are here, start with Varna at a glance.
Flying in? Our Varna Airport guide covers bus 409, taxis, parking and car hire.
Sources
Frequently asked questions
How do I get from Varna Airport to the city centre?
Take city bus line 409, about 20 minutes to the centre, or a taxi. The airport is about 10 km from the city.
How long is the train from Sofia to Varna?
The fastest direct trains take just under 8 hours; there is also an overnight train. Check times on the BDZ timetable.
Do cruise ships stop in Varna?
Yes. The Port of Varna has a passenger terminal at the north-east end of its East Port, a short walk from the centre.
