โฐ Minimum Connection Times
Domestic โ Domestic
35
minutes
Domestic โ International
65
minutes
International โ Domestic
65
minutes
International โ International
80
minutes
Interline Connections
105
minutes
๐ข Terminal Information
Sofia Airport operates two main terminals connected by a dedicated shuttle bus service. Terminal 1 primarily handles low-cost and charter carriers, while Terminal 2 serves as the main hub for scheduled airlines including Bulgaria Air and most international carriers. Both terminals share the same landside parking and transport infrastructure but require a shuttle transfer for passengers moving between them, which typically takes 5-7 minutes plus waiting time.
Terminal 2 features a modern layout with check-in counters on the ground level and departures on the upper floor. After check-in, passengers proceed through centralized security screening, which typically takes 10-20 minutes during peak periods. The security checkpoint leads to a single departures hall that serves both Schengen and non-Schengen flights, with passport control positioned at the entrance to non-Schengen gates. EU/EEA passengers can use automated e-gates for faster processing.
Walking distances within Terminal 2 are manageable โ most gates are within 5-10 minutes of security, with the furthest gates taking up to 12 minutes. Moving walkways assist passengers along the main concourse. Terminal 1 is smaller and more compact, with shorter walking times but fewer amenities. Immigration for international arrivals occurs before baggage claim, with customs inspection following standard green/red channel procedures.
Amenities in Terminal 2 include duty-free shops, local souvenir stores, cafes, and restaurants serving Bulgarian and international cuisine. The Business Lounge near Gate 6 offers comfortable seating and refreshments for eligible passengers. Terminal 1 has more limited dining and retail options but covers essentials. Free Wi-Fi is available throughout both terminals, with charging stations located near gate areas. The airport provides accessibility services including wheelchair assistance, accessible restrooms, and dedicated parking spaces.
๐ Connection Tips
Interโterminal transfers require time; passport control for NonโSchengen.
โฐ Minimum Connection Times
Domestic โ Domestic
40
minutes
Domestic โ International
75
minutes
International โ Domestic
75
minutes
International โ International
90
minutes
Interline Connections
120
minutes
๐ข Terminal Information
Burgas Airport (BOJ), also known as Sarafovo Airport, is Bulgaria's second-busiest aviation hub and serves as the primary gateway to the country's southern Black Sea coast. Located approximately ten kilometers northeast of Burgas city center near the Sarafovo neighborhood, the airport is a critical piece of infrastructure for the regional tourism industry, connecting international tourists to world-renowned resorts such as Sunny Beach, Nessebar, and Sozopol while maintaining steady year-round operations.
The airport operates from the modern Terminal 2, which was completed and opened in December 2013, replacing the older seasonal facilities built in the 1950s and expanded in the early 1990s. The contemporary terminal building is designed for high-capacity passenger flow with intuitive navigation, featuring 31 check-in counters, three boarding-card checkpoints, nine security lanes, and eight departure gates. The facility includes 12 immigration stations specifically configured to manage the transition between Schengen and non-Schengen destinations, particularly important following Bulgaria's entry into the Schengen Area by air in March 2024.
The airport's single runway measures 3,200 meters (10,500 feet) in length, capable of handling wide-body aircraft and accommodating the intense seasonal traffic that peaks during summer months. Recent infrastructure improvements completed in 2016 included comprehensive rehabilitation of 3,500 square meters of taxiway surfaces and modernization of the airfield lighting and approach systems, representing an investment of over BGN 12 million by Fraport Twin Star Airport Management.
Terminal amenities span 800 square meters dedicated to shopping and 1,220 square meters for food and beverage services, along with a 550 square meter outdoor courtyard. The facility provides four baggage carousels including one 120-meter long carousel and three 70-meter carousels, free Wi-Fi throughout the terminal, ATMs, currency exchange services, and a VIP lounge located airside near Gate 1. Accessibility features include reserved parking spaces, adapted restrooms, wheelchair provision, comprehensive ramp access, and specialized lifts for aircraft transfers.
๐ Connection Tips
Connecting at Burgas Airport (BOJ) has been significantly transformed following Bulgaria's entry into the Schengen Area by air in March 2024. The airport operates from the modern Terminal 2, where flights are now functionally divided: if you are connecting to or from a Schengen country (e.g., Germany, Poland, or Austria), you will no longer pass through passport control, making the transition much faster. However, travelers on Non-Schengen routes, such as those from the UK or Ireland, must still clear full immigration. Because BOJ is primarily a point-to-point hub for holiday charters and low-cost carriers like Ryanair and Wizz Air, most 'connections' are self-transfers that require you to collect luggage and check in again at the main hall.
A key logistical tip for travelers is the coordination of ground transport to the Black Sea resorts. For a budget-friendly connection to Burgas city center, Bus 15 departs every 20-30 minutes from just outside the terminal and reaches the South Bus Station (Avtogara Yug) in about 20 minutes. If your destination is Sunny Beach or Nessebar, you can walk 5 minutes to the 'Circle' bus stop for the M-Bus regional service, which is much cheaper than a taxi. If you prefer a taxi, use only the official stand located directly at the arrivals exit; avoid independent drivers inside the terminal. A standard fare to Sunny Beach should be approximately 60-80 BGN.
Inside the terminal, the Burgas Airport Lounge near Gate 1 offers a quiet space for Schengen passengers, though it is often inaccessible to those on Non-Schengen flights after they clear passport control. During the peak summer season (June to September), the airport handles intense traffic, so it is highly recommended to arrive at least 2.5 hours before departure to navigate potential security bottlenecks.
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