Spending the night at the airport
Sofia Airport handles many flights and connections and is open 24 hours a day. For this reason, it is common to see many passengers waiting for their flights overnight. The place is generally safe, but it is always important to take extra precautions. Keep your belongings with you at all times and ensure your valuables are secure. Always stay aware of your belongings and surroundings.
Where to rest: Terminal 1 tends to be very busy, so it is better to rest inside Terminal 2, which is much larger and quieter, and has armrest-free seating, especially in the cafés. Even so, it is best to have a sleeping bag in case you need to lie on the floor, as the place can be cold. Another option is to use the VIP lounge for greater comfort and privacy, although it closes at night. If you are not comfortable spending the night at the airport, nearby hotels could be a more convenient alternative.
Baggage: There are no luggage storage facilities. This means you will have to stay with your bags until check-in.
Eating and drinking: Shops close at night. It is best to have snacks prepared in advance.
Wi-Fi: Free and unlimited.
Other services available around the clock: ATMs, currency exchange offices, baby care facilities, duty-free shops.
Overnight stay at the airport
Can you spend the night at Sofia airport (SOF)? Opening hours, rest areas and services for long layovers. See also the airport guide for general information.
Services and opening hours can change. If you plan to sleep in the public area, have a plan B: some airports only let passengers with a flight stay overnight.
Hotels at and near SOF
The closest hotels are located in the city centre. Among them, the following can be mentioned:
Ibis Sofia Airport Hotel (0.4 km/0.2 miles)
Premier Sofia Airport Hotel (0.9 km/0.6 miles)
Hotel Consul (2.3 km/1.4 miles)
Guest House Vrazhdebna (2.4 km/1.5 miles)
Family Hotel 007 (2.9 km/1.8 miles)
Book a hotel near SOF
See hotels near SOF on Booking.com
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Tips for a long layover
- Check whether you can leave the airport: it depends on your nationality, the visa rules of Bulgaria and whether your bags are checked through.
- If you sleep airside, you will usually need a boarding pass for a flight that day. Ask your airline before you go through security.
- A lounge with day access can be cheaper than a hotel for a few hours: see VIP lounges at SOF.
- Keep your valuables with you, set an alarm and carry a light layer: terminals are often cold at night.
- Going to a hotel in town? See transportation from SOF (10 km to Sofía), and check which services run at night.
Content written by German Giudici
Creator of the Aeropuertos del Mundo website network since 2007.