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Arbanasi is a historic village located on a plateau above Veliko Tarnovo, approximately 230 km from Sofia and 220 km from Varna. The closest major transport hub is the city of Veliko Tarnovo, 6 km away.
Option 1: Fly to Sofia Airport (SOF).
Sofia Airport is Bulgaria’s largest international airport, serving the major European and Middle East airlines, as well as the main European low-cost operators. Most international flights arrive at Terminal 2, while some low‑cost carriers use the older Terminal 1.
From Sofia, you can reach Arbanasi by:
Private Transfer
You may book a convenient private transfer from Sofia Airport directly to your hotel in Arbanasi or Veliko Tarnovo.
Our trusted transfer operator is https://truedrivers.net/en/. Registered participants will receive a promo code on request. We will try to help those interested in finding other participants who have similar schedules and are willing to share a ride.
Intercity Bus
Direct buses run frequently (journey: ~3h 30min) from Sofia Central Bus Station to Veliko Tarnovo South Station. Online tickets are available at https://union-ivkoni.com/en and https://tickets.biomet.bg/?lang=_en Tickets can also be bought at the bus stations.
From Veliko Tarnovo South Station, Arbanasi is a short taxi ride (6 km, 10–15 minutes).
Train
Trains from Sofia Central Railway Station to Veliko Tarnovo, with a transfer at Gorna Oryahovitsa (the main regional rail hub), run several times a day (journey: 5-6 hours). Trains are regularly delayed because of maintenance works. See https://www.bdz.bg/en
To reach Sofia Central Bus Station and the adjacent Sofia Central Railway Station from Sofia Airport, just take the metro (line 4) from Terminal 2 to Serdika station, and transfer to line 2 to Central Railway Station. There are shuttles and city buses running from Terminal 1 to Terminal 2 - see the airport's website. A taxi ride from the airport to the bus/railway stations should not exceed 16 euros (licensed taxis are to the right after the customs area at Terminal 2).
Rental Car
Sofia Airport has all major car rental agencies. Driving time to Arbanasi: ~3 hr 15 min via the Hemus (A2) and main regional highways.
Option 2: Fly to Varna Airport (VAR)
Varna is another (smaller) international hub on the Black Sea coast, approximately at the same distance from Arbanasi as Sofia. It might be convenient if you would like to also visit the Bulgarian seaside. From Varna, you may again use private transfer, intercity bus, train, or rent a car - see the above links.
Option 3: Fly to Bucharest Otopeni Airport (OTP)
OTP is a large and busy airport with many international connections. However, being in Romania, its connections with Veliko Tarnovo are more limited. You can use private transfers (travel time by car is apr. 4h); at certain periods there is also one train, and a few (mini)buses per day from Bucharest.
On January 1, 2026, Bulgaria became a member of the Eurozone. The euro (EUR) is now the only legal tender in the country.
ATMs are widely available in Veliko Tarnovo. Most hotels, restaurants and shops in the area accept major debit and credit cards.
The country's language is Bulgarian but many (especially young) people can speak some English. Most street and road signs are written both in the native Cyrillic and in the Latin alphabet.
Arbanasi is one of Bulgaria’s most picturesque historic villages, renowned for its well‑preserved architectural heritage: its 17th–18th century merchant houses, fortified and beautifully restored. The village is also home to several notable churches and monasteries, celebrated for their richly painted frescoes, including the Church of the Nativity, Church of Saints Archangels Michael and Gabriel, St. Nicholas Monastery.
Just a few minutes downhill by taxi lies Veliko Tarnovo, the medieval capital of Bulgaria and still one of the country’s most significant cultural destinations. Its main attraction is the Tsarevets Fortress, a restored hilltop citadel overlooking the Yantra River, featuring extensive defensive walls, towers, and panoramic views of the city. The adjacent Trapezitsa Hill contains additional archaeological remains from the same historical period and provides further perspectives on the medieval capital.
Visitors can also walk through the Samovodska Charshiya district in the old town, where traditional craft workshops, small museums, and restored merchant houses create a lively and pleasant area for short walks. Those with extra time may wish to visit nearby landmarks such as the Preobrazhenski Monastery, located north of the city, or the Roman archaeological site Nicopolis ad Istrum, a short drive away.
See more at
https://oldtownexplorer.com/arbanasi-bulgaria/
https://oldtownexplorer.com/best-things-to-do-in-veliko-tarnovo-bulgaria/