Greece

Sofia to Athens is about 800 km, a 9-hour drive. Flying is quicker; road plus rail via Thessaloniki works well with luggage. Here is how they compare.

Sofia to Halkidiki is 400 to 450 km, around 5 to 6 hours by road via Kulata and Thessaloniki. How to time the border on busy summer weekends.

For Sofia to Kavala, Kulata–Promachonas is usually faster than Ilinden–Exochi: about 315 km and 4 to 4.5 hours. Route, crossing and Thassos ferries.

Sofia to Thessaloniki is about 310 km, roughly 4 to 4.5 hours by road via Kulata. Compare coach, rail and a door-to-door transfer before you book.

Thessaloniki Airport to Bansko is about 230 km, around 3 to 3.5 hours via Kulata and the Predela pass. Is it a real alternative to Sofia for skiers?

From Thessaloniki Airport to Sofia is about 330 km, around 4.5 hours by road. When a cheap flight into Greece plus a transfer beats flying to Sofia.

Thessaloniki to Plovdiv is about 450 km whichever way you go: 5.5 to 6 hours via Sofia, or a slower mountain route via Makaza. Which to choose and…