Flying from Sofia Airport (SOF) to Melbourne: what you need to know
Sofia Airport is located in Sofia. Following the UTC+11 timezone, Melbourne is nine hours ahead of Sofia.
For a relaxed start to your SOF to Melbourne flight, allow plenty of time to navigate the airport and find your gate. Turning up two hours before international departures and one hour before domestic flights is the general travel rule.
Longer lines at check-in and security are more likely if you're travelling during high season, so allow a bit more breathing room. A good rule for peak periods? Get there up to four hours ahead for international flights and at least two hours for domestic departures.
Stopovers offer the opportunity to explore a new city or just have a break during your journey. When booking your flight ticket from SOF to Melbourne, uncheck 'Direct flights only' to browse all potential stops. Dubai Airport (DXB) is one option.
Travelling from central Sofia to SOF takes about 35 minutes on public transport. If you drive, ride-share or grab a cab, you'll cover the 6 kilometres in 15 minutes or so, depending on traffic.
Want a relaxed start to your trip? Stay near SOF. Whether you've booked an early flight from Sofia Airport to Melbourne or don't want departure day to feel hectic, these hotels put convenience first:
When it comes to Sofia Airport's on-time performance, 66.73% of flights arrive within the scheduled time frame.
How to find the cheapest flights from Sofia Airport (SOF) to Melbourne
R 7,569 is the cheapest price we've seen for a one-way Sofia Airport to Melbourne flight. A round-trip ticket right now is R 19,124. Depending on when you book and the availability, these fares can change.
To pick up cheap flights from SOF to Melbourne, book in advance. Airlines typically offer lower fares when tickets first go on sale.
Scoring cheap tickets from Sofia Airport to Melbourne is easier if you're flexible with your trip dates. Try using the 'Whole month' search tool to get the best prices across the month and walk away with an awesome deal.
Save time searching for cheap flights from SOF to Melbourne by setting up a Price Alert. You'll get an email or notification on the app when a new low fare is offered.
Tailor your flights with filters. Choose your ideal departure and arrival times, total journey duration and airlines. You can also sort your results by 'Cheapest,' 'Fastest' or 'Best' flights from Sofia Airport to Melbourne.
Airports in Melbourne
Melbourne Tullamarine Airport (MEL)
Melbourne Tullamarine Airport (MEL) is around 24 kilometres from central Melbourne. If you're getting a cab or a ride-share, the drive will take roughly 30 minutes.
Travelling to the centre by public transport takes around 40 minutes.
If you're coming in on a late flight from Sofia Airport to Melbourne, few things beat the convenience of staying near the terminal. Grab your suitcases from the carousel and then be showered and resting soon after at one of these accommodation options near MEL:
Pick up a Melbourne Tullamarine Airport rental car and discover Melbourne and beyond with your own wheels. Bargain Car Rentals, East Coast and Sixt are well-known companies to choose from here.
Lock in the best rate by reserving your vehicle from Melbourne Tullamarine Airport around four weeks before your flight from SOF to Melbourne.
Avalon Airport (AVV)
Avalon Airport (AVV) is about 56 kilometres from the centre of Melbourne. Following your flight from Sofia Airport to Melbourne, it'll take you around 50 minutes to reach the heart of the city in a cab or ride-share.
You can expect the journey to take roughly 2 hours 5 minutes on public transport.
Relax and unpack not long after your SOF to Melbourne flight at Corio Bay Motel. This comfortable accommodation option is a short drive from AVV.
The fastest way to get to where you're going is with an Avalon Airport rental car. Collect your wheels from Sixt, Kangaroo Rental or yesaway car hire and be on your way in a flash.
Lock in the lowest price by securing your ride from AVV three weeks ahead of time. You'll also have access to a wider range of vehicles.
Essendon Airport (MEB)
Essendon Airport (MEB) is about 19 kilometres from the centre of Melbourne. It'll take you about 25 minutes to reach the city centre in a ride-share or cab once you've hopped off your flight from Sofia Airport to Melbourne.
If you're travelling on public transport, the journey will take you about 1 hour 15 minutes.
Enjoy a low-stress, comfortable start to your break by checking in to a hotel near MEB after your SOF to Melbourne flight. Rest up after a long day of travel or just take a moment to get your bearings in a new destination at:
Begin your trip without worrying about how to get to your next stop with an Essendon Airport rental car. You can book with trusted names here like East Coast, Ace Rental Cars and Goldcar.
If you're hoping for a specific kind of vehicle, booking early gives you a better shot at getting exactly what you want. Reserve your ride from MEB a few weeks ahead of your flight from Sofia Airport to Melbourne.
Best time to go to Melbourne
Before securing your flights from Sofia Airport to Melbourne, consider which time of year is best for you. High season in Melbourne offers a bustling atmosphere and plenty of activities, while the low season means you'll get cheaper hotel rates and smaller crowds.
Lock in a Sofia Airport to Melbourne flight ticket with a departure in January to experience the city during its warmest month. Expect temperatures to range from 12ºC (54ºF) to 29ºC (84ºF).
Search for cheap tickets from SOF to Melbourne in July if you'd rather travel during cooler conditions. Temperatures are at their lowest then, ranging between 4ºC (39ºF) and 13ºC (55ºF) on average.
More about Melbourne
Once you've booked your flight from Sofia Airport to Melbourne, choose a hotel that puts you where you want to be. Make one of these options your base for exploring Melbourne:
National Gallery of Victoria and Federation Square are just two of the major attractions to put on your Melbourne itinerary. Keep the sightseeing going at Eureka Skydeck 88.
Explore more of Australia
Canberra is just one of the many cities in Australia waiting to be discovered after you've experienced Melbourne. Around 467 kilometres away to the north-east, its best attractions include Australian War Memorial, National Gallery of Australia and Parliament House.
Around 451 kilometres south-east of Melbourne, Launceston is another essential stop in Australia. Start your sightseeing at City Park, Tamar Island Wetlands and James Boag Brewery Experience.