How to Visit Rila Monastery from Sofia in a Day
The spectacular, yet tranquil, Rila Monastery is probably one of the most popular tourist sites in Bulgaria. Located less than 200km from the capital, Sofia, it is a fabulous day trip. Despite being so popular, it is not particularly easy to get to. In this post, we have provided options for travel from Sofia and a detailed guide about how to visit Rila Monastery from Sofia in a day. As usual, we have included out helpful tips and some useful local knowledge.
What is Rila Monastery
Rila Monestary dates back to the 10th century and is still a fully functioning religious site. It sits 1,147m up in the Rila Mountains, providing a truly spectacular backdrop. St John of Rila is thought to be the creator of the Monastery. The Rila Monastery is one of Bulgaria’s most important cultural sites.
Where Is It?
This incredible complex sits in the southwestern Rila Mountains. It is only 117 km (73 mi) south of Bulagaira’s capital city, Sofia, and west of Plovdiv, in the spectacular and peaceful valley of the Rilska River (“Rila River”)
Why Visit Rila Monastery
We initially thought that it seemed like an awful lot of effort to visit another religious site. After deciding to give it a go, we realised we couldn’t have been more wrong.
Not only is this a historic, yet functioning, religious site it is also an incredible place to visit for those of all faiths and none. There is something there for everyone. We thoroughly enjoyed the peaceful and beautiful surroundings, as well as the unusual architecture of the buildings.
Combining it with a hike to the Rila lakes really made a perfect day out of the city and we would recommend making the extra effort to visit, if you have some extra time in Bulgaria.
How to Get to Rila Monastery from Sofia
There are a few different ways to visit Rila Monastery from Sofia in one day. We have outlined them below and included various public transport options as well.
How to Visit Rila Monastery from Sofia – By Car
Visiting Rila Monastery by car is probably one of the easier options. The drive from Sofia takes less than 2 hours and most of the route is on the A3 Sofia- Kulata highway. There is parking when you arrive at the Monastery, however, it is not free and you will need cash. When we last visited it was 5Lev but we’d recommend bringing more in case it has increased.
Keep in mind, the road signs in Bulgaria are in the Cyrillic alphabet and then in English below. If you decide to rent a car in Bulgaria, please consider taking out the full insurance as drivers in the Balkans have their own unique style…
Remember to plan your journey in advance as there are many smaller roads that can be quite tricky. A 4×4 is recommended if you plan to drive in rural locations. Most roads are generally in very good condition. However, it’s good to keep in mind if you explore more rural areas.
Renting a car will provide a lot more freedom and independence and make it easier to stop at any other points of interest.
How to Visit Rila Monastery from Sofia – By Bus
If you don’t have a car, or don’t fancy driving, there are a few other options to visit Rila Monastery from Sofia. There are local buses that can take you there but they only depart once per day from the Bus and Coach Station Zapad – Ovcha Kupel at 10:20 and arrives at 13:00.
The return bus leaves RIla Monastery at 15:00 and arrives back in Sofia at around 17:30. This will give you 2 hours in the Monastery which should be enough time. However, make sure you don’t miss the return bus!
For both legs of the journey, you will pay a total of 22lev (about €11.50)
How to Visit Rila Monastery from Sofia – By Tour
Taking an organised tour from Sofia to Rila Monastery is a great idea if you are tight on time. All travel is organised for you and most options include a guide. Some tour options even include other nearby stops such as the Rila 7 Lakes hike. We did this and would highly recommend it. Check some tour options HERE.
How to Visit Rila Monastery from Sofia – By Shuttle Bus
There is a shuttle bus from Sofia to Rila Monestary that departs daily. It leaves from the St. Alexander Nevski Cathedral and in front of La Cattedrale restaurant at 10:00 and arrives by 12:00, depending on traffic. The shuttle returns from Rila Monesary to Sofia, leaving at 15:00 and arriving by around 17:00.
Tickets vary in price and are more expensive than local buses – often around €20 per person. However, it is possibly a bit more convenient and you get a guided tour of the Monastery. You can book in advance HERE.
How Much Time Will You Need to Visit Rila Monastery
The Rila Monastery is probably one of the most beautiful and tranquil places we have visited in Bulgaria. To really absorb the atmosphere and serenity, we would suggest two hours. This will also give you time to explore some of the other sights the area has to offer. More on that later…
Rila Monastery Opening Times
When working out exactly how to visit Rila Monastery from Sofia, knowing the opening times really is a must!
- The Rila Monastery complex and church are open to tourists from 07:00 to 19:30 every day.
- The Rila Monastery history museum is open every day from 08:30 to 19:30.
- The Rila Monastery Ethnographic Museum, Tower of Hrelio, Bulgarian Renaissance guestrooms, and Monastery farm are open every day from 08:30 to 17:00.
What is the Entrance Fee for Rila Monastery
You will also need to know entrance fees for your visit to Rila Monastery. Entry to the grounds in free and you can walk around and explore. If you want to visit the history museum, it will cost 8Lev (€4) and the tower of Hrelio, Ethnografic museum, Bulgarian renaissance guestrooms and Monastery farm will cost 5Lev (€2.50)
How to Visit Rila Monastery – What to Pack
Here’s a super easy packing list for your visit to Rila Monastery. This will help make sure you don’t forget any of the essentials.
- A jacket or jumper ( it’s cooler in the mountains)
- Sunscreen
- Sunglasses
- A good book for the journey
- Hat
- A scarf – ladies must cover up when entering the church
- Cell phone.
- power bank and charger
- Adaptor (European)
- Cash – Bulgarian Lev
- Map downloaded on phone (especially if you’re going exploring)
- Walking boots or comfy shoes
- Day backpack
- Decent camera (or phone) with plenty of space for pictures of the spectacular scenery
What Else to See in the Area?
A visit to Rila Monastery from Sofia is a great idea! However, if you have some more time in the area we would strongly suggest you explore it some more. In one day it is possible to see the Monastery and another of the following beautiful locations – Ivan Rilski Cave, the Stob Earth Pyramids and Rila 7 Lakes.
We combined a visit to the Monastery with a hike to the Rila 7 Lakes. It was a very long day but so worth the effort!
Some Practical Tips for Your Visit to Rila Monastery
No Smoking is allowed on the grounds of the Monastery. You cannot take videos or photos inside the church or museum and you must be silent while inside. This is because it is still a functioning religious sight.
Short skirts and shorts are not allowed. We would also not recommend sleeveless shirts and women might want to bring a scarf/shawl to cover shoulders. As it is in the mountains, the temperature is a little cooler anyway so this is just all round good advice!
There are a few small shops and places to eat and get snacks at the monastery. We had the Monastery bread and it was delicious! There is also a bathroom on site.
Some More General Tips
The local Currency is Bulgarian LEV. 1 LEV equals about €0.50. We would recommend having some cash in case card is not accepted.
The Bulgarian Language
Bulgarian is the official language spoken throughout the country. It is a south Slavic language which is often difficult for English speakers. Here are a few phrases for you to try out.
Hello – Здравейте. (zdrah-VEY-teh)
Please – Моля. (moh-LYAH)
Thank you – Благодаря. (blah-goh-DAH-ryah)
Yes –Да. (dah)
No – Не. (neh)
Goodbye – Довиждане. (doh-VEEZH-dah-neh)
Where to go Next
Ready for another Balkan adventure? If you have more time in Sofia, check out these off the beaten track locations.
Final note: Things change in the Balkans all the time and there is not much information online in English. We would definitely advise checking with a local where possible. We found people to be really friendly and super helpful.
Have you visited Rila Monastery or Bulgaria? Are you planning a trip and need more information? Drop a comment in the box, we’d love to hear from you!
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How to Visit Rila Monastery
Hey, thanks for leaving a comment! I would certainly recommend visiting the 7 Rila lakes, as well as the monastery. It is a full on day but very worth it. We didn’t feel too rushed and even found we had quite a lot of time at the monastery. The chairlift is an extra 25 lev but it is a long way and it saves A LOT of hiking. If you take the route suggested by the guide, you will see some really spectacular scenery. There is a chance there will still be some snow as it is pretty high. All the lakes should be defrosted by now and certainly towards the end of May. Always best to check the forecast before you set off. We hiked through a bit of ice but it was perfectly pleasant, even with just regular trail shoes. I would say it was probably our best day in Sofia! Enjoy 🙂
Thanks for a great guide. I am heading to Sofia in a few days and is thinking about doing a similar trip to Rila monastery and 7 lakes, but I have been told it usually very snowy up there and that u have too little time when u do the combined trip. What do u think? And are u paying 25 lev each way for the lift? Hope u have some tips 🙂
I’m gutted I didn’t have time to head out here when I was in Sofia a few years ago, it looks stunning!