Rila Monastery Day Trip from Sofia: How to Get There & What to See

If you’ve just arrived in Bulgaria’s capital, Sofia, and are seeking an unforgettable day trip, the Rila Monastery should top your list! Here’s how you can explore this stunning site, nestled in the Rila Mountains, and tailor the trip to suit your pace:
Option 1: Guided Tour: A guided tour is the easiest way to visit Rila Monastery. There are many options available on platforms like GetYourGuide, offering different combinations.
Option 2: Rent a car for flexibility and independence.
Option 3: Public transport is possible, but I wouldn’t recommend it.

👩 Guided Tour

Rila Monastery + 7 Rila Lakes Hike: This is perfect for mountain lovers. Start at 7 am for a 2-hour drive to the lakes, where you’ll have 5 hours to explore before continuing 90 minutes to the monastery. After spending 90 minutes there, you’ll head back to Sofia, making it a 12-hour day with about 5.5 hours spent on the bus.

Rila Monastery + Boyana Church: If you’d prefer a shorter trip or aren’t keen on hiking, this 8-hour option departs at 9 am and allows you 2 hours to enjoy the monastery and then the church before returning to Sofia around 5 pm. Check out my separate article for more details centered on a day trip to Boyana Church.

Other tour options include visits to St. Ivan’s Cave, outdoor mineral spas, or even Plovdiv, though this makes for a much longer 13-hour day.

📝 Car Rental

Renting a car provides the freedom to explore at your own pace. In October, car rentals were available from as little as €10 per day at the Sofia airport, making it an affordable option.

🚌 Public Transport

For the adventurous traveler, public transport is an option, but it requires some planning. Buses from Sofia depart at 10:20 am, arriving at the monastery by 1:00 pm. Return trips leave at either 3:00 pm or 3:30 pm, depending on the season. One-way tickets cost around 11 BGN (€5.5).

⛪ Visiting Rila Monastery

🎫 The entrance to the monastery complex is free, allowing you to explore the courtyards and admire the stunning frescoes outside.

The Monastery of Saint John of Rila, or Rila Monastery, is Bulgaria’s largest and most renowned Eastern Orthodox monastery. Nestled in the Rila Mountains, 117 km south of Sofia, this spiritual haven sits at an elevation of 1,147 meters. Founded by Saint Ivan of Rila in the 10th century, it houses about 60 monks today.

With 300 chambers, the monastery also offers overnight stays, allowing early risers to capture the serene beauty of the complex without crowds. Prices start from 20 BGN (€10) for rooms with shared bathrooms and 30 BGN (€15) for en-suite options. Check the monastery’s website for current rates. Access to the upper floors is restricted to guests staying overnight at the monastery, offering them a unique opportunity to experience this sacred place more intimately.

💰 The small bakery and restaurant behind the Monastery don’t accept credit cards, so remember to bring enough cash with you. The same applies to souvenir shopping. There is no nearby ATM.

❓ FAQ: Rila Monastery Day Trip

Is Rila Monastery worth visiting from Sofia?

Yes. Rila Monastery is one of the most rewarding day trips from Sofia, especially if you want to see one of Bulgaria’s most important historic and religious sites while also spending time in the Rila Mountains.

How far is Rila Monastery from Sofia?

Rila Monastery is roughly 117 km south of Sofia. Driving usually makes it the easiest independent day trip because you can choose your own departure time and combine the monastery with another stop.

Can you get to Rila Monastery from Sofia by public transport?

Public transport has historically been possible, but services can change or stop operating. Check the monastery’s current transport information before relying on a direct bus. If the service does not work for your dates, a guided transfer or rental car is much easier.

How much time do you need at Rila Monastery?

I would allow around 1.5–2 hours for a first visit. That gives you time for the courtyard, church and frescoes without rushing, while still making it practical as a day trip from Sofia.

Is Rila Monastery free to visit?

Entry to the main monastery complex and church is free. Some additional areas or museum attractions may have separate admission fees.

Can you take photos inside Rila Monastery?

You can photograph the monastery complex and its spectacular exterior frescoes, but photography is not allowed inside the main church.

Can you combine Rila Monastery with the Seven Rila Lakes?

Yes, but it makes for a very long day. Organized tours combine the Seven Rila Lakes hike with Rila Monastery, while independent travelers should plan carefully because of the driving time between the two areas.

Do you need cash at Rila Monastery?

I recommend bringing some Bulgarian cash. During my visit, the small bakery, restaurant and souvenir shopping around the monastery did not accept cards, and there was no nearby ATM.