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.

👩 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 at the 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.

🚨 Attention: Most rental companies in Bulgaria require a credit card, and some charge extra for unlimited mileage. Make sure to confirm these details before booking.

🚌 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).

🚨 Important Note: At the time of writing, direct bus services were not operational. Be sure to check the Rila Monastery’s official website for updates before planning your trip.

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.

📷 Keep in mind that photography is strictly forbidden inside the church church, so you’ll have to leave your camera inside your bag when stepping into the intricately decorated space.

💰 The small bakery and restaurant behind the Monastery doesn’t accept credit cards, so keep in mind to take enough cash with you. Same for souvenir shopping. There is no nearby ATM.