In short
- Guided bus tours cost €25 to €35.
- Rila Monastery courtyard is free; museum is about €4.
- Boyana Church entry is about €5.
In this article
Visiting two of Bulgaria's most famous UNESCO sites in one day is surprisingly affordable. Most visitors book a shared bus or minivan tour from Sofia, which covers the long drive. Once you arrive, you pay separate entry fees for the specific interior attractions you wish to see. Here is exactly what you will pay.
How much are Rila Monastery tour tickets?
Guided bus tours from central Sofia generally cost between €25 and €35 per person.
This base price covers your round-trip transportation and, depending on the operator, an English-speaking guide or an audio guide. The drive takes about two hours each way. Because entry fees are rarely included in the basic tour ticket, you will need to bring cash to pay for them at the door.
Is there an entrance fee for Rila Monastery?
Entering the Rila Monastery courtyard and the main church is completely free of charge.
You do not need a ticket to walk around the complex, admire the black-and-white arcades, or view the exterior frescoes of the main church. However, the Monastery History Museum does require a ticket. It costs about €4 (about €4) for adults. This is where you can see the famous Rafail's Cross. Climbing Hrelyo's Tower costs approximately 2.50 EUR.
How much does it cost to enter Boyana Church?
The entry ticket for Boyana Church is about €5 (about €5) for adults.
You pay this fee at the ticket desk when you arrive. Because the church is small and the 13th-century frescoes are fragile, interior access is strictly limited. Only 8 to 9 people are allowed inside at a time, for exactly 10 minutes. If you book a guided tour, make sure you choose an option that specifically includes the Boyana Church interior visit, as standard transport tiers sometimes only include an exterior garden visit.
Should I bring cash?
Yes, you should bring euros (Bulgaria switched from the euro to the euro in January 2026) for your entry fees and snacks.
While you can book your main tour ticket online with a card, the local entrance fees at the museums often require cash. You will also want cash to buy fresh mekitsi (fried dough) from the monastery bakery or to leave a small tip for your guide.
Summary of costs for the day trip
Expect to pay around €34 to €44 total for the tour and all main entry fees.
Here is a quick breakdown of what a typical visitor spends on a shared bus tour, assuming they visit the interiors of both UNESCO sites.
Questions travellers ask
Can I buy Boyana Church tickets in advance?
If you are traveling independently, it is a good idea to book ahead, as access is strictly limited to 10 minutes per small group. If you book a guided tour that includes Boyana Church, the tour operator usually coordinates this access for you.
Are there any hidden costs on the tours?
There are no hidden costs, but standard €25-€35 tour tickets exclude entry fees and food. You must pay for the Boyana Church entry (about €5) and the Rila Monastery museum (about €4) separately if you choose to go inside.
Is the Rila Monastery dress code strictly enforced?
Yes. Both men and women must wear modest clothing that covers shoulders and knees. If you do not meet the dress code, you will be denied entry to the main church.
