Sofia Airport, Bulgaria’s main international air departure point is rapidly expanding to become one of the busiest in Europe. Almost five million passengers pass through it annually, and as Bulgaria grows in importance as a financial and tourist destination, that number is set to keep rising annually. 

Welcome to Tokyo, a mesmerising Asian mega-metropolis where high-tech meets antiquity with effortless grace.

The city started life as a small fishing village to become a 17th-century shogun powerhouse. Today it is Japan’s cultural, educational, commercial and governmental hub. Book a flight to Tokyo with Qatar Airways to experience a unique blend of cultural riches.

Sofia Airport, Bulgaria’s main international air departure point is rapidly expanding to become one of the busiest in Europe. Almost five million passengers pass through it annually, and as Bulgaria grows in importance as a financial and tourist destination, that number is set to keep rising annually. 

Located about 10 kilometres from the centre of Sofia, the airport provides a hassle-free experience for international travellers as well as passengers flying from Sofia with Qatar Airways. 

Transportation and parking

Drivers coming in from the centre of the city can use the Orlov Most bridge as their starting point, and then head east and follow the signs first to Hristofor Columb Boulevard, which in turn leads onto the airport. 

A car park that can accommodate up to 400 vehicles is located in front of Terminal 1, while a multi-storey car park provides a further 800 spaces. Both car parks offer short and long-term parking, and are open 24/7.

Public transport also provides links to the airport, with an extended Metro Line 1 service connecting to Terminal 2 at the airport.  while buses run regularly and journey time is approximately 30 minutes, depending on traffic conditions. 

Some of the larger hotels provide a shuttle service, and there are fleets of taxis available (although it is advisable to book a taxi in advance, especially if you are travelling to the airport early in the morning). 

At the airport

Passengers flying from Sofia with Qatar Airways depart from Terminal 2, which houses 38 check-in desks, seven air bridges and a well-organised customs and security check area that makes the check-in process a stress-free one. However, bear in mind that like all airports, security checks are very thorough, so allow around two hours before your flight is due to board to go through processing. 

A number of lounges are available for passengers in Terminal 2, including a Business and First Class private lounge that can accommodate up to 120 people.

Facilities and amenities

Facilities at the airport are excellent, particularly in Terminal 2. Free Wi-Fi is available throughout the airport, and the VIP lounge also offers a range of business facilities including faxing and photocopying services. 

There are also two additional business lounges in the terminal, with further business facilities. Banks, Bureau de Change and ATMs are dotted throughout the airport, and the food hall offers a wide choice of snacks, fast food and more substantial meals, as well as beverages. 

Duty Free shops provide the usual luxuries, while other retail outlets sell everything from travel essentials to souvenirs. Terminal 2 provides seamless accessibility as it was specifically designed with disabled passengers in mind.

While most people will constrain their visit to Narita purely to travel to and from the airport on the way to nearby Tokyo, the town itself does have plenty to offer visitors who are willing to stop and look around. Book a flight to Narita with Qatar Airways and you could discover this interesting little destination for yourself, before you head to the bright lights of Tokyo.

Charming and with plenty of traditional Japanese character, Narita is a relatively tranquil location that gives visitors a taste of the real Japan. The people are friendly and welcoming, and are happy to show tourists willing to interrupt their journey to the capital around their little town. Nearby attractions make this off-the-beaten-track location well worth exploring.

Tourist attractions

The town is known for its ancient buildings, and one of the best is the Naritasan Shinshō-ji Temple, the site of which dates back to the 10th century. Classical pagodas and tranquil gardens are complemented by a European style garden too, making it an interesting fusion of two distinctly different cultures.

To really understand a little more about Japanese culture, take a trip to Boso No Mura, a living museum dedicated to the culture of the Japanese people. It includes a reconstructed traditional Japanese street, burial mound and a samurai residence. The centre hosts festivals and events celebrating the native culture of Japan’s islands too.

The Museum of Aeronautical Science is about 15 minutes by bus from the airport, while at the northern end of the runway you’ll find a surprisingly tranquil spot, Sakura-no-Yama Hill. This is a great spot to watch the aeroplanes take off and land, and during the spring the cherry trees turn this peaceful little park into a riot of colour.


Travel Considerations

Flights to Narita with Qatar Airways land at Narita Airport, Japan’s largest international air transport hub. Visa restrictions for entry into the country will depend on your country of origin, length of stay and whether your trip is for business or pleasure. Before you fly to Narita please check the visa and passport requirements.