# Distance from Niigata (KIJ) to Sofia (SOF)

> 8,946 km · estimated flight time 12h · Long-haul route.

## Summary

- **Distance**: 8,946 km / 5,559 mi / 4,831 nm
- **Estimated flight time**: 12h
- **Heading**: 318° (northwest)
- **Return heading**: 46° (northeast)
- **Classification**: Long-haul
- **Type**: International (Japan) → Bulgaria
- **Intercontinental**: Asia → Europe
- **Time difference**: -6h (When it's 17:02 in Niigata, it's 11:02 in Sofia)
- **Elevation difference**: 1,713 ft (SOF is higher than KIJ)

## Airports

### [Niigata Airport (KIJ)](https://www.flightduration.online/airport/kij-niigata-niigata-airport/1ef266df-8c92-60de-b051-06bb2780ed98)

- City: Niigata, Japan
- ICAO: RJSN
- Timezone: Asia/Tokyo
- Coordinates: 37.960000, 139.120000
- Elevation: 29 ft

### [Sofia Airport (SOF)](https://www.flightduration.online/airport/sof-sofia-sofia-airport/1ef266df-436b-611c-bff1-06bb2780ed98)

- City: Sofia, Bulgaria
- ICAO: LBSF
- Timezone: Europe/Sofia
- Coordinates: 42.700000, 23.410000
- Elevation: 1,742 ft

## Route notes

This is a long-haul route typically operated by wide-body aircraft such as the Boeing 777 or Airbus A350. Full meal service, in-flight entertainment, and comfort amenities are standard.

Time-zone information: When it's 17:02 in Niigata, it's 11:02 in Sofia.
With a 6-hour time difference, expect significant jet lag.

## Related

- [Niigata Airport (KIJ)](https://www.flightduration.online/airport/kij-niigata-niigata-airport/1ef266df-8c92-60de-b051-06bb2780ed98)
- [Sofia Airport (SOF)](https://www.flightduration.online/airport/sof-sofia-sofia-airport/1ef266df-436b-611c-bff1-06bb2780ed98)
- [Flight duration calculator](/#calculator)