did bansko last year from plodiv . . just to say iat is 5 hours if road through mountains closed due to heavy snow but 3,5 hours normaly, bus does stop for wee break at service station on way.
We did that journey lasy year as well and it didnt stop on the way to the resort but it did on the way back at a cafe sort of thing that sold crisps,beer and some soft drinks. There were also quite a few locals with stalls of honey and other things outside. I would def say the journey was nearer 5 hrs than 3 1/2.