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The cheapest and fastest buses from Istanbul to Sofia
Showing times and prices for May 17
Cheapest price
€30
Average price
€32
Fastest journey
8 h
Average duration
8 h 38 m
Buses per day
5
Distance
502 km
Cheap tickets
The best way to find a cheap bus ticket from Istanbul to Sofia is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid traveling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Istanbul to Sofia will cost around €32 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only €30.
Fast buses
Of the 5 buses that leave Istanbul for Sofia on Sun, May 17, 5 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.
On Sun, May 17 the direct buses cover the 502 km distance in an average of 8 h 38 m but if you time it right, some buses will get you there in just 8 h .
On Sun, May 17 the slowest buses will take 9 h 31 m and usually involve a change or two along the way, but you might be able to save a few pennies if you’re on a budget.
69656448:00 PM9h31Istanbul, Buyuk Otogar (Esenler)5:31 AMSofia (София)€301One-way0 transfers
695925711:30 PM8h10Istanbul, Buyuk Otogar (Esenler)7:40 AMSofia (София)€311One-way0 transfers- 02:00 PM8h00Istanbul, Buyuk Otogar (Esenler)10:00 PMSofia (София)€321One-way0 transfers
FlixBus11:00 AM8h30Istanbul, Buyuk Otogar (Esenler)7:30 PMСофия, Централна Aвтогара 2 (Sofia, Centralna Avtogara 2)€341One-way0 transfers- FlixBus11:00 PM9h00Istanbul, Buyuk Otogar (Esenler)8:00 AMСофия, Централна Aвтогара 2 (Sofia, Centralna Avtogara 2)€341One-way0 transfers
- 02:00 PM8h00Istanbul, Buyuk Otogar (Esenler)10:00 PMSofia (София)€321One-way0 transfers
- 695925711:30 PM8h10Istanbul, Buyuk Otogar (Esenler)7:40 AMSofia (София)€311One-way0 transfers
- FlixBus11:00 AM8h30Istanbul, Buyuk Otogar (Esenler)7:30 PMСофия, Централна Aвтогара 2 (Sofia, Centralna Avtogara 2)€341One-way0 transfers
- FlixBus11:00 PM9h00Istanbul, Buyuk Otogar (Esenler)8:00 AMСофия, Централна Aвтогара 2 (Sofia, Centralna Avtogara 2)€341One-way0 transfers
- 69656448:00 PM9h31Istanbul, Buyuk Otogar (Esenler)5:31 AMSofia (София)€301One-way0 transfers
Travel Information
Compare bus and flight for Istanbul to Sofia
Omio recommends booking the bus as it is the most popular option from Istanbul to Sofia among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the bus with prices starting from €30. For those with little time consider booking a flight which can get you there in 4h 40m. In case you are seeking to minimise your carbon footprint the bus is your best bet as it emits only 0.5 - 1.3kg. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of €30, and a flight costs an average of €54.
Distance: 502 km
Compare bus with
Most popular Bus | Flight |
|---|---|
€33 Average price Cheapest | €213 Average price |
7h 42m Average total duration 7h 12m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 7h 40m Average total duration Fastest 4h 40m Onboard + 3h 0m Additional time* |
0.5 - 1.3kg CO2 emissions Lowest | 1.5 - 3.0kg CO2 emissions |
Most popular bus company |  Most popular airline |
Direct Options | Direct Options |
Additional time: Average total travel duration to departure point, security checks and transfers.
Live departures
Istanbul to Sofia bus times
The table below shows live departures for Istanbul to Sofia buses for today, Saturday, May 16. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated bus journeys.
Last updated at
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| FlixBus | 11:00 PM Istanbul, Buyuk Otogar (Esenler) | 9h00 | 8:00 AM София, Централна Aвтогара 2 (Sofia, Centralna Avtogara 2) | 0 transfersDirect | |
| 6724383 | 11:30 PM Istanbul, Buyuk Otogar (Esenler) | 8h10 | 7:40 AM Sofia (София) | 0 transfersDirect | |
| Sunday, May 17 | |||||
| FlixBus | 11:00 AM Istanbul, Buyuk Otogar (Esenler) | 8h30 | 7:30 PM София, Централна Aвтогара 2 (Sofia, Centralna Avtogara 2) | 0 transfersDirect | |
| 0 | 2:00 PM Istanbul, Buyuk Otogar (Esenler) | 8h00 | 10:00 PM Sofia (София) | 0 transfersDirect | |
| 6965644 | 8:00 PM Istanbul, Buyuk Otogar (Esenler) | 9h31 | 5:31 AM Sofia (София) | 0 transfersDirect | |
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare prices and tickets Istanbul to Sofia by bus or flight
Compare bus and flight prices over the next three weeks. See the best deals at a glance, find the lowest fares, and choose the option that fits your budget.
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Why should you book Istanbul to Sofia buses with Omio?
FlixBus as well as ArdaTur, City Lines, Infobus, Citylines and more offer buses services from Istanbul to Sofia.
Omio is an official ticket reseller for all your travel options from Istanbul to Sofia.
Why book with Omio vs FlixBus?
- Compare with other providers: On Omio, you can not only buy tickets for FlixBus, but also compare tickets for the likes of ArdaTur, City Lines, Infobus or Citylines to find the best option for your trip from Istanbul to Sofia.
- Designed for International Travelers: Omio is in your language including 24/7 customer service and offers multiple payment options, including PayPal, credit cards, and bank transfer, in your preferred currency.
- Compare all your options: Omio allows you to compare FlixBus with all available travel options, which are bus and flight to ensure you get the best deal for traveling from Istanbul to Sofia.
Why book with Omio over Wanderu, Trainline or Busbud?
- Multiple modes of transport: Omio allows you to compare travel options including bus and flight to find the ideal travel option from Istanbul to Sofia.
Journey information
Overview: Bus from Istanbul to Sofia
Turkey
Bulgaria
Buses from Istanbul to Sofia run on average 5 times per day, taking around 7h 12m. Cheap bus tickets for this journey start at €30 if you book in advance.
There are 5 buses per day. The earliest bus runs at 00:20, the last at 23:30. The fastest bus covers the 502 km distance in 8h 10m.
Fares are the lowest economy prices found on Omio. Early booking often means lower prices. Prices change daily and are subject to availability. Discount cards, coach trips, and booking fees are not included.
Price information
Distance 502 km |
Average bus duration 7h 12m |
Cheapest ticket price €30 |
Buses per day 5 |
Direct buses 5 |
Fastest bus 8h 10m |
First bus 12:20 AM |
Last bus 11:30 PM |
Cheapest Month Sep |
Cheapest Day Sat |
High Season Jul - Sep |
Low Season Oct - Dec |
Busiest Day Mon |
Least Busy Day Fri |
Best time to book 49 days |
Fares are the lowest economy prices found on Omio. Early booking often means lower prices. Prices change daily and are subject to availability. Discount cards, coach trips, and booking fees are not included.
Price information
Bus providers: FlixBus, ArdaTur, City Lines, Infobus, Citylines, Luks Yonca, Alpar Turizm, Kamil Koc from Istanbul to SofiaYou can travel by bus between Istanbul to Sofia with FlixBus, ArdaTur, City Lines, Infobus, Citylines, Luks Yonca, Alpar Turizm, Kamil Koc for as low as €30. When you search for schedules and tickets, Omio will show you the best journey
FlixBus
About
FlixBus is one of Europe’s leading low-cost bus companies, founded in Germany and now offering long-distance services across Europe and the United States. In addition to its extensive daytime network, FlixBus also operates overnight buses on select European routes. Standard amenities include free Wi-Fi, power outlets to charge devices, extra legroom, luggage space, and onboard toilets, with snacks and drinks available for purchase. FlixBus offers a single Standard ticket type for all routes, which includes one carry-on bag and one checked bag per passenger. Additional fees apply for extra luggage and for reserving specific seats, such as Extra Seats, Table Seats, or Panorama Seats. This combination of affordability, comfort, and wide coverage makes FlixBus a popular choice for budget-conscious travelers.
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Duration
9h 0m
Cheapest Price
€36
Luggage included
One carry-on bag up to 7kg (42x30x18 cm) and one checked bag up to 20kg (80x50x30 cm).
Additional luggage
Additional luggage can be purchased for a fee.
Cancellation Policy
You can cancel your ticket up to 15 minutes before departure and receive a voucher for future travel. Refund requests for delays over 120 minutes are possible.
Amenities on board the bus
Wifi
Food sold onboard
Seat reservation
Toilets
USB plugs
Accessibility
Assistance; Priority boarding; Wheelchair-accessible buses.
Bikes
Bikes are allowed for a fee; must be booked.
Pets
Small pets in carriers allowed; guide dogs travel for free.
City Lines
About
\City Lines\" can refer to several different bus companies. One prominent example is Citylines, a leading Bulgarian bus company headquartered in Sofia. It operates an extensive network of 44 routes, connecting 22 cities across Bulgaria and serving 9 European nations with an average of 19 trips daily. Citylines coaches offer amenities such as air conditioning, onboard restrooms, and Wi-Fi connectivity. Another is Rochester City Lines, a family-owned and operated charter bus company in Minnesota, United States, providing services for college, corporate, event, religious, school, and workforce transportation. They offer a fleet including motorcoaches, minibuses, and executive vans. Historically, National City Lines, Inc. (NCL) was a significant public transportation holding company in the United States, founded in 1920. NCL acquired numerous local transit systems, often converting streetcar lines to bus operations, a practice sometimes referred to as \"bustitution.\" Additionally, \"City Line\" is also the name of a bus rapid transit (BRT) line in Spokane, Washington, operated by the Spokane Transit Authority. This 6-mile route, which opened in 2023, utilizes modern, zero-emission battery-electric buses and connects key areas including downtown Spokane and the University District."
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Duration
9h 0m
Cheapest Price
€30
City Lines frequency
5 a day
Luggage included
One carry-on bag up to 8kg (55x35x25) and one checked bag up to 25kg (70x50x30).
Additional luggage
10€ per additional bag up to 25 kg.
Cancellation Policy
You can cancel your ticket up to 24 hours before departure for a full refund. Cancellations within 24 hours incur a 20% fee.
Amenities on board the bus
Wifi
Food sold onboard
Seat reservation
Toilets
USB plugs
Accessibility
Assistance; Priority seating; Accessible restrooms.
Bikes
Bikes are allowed; must be booked in advance.
Pets
Small pets allowed in carriers; larger pets must be leashed and muzzled.
Infobus
About
Infobus is an international IT company that operates as an online service for finding and purchasing bus, train, and plane tickets, rather than being a bus company itself. Established in 2002, Infobus acts as an intermediary between passengers and various transport carriers, particularly helping smaller bus companies offer online booking services. They utilize their own \BusSystem\" to manage routes and ticket sales globally. Infobus covers over 30 countries and 300 cities, offering a wide range of routes and daily departures. While amenities can vary by carrier, Infobus aims to provide affordable and convenient travel with features like online booking, 24/7 support, and prompt notifications."
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Duration
9h 31m
Cheapest Price
€30
Luggage included
One carry-on bag up to 5kg (40x20x25) and one checked bag up to 20kg (50x30x80).
Additional luggage
10€ per additional bag.
Cancellation Policy
You can cancel your ticket up to 24 hours before departure for a partial refund. Cancellations within 24 hours may incur a fee.
Amenities on board the bus
Wifi
Food sold onboard
Seat reservation
Toilets
USB plugs
Accessibility
Assistance; Priority seating; Transport for wheelchairs and mobility aids.
Bikes
Bikes are allowed; may require prior reservation and an additional fee.
Pets
Small pets allowed in carriers; larger pets may require a separate ticket.
ArdaTur
About
ArdaTur is a bus company based in Haskovo, Bulgaria, established in 1991. It offers extensive bus services across seven countries, including Bulgaria, Greece, Turkey, Austria, the Czech Republic, Hungary, and Germany. ArdaTur operates over 233 daily departures, primarily from major cities like Istanbul, Sofia, and Thessaloniki, providing both intercity and regional routes. The company emphasizes passenger comfort with amenities such as Wi-Fi, restrooms, individual monitors, and complimentary food and drinks on international lines. ArdaTur maintains a modern fleet of over 80 luxury buses and has its own garage and service facility to ensure vehicle reliability and safety.
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Duration
8h 0m
Cheapest Price
€31
ArdaTur frequency
1 a day
Luggage included
One piece of hand luggage up to 15 kg and two pieces of checked luggage up to 35 kg each are included.
Additional luggage
Additional baggage or cargo is accepted for transport if there is free space and for a separate charge.
Cancellation Policy
Cancellation policies vary by ticket class, individual trips, or promotions, with refunds ranging from 50% to 100% depending on the time before departure, and no refunds for cancellations less than 24 hours prior.
Refund
If the trip is delayed through the fault of the carrier, 100% of the ticket value and compensation for direct costs to the place of departure will be refunded with supporting documents.
Amenities on board the bus
Wifi
Seat reservation
Seat reservations are possible when buying a ticket or at Arda Tur offices up to 24 hours before departure during weak periods and 72 hours during busy periods.
Toilets
Accessibility
Passengers with disabilities receive discounts and priority seating, and folding wheelchairs are transported free of charge with advance registration.
Bikes
Only foldable bikes are allowed.
Citylines
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Duration
8h 0m
Cheapest Price
€35
Citylines frequency
2 a day
Luks Yonca
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Duration
7h 30m
Cheapest Price
€24
Luks Yonca frequency
1 a day
Alpar Turizm
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Duration
8h 0m
Cheapest Price
€35
Alpar Turizm frequency
1 a day
Kamil Koc
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Duration
7h 30m
Cheapest Price
€19
Kamil Koc frequency
2 a day
FAQs: Bus from Istanbul to Sofia
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Istanbul to Sofia by bus. From journey times and ticket prices to direct connections, first and last departures, and even whether the route is scenic, our FAQs cover everything you need to plan your trip. Whether you’re looking for the fastest bus, the cheapest option, or tips for making the most of your visit at Sofia, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.
Cheap coach tickets from Istanbul to Sofia can start from as little as €30 when you book in advance. The average coach ticket price for Istanbul to Sofia is €33; however, prices vary depending on the time of day and class and they tend to be more expensive on the day.
The average journey time by coach from Istanbul to Sofia is 8h 10m to travel the 502 km long trip. Journey times can vary on weekends and holidays, so use our Journey Planner to search for a specific date.
The earliest coach from Istanbul to Sofia leaves at 12:20 AM. Plan your trip with the Journey Planner from Omio.
The latest coach from Istanbul to Sofia leaves at 11:30 PM.
Yes, there are 5 direct coaches a day from Istanbul to Sofia with FlixBus, ArdaTur, City Lines, Infobus, Citylines, Luks Yonca, Alpar Turizm, Kamil Koc. Schedules can vary on holidays or weekends with fewer direct coaches.
When taking a coach from Istanbul to Sofia, you can count on FlixBus, ArdaTur, City Lines, Infobus, Citylines, Luks Yonca, Alpar Turizm, Kamil Koc for the best way to get you to Sofia. You can also check all possible coach companies who offer a service between Istanbul and Sofia and compare the amenities they offer before buying a coach ticket.
A trip to Sofia from Istanbul is worth doing but not as a day trip with a journey time of 8h 10m each way. Check with Omio app the best way to travel.
The cheapest month for a coach from Istanbul to Sofia is September.
It's helpful to compare your options as there are 2 ways to travel between Istanbul and Sofia including taking a bus and flight.
Yes, the following accessibility options are available when taking the coach from Istanbul to Sofia:
- City Lines
- Assistance
- Priority seating
- Accessible restrooms.
- FlixBus
- Assistance
- Priority boarding
- Wheelchair-accessible buses.
- ArdaTur
- Passengers with disabilities receive discounts and priority seating, and folding wheelchairs are transported free of charge with advance registration.
Yes, there are bathrooms on board the coach from Istanbul to Sofia for coach company FlixBus, ArdaTur, Infobus, City Lines.
Whether you can cancel your coach ticket from Istanbul to Sofia depends on the coach companies:
- City Lines
- You can cancel your ticket up to 24 hours before departure for a full refund. Cancellations within 24 hours incur a 20% fee.
- FlixBus
- You can cancel your ticket up to 15 minutes before departure and receive a voucher for future travel. Refund requests for delays over 120 minutes are possible.
- ArdaTur
- Cancellation policies vary by ticket class, individual trips, or promotions, with refunds ranging from 50% to 100% depending on the time before departure, and no refunds for cancellations less than 24 hours prior.
Yes, bikes are allowed on board the coach with coach company FlixBus, ArdaTur, City Lines.
Tickets are often cheaper when booked early. Traveling during off-peak hours or on weekdays can help you save money. Sort results by price to quickly identify the most affordable options. Check for promotions or discounts available on our website and app.
No, there is no food available to purchase on board the coach from Istanbul to Sofia.
Yes, the following luggage options are included when booking a coach ticket from Istanbul to Sofia:
- City Lines
- One carry-on bag up to 8kg (55x35x25) and one checked bag up to 25kg (70x50x30).
- FlixBus
- One carry-on bag up to 7kg (42x30x18 cm) and one checked bag up to 20kg (80x50x30 cm).
- ArdaTur
- One piece of hand luggage up to 15 kg and two pieces of checked luggage up to 35 kg each are included.
Yes, the following additional luggage options are available when booking a coach ticket from Istanbul to Sofia:
- City Lines
- 10€ per additional bag up to 25 kg.
- FlixBus
- Additional luggage can be purchased for a fee.
- ArdaTur
- Additional baggage or cargo is accepted for transport if there is free space and for a separate charge.
Yes, you can bring your pet on the coach from Istanbul to Sofia. The following conditions apply:
- City Lines
- Small pets allowed in carriers
- larger pets must be leashed and muzzled.
- Infobus
- Small pets allowed in carriers
- larger pets may require a separate ticket.
- FlixBus
- Small pets in carriers allowed
- guide dogs travel for free.
You can reserve your seat on the coach from Istanbul to Sofia with the following coach company: FlixBus, ArdaTur, Infobus, City Lines
Yes, there are USB plugs on board the coach from Istanbul to Sofia with the following coach company: FlixBus, Infobus, City Lines.
Yes, there is Wifi on board the coach from Istanbul to Sofia with the following coach company: FlixBus, ArdaTur, Infobus, City Lines.
popular bus stations
Popular bus stations from Istanbul to Sofia
Istanbul
Sofia
The major bus station for departures in Istanbul is Istanbul, Büyük Otogari (Esenler). Find all the information you need to know about services, amenities and connections at Istanbul, Büyük Otogari (Esenler) for your trip from Istanbul to Sofia.
Istanbul, Büyük Otogari (Esenler)
Amenities at bus station
WifiParkingDiningATMTaxisAccessibilityWCTicket Officeinformation
Ticket Office Hours
- 06:00-23:00
Distance to city center
5 km
Car connection
O-3 OtoyoluWifi
- Free Wi-Fi
Dining
- Cafeteria Terminal (in the station)
- Kebab Express (0.2 km)
- Simit Sarayı (0.3 km).
Taxis
- Available outside the main entrance.
Accessibility
- Elevators, ramps
WC
- Available in the station.
Public transit options for Istanbul, Büyük Otogari (Esenler)
- Metro: M1A Bus: 83O, 91E, 97G
Istanbul, Esenler Otogarı (Metro Bulgaria)
information
İstanbul, Alibeyköy Cep Otogarı
Amenities at bus station
WifiParkingDiningATMTaxisAccessibilityWCTicket Officeinformation
Ticket Office Hours
- 06:00-23:00
Distance to city center
8 kmCar connection
Çevre Yolu CaddesiWifi
- Free Wi-Fi
Dining
- Cafeteria Alibeyköy (in the station)
- Kebab House (0.2 km)
- Simit Sarayı (0.5 km).
Taxis
- Available outside the main entrance.
Accessibility
- Elevators, ramps
WC
- Available in the station.
Public transit options for İstanbul, Alibeyköy Cep Otogarı
- Bus: 36CE, 49T, 49Z Metro: M7
The major bus station for arrivals in Sofia is София, (Sofia). Find all the information you need to know about services, amenities and connections at София, (Sofia) for your trip to Sofia from Istanbul.
София, (Sofia)
information
София, Централна Aвтогара 2 (Sofia, Centralna Avtogara 2)
information
Sofiya, Avtogara Serdika (София, Автогара Сердика)
Amenities at bus station
WifiParkingDiningATMTaxisAccessibilityWCTicket Officeinformation
Ticket Office Hours
- 00:00-23:59
Distance to city center
1 kmCar connection
Knyaginya Maria Luiza BlvdWifi
- Free Wi-Fi
Dining
- Cafeteria Serdika (in the station)
- Bistro Bulgaria (0.2 km)
- Sofia Grill House (0.5 km).
Taxis
- Available outside the main entrance.
Accessibility
- Elevators, ramps
WC
- Available in the station.
Public transit options for Sofiya, Avtogara Serdika (София, Автогара Сердика)
- Bus: 213, 305, 404 Metro: M1, M2 Train: Sofia Central Station
Most popular bus connections from Istanbul
More options for your journey from Istanbul to Sofia
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need
Most popular buses to and from Sofia and Istanbul
Most popular bus connections to Sofia
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