The cheapest and fastest buses from Istanbul to Thessaloniki
Cheapest price on Oct 10
€45
Average ticket price on Oct 10
€45
Fastest journey on Oct 10
8 h 30 m
Average journey duration on Oct 10
8 h 48 m
Buses on Oct 10
5
Distance
507 km
The best way to find a cheap bus ticket from Istanbul to Thessaloniki is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid traveling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Istanbul to Thessaloniki will cost around €45 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only €45.
On Sat, Oct 10, we found 5 buses from Istanbul to Thessaloniki, including 5 direct services.
On Sat, Oct 10 the direct buses cover the 507 km distance in an average of 8 h 48 m but if you time it right, some buses will get you there in just 8 h 30 m .
On Sat, Oct 10 the slowest buses will take 9 h 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.
70811119:30 PM8h45Istanbul6:15 AMThessaloniki€451One-way0 transfers
04:30 PM9h00Istanbul1:30 AMThessaloniki€451One-way0 transfers
012:00 PM8h45Istanbul8:45 PMThessaloniki€451One-way0 transfers
70811119:30 PM8h30Istanbul6:00 AMThessaloniki€451One-way0 transfers
012:00 PM9h00Istanbul9:00 PMThessaloniki€451One-way0 transfers
70811119:30 PM8h30Istanbul6:00 AMThessaloniki€451One-way0 transfers
70811119:30 PM8h45Istanbul6:15 AMThessaloniki€451One-way0 transfers
012:00 PM8h45Istanbul8:45 PMThessaloniki€451One-way0 transfers
04:30 PM9h00Istanbul1:30 AMThessaloniki€451One-way0 transfers
012:00 PM9h00Istanbul9:00 PMThessaloniki€451One-way0 transfers
Journey information
Overview: Bus from Istanbul to Thessaloniki
Buses from Istanbul to Thessaloniki run on average 5 times per day, taking around 9h 36m. Cheap bus tickets for this journey start at €35 if you book in advance.
There are 4 buses per day. The earliest bus runs at 00:15, the last at 23:00. The fastest bus covers the 507 km distance in 8h 30m.
Distance 507 km |
Average bus duration 9h 36m |
Cheapest ticket price €35 |
Buses per day 5 |
Direct buses 4 |
Fastest bus 8h 30m |
First bus 12:15 AM |
Last bus 11:00 PM |
Cheapest Month Oct |
Cheapest Day Tue |
High Season Jul - Sep |
Low Season Jan - Mar |
Busiest Day Fri |
Least Busy Day Sat |
Best time to book 49 days |
Live departures
Istanbul to Thessaloniki bus times
The table below shows live departures for Istanbul to Thessaloniki buses for today, Friday, October 9. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated bus journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
![]() | 9:00 AM Istanbul | 10h00 | 7:00 PM Thessaloniki | 0 transfersDirect | |
![]() | 1:30 PM Istanbul | 10h00 | 11:30 PM Thessaloniki | 0 transfersDirect | |
![]() | 6:30 PM Istanbul | 8h30 | 3:00 AM Thessaloniki | 0 transfersDirect | |
![]() | 7:00 PM Istanbul | 9h30 | 4:30 AM Thessaloniki | 0 transfersDirect | |
This is the last bus of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Why should you book Istanbul to Thessaloniki buses with Omio?
Why book with Omio vs ArdaTur?
- Compare with other providers: On Omio, you can not only buy tickets for ArdaTur, but also compare tickets for the likes of Infobus or FlixBus to find the best option for your trip from Istanbul to Thessaloniki.
- 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 ArdaTur with all available travel options, which are bus and flight to ensure you get the best deal for traveling from Istanbul to Thessaloniki.
Bus providers: ArdaTur, FlixBus, Infobus from Istanbul to ThessalonikiYou can travel by bus between Istanbul to Thessaloniki with ArdaTur, FlixBus, Infobus for as low as €35. When you search for schedules and tickets, Omio will show you the best journey
FlixBus
Infobus
ArdaTur
FAQs: Bus from Istanbul to Thessaloniki
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Istanbul to Thessaloniki 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 Thessaloniki, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.

- Infobus
- Assistance
- Priority seating
- Transport for wheelchairs and mobility aids.
- ArdaTur
- Passengers with disabilities receive discounts and priority seating, and folding wheelchairs are transported free of charge with advance registration.
- FlixBus
- Assistance
- Priority boarding
- Wheelchair-accessible buses.
- Infobus
- You can cancel your ticket up to 24 hours before departure for a partial refund. Cancellations within 24 hours may incur a fee.
- 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.
- 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.
- Infobus
- One carry-on bag up to 5kg (40x20x25) and one checked bag up to 20kg (50x30x80).
- ArdaTur
- One piece of hand luggage up to 15 kg and two pieces of checked luggage up to 35 kg each are included.
- FlixBus
- One carry-on bag up to 7kg (42x30x18 cm) and one checked bag up to 20kg (80x50x30 cm).
- Infobus
- 10€ per additional bag.
- ArdaTur
- Additional baggage or cargo is accepted for transport if there is free space and for a separate charge.
- FlixBus
- Additional luggage can be purchased for a fee.
- Infobus
- Small pets allowed in carriers
- larger pets may require a separate ticket.
- FlixBus
- Small pets in carriers allowed
- guide dogs travel for free.
popular bus stations
Popular bus stations from Istanbul to Thessaloniki
Most Istanbul to Thessaloniki buses use the Istanbul, Büyük Otogari (Esenler) to Thessaloniki (Θεσσαλονίκη) station pair, with some services arriving at Thessaloniki, Monastiriou - KTEL (Θεσσαλονίκη, Μοναστηρίου - ΚΤΕΛ). Use this guide to compare Istanbul and Thessaloniki bus stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like bus station facilities and services.
Which Istanbul station do buses to Thessaloniki leave from?
Getting to Istanbul, Büyük Otogari (Esenler) from Istanbul city centre
Istanbul, Büyük Otogari (Esenler) is 5 km from Istanbul city centre. Public transport options include:
Istanbul, Büyük Otogari (Esenler) bus station facilities and services
Istanbul, Büyük Otogari (Esenler) has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, and Ticket Office.
Food and drink
Food options include: Cafeteria Terminal (in the station), Kebab Express (0.2 km), Simit Sarayı (0.3 km).
Wi-Fi and ATMs
Free Wi-Fi. ATMs are located near the main entrance and throughout the station.
Tickets and information
Ticket office support is available at Istanbul, Büyük Otogari (Esenler).
Parking, taxis and toilets
Available at Istanbul, Büyük Otogari (Esenler): Parking, Taxis, WC.
Accessibility
Accessibility facilities are available at Istanbul, Büyük Otogari (Esenler): Elevators, ramps.
Getting to Thessaloniki (Θεσσαλονίκη) from Thessaloniki city centre
Getting to Thessaloniki, Monastiriou - KTEL (Θεσσαλονίκη, Μοναστηρίου - ΚΤΕΛ) from Thessaloniki city centre
Thessaloniki, Monastiriou - KTEL (Θεσσαλονίκη, Μοναστηρίου - ΚΤΕΛ) is 1 km from Thessaloniki city centre. Public transport options include:
Thessaloniki, Monastiriou - KTEL (Θεσσαλονίκη, Μοναστηρίου - ΚΤΕΛ) bus station facilities and services
Thessaloniki, Monastiriou - KTEL (Θεσσαλονίκη, Μοναστηρίου - ΚΤΕΛ) has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, and Ticket Office.
Wi-Fi and ATMs
Free Wi-Fi. ATMs are located inside the station.
Tickets and information
Ticket office support is available at Thessaloniki, Monastiriou - KTEL (Θεσσαλονίκη, Μοναστηρίου - ΚΤΕΛ).
Parking, taxis and toilets
Available at Thessaloniki, Monastiriou - KTEL (Θεσσαλονίκη, Μοναστηρίου - ΚΤΕΛ): Parking, Taxis, WC.
Accessibility
Accessibility facilities are available at Thessaloniki, Monastiriou - KTEL (Θεσσαλονίκη, Μοναστηρίου - ΚΤΕΛ): Elevators, ramps.
Most popular bus connections from Istanbul
More options for your journey from Istanbul to Thessaloniki
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need
