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The cheapest and fastest buses from Sofia to Istanbul
Showing times and prices for Apr 02
Cheapest price
€34
Average price
€37
Fastest journey
7 h 59 m
Average duration
8 h 25 m
Buses per day
7
Distance
502 km
Cheap tickets
The best way to find a cheap bus ticket from Sofia to Istanbul is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid traveling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Sofia to Istanbul will cost around €37 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only €34.
Fast buses
Of the 7 buses that leave Sofia for Istanbul on Thu, Apr 02, 7 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.
On Thu, Apr 02 the direct buses cover the 502 km distance in an average of 8 h 25 m but if you time it right, some buses will get you there in just 7 h 59 m .
On Thu, Apr 02 the slowest buses will take 9 h 5 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.
011:59 PM9h46Sofia (София)9:45 AMIstanbul, Buyuk Otogar (Esenler)€341One-way0 transfers
668228610:00 PM7h59Sofia (София)5:59 AMIstanbul, Buyuk Otogar (Esenler)€341One-way0 transfers- 67522841:30 PM8h30Sofia (София)10:00 PMIstanbul, Buyuk Otogar (Esenler)€361One-way0 transfers
- 672199012:20 AM9h25Sofia, Sofia International Airport (София, Летище София)9:45 AMIstanbul, Buyuk Otogar (Esenler)€361One-way0 transfers
- 07:00 PM9h05Sofia (София)4:05 AMIstanbul, Buyuk Otogar (Esenler)€381One-way0 transfers
- 668228610:00 PM7h59Sofia (София)5:59 AMIstanbul, Buyuk Otogar (Esenler)€341One-way0 transfers
FlixBus11:00 PM8h00София, Централна Aвтогара 2 (Sofia, Centralna Avtogara 2)7:00 AMIstanbul, Buyuk Otogar (Esenler)€391One-way0 transfers- 67522841:30 PM8h30Sofia (София)10:00 PMIstanbul, Buyuk Otogar (Esenler)€361One-way0 transfers
- FlixBus11:00 AM8h30София, Централна Aвтогара 2 (Sofia, Centralna Avtogara 2)7:30 PMIstanbul, Buyuk Otogar (Esenler)€391One-way0 transfers
- 07:00 PM9h05Sofia (София)4:05 AMIstanbul, Buyuk Otogar (Esenler)€381One-way0 transfers
Travel Information
Compare bus and flight for Sofia to Istanbul
Omio recommends booking the bus as it is the most popular option from Sofia to Istanbul 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 17m. 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 €46.
Distance: 502 km
Compare bus with
Most popular Bus | Flight |
|---|---|
€33 Average price Cheapest | €148 Average price |
8h 1m Average total duration 7h 31m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 7h 17m Average total duration Fastest 4h 17m 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
Sofia to Istanbul bus times
The table below shows live departures for Sofia to Istanbul buses for today, Wednesday, April 1. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated bus journeys.
Last updated at
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 6763602 | 10:30 AM Sofia (София) | 8h30 | 7:00 PM Istanbul, Buyuk Otogar (Esenler) | 0 transfersDirect | |
| 6761046 | 4:00 PM Sofia (София) | 9h05 | 1:05 AM Istanbul, Buyuk Otogar (Esenler) | 0 transfersDirect | |
| 6422644 | 7:00 PM Sofia (София) | 7h59 | 2:59 AM Istanbul, Buyuk Otogar (Esenler) | 0 transfersDirect | |
| FlixBus | 8:00 PM София, Централна Aвтогара 2 (Sofia, Centralna Avtogara 2) | 8h00 | 4:00 AM Istanbul, Buyuk Otogar (Esenler) | 0 transfersDirect | |
| 6721990 | 8:59 PM Sofia (София) | 9h46 | 6:45 AM Istanbul, Buyuk Otogar (Esenler) | 0 transfersDirect | |
| 6721990 | 9:20 PM Sofia, Sofia International Airport (София, Летище София) | 9h25 | 6:45 AM Istanbul, Buyuk Otogar (Esenler) | 0 transfersDirect | |
| Thursday, April 2 | |||||
| FlixBus | 8:00 AM София, Централна Aвтогара 2 (Sofia, Centralna Avtogara 2) | 8h30 | 4:30 PM Istanbul, Buyuk Otogar (Esenler) | 0 transfersDirect | |
This is the last bus of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare prices and tickets Sofia to Istanbul 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 Sofia to Istanbul buses with Omio?
City Lines as well as ArdaTur, Infobus, FlixBus, Citylines and more offer buses services from Sofia to Istanbul.
Omio is the only official third party seller for City Lines tickets.
Why book with Omio vs City Lines?
- Compare with other providers: On Omio, you can not only buy tickets for City Lines, but also compare tickets for the likes of ArdaTur, Infobus, FlixBus or Citylines to find the best option for your trip from Sofia to Istanbul.
- 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 City Lines with all available travel options, which are bus and flight to ensure you get the best deal for traveling from Sofia to Istanbul.
Why book with Omio over Busbud or Checkmybus?
- Official reseller: City Lines tickets can only be bought on Omio or City Lines's website as Omio is the only official third party seller for City Lines tickets. Busbud or Checkmybus do not sell City Lines tickets as they are not official sellers.
- Multiple modes of transport: Omio allows you to compare travel options including bus and flight to find the ideal travel option from Sofia to Istanbul.
Journey information
Overview: Bus from Sofia to Istanbul
Bulgaria
Turkey
Buses from Sofia to Istanbul run on average 5 times per day, taking around 7h 31m. 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 6h 59m.
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 31m |
Cheapest ticket price €30 |
Buses per day 5 |
Direct buses 5 |
Fastest bus 6h 59m |
First bus 12:20 AM |
Last bus 11:30 PM |
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: City Lines, ArdaTur, Infobus, FlixBus, Citylines, Huntur, Luks Yonca from Sofia to IstanbulYou can travel by bus between Sofia to Istanbul with City Lines, ArdaTur, Infobus, FlixBus, Citylines, Huntur, Luks Yonca for as low as €30. When you search for schedules and tickets, Omio will show you the best journey
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
8h 30m
Cheapest Price
€30
City Lines frequency
3 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
6h 59m
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.
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
8h 0m
Cheapest Price
€35
FlixBus frequency
1 a day
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.
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
7h 30m
Cheapest Price
€30
ArdaTur frequency
2 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
9h 0m
Cheapest Price
€35
Citylines frequency
2 a day
Huntur
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Duration
8h 30m
Cheapest Price
€26
Huntur frequency
1 a day
Luks Yonca
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Duration
7h 0m
Cheapest Price
€24
Luks Yonca frequency
1 a day
FAQs: Bus from Sofia to Istanbul
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Sofia to Istanbul 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 Istanbul, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.
Cheap coach tickets from Sofia to Istanbul can start from as little as €30 when you book in advance. The average coach ticket price for Sofia to Istanbul 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 Sofia to Istanbul is 6h 59m 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 Sofia to Istanbul leaves at 12:20 AM. Plan your trip with the Journey Planner from Omio.
The latest coach from Sofia to Istanbul leaves at 11:30 PM.
Yes, there are 5 direct coaches a day from Sofia to Istanbul with City Lines, ArdaTur, Infobus, FlixBus, Citylines, Huntur, Luks Yonca. Schedules can vary on holidays or weekends with fewer direct coaches.
When taking a coach from Sofia to Istanbul, you can count on City Lines, ArdaTur, Infobus, FlixBus, Citylines, Huntur, Luks Yonca for the best way to get you to Istanbul. You can also check all possible coach companies who offer a service between Sofia and Istanbul and compare the amenities they offer before buying a coach ticket.
A trip to Istanbul from Sofia is worth doing but not as a day trip with a journey time of 6h 59m each way. Check with Omio app the best way to travel.
The cheapest month for a coach from Sofia to Istanbul is January.
It's helpful to compare your options as there are 2 ways to travel between Sofia and Istanbul including taking a bus and flight.
Yes, the following accessibility options are available when taking the coach from Sofia to Istanbul:
- City Lines
- Assistance
- Priority seating
- Accessible restrooms.
- 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.
Yes, there are bathrooms on board the coach from Sofia to Istanbul for coach company City Lines, ArdaTur, Infobus, FlixBus.
Whether you can cancel your coach ticket from Sofia to Istanbul 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.
- 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.
Yes, bikes are allowed on board the coach with coach company City Lines, ArdaTur, Infobus.
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 Sofia to Istanbul.
Yes, the following luggage options are included when booking a coach ticket from Sofia to Istanbul:
- City Lines
- One carry-on bag up to 8kg (55x35x25) and one checked bag up to 25kg (70x50x30).
- 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.
Yes, the following additional luggage options are available when booking a coach ticket from Sofia to Istanbul:
- City Lines
- 10€ per additional bag up to 25 kg.
- Infobus
- 10€ per additional bag.
- 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 Sofia to Istanbul. 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 Sofia to Istanbul with the following coach company: City Lines, ArdaTur, Infobus, FlixBus
Yes, there are USB plugs on board the coach from Sofia to Istanbul with the following coach company: City Lines, Infobus, FlixBus.
Yes, there is Wifi on board the coach from Sofia to Istanbul with the following coach company: City Lines, ArdaTur, Infobus, FlixBus.
popular bus stations
Popular bus stations from Sofia to Istanbul
Sofia
Istanbul
The major bus station for departures in Sofia is София, Централна Aвтогара 2 (Sofia, Centralna Avtogara 2). Find all the information you need to know about services, amenities and connections at София, Централна Aвтогара 2 (Sofia, Centralna Avtogara 2) for your trip from Sofia to Istanbul.
София, Централна Aвтогара 2 (Sofia, Centralna Avtogara 2)
information
София, (Sofia)
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 km
Car 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
The major bus station for arrivals 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 to Istanbul from Sofia.
Istanbul, Büyük Otogari (Esenler)
Amenities at bus station
WifiParkingDiningATMTaxisAccessibilityWCTicket Officeinformation
Ticket Office Hours
- 06:00-23:00
Distance to city center
5 kmCar 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
Most popular bus connections from Sofia
More options for your journey from Sofia to Istanbul
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need
Most popular buses to and from Istanbul and Sofia
Most popular bus connections to Istanbul
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