4.9
4.6The cheapest and fastest buses from Thessaloniki to Istanbul
Cheapest price
€72
Average price
€76
Fastest journey
13 h 30 m
Average duration
15 h 58 m
Buses per day
2
Distance
507 km
The best way to find a cheap bus ticket from Thessaloniki to Istanbul is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid traveling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Thessaloniki to Istanbul will cost around €76 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only €72.
It's difficult to get from Thessaloniki to Istanbul without transferring at least once.
FlixBus · FlixBus1:05 AM18h25Thessaloniki, Monastiriou - KTEL (Θεσσαλονίκη, Μοναστηρίου - ΚΤΕΛ)7:30 PMIstanbul, Buyuk Otogar (Esenler)€721One-way1 transfer- FlixBus · FlixBus5:30 PM13h30Thessaloniki, Monastiriou - KTEL (Θεσσαλονίκη, Μοναστηρίου - ΚΤΕΛ)7:00 AMIstanbul, Buyuk Otogar (Esenler)€801One-way1 transfer
- FlixBus · FlixBus5:30 PM13h30Thessaloniki, Monastiriou - KTEL (Θεσσαλονίκη, Μοναστηρίου - ΚΤΕΛ)7:00 AMIstanbul, Buyuk Otogar (Esenler)€801One-way1 transfer
- FlixBus · FlixBus1:05 AM18h25Thessaloniki, Monastiriou - KTEL (Θεσσαλονίκη, Μοναστηρίου - ΚΤΕΛ)7:30 PMIstanbul, Buyuk Otogar (Esenler)€721One-way1 transfer
Travel Information
Compare bus and flight for Thessaloniki to Istanbul
Omio recommends booking the bus as it is the most popular option from Thessaloniki to Istanbul among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the bus with prices starting from €44. For those with little time consider booking a flight which can get you there in 2h 5m. 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 €44, and a flight costs an average of €73.
Distance: 507 km
Compare bus with
Most popular Bus | Flight |
|---|---|
€49 Average price Cheapest | €151 Average price |
10h 30m Average total duration 10h 0m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 5h 5m Average total duration Fastest 2h 5m 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
Thessaloniki to Istanbul bus times
The table below shows live departures for Thessaloniki to Istanbul buses for today, Saturday, August 15. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated bus journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| FlixBus · FlixBus | 5:30 PM Thessaloniki, Monastiriou - KTEL (Θεσσαλονίκη, Μοναστηρίου - ΚΤΕΛ) | 13h30 | 7:00 AM Istanbul, Buyuk Otogar (Esenler) | 1 transfer | |
| Sunday, August 16 | |||||
| FlixBus · FlixBus | 1:05 AM Thessaloniki, Monastiriou - KTEL (Θεσσαλονίκη, Μοναστηρίου - ΚΤΕΛ) | 18h25 | 7:30 PM Istanbul, Buyuk Otogar (Esenler) | 1 transfer | |
This is the last bus of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare prices and tickets Thessaloniki 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.
Aug 15
Aug 16
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Why should you book Thessaloniki to Istanbul 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, FlixBus or Simeonidis Tours to find the best option for your trip from Thessaloniki 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 ArdaTur with all available travel options, which are bus and flight to ensure you get the best deal for traveling from Thessaloniki to Istanbul.
Journey information
Overview: Bus from Thessaloniki to Istanbul
Greece
Turkey
Buses from Thessaloniki to Istanbul run on average 4 times per day, taking around 10h 0m. Cheap bus tickets for this journey start at €44 if you book in advance.
There are 3 buses per day. The earliest bus runs at 00:15, the last at 23:05. The fastest bus covers the 507 km distance in 7h 45m.
Distance 507 km |
Average bus duration 10h 0m |
Cheapest ticket price €44 |
Buses per day 4 |
Direct buses 3 |
Fastest bus 7h 45m |
First bus 12:15 AM |
Last bus 11:05 PM |
Cheapest Month Sep |
Cheapest Day Tue |
High Season Jul - Sep |
Low Season Jan - Mar |
Busiest Day Tue |
Least Busy Day Sun |
Best time to book 14 days |
Bus providers: ArdaTur, Infobus, FlixBus, Simeonidis Tours from Thessaloniki to IstanbulYou can travel by bus between Thessaloniki to Istanbul with ArdaTur, Infobus, FlixBus, Simeonidis Tours for as low as €44. When you search for schedules and tickets, Omio will show you the best journey
Infobus
FlixBus
ArdaTur
Simeonidis Tours
FAQs: Bus from Thessaloniki to Istanbul
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Thessaloniki 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.
- 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 Thessaloniki to Istanbul
Most Thessaloniki to Istanbul buses use the Thessaloniki (Θεσσαλονίκη) to Istanbul, Büyük Otogari (Esenler) station pair. Use this guide to compare Thessaloniki and Istanbul bus stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like bus station facilities and services.
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.
Which Istanbul station do buses from Thessaloniki arrive at?
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.
Most popular bus connections from Thessaloniki
More options for your journey from Thessaloniki to Istanbul
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need
Most popular buses to and from Istanbul and Thessaloniki
Most popular bus connections to Istanbul
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