- Must visit
Topkapı Palace
Former imperial residence with courtyards, treasury displays and pavilions that reveal Ottoman court life over several centuries.
Cheapest price
£12
Average price
£14
Fastest journey
5 h
Average duration
5 h 15 m
Buses per day
2
Distance
225 km
The best way to find a cheap coach ticket from Bolu to Istanbul is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid travelling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Bolu to Istanbul will cost around £14 if you buy it on the day, but you can find cheap coach tickets today for only £12.
Of the 2 buses that leave Bolu for Istanbul every day 2 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.
These direct buses cover the 225 km distance in an average of 5 h 15 m but if you time it right, some buses will get you there in just 5 h .
The slowest buses will take 5 h 30 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.




The table below shows live departures for Bolu to Istanbul coaches for today, Thursday 30 July. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated coach journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Changes | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
FlixBus | 11:45 Bolu, Bus Station | 5h25 | 17:10 İstanbul, Alibeyköy Cep Otogarı | 0 changesdirect | |
FlixBus | 11:45 Bolu, Bus Station | 5h40 | 17:25 Istanbul, Buyuk Otogar (Esenler) | 0 changesdirect | |
FlixBus | 12:00 Bolu, Bus Station | 4h30 | 16:30 Istanbul, Buyuk Otogar (Esenler) | 0 changesdirect | |
FlixBus | 12:00 Bolu, Bus Station | 4h15 | 16:15 İstanbul, Alibeyköy Cep Otogarı | 0 changesdirect | |
FlixBus | 13:00 Bolu, Bus Station | 5h05 | 18:05 Istanbul, Buyuk Otogar (Esenler) | 0 changesdirect | |
FlixBus | 13:00 Bolu, Bus Station | 4h45 | 17:45 İstanbul, Alibeyköy Cep Otogarı | 0 changesdirect | |
FlixBus | 14:00 Bolu, Bus Station | 4h30 | 18:30 Istanbul, Buyuk Otogar (Esenler) | 0 changesdirect | |
FlixBus | 14:00 Bolu, Bus Station | 4h05 | 18:05 İstanbul, Alibeyköy Cep Otogarı | 0 changesdirect | |
FlixBus | 15:30 Bolu, Bus Station | 5h20 | 20:50 Istanbul, Buyuk Otogar (Esenler) | 0 changesdirect | |
FlixBus | 15:30 Bolu, Bus Station | 5h00 | 20:30 İstanbul, Alibeyköy Cep Otogarı | 0 changesdirect | |
FlixBus | 16:30 Bolu, Bus Station | 4h10 | 20:40 İstanbul, Alibeyköy Cep Otogarı | 0 changesdirect | |
FlixBus | 16:30 Bolu, Bus Station | 4h30 | 21:00 Istanbul, Buyuk Otogar (Esenler) | 0 changesdirect | |
FlixBus | 17:00 Bolu, Bus Station | 6h00 | 23:00 Istanbul, Buyuk Otogar (Esenler) | 0 changesdirect | |
FlixBus | 17:00 Bolu, Bus Station | 5h40 | 22:40 İstanbul, Alibeyköy Cep Otogarı | 0 changesdirect | |
FlixBus | 18:30 Bolu, Bus Station | 4h45 | 23:15 İstanbul, Alibeyköy Cep Otogarı | 0 changesdirect | |
FlixBus | 18:30 Bolu, Bus Station | 5h00 | 23:30 Istanbul, Buyuk Otogar (Esenler) | 0 changesdirect | |
FlixBus | 19:30 Bolu, Bus Station | 5h00 | 0:30 Istanbul, Buyuk Otogar (Esenler) | 0 changesdirect | |
FlixBus | 19:30 Bolu, Bus Station | 4h45 | 0:15 İstanbul, Alibeyköy Cep Otogarı | 0 changesdirect | |
FlixBus | 19:35 Bolu, Bus Station | 5h15 | 0:50 İstanbul, Alibeyköy Cep Otogarı | 0 changesdirect | |
FlixBus | 19:35 Bolu, Bus Station | 5h30 | 1:05 Istanbul, Buyuk Otogar (Esenler) | 0 changesdirect | |
FlixBus | 21:30 Bolu, Bus Station | 5h15 | 2:45 İstanbul, Alibeyköy Cep Otogarı | 0 changesdirect | |
FlixBus | 21:30 Bolu, Bus Station | 5h30 | 3:00 Istanbul, Buyuk Otogar (Esenler) | 0 changesdirect | |
FlixBus | 22:30 Bolu, Bus Station | 6h00 | 4:30 Istanbul, Buyuk Otogar (Esenler) | 0 changesdirect | |
FlixBus | 22:30 Bolu, Bus Station | 5h40 | 4:10 İstanbul, Alibeyköy Cep Otogarı | 0 changesdirect | |
FlixBus | 23:45 Bolu, Bus Station | 4h25 | 4:10 İstanbul, Alibeyköy Cep Otogarı | 0 changesdirect | |
FlixBus | 23:45 Bolu, Bus Station | 4h45 | 4:30 Istanbul, Buyuk Otogar (Esenler) | 0 changesdirect | |
| Friday 31 July | |||||
![]() | 4:15 Bolu | 5h00 | 9:15 Istanbul | 0 changesdirect | |
This is the last bus of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare coach 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.
Buses from Bolu to Istanbul run on average 48 times per day, taking around 4h 45m. Cheap bus tickets for this journey start at £12 if you book in advance.
There are 48 coaches per day. The earliest coach runs at 00:15, the last at 23:58. The fastest coach covers the 225 km distance in 4h 55m.
Distance 225 km |
Average bus duration 4h 45m |
Cheapest ticket price £12 |
Buses per day 48 |
Direct buses 48 |
Fastest bus 4h 55m |
First bus 0:15 |
Last bus 23:58 |
Cheapest Month May |
Cheapest Day Tue |
High Season Jul - Sept |
Low Season Apr - Jun |
Busiest Day Tue |
Least Busy Day Wed |
Best time to book 1 day |
Discover the best of Istanbul — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Istanbul trip today.
Former imperial residence with courtyards, treasury displays and pavilions that reveal Ottoman court life over several centuries.
Underground Byzantine cistern with forest-like columns, atmospheric lighting and raised walkways near Hagia Sophia.
Leading modern art museum on the Bosphorus showing Turkish and international contemporary works in a striking waterfront building.
Lively historic avenue linking Taksim and Galata, lined with shops, arcades, consulates and landmarks, ideal for an urban walk.
Historic square beside major monuments, ideal for walking between monumental sites, gardens and fountains in the old city.
Colourful waterfront quarter with ferry views, street life, markets and an easy local feel on Istanbul’s Asian side.
A sesame-crusted bread ring sold by street vendors. It is an everyday Istanbul snack, especially popular at breakfast and with tea.
Baked potatoes filled with butter, cheese and varied toppings. This hearty street food is closely associated with the Ortaköy area of Istanbul.
Thin slices of lamb or beef cooked on a vertical spit and served in bread or on a plate. A defining fast food of Istanbul and wider Turkey.
Historic Sultanahmet restaurant known for Ottoman and Turkish dishes in a traditional setting near major old-city sights.
Traditional pudding shop in Fatih famed for sütlaç, kazandibi and other classic Turkish milk desserts in a simple historic venue.
Well-known meyhane-style venue by the Bosphorus, popular for meze, seafood and rakı in a lively waterside setting.
Moderate for a major city: hotels vary widely, meals can be cheap, and public transport is low-cost compared with many European city breaks.
Tip 5-10% in restaurants if service is not included. Round up taxi fares. In cafés, leaving small change is customary but not essential.
Official public transport app
Gayrettepe -> Gayrettepe
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Bolu to Istanbul by coach. 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 coach, the cheapest option, or tips for making the most of your visit at Istanbul, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.

Most Bolu to Istanbul buses use the Bolu, Otogarı to Istanbul, Büyük Otogari (Esenler) station pair, with some services arriving at İstanbul, Alibeyköy Cep Otogarı. Use this guide to compare Bolu and Istanbul bus stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like bus station facilities and services.
Istanbul, Büyük Otogari (Esenler) is 5 km from Istanbul city centre. Public transport options include:
Istanbul, Büyük Otogari (Esenler) has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC and Ticket Office.
Food options include: Cafeteria Terminal (in the station), Kebab Express (0.2 km), Simit Sarayı (0.3 km).
Free Wi-Fi. ATMs are located near the main entrance and throughout the station.
Ticket office support is available at Istanbul, Büyük Otogari (Esenler).
Available at Istanbul, Büyük Otogari (Esenler): Parking, Taxis, WC.
Accessibility facilities are available at Istanbul, Büyük Otogari (Esenler): Elevators, ramps.
İstanbul, Alibeyköy Cep Otogarı is 8 km from Istanbul city centre. Public transport options include:
İstanbul, Alibeyköy Cep Otogarı has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC and Ticket Office.
Food options include: Cafeteria Alibeyköy (in the station), Kebab House (0.2 km), Simit Sarayı (0.5 km).
Free Wi-Fi. ATMs are located near the main entrance and in the waiting area.
Ticket office support is available at İstanbul, Alibeyköy Cep Otogarı.
Available at İstanbul, Alibeyköy Cep Otogarı: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Accessibility facilities are available at İstanbul, Alibeyköy Cep Otogarı: Elevators, ramps.
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need