- Must visit
Museum of Fine Arts
Hungary’s leading fine arts museum, known for European paintings, Egyptian antiquities and strong temporary exhibitions on Heroes’ Square.
Cheapest price on 18 Sept
£78
Average ticket price on 18 Sept
£83
Fastest journey on 18 Sept
1 d 3 h 20 m
Average journey duration on 18 Sept
1 d 4 h 8 m
Buses on 18 Sept
3
Distance
1067 km
The best way to find a cheap coach ticket from Istanbul to Budapest is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid travelling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Istanbul to Budapest will cost around £83 if you buy it on the day, but you can find cheap coach tickets today for only £78.
To travel from Istanbul to Budapest you need to make at least one change.
FlixBus · FlixBus
FlixBus · FlixBus
FlixBus · FlixBus
FlixBus · FlixBus
FlixBus · FlixBus
FlixBus · FlixBusOmio recommends booking the flight as it is the most popular option from Istanbul to Budapest among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price, take the coach, with an average ticket price of £72 For those with little time, consider booking a flight, which has an average total journey time of 4h 45m. Average ticket prices depend on the travel mode: a coach costs an average of £72, while a flight costs an average of £97.
Distance: 1067 km
| Coach | Most popular Flight | Driving |
|---|---|---|
£72 Average Price Cheapest | £97 Average Price | £231 Average Price (fuel + tolls) |
23h 58m Average total duration 23h 28m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 4h 45m Average total duration Fastest 2h 45m Onboard + 2h 0m Additional time* | 12h 57m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
![]() Most popular bus company | ![]() Most popular airline | Your own car or car rental |
Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options |
This is compared to other travel options from Istanbul to Budapest:
A coach is £25 less than a flight for this route with tickets for a flight from Istanbul to Budapest costing on average £97.
Other travel options to Budapest take longer:
Coach takes on average 23h 28m.
Tickets start at around £72 compared to roughly £231 in fuel and tolls — a saving of about £159. The journey takes 23h 28m versus 12h 57m by car, so you'll arrive a bit later, but you can use the time productively rather than spending it behind the wheel. No parking to sort, no fuel stops, and most coaches have Wi-Fi and power outlets.
Driving is worth considering if you're on a tight schedule, travelling as a group (where fuel costs split several ways), or want the flexibility to stop along the way.
The table below shows live departures for Istanbul to Budapest coaches for today, Thursday 17 September. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated coach journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Changes | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
FlixBus · FlixBus | 22:00 Istanbul, Buyuk Otogar (Esenler) | 27h45 | 0:45 Budapest, Népliget Autóbusz-Pályaudvar | 1 change | |
FlixBus · FlixBus | 22:00 Istanbul, Buyuk Otogar (Esenler) | 27h20 | 0:20 Budapest, Liszt Ferenc Nemzetközi Repülőtér | 1 change | |
FlixBus · FlixBus | 22:00 Istanbul, Buyuk Otogar (Esenler) | 29h20 | 2:20 Budapest, Keleti Vasútállomás (Kerepesi út) | 1 change | |
This is the last bus of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare coach 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.
Buses from Istanbul to Budapest run on average 2 times per day, taking around 23h 28m. Cheap bus tickets for this journey start at £49 but you can travel from only £36 by flight.
The earliest coach runs at 11:00, the last at 22:00. The fastest coach covers the 1067 km distance in 25h 16m.
Distance 1067 km |
Average bus duration 23h 28m |
Cheapest ticket price £49 |
Buses per day 2 |
Fastest bus 25h 16m |
First bus 11:00 |
Last bus 22:00 |
Cheapest Month Oct |
Cheapest Day Sat |
High Season Jul - Sept |
Low Season Oct - Dec |
Busiest Day Sun |
Least Busy Day Wed |
Best time to book 56 days |
Discover the best of Budapest — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Budapest trip today.
Hungary’s leading fine arts museum, known for European paintings, Egyptian antiquities and strong temporary exhibitions on Heroes’ Square.
Museum inside Buda Castle covering Budapest’s past from medieval remains to modern urban history, with notable views from the building.
Major collection of Hungarian art from medieval works to the 20th century, set in palace wings with a calm atmosphere and city views.
Long avenue linking the centre with City Park. Grand facades, embassies and historic mansions make it one of Budapest’s classic walks.
Popular lookout terrace in the Castle District with neo-Romanesque towers and memorable panoramas over the Danube and Pest skyline.
Leafy island park in the Danube with running paths, gardens, fountains and ruins. A relaxing break from the busy centre.
Rich beef soup with paprika, onion and vegetables. It is Hungary’s signature comfort dish and a classic on Budapest menus.
Slow-cooked beef stew heavy with sweet paprika and onions, traditionally served with nokedli. A cornerstone of Hungarian home cooking.
Deep-fried flatbread, often topped with garlic, sour cream and cheese. It is one of Budapest’s most familiar street foods.
Long-running Jewish-Hungarian restaurant serving hearty local dishes in a warm, nostalgic dining room.
Traditional restaurant near the Great Market Hall specialising in paprika-rich Hungarian classics in a cosy, old-style setting.
Elegant riverside restaurant serving classic Hungarian dishes with polished service and grand Danube views.
Budget to moderate for Europe. Public transport is cheap, meals are reasonable, and hotels often cost less than in Vienna or Prague, though central stays and nightlife can add up.
Service may be included, so check the bill first. If not, tip around 10% in restaurants for good service. Taxi fares are usually rounded up slightly; cafés often get small change.
Official public transport app
Népliget Autóbusz-Pályaudvar -> Deák Ferenc tér, Budapest
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Istanbul to Budapest 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 Budapest, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.

Most Istanbul to Budapest buses use the Istanbul, Büyük Otogari (Esenler) to Budapest, Népliget Autóbusz-Pályaudvar station pair, with some services arriving at Budapest, Liszt Ferenc Nemzetközi Repülőtér. Use this guide to compare Istanbul and Budapest 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.
Budapest, Népliget Autóbusz-Pályaudvar is 5 km from Budapest city centre. Public transport options include:
Budapest, Népliget Autóbusz-Pályaudvar has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC and Ticket Office.
Food options include: Cafeteria Népliget (in the station), Gulyás Tér (0.5 km), Pesti Burger (0.7 km).
Free Wi-Fi. ATMs are located near the entrance.
Ticket office support is available at Budapest, Népliget Autóbusz-Pályaudvar.
Available at Budapest, Népliget Autóbusz-Pályaudvar: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Accessibility facilities are available at Budapest, Népliget Autóbusz-Pályaudvar: Elevators, ramps.
Budapest, Keleti Vasútállomás (Thokoly út) is 3 km from Budapest city centre. Public transport options include:
Budapest, Keleti Vasútállomás (Thokoly út) has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Shower and Ticket Office.
Food options include: Several fast food and sit-down options.
Free Wi-Fi available within the station. ATMs are located near the main entrance.
Ticket office support is available at Budapest, Keleti Vasútállomás (Thokoly út).
Available at Budapest, Keleti Vasútállomás (Thokoly út): Parking, Taxis, WC.
Accessibility facilities are available at Budapest, Keleti Vasútállomás (Thokoly út): Wheelchair accessible; elevators available.
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need