- Recommended
Regional History Museum Kardzhali
Main regional museum with archaeology, history and ethnography displays that explain the rich past of the Eastern Rhodopes.
2,000+ travel companies
2,000+ travel companies
Scan to get our free app
Use our app to get live travel updates and book mobile tickets for trains, buses, flights, and ferries.
App Store
4.942K ratings
Google Play
4.6136K reviews
Travel Information
Compare flight and coach for Istanbul to Kardzhali
Omio recommends booking the coach as it is the most popular option from Istanbul to Kardzhali among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price, take the coach, with an average ticket price of £19 For those with little time, consider booking a coach, which has an average total journey time of 6h 41m. Average ticket prices depend on the travel mode: a coach costs an average of £19, while a flight costs an average of £158.
Distance: 307 km
Compare bus with
Most popular Coach | Flight |
|---|---|
£19 Average Price Cheapest | £158 Average Price |
6h 41m Average total duration Fastest 6h 11m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 10h 47m Average total duration 8h 47m Onboard + 2h 0m Additional time* |
Direct Options | Direct Options |
The cheapest way to travel from Istanbul to Kardzhali is a coach with an average price of £19.
This is compared to other travel options from Istanbul to Kardzhali:
A coach is £139 less than a flight for this route with tickets for a flight from Istanbul to Kardzhali costing on average £158.
The fastest way to travel from Istanbul to Kardzhali is by coach with an average journey time of 6h 11m.
Other travel options to Kardzhali take longer:
Flight takes on average 8h 47m.
It's helpful to compare your options as there are 2 ways to travel between Istanbul and Kardzhali including taking a flight and coach.
Journey information
Overview: Bus from Istanbul to Kardzhali
Turkey
Bulgaria
Buses from Istanbul to Kardzhali run on average 1 times per day, taking around 6h 11m. Cheap bus tickets for this journey start at £19 if you book in advance.
There are 1 coaches per day. The earliest coach runs at 20:59, the last at 20:59. The fastest coach covers the 307 km distance in 6h 1m.
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 307 km |
Average bus duration 6h 11m |
Cheapest ticket price £19 |
Buses per day 1 |
Direct buses 1 |
Fastest bus 6h 1m |
First bus 20:59 |
Last bus 20:59 |
Cheapest Month Aug |
Cheapest Day Fri |
High Season Jul - Sept |
Low Season Jan - Mar |
Busiest Day Sat |
Least Busy Day Sat |
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: ArdaTur from Istanbul to KardzhaliYou can travel by bus between Istanbul to Kardzhali with ArdaTur for as low as £19. When you search for schedules and tickets, Omio will show you the best journey
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 ArdaTur Duration
6h 1m
Cheapest ArdaTur Price
£19
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.
Entertaiment on board
Complete guide to Kardzhali
Things to do in Kardzhali
Discover the best of Kardzhali — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Kardzhali trip today.
- Recommended
Children's Astronomical Observatory and Planetarium
Interactive open-air astronomy centre with a planetarium and observatory, well suited to families and curious visitors.
Kardzhali Art Gallery
City gallery presenting Bulgarian art exhibitions and cultural events in a central venue that is easy to combine with a walk nearby.
- Recommended
Prostor Park
Central urban park with lawns, paths and leisure areas, ideal for a relaxed walk and a break between nearby sights.
- Recommended
Enchets Viewpoint
Popular scenic area above the reservoir, visited for panoramic views, photographs and short stops while touring the region.
Vazrozhdentsi Square
Main city square and gathering point, surrounded by civic buildings and useful as the starting point for exploring central Kardzhali.
- Vegetarian
- Gluten-free
Patatnik
Patatnik is a Rhodope potato cake with onion, mint and eggs, cooked slowly until crisp. It is a mountain classic closely tied to the wider Kardzhali region.
- Vegetarian
Klin
Klin is a Rhodope pie of rice, eggs and white cheese, often wrapped in pastry or baked between leaves. It is a beloved festive dish in south Bulgaria.
- Vegetarian
- Gluten-free
Kachamak
Kachamak is a rustic maizemeal dish, similar to polenta, usually served with butter and Bulgarian white cheese. It is traditional in the Rhodope Mountains.
Meatsa House
Traditional Bulgarian restaurant known for grilled dishes, salads and hearty regional fare in a casual setting popular with locals.
Friends Restaurant
Established restaurant serving Bulgarian and Balkan dishes with kebabs, grilled meats and family-style meals in a spacious, informal atmosphere.
Pizza Mia
Casual venue for pizzas, grilled food, salads and drinks, suited to an easy lunch or dinner in the city centre.
Bulgarian lev (лв.)
Budget-friendly versus many European city breaks. Hotels, meals and local transport are usually cheaper, making Kardzhali good value for visitors.
Average meal costs
- Budget
- 10-18 лв. for fast food or a simple meal.
- Mid-range
- 20-35 лв. per person for a restaurant meal.
- Fine dining
- 40+ лв. per person for upscale dining.
- Coffee
- 3-5 лв. for a cappuccino.
Tipping culture
Service may be included, but usually is not. Tip restaurants around 5-10% for good service, round up in cafés, and round up taxi fares modestly.
FAQs: Istanbul to Kardzhali coach
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Istanbul to Kardzhali 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 Kardzhali, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.
Cheap coach tickets from Istanbul to Kardzhali can start from as little as £19 when you book in advance. The average coach ticket price for Istanbul to Kardzhali is £19; 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 Istanbul to Kardzhali is 6h 1m to travel the 307 km long route. Journey times can vary on weekends and holidays, so use our Journey Planner to search for a specific date.
The earliest coach from Istanbul to Kardzhali leaves at 20:59. Plan your trip with the Journey Planner from Omio.
The latest coach from Istanbul to Kardzhali leaves at 20:59.
Yes, there are 1 direct coaches a day from Istanbul to Kardzhali with . Schedules can vary on holidays or weekends with fewer direct coaches.
When taking a coach from Istanbul to Kardzhali, you can count on ArdaTur for the best way to get you to Kardzhali. You can also check all possible coach companies who offer a service between Istanbul and Kardzhali and compare the amenities they offer before buying a coach ticket.
Passengers board the coach most frequently from Istanbul, Buyuk Otogar (Esenler), which is located around 5 km away from the city centre, and they get off the coach at Kardzhali, located 2 away from the city centre.
A trip to Kardzhali from Istanbul is worth doing but not as a day trip with a journey time of 6h 1m each way. Check with Omio app the best way to travel.
The cheapest month for a coach from Istanbul to Kardzhali is August.
It's helpful to compare your options as there are 2 ways to travel between Istanbul and Kardzhali including taking a flight and coach.
Yes, the following accessibility options are available when taking the coach from Istanbul to Kardzhali:
- 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 Istanbul to Kardzhali for coach company ArdaTur.
Whether you can cancel your coach ticket from Istanbul to Kardzhali depends on the coach companies:
- 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 ArdaTur.
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.
Yes, there is food available to purchase on board the coach from Istanbul to Kardzhali.
Yes, the following luggage options are included when booking a coach ticket from Istanbul to Kardzhali:
- 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 Istanbul to Kardzhali:
- ArdaTur
- Additional baggage or cargo is accepted for transport if there is free space and for a separate charge.
Unfortunately, pets are not allowed on the coach from Istanbul to Kardzhali.
You can reserve your seat on the coach from Istanbul to Kardzhali with the following coach company: ArdaTur
No, there are no USB plugs on board the coach from Istanbul to Kardzhali.
Yes, there is Wifi on board the coach from Istanbul to Kardzhali with the following coach company: ArdaTur.
popular bus stations
Important Stations and Airports in Istanbul and Kardzhali
Most Istanbul to Kardzhali buses use the Istanbul, Büyük Otogari (Esenler) to Kardzhali station pair. Use this guide to compare Istanbul and Kardzhali bus stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like bus station facilities and services.
Departure bus stations in Istanbul
Arrival bus stations in Kardzhali
Which Istanbul station do buses to Kardzhali leave from?
Buses from Istanbul to Kardzhali leave from Istanbul, Büyük Otogari (Esenler). The station is 5 km from Istanbul city centre at Istanbul Buyuk Otogari, Esenler, Istanbul, Turkey.
Istanbul, Büyük Otogari (Esenler)Istanbul Buyuk Otogari, Esenler, Istanbul, Turkey
City-centre transport
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:
TrainM1a, M1b · 11m · £0.90 · every ~45 min
Bus91E · 20m · £0.90 · every ~17 min
TramT4 · 22m · £0.90 · every ~34 min
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.
Which Kardzhali station do buses from Istanbul arrive at?
Buses from Istanbul to Kardzhali arrive at Kardzhali. Kardzhali is 3 km from Kardzhali city centre.
KardzhaliKardzhali Center, bul. "Bulgaria" 94, 6600 Kardzhali, Bulgaria
City-centre transport
Getting to Kardzhali from Kardzhali city centre
Kardzhali is 2 km from Kardzhali city centre. Public transport options include:
TRUE
Kardzhali bus station facilities and services
Kardzhali has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Shower and Ticket Office.
Wi-Fi and ATMs
Wi-Fi is available at Kardzhali. ATMs are available at Kardzhali.
Tickets and information
Ticket office support is available at Kardzhali.
Parking, taxis and toilets
Available at Kardzhali: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Accessibility
Accessibility facilities are available at Kardzhali: Ramps available for wheelchair access.
Most popular bus connections from Istanbul
More options for your journey from Istanbul to Kardzhali
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need
Most popular buses to and from Kardzhali and Istanbul
Most popular bus connections
The Omio App Makes Travel Planning Easy
We’ll get you where you want to go. From live train updates to mobile tickets, our innovative app is the ideal way to plan and keep track of your travel.
