- Must visit
Regional Historical Museum
The city’s main museum presents archaeology, history and urban life, offering a clear introduction to Ruse and the wider Danube region.
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The cheapest and fastest coaches from Istanbul to Ruse
Showing times and prices for 12 Aug
Cheapest price
£50
Average price
£50
Fastest journey
9 h 10 m
Average duration
9 h 10 m
Buses per day
1
Distance
400 km
Cheap tickets
The best way to find a cheap coach ticket from Istanbul to Ruse is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid travelling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Istanbul to Ruse will cost around £50 if you buy it on the day, but you can find cheap coach tickets today for only £50.
Fast coaches
Of the 1 buses that leave Istanbul for Ruse every day 1 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.
These direct buses cover the 400 km distance in an average of 9 h 10 m but if you time it right, some buses will get you there in just 9 h 10 m .
The slowest buses will take 9 h 10 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.
4:509h10Istanbul14:00Ruse£501One-way0 changes
- 4:509h10Istanbul14:00Ruse£501One-way0 changes
Travel Information
Compare coach and flight for Istanbul to Ruse
Omio recommends booking the coach as it is the most popular option from Istanbul to Ruse among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the coach with prices starting from £40. For those with little time consider booking a flight which can get you there in 1h 15m. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a coach costs an average of £40, and a flight costs an average of £60.
Distance: 400 km
Compare bus with
Most popular Coach | Flight |
|---|---|
£45 Average Price Cheapest | £123 Average Price |
11h 40m Average total duration 11h 10m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 4h 15m Average total duration Fastest 1h 15m Onboard + 3h 0m Additional time* |
 Most popular bus company |  Most popular airline |
Direct Options | Direct Options |
Live departures
Istanbul to Ruse bus times
The table below shows live departures for Istanbul to Ruse coaches for tomorrow, Wednesday 12 August. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated coach journeys.
Last updated at
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Changes | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4:50 Istanbul | 9h10 | 14:00 Ruse | 0 changesdirect | |
This is the last bus of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare prices and tickets Istanbul to Ruse by coach or flight
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.
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12 Aug
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Why should you book Istanbul to Ruse coaches with Omio?
City Lines as well as Infobus or FlixBus offer coaches services from Istanbul to Ruse.
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 Infobus or FlixBus to find the best option for your trip from Istanbul to Ruse.
- 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 Istanbul to Ruse.
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 Istanbul to Ruse.
Journey information
Overview: Bus from Istanbul to Ruse
Turkey
Bulgaria
Buses from Istanbul to Ruse run on average 1 times per day, taking around 11h 10m. Cheap bus tickets for this journey start at £40 if you book in advance.
There are 1 coaches per day. The earliest coach runs at 00:05, the last at 19:30. The fastest coach covers the 400 km distance in 8h 10m.
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 400 km |
Average bus duration 11h 10m |
Cheapest ticket price £40 |
Buses per day 1 |
Direct buses 1 |
Fastest bus 8h 10m |
First bus 0:05 |
Last bus 19:30 |
Cheapest Month Apr |
Cheapest Day Sat |
High Season Jul - Sept |
Low Season Oct - Dec |
Busiest Day Wed |
Least Busy Day Wed |
Best time to book 1 day |
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, Infobus, FlixBus from Istanbul to RuseYou can travel by bus between Istanbul to Ruse with City Lines, Infobus, FlixBus for as low as £40. 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
12h 0m
Cheapest Price
£37
City Lines frequency
2 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
8h 10m
Cheapest Price
£40
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
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.
Complete guide to Ruse
Things to do in Ruse
Discover the best of Ruse — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Ruse trip today.
- Recommended
Urban Lifestyle Museum Kaliopa House
A well-kept mansion museum dedicated to urban life in Ruse, with period interiors that reveal the city’s refined 19th-century culture.
- Recommended
Elias Canetti House Museum
A small museum preserving the former home of writer Elias Canetti, with exhibits on his family background and Ruse’s multicultural past.
- Must visit
Svoboda Square
Ruse’s pedestrian main square is lined with elegant façades, fountains and civic buildings, making it the natural starting point for a city walk.
- Must visit
Aleksandrovska Street
A broad central promenade with fine architecture, shops and public buildings, ideal for appreciating the city’s distinctive Austro-Hungarian atmosphere.
- Recommended
Danube Park
A landscaped riverside park along the Danube, popular for walking, sunsets and open views across the water towards neighbouring Romania.
- Vegetarian
- Vegan
- Gluten-free
Bob chorba
A rich bean soup with vegetables and herbs, often linked to Orthodox fasting and home cooking across northern Bulgaria.
- Vegetarian
- Vegan
- Gluten-free
Kyopoolu
Roasted red peppers, tomatoes, aubergines and garlic, slowly cooked into a smoky spread widely made in Bulgarian homes each autumn.
- Gluten-free
Kebapche
Grilled minced meat rolls seasoned with cumin and pepper. A Bulgarian staple often eaten with shopska salad and chips.
Chiflika
Traditional Bulgarian restaurant known for grilled meats, salads and a cosy tavern atmosphere suitable for a classic local meal.
Pontoon's
Established riverside restaurant serving Bulgarian and European dishes in a polished setting with views towards the Danube.
Happy Bar & Grill
Popular casual venue for pizza, grilled dishes and drinks, with a lively atmosphere suited to groups and informal dinners.
Bulgarian lev (лв)
Budget-friendly versus many European cities. Hotels, meals and local transport are generally low cost, making Ruse good value for short stays and regional travel.
Average meal costs
- Budget
- 10-18 лв for fast food or a simple lunch.
- Mid-range
- 20-35 лв per person for a restaurant meal.
- Fine dining
- 45+ лв per person for upscale dining.
- Coffee
- 3-5 лв for a cappuccino.
Tipping culture
A tip of 5-10% is customary in restaurants if service is not included. Round up in cafés and taxis, or leave a small cash tip for good service.
Null
Get the appOfficial public transport app
Prices
- Single ticket
- 1,50 лв.
- Day pass
- /
To the city centre
Ruse, Avtogara (Русе, Автогара) -> Svoboda Square, Ruse
- Distance
- 2 km
- Travel time
- 10 min
- Validate your ticket immediately after boarding and keep it until the end of the journey.
- Single-journey fare is confirmed officially at 1,50 лв.; I could not verify a current official day pass or contactless bank card acceptance from official sources.
FAQs: Istanbul to Ruse coach
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Istanbul to Ruse 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 Ruse, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.
Cheap coach tickets from Istanbul to Ruse can start from as little as £40 when you book in advance. The average coach ticket price for Istanbul to Ruse is £45; 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 Ruse is 8h 10m to travel the 400 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 Ruse leaves at 0:05. Plan your trip with the Journey Planner from Omio.
The latest coach from Istanbul to Ruse leaves at 19:30.
Yes, there are 1 direct coaches a day from Istanbul to Ruse with City Lines, Infobus. Schedules can vary on holidays or weekends with fewer direct coaches.
When taking a coach from Istanbul to Ruse, you can count on City Lines, Infobus, FlixBus for the best way to get you to Ruse. You can also check all possible coach companies who offer a service between Istanbul and Ruse and compare the amenities they offer before buying a coach ticket.
When departing from Istanbul , you have various coach station options to start your route from including Istanbul, Buyuk Otogar (Esenler), Istanbul, Esenler Otogarı (Metro Bulgaria) . When arriving in Ruse , you can end your route in coach stations like Ruse (Русе), Ruse, Avtogara (Русе, Автогара).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 Ruse (Русе), located 2 away from the city centre.
A trip to Ruse from Istanbul is worth doing but not as a day trip with a journey time of 8h 10m each way. Check with Omio app the best way to travel.
The cheapest month for a coach from Istanbul to Ruse is April.
It's helpful to compare your options as there are 2 ways to travel between Istanbul and Ruse including taking a coach and flight.
Yes, the following accessibility options are available when taking the coach from Istanbul to Ruse:
- City Lines
- Assistance
- Priority seating
- Accessible restrooms.
- Infobus
- Assistance
- Priority seating
- Transport for wheelchairs and mobility aids.
- FlixBus
- Assistance
- Priority boarding
- Wheelchair-accessible buses.
Yes, there are bathrooms on board the coach from Istanbul to Ruse for coach company City Lines, Infobus, FlixBus.
Whether you can cancel your coach ticket from Istanbul to Ruse 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.
- 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.
Yes, bikes are allowed on board the coach with coach company City Lines, Infobus, FlixBus.
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 Istanbul to Ruse.
Yes, the following luggage options are included when booking a coach ticket from Istanbul to Ruse:
- 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).
- FlixBus
- One carry-on bag up to 7kg (42x30x18 cm) and one checked bag up to 20kg (80x50x30 cm).
Yes, the following additional luggage options are available when booking a coach ticket from Istanbul to Ruse:
- City Lines
- 10€ per additional bag up to 25 kg.
- Infobus
- 10€ per additional bag.
- FlixBus
- Additional luggage can be purchased for a fee.
Yes, you can bring your pet on the coach from Istanbul to Ruse. 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 Istanbul to Ruse with the following coach company: City Lines, Infobus, FlixBus
Yes, there are USB plugs on board the coach from Istanbul to Ruse with the following coach company: City Lines, Infobus, FlixBus.
Yes, there is Wifi on board the coach from Istanbul to Ruse with the following coach company: City Lines, Infobus, FlixBus.
popular bus stations
Important Stations and Airports in Istanbul and Ruse
Most Istanbul to Ruse buses use the Istanbul, Büyük Otogari (Esenler) to Ruse (Русе) station pair, with some services arriving at Ruse, Avtogara (Русе, Автогара). Use this guide to compare Istanbul and Ruse 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 Ruse
Which Istanbul station do buses to Ruse leave from?
Buses from Istanbul to Ruse 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.
Istanbul, Esenler Otogarı (Metro Bulgaria)
City-centre transport
Getting to Istanbul, Esenler Otogarı (Metro Bulgaria) from Istanbul city centre
TrainM1a, M1b · 19m · £0.90 · every ~45 min
Which Ruse station do buses from Istanbul arrive at?
Buses from Istanbul to Ruse most often arrive at Ruse (Русе). Some services arrive at Ruse, Avtogara (Русе, Автогара), so check your ticket before travel to confirm your Ruse arrival station.
Ruse (Русе)Ruse Bus Station, g.k. Iztok, 7005 Ruse, Bulgaria
City-centre transport
Getting to Ruse (Русе) from Ruse city centre
Ruse (Русе) is 2 km from Ruse city centre. Public transport options include:
TRUE
Ruse (Русе) bus station facilities and services
Ruse (Русе) has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Shower and Ticket Office.
Food and drink
Food options include: Small cafe available on site
Wi-Fi and ATMs
Wi-Fi is available at Ruse (Русе). ATMs are available at Ruse (Русе).
Tickets and information
Ticket office support is available at Ruse (Русе).
Parking, taxis and toilets
Available at Ruse (Русе): Parking, Taxis, WC.
Accessibility
Accessibility facilities are available at Ruse (Русе): Wheelchair accessible.
Ruse, Avtogara (Русе, Автогара)Ruse Tsar Osvoboditel, Tsar Osvoboditel 156, 7012
Most popular bus connections from Istanbul
More options for your journey from Istanbul to Ruse
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need
Most popular buses to and from Ruse and Istanbul
Most popular bus connections
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