- Must visit
National Archaeological Museum
Sofia’s main archaeology museum displays Thracian, Roman and medieval finds in a former mosque. It is ideal for understanding Bulgaria’s long history.
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The cheapest and fastest coaches from Istanbul to Sofia
Showing times, prices and bookable tickets for 30 Oct
- Cheapest price on 30 Oct
- £25
- Average ticket price on 30 Oct
- £30
- Fastest journey on 30 Oct
- 8 h 30 m
- Average journey duration on 30 Oct
- 8 h 45 m
- Buses on 30 Oct
- 6
- Distance
- 502 km
Cheap tickets
The best way to find a cheap coach ticket from Istanbul to Sofia is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid travelling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Istanbul to Sofia will cost around £30 if you buy it on the day, but you can find cheap coach tickets today for only £25.
Fast coaches
On Fri 30 Oct, we found 6 buses from Istanbul to Sofia, including 6 direct services.
These direct buses cover the 502 km distance in an average of 8 h 45 m but if you time it right, some buses will get you there in just 8 h 30 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.
769891521:00 10h00 Istanbul 6:00 Sofia £25 1 One-way 0 changes- 0
23:30 9h10 Istanbul 7:40 Sofia £28 1 One-way 0 changes - 0
10:30 8h35 Istanbul 18:05 Sofia £29 1 One-way 0 changes - 7699184
14:30 8h30 Istanbul 22:00 Sofia £29 1 One-way 0 changes 
FlixBus23:00 9h00 Istanbul, Buyuk Otogar (Esenler) 7:00 София, Централна Aвтогара 2 (Sofia, Centralna Avtogara 2) £34 1 One-way 0 changes
- FlixBus
11:00 8h30 Istanbul, Buyuk Otogar (Esenler) 18:30 София, Централна Aвтогара 2 (Sofia, Centralna Avtogara 2) £34 1 One-way 0 changes - 7699184
14:30 8h30 Istanbul 22:00 Sofia £29 1 One-way 0 changes - 0
10:30 8h35 Istanbul 18:05 Sofia £29 1 One-way 0 changes - FlixBus
23:00 9h00 Istanbul, Buyuk Otogar (Esenler) 7:00 София, Централна Aвтогара 2 (Sofia, Centralna Avtogara 2) £34 1 One-way 0 changes - 0
23:30 9h10 Istanbul 7:40 Sofia £28 1 One-way 0 changes
Journey information
Overview: Bus from Istanbul to Sofia
Turkey
Bulgaria
Buses from Istanbul to Sofia run on average 5 times per day, taking around 8h 48m. Cheap bus tickets for this journey start at £18 if you book in advance.
There are 5 coaches per day. The earliest coach runs at 00:20, the last at 23:30. The fastest coach covers the 502 km distance in 7h 35m.
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 502 km |
Average bus duration 8h 48m |
Cheapest ticket price £18 |
Buses per day 5 |
Direct buses 5 |
Fastest bus 7h 35m |
First bus 0:20 |
Last bus 23:30 |
Cheapest Month May |
Cheapest Day Mon |
High Season Jul - Sept |
Low Season Oct - Dec |
Busiest Day Mon |
Least Busy Day Sun |
Best time to book 91 days |
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
Frequently asked questions about your Istanbul to Sofia trip
Use these quick route answers to check fares, travel time, departure options, and direct services before booking from Istanbul to Sofia.
Cheap coach tickets from Istanbul to Sofia can start from as little as £18 when you book in advance. The average coach ticket price for Istanbul to Sofia is £28; however, prices vary depending on the time of day and class and they tend to be more expensive on the day.
The earliest coach from Istanbul to Sofia leaves at 0:20. Plan your trip with the Journey Planner from Omio.
The latest coach from Istanbul to Sofia leaves at 23:30.
Yes, there are 5 direct coaches a day from Istanbul to Sofia with FlixBus, ArdaTur, Infobus, Mybus Sofia. Schedules can vary on holidays or weekends with fewer direct coaches.
Live departures
Istanbul to Sofia bus times
The table below shows live departures for Istanbul to Sofia coaches for today, Thursday 29 October. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated coach journeys.
Last updated at
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Changes | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| FlixBus | 23:00 Istanbul, Buyuk Otogar (Esenler) | 9h00 | 7:00 София, Централна Aвтогара 2 (Sofia, Centralna Avtogara 2) | 0 changesdirect | |
| 7482185 | 23:30 Istanbul | 9h10 | 7:40 Sofia | 0 changesdirect | |
| Friday 30 October | |||||
| 0 | 10:30 Istanbul | 8h35 | 18:05 Sofia | 0 changesdirect | |
| FlixBus | 11:00 Istanbul, Buyuk Otogar (Esenler) | 8h30 | 18:30 София, Централна Aвтогара 2 (Sofia, Centralna Avtogara 2) | 0 changesdirect | |
| 7699184 | 14:30 Istanbul | 8h30 | 22:00 Sofia | 0 changesdirect | |
| 7698915 | 21:00 Istanbul | 10h00 | 6:00 Sofia | 0 changesdirect | |
This is the last bus of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Why should you book Istanbul to Sofia coaches with Omio?
FlixBus as well as ArdaTur, Infobus, Mybus Sofia and more offer coaches services from Istanbul to Sofia.
Omio is an official ticket reseller for all your travel options from Istanbul to Sofia.
Why book with Omio vs FlixBus?
- Compare with other providers: On Omio, you can not only buy tickets for FlixBus, but also compare tickets for the likes of ArdaTur, Infobus or Mybus Sofia to find the best option for your trip from Istanbul to Sofia.
- 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 FlixBus with all available travel options, which are bus and flight to ensure you get the best deal for traveling from Istanbul to Sofia.
Why book with Omio over Wanderu, Trainline or Busbud?
- Multiple modes of transport: Omio allows you to compare travel options including bus and flight to find the ideal travel option from Istanbul to Sofia.
Bus providers: ArdaTur, FlixBus, Infobus, Mybus Sofia from Istanbul to SofiaYou can travel by bus between Istanbul to Sofia with ArdaTur, FlixBus, Infobus, Mybus Sofia for as low as £18. When you search for schedules and tickets, Omio will show you the best journey
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
Average FlixBus Duration
8h 30m
Cheapest FlixBus Price
£30
FlixBus frequency
2 a day
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.
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 Infobus Duration
9h 31m
Cheapest Infobus Price
£27
Infobus frequency
1 a day
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.
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
7h 35m
Cheapest ArdaTur Price
£18
ArdaTur frequency
3 a day
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.
Mybus Sofia
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Mybus Sofia Duration
9h 31m
Cheapest Mybus Sofia Price
£27
Mybus Sofia frequency
1 a day
Companies, tickets, and onboard amenities between Istanbul and Sofia
Review the details behind your booking, from operators and ticket rules to luggage, onboard amenities, accessibility, and route-specific travel policies.
When taking a coach from Istanbul to Sofia, you can count on FlixBus, ArdaTur, Infobus, Mybus Sofia for the best way to get you to Sofia. You can also check all possible coach companies who offer a service between Istanbul and Sofia and compare the amenities they offer before buying a coach ticket.
Yes, the following accessibility options are available when taking the coach from Istanbul to Sofia:
- 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.
Yes, there are bathrooms on board the coach from Istanbul to Sofia for coach company FlixBus, ArdaTur, Infobus.
Yes, bikes are allowed on board the coach with coach company {providersWithBike}.
Whether you can cancel your coach ticket from Istanbul to Sofia depends on the coach companies:
- 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.
No, there is no food available to purchase on board the coach from Istanbul to Sofia.
Yes, the following luggage options are included when booking a coach ticket from Istanbul to Sofia:
- 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).
Yes, the following additional luggage options are available when booking a coach ticket from Istanbul to Sofia:
- 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.
Yes, you can bring your pet on the coach from Istanbul to Sofia. The following conditions apply:
- 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 Sofia with the following coach company: FlixBus, ArdaTur, Infobus
Yes, there are USB plugs on board the coach from Istanbul to Sofia with the following coach company: FlixBus, Infobus.
Yes, there is Wifi on board the coach from Istanbul to Sofia with the following coach company: FlixBus, ArdaTur, Infobus.
Complete guide to Sofia
Things to do in Sofia
Discover the best of Sofia — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Sofia trip today.
- Recommended
Sofia History Museum
Set in the former mineral baths, this museum presents Sofia’s urban development, daily life and civic history in a striking historic building.
- Recommended
National Gallery at the Palace
A major national gallery in a former royal palace, showing Bulgarian art from past centuries to modern works in grand historic interiors.
- Must visit
Vitosha Boulevard
A broad pedestrian boulevard lined with landmarks, shops and public buildings. It is Sofia’s main walking route for sightseeing and people-watching.
- Recommended
Independence Square
A central square between key institutions and churches, with Roman remains nearby. It is a useful starting point for exploring historic Sofia on foot.
- Recommended
Borisova Gradina
A city garden at the foot of Vitosha Mountain, popular for walks, concerts and open views. It offers a relaxed local atmosphere beyond the busiest centre.
- Vegetarian
- Gluten-free
Shopska salata
Shopska salad of tomatoes, cucumbers, peppers and sirene cheese. A national staple closely linked with Bulgarian home cooking and rakia.
- Vegetarian
Banitsa
Banitsa is a flaky pastry pie with eggs and white cheese, baked for breakfast and festive occasions. It is one of Bulgaria’s most familiar comfort foods.
- Vegetarian
- Gluten-free
Tarator
Tarator is a cold yoghurt soup with cucumber, dill, garlic and walnuts. It is a classic summer dish in Bulgaria, especially refreshing in Sofia’s heat.
Cosmos
Stylish restaurant focused on Bulgarian ingredients and contemporary presentation, with a refined dining room suited to a special meal.
Pod Lipite
Traditional Bulgarian restaurant in a historic setting, known for regional dishes, folk-style interiors and a polished but welcoming atmosphere.
Hadjidraganovite kashti
Long-established Bulgarian venue serving grills, salads and classic national dishes in a lively, rustic tavern atmosphere near the city centre.
Bulgarian lev (лв.)
Budget-friendly for Europe: hotels, meals and public transport are cheaper than in many EU capitals, though central areas and upscale venues cost more.
Average meal costs
- Budget
- 12-20 лв. for fast food or street food.
- Mid-range
- 25-45 лв. per person for a meal.
- Fine dining
- 80+ лв. per person for upscale restaurants.
- Coffee
- 4-6 лв. for cappuccino.
Tipping culture
Round up in cafés and taxis. In restaurants, 5-10% is usual for good service if not already included.
Sofia2Go
Get the appOfficial public transport app
Prices
- Single ticket
- €0.80
- Day pass
- €2.00
To the city centre
Sofia, Centralna Avtogara -> Serdika, Sofia
- Distance
- 2.5 km
- Travel time
- 9 min
- Tap a bank card or device directly on buses, trams, trolleybuses and metro gates; the system caps contactless fares at the day-pass price.
- For the city centre from Centralna Avtogara, use Metro M2 from Central Railway Station/Bus Station to Serdika; it is usually the quickest public transport option.
FAQs: Istanbul to Sofia coach
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Istanbul to Sofia 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 Sofia, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.
It's helpful to compare your options as there are 2 ways to travel between Istanbul and Sofia including taking a coach and flight.
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.
popular bus stations
Important Stations and Airports in Istanbul and Sofia
Most Istanbul to Sofia buses use the Istanbul, Büyük Otogari (Esenler) to Sofia (София) station pair, with some services arriving at София, Централна Aвтогара 2 (Sofia, Centralna Avtogara 2). Use this guide to compare Istanbul and Sofia 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 Sofia
Which Istanbul station do buses to Sofia leave from?
Buses from Istanbul to Sofia 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 · £1 · every ~45 min
Bus91E · 20m · £1 · every ~17 min
TramT4 · 22m · £1 · 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 Sofia station do buses from Istanbul arrive at?
Buses from Istanbul to Sofia most often arrive at Sofia (София). Some services arrive at София, Централна Aвтогара 2 (Sofia, Centralna Avtogara 2), so check your ticket before travel to confirm your Sofia arrival station.
Sofia (София)Central Bus Station - Sofia, Tsentralna, bul. "Knyaginya Maria Luiza" 100, 1202 Sofia, Bulgaria
City-centre transport
Getting to Sofia (София) from Sofia city centre
Bus36h 31m · £348
38h 30m
39h 1m · £266
57h 18m · £218
Sofia (София) bus station facilities and services
Sofia (София) 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 cafes available nearby.
Wi-Fi and ATMs
Wi-Fi is available at Sofia (София). ATMs are aTM machines available onsite.
Tickets and information
Ticket office support is available at Sofia (София).
Parking, taxis and toilets
Available at Sofia (София): Parking, Taxis, WC.
Accessibility
Accessibility facilities are available at Sofia (София): Facilities are accessible for passengers with reduced mobility.
София, Централна Aвтогара 2 (Sofia, Centralna Avtogara 2)
City-centre transport
Getting to София, Централна Aвтогара 2 (Sofia, Centralna Avtogara 2) from Sofia city centre
Bus78 · 13m · every ~5 min
Subway2 · 3m · £1 · every ~20 min
M2 · 4m · every ~16 min
Sofia, Sofia International Airport (София, Летище София)Sofia International Airport (SOF), булевард „Христофор Колумб“ 1, 1540 Sofia, Bulgaria
City-centre transport
Getting to Sofia, Sofia International Airport (София, Летище София) from Sofia city centre
Sofia, Sofia International Airport (София, Летище София) is 6 km from Sofia city centre. Public transport options include:
TRUE
Sofia, Sofia International Airport (София, Летище София) bus station facilities and services
Sofia, Sofia International Airport (София, Летище София) 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 Sofia, Sofia International Airport (София, Летище София). ATMs are aTMs are available nearby.
Tickets and information
Ticket office support is available at Sofia, Sofia International Airport (София, Летище София).
Parking, taxis and toilets
Available at Sofia, Sofia International Airport (София, Летище София): Parking, Taxis, WC.
Accessibility
Accessibility facilities are available at Sofia, Sofia International Airport (София, Летище София): The station has basic accessibility.
Bus stations for Istanbul to Sofia
Check bus stations information for Istanbul and Sofia, including where buses depart and arrive on this route.
When departing from Istanbul , you have various coach station options to start your route from including Istanbul, Büyük Otogari (Esenler) . When arriving in Sofia , you can end your route in coach stations like Sofia (София), София, Централна Aвтогара 2 (Sofia, Centralna Avtogara 2), Sofia, Sofia International Airport (София, Летище София), Sofia, Sofia International Airport (T1) (София, Летище София (T1)).Passengers board the coach most frequently from Istanbul, Büyük Otogari (Esenler), which is located around 5 km away from the city centre, and they get off the coach at Sofia (София), located 0 away from the city centre.
Most popular bus connections from Istanbul
More options for your journey from Istanbul to Sofia
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need
Most popular buses to and from Sofia and Istanbul
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