Istanbul to Sofia bus with ArdaTur

Sat 31 Jan
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ArdaTur
City Lines
FlixBus
Infobus
Citylines
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ArdaTur
City Lines
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Citylines
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The cheapest and fastest coaches from Istanbul to Sofia

Showing times and prices for 01 Feb

Cheapest price

£31

Average price

£33

Fastest journey

8 h 30 m

Average duration

9 h 14 m

Buses per day

5

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 £33 if you buy it on the day, but you can find cheap coach tickets today for only £31.

Fast coaches

Of the 5 buses that leave Istanbul for Sofia every day 5 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.

These direct buses cover the 502 km distance in an average of 9 h 14 m but if you time it right, some buses will get you there in just 8 h 30 m .

The slowest buses will take 10 h 31 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.

Infobus0
20:0010h31
Istanbul, Buyuk Otogar (Esenler)
05:31София, (Sofia)
£311One-way
0 changes
ArdaTur0
23:309h10
Istanbul, Buyuk Otogar (Esenler)
07:40София, (Sofia)
£321One-way
0 changes
ArdaTur0
14:309h00
Istanbul, Buyuk Otogar (Esenler)
22:30София, (Sofia)
£331One-way
0 changes
FlixBusFlixBus
11:008h30
Istanbul, Buyuk Otogar (Esenler)
18:30София, Централна Aвтогара 2 (Sofia, Centralna Avtogara 2)
£351One-way
0 changes
FlixBusFlixBus
23:009h00
Istanbul, Buyuk Otogar (Esenler)
07:00София, Централна Aвтогара 2 (Sofia, Centralna Avtogara 2)
£351One-way
0 changes

Travel Information

Compare coach and flight for Istanbul to Sofia

Omio recommends booking the coach as it is the most popular option from Istanbul to Sofia among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the coach with prices starting from £18. For those with little time consider booking a flight which can get you there in 2h 36m. In case you are seeking to minimise your carbon footprint the coach is your best bet as it emits only 0.5 - 1.3kg. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a coach costs an average of £18, and a flight costs an average of £34.

Distance: 502 km

Compare bus with

Most popular
Coach
Flight

£29

Average Price

Cheapest

£174

Average Price

9h 52m

Average total duration

9h 22m

Onboard

+

30m

Additional time*

5h 36m

Average total duration

Fastest

2h 36m

Onboard

+

3h 0m

Additional time*

0.5 - 1.3kg

CO2 emissions

Lowest

1.5 - 3.0kg

CO2 emissions

City Lines

Most popular bus company

Turkish Airlines

Most popular airline

Direct Options

Direct Options

Additional time: Average total travel duration to departure point, security checks and transfers.

Live departures

Istanbul to Sofia bus times

The table below shows live departures for Istanbul to Sofia coaches for today, Saturday 31 January. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated coach journeys.

Last updated at 11:35
ProviderDepartsDurationArrivesChanges
Tickets
ams_infobus652954617:00 Istanbul, Buyuk Otogar (Esenler)
10h31
03:31 София, (Sofia)0 changesdirect
meinfernbus_flixbusFlixBus20:00 Istanbul, Buyuk Otogar (Esenler)
9h00
05:00 София, Централна Aвтогара 2 (Sofia, Centralna Avtogara 2)0 changesdirect
ams_arda_tur652952320:30 Istanbul, Buyuk Otogar (Esenler)
9h10
05:40 София, (Sofia)0 changesdirect
Sunday 1 February
meinfernbus_flixbusFlixBus08:00 Istanbul, Buyuk Otogar (Esenler)
8h30
16:30 София, Централна Aвтогара 2 (Sofia, Centralna Avtogara 2)0 changesdirect
ams_arda_tur011:30 Istanbul, Buyuk Otogar (Esenler)
9h00
20:30 София, (Sofia)0 changesdirect

Find all the dates and times for this journey

Compare prices and tickets Istanbul to Sofia 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.

Sat
31 Jan
Sun
01 Feb
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Journey information

Overview: Bus from Istanbul to Sofia

TurkeyTurkey
BulgariaBulgaria
Icon of bus

Buses from Istanbul to Sofia run on average 6 times per day, taking around 9h 22m. Cheap bus tickets for this journey start at £18 if you book in advance.

There are 6 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 50m.

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
9h 22m
Cheapest ticket price
£18
Buses per day
6
Direct buses
6
Fastest bus
7h 50m
First bus
00:20
Last bus
23:30
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, City Lines, FlixBus, Infobus, Citylines, Alpar Turizm, Kamil Koc from Istanbul to SofiaYou can travel by bus between Istanbul to Sofia with ArdaTur, City Lines, FlixBus, Infobus, Citylines, Alpar Turizm, Kamil Koc for as low as £18. 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
9h 0m
Cheapest Price
£27
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.

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 Duration
8h 30m
Cheapest Price
£31
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 Duration
9h 31m
Cheapest Price
£26
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
ArdaTur frequency
2 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.

Citylines

Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Duration
8h 0m
Cheapest Price
£25
Citylines frequency
1 a day

Alpar Turizm

Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Duration
8h 0m
Cheapest Price
£29
Alpar Turizm frequency
1 a day

Kamil Koc

Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Duration
8h 0m
Cheapest Price
£14
Kamil Koc frequency
1 a day

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.

FAQs
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 £29; 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 Sofia is 7h 50m to travel the 502 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 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 6 direct coaches a day from Istanbul to Sofia with ArdaTur, FlixBus, Infobus, Citylines, Alpar Turizm, Kamil Koc. Schedules can vary on holidays or weekends with fewer direct coaches.
When taking a coach from Istanbul to Sofia, you can count on ArdaTur, City Lines, FlixBus, Infobus, Citylines, Alpar Turizm, Kamil Koc 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.
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), İstanbul, Alibeyköy Cep Otogarı . When arriving in Sofia , you can end your route in coach stations like Sofiya, Avtogara Serdika (София, Автогара Сердика), София, Централна Aвтогара 2 (Sofia, Centralna Avtogara 2), Sofia, Centralna Avtogara (София, Централна Автогара), София, (Sofia), Sofiya Airport - Terminal T1.Passengers board the coach most frequently from Istanbul, Buyuk Otogar (Esenler), which is located around 5 away from the city centre, and they get off the coach at Sofiya, Avtogara Serdika (София, Автогара Сердика), located 1 away from the city centre.
A trip to Sofia from Istanbul is worth doing but not as a day trip with a journey time of 7h 50m each way. Check with Omio app the best way to travel.
The cheapest month for a coach from Istanbul to Sofia is February.
It's helpful to compare your options as there are 2 ways to travel between Istanbul and Sofia including taking a coach and flight.
Yes, the following accessibility options are available when taking the coach from Istanbul to Sofia:
  • City Lines
    • Assistance
    • Priority seating
    • Accessible restrooms.
  • 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, Infobus, City Lines, ArdaTur.
Yes, bikes are allowed on board the coach with coach company ArdaTur, City Lines, FlixBus.
Whether you can cancel your coach ticket from Istanbul to Sofia 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.
  • 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.
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 Sofia.
Yes, the following luggage options are included when booking a coach ticket from Istanbul to Sofia:
  • City Lines
    • One carry-on bag up to 8kg (55x35x25) and one checked bag up to 25kg (70x50x30).
  • 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:
  • City Lines
    • 10€ per additional bag up to 25 kg.
  • 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:
  • 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 Sofia with the following coach company: FlixBus, Infobus, City Lines, ArdaTur
Yes, there are USB plugs on board the coach from Istanbul to Sofia with the following coach company: FlixBus, Infobus, City Lines.
Yes, there is Wifi on board the coach from Istanbul to Sofia with the following coach company: FlixBus, Infobus, City Lines, ArdaTur.

popular bus stations

Important Stations and Airports in Istanbul and Sofia

Istanbul
Sofia
The major coach station for departures in Istanbul is Istanbul, Büyük Otogari (Esenler). Find all the information you need to know about services, amenities and connections at Istanbul, Büyük Otogari (Esenler) for your trip from Istanbul to Sofia.
Istanbul, Büyük Otogari (Esenler)WifiParkingDiningATMTaxisAccessibilityWCTicket Office
Amenities at bus station
WifiWifi
ParkingParking
DiningDining
ATMATM
TaxisTaxis
AccessibilityAccessibility
WCWC
Ticket OfficeTicket Office
information
ticketOfficeHours
Ticket Office Hours
  • 06:00-23:00
ticketOfficeHours
Distance to city center
5 km
carConnection
Car connection
O-3 Otoyolu
Wifi
Wifi
  • Free Wi-Fi
Dining
Dining
  • Cafeteria Terminal (in the station)
  • Kebab Express (0.2 km)
  • Simit Sarayı (0.3 km).
Taxis
Taxis
  • Available outside the main entrance.
Accessibility
Accessibility
  • Elevators, ramps
WC
WC
  • Available in the station.
Public transport options for Istanbul, Büyük Otogari (Esenler)
  • Metro: M1A Bus: 83O, 91E, 97G
Istanbul, Esenler Otogarı (Metro Bulgaria)
information
İstanbul, Alibeyköy Cep OtogarıWifiParkingDiningATMTaxisAccessibilityWCTicket Office
Amenities at bus station
WifiWifi
ParkingParking
DiningDining
ATMATM
TaxisTaxis
AccessibilityAccessibility
WCWC
Ticket OfficeTicket Office
information
ticketOfficeHours
Ticket Office Hours
  • 06:00-23:00
ticketOfficeHours
Distance to city center
8 km
carConnection
Car connection
Çevre Yolu Caddesi
Wifi
Wifi
  • Free Wi-Fi
Dining
Dining
  • Cafeteria Alibeyköy (in the station)
  • Kebab House (0.2 km)
  • Simit Sarayı (0.5 km).
Taxis
Taxis
  • Available outside the main entrance.
Accessibility
Accessibility
  • Elevators, ramps
WC
WC
  • Available in the station.
Public transport options for İstanbul, Alibeyköy Cep Otogarı
  • Bus: 36CE, 49T, 49Z Metro: M7

More options for your journey from Istanbul to Sofia

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