- Must visit
Archaeological Museum of Thessaloniki
The city’s main archaeological museum, presenting Macedonian gold, sculpture, pottery, and finds from ancient Thessaloniki.
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The cheapest and fastest coaches from Istanbul to Thessaloniki
Showing times, prices and bookable tickets for 29 Aug
Cheapest price on 29 Aug
£68
Average ticket price on 29 Aug
£68
Fastest journey on 29 Aug
17 h 50 m
Average journey duration on 29 Aug
17 h 50 m
Buses on 29 Aug
1
Distance
507 km
Cheap tickets
The best way to find a cheap coach ticket from Istanbul to Thessaloniki is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid travelling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Istanbul to Thessaloniki will cost around £68 if you buy it on the day, but you can find cheap coach tickets today for only £68.
Fast coaches
To travel from Istanbul to Thessaloniki you need to make at least one change.
FlixBus · FlixBus11:0017h50Istanbul, Buyuk Otogar (Esenler)4:50Thessaloniki, Monastiriou - KTEL (Θεσσαλονίκη, Μοναστηρίου - ΚΤΕΛ)£681One-way1 change
- FlixBus · FlixBus11:0017h50Istanbul, Buyuk Otogar (Esenler)4:50Thessaloniki, Monastiriou - KTEL (Θεσσαλονίκη, Μοναστηρίου - ΚΤΕΛ)£681One-way1 change
Travel Information
Compare coach and flight for Istanbul to Thessaloniki
Omio recommends booking the coach as it is the most popular option from Istanbul to Thessaloniki among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price, take the coach, with an average ticket price of £46 For those with little time, consider booking a flight, which has an average total journey time of 4h 4m. If you are seeking to minimise your carbon footprint, the coach is your best option, with estimated CO2 emissions of 0.5 - 1.3kg. Average ticket prices depend on the travel mode: a coach costs an average of £46, while a flight costs an average of £153.
Distance: 507 km
Compare bus with
Most popular Coach | Flight |
|---|---|
£46 Average Price Cheapest | £153 Average Price |
11h 6m Average total duration 10h 36m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 4h 4m Average total duration Fastest 2h 4m Onboard + 2h 0m Additional time* |
0.5 - 1.3kg CO2 emissions Lowest | 1.5 - 3.0kg CO2 emissions |
 Most popular bus company |  Most popular airline |
Direct Options | Direct Options |
Additional time: Average total travel duration to departure point, security checks and transfers.
Live departures
Istanbul to Thessaloniki bus times
The table below shows live departures for Istanbul to Thessaloniki coaches for today, Friday 28 August. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated coach journeys.
Last updated at
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Changes | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 | 18:30 Istanbul | 8h30 | 3:00 Thessaloniki | 0 changesdirect | |
| 19:00 Istanbul | 9h30 | 4:30 Thessaloniki | 0 changesdirect | |
| Saturday 29 August | |||||
| FlixBus · FlixBus | 11:00 Istanbul, Buyuk Otogar (Esenler) | 17h50 | 4:50 Thessaloniki, Monastiriou - KTEL (Θεσσαλονίκη, Μοναστηρίου - ΚΤΕΛ) | 1 change | |
This is the last bus of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare prices and tickets Istanbul to Thessaloniki 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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Why should you book Istanbul to Thessaloniki coaches with Omio?
ArdaTur as well as Infobus, FlixBus, Alpar Turizm and more offer coaches services from Istanbul to Thessaloniki.
Omio is the only official third party seller for ArdaTur tickets.
Why book with Omio vs ArdaTur?
- Compare with other providers: On Omio, you can not only buy tickets for ArdaTur, but also compare tickets for the likes of Infobus, FlixBus or Alpar Turizm to find the best option for your trip from Istanbul to Thessaloniki.
- 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 ArdaTur with all available travel options, which are bus and flight to ensure you get the best deal for traveling from Istanbul to Thessaloniki.
Journey information
Overview: Bus from Istanbul to Thessaloniki
Turkey
Greece
Buses from Istanbul to Thessaloniki run on average 4 times per day, taking around 10h 36m. Cheap bus tickets for this journey start at £40 if you book in advance.
There are 4 coaches per day. The earliest coach runs at 00:15, the last at 23:00. The fastest coach covers the 507 km distance in 8h 30m.
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 507 km |
Average bus duration 10h 36m |
Cheapest ticket price £40 |
Buses per day 4 |
Direct buses 4 |
Fastest bus 8h 30m |
First bus 0:15 |
Last bus 23:00 |
Cheapest Month Oct |
Cheapest Day Sat |
High Season Jul - Sept |
Low Season Jan - Mar |
Busiest Day Fri |
Least Busy Day Sat |
Best time to book 49 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
Bus providers: ArdaTur, Infobus, FlixBus, Alpar Turizm from Istanbul to ThessalonikiYou can travel by bus between Istanbul to Thessaloniki with ArdaTur, Infobus, FlixBus, Alpar Turizm for as low as £40. When you search for schedules and tickets, Omio will show you the best journey
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
11h 0m
Cheapest Infobus Price
£31
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.
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
17h 50m
Cheapest FlixBus Price
£41
FlixBus frequency
1 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.
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
8h 30m
Cheapest ArdaTur Price
£36
ArdaTur frequency
5 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.
Alpar Turizm
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Alpar Turizm Duration
10h 0m
Cheapest Alpar Turizm Price
£31
Alpar Turizm frequency
1 a day
Complete guide to Thessaloniki
Things to do in Thessaloniki
Discover the best of Thessaloniki — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Thessaloniki trip today.
- Must visit
Museum of Byzantine Culture
A rich survey of Byzantine art and daily life, with icons, mosaics, textiles, and thoughtfully curated permanent galleries.
- Recommended
Museum of the White Tower
A compact museum inside the White Tower tracing Thessaloniki’s urban history through multimedia and historical displays.
- Must visit
Nea Paralia
The city’s landmark seafront promenade, ideal for walking or cycling with sculpture, gardens, and open views across the bay.
- Must visit
Aristotelous Square
A lively central square by the sea, framed by notable architecture and often used as the starting point for exploring the centre.
- Recommended
Ano Poli
The old upper town with Ottoman and Macedonian houses, quiet lanes, small squares, and some of the best city viewpoints.
Moussaka
Layered baked dish of aubergine, minced meat and béchamel. A Greek classic widely loved in Thessaloniki tavernas and homes.
- Vegetarian
- Vegan
Koulouri Thessalonikis
Sesame-crusted bread ring sold by street vendors and bakeries. It is Thessaloniki’s signature grab-and-go breakfast snack.
- Gluten-free
Patsas
Rich slow-cooked tripe soup with garlic, vinegar and paprika. Traditionally eaten late at night and linked to northern Greek food culture.
Bantis
Long-running pastry shop famed for bougatsa, savoury pies and Thessaloniki breakfast classics in a busy casual atmosphere.
Full tou Meze
Historic central taverna known for meze, seafood and classic Macedonian dishes in a lively old-school setting.
Elenidis
Popular sweet shop and café best known for trigona panoramatos, profiteroles and classic Greek desserts.
Euro (€)
Moderate for Greece: rooms, tavernas and buses are usually cheaper than Athens and many Western European city breaks.
Average meal costs
- Budget
- €8-12 for street food or a simple meal.
- Mid-range
- €20-35 per person for a restaurant meal.
- Fine dining
- €60+ per person for upscale dining.
- Coffee
- €2.50-4 for a coffee.
Tipping culture
Service is usually included, but rounding up or leaving 5-10% is appreciated in restaurants. Round up taxi fares; leave small change in cafés.
OASTH Mobile
Get the appOfficial public transport app
Prices
- Single ticket
- €0.60
- Day pass
- €2.40
To the city centre
Thessaloniki, Monastiriou - KTEL (Θεσσαλονίκη, Μοναστηρίου - ΚΤΕΛ) -> Aristotelous Square, Thessaloniki
- Distance
- 3 km
- Travel time
- 15 min
- Buy bus tickets in the official mobile app as QR codes, or use ticket machines that accept cash, debit, and credit cards.
- OSYTH states that bus fare-capping applies: after 4 standard-ticket validations in one day, further journeys that day are not charged.
FAQs: Istanbul to Thessaloniki coach
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Istanbul to Thessaloniki 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 Thessaloniki, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.
Cheap coach tickets from Istanbul to Thessaloniki can start from as little as £40 when you book in advance. The average coach ticket price for Istanbul to Thessaloniki is £46; 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 Thessaloniki is 8h 30m to travel the 507 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 Thessaloniki leaves at 0:15. Plan your trip with the Journey Planner from Omio.
The latest coach from Istanbul to Thessaloniki leaves at 23:00.
Yes, there are 4 direct coaches a day from Istanbul to Thessaloniki with ArdaTur, Infobus, Alpar Turizm. Schedules can vary on holidays or weekends with fewer direct coaches.
When taking a coach from Istanbul to Thessaloniki, you can count on ArdaTur, Infobus, FlixBus, Alpar Turizm for the best way to get you to Thessaloniki. You can also check all possible coach companies who offer a service between Istanbul and Thessaloniki 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) . When arriving in Thessaloniki , you can end your route in coach stations like Thessaloniki (Θεσσαλονίκη), Thessaloniki, Monastiriou - KTEL (Θεσσαλονίκη, Μοναστηρίου - ΚΤΕΛ).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 Thessaloniki (Θεσσαλονίκη), located 0 away from the city centre.
A trip to Thessaloniki from Istanbul is worth doing but not as a day trip with a journey time of 8h 30m each way. Check with Omio app the best way to travel.
The cheapest month for a coach from Istanbul to Thessaloniki is October.
It's helpful to compare your options as there are 2 ways to travel between Istanbul and Thessaloniki including taking a coach and flight.
Yes, the following accessibility options are available when taking the coach from Istanbul to Thessaloniki:
- 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 Thessaloniki for coach company Infobus, FlixBus, ArdaTur.
Whether you can cancel your coach ticket from Istanbul to Thessaloniki 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.
Yes, bikes are allowed on board the coach with coach company ArdaTur, 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 Thessaloniki.
Yes, the following luggage options are included when booking a coach ticket from Istanbul to Thessaloniki:
- 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 Thessaloniki:
- 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 Thessaloniki. 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 Thessaloniki with the following coach company: Infobus, FlixBus, ArdaTur
Yes, there are USB plugs on board the coach from Istanbul to Thessaloniki with the following coach company: Infobus, FlixBus.
Yes, there is Wifi on board the coach from Istanbul to Thessaloniki with the following coach company: Infobus, FlixBus, ArdaTur.
popular bus stations
Important Stations and Airports in Istanbul and Thessaloniki
Most Istanbul to Thessaloniki buses use the Istanbul, Büyük Otogari (Esenler) to Thessaloniki (Θεσσαλονίκη) station pair, with some services arriving at Thessaloniki, Monastiriou - KTEL (Θεσσαλονίκη, Μοναστηρίου - ΚΤΕΛ). Use this guide to compare Istanbul and Thessaloniki 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 Thessaloniki
Which Istanbul station do buses to Thessaloniki leave from?
Buses from Istanbul to Thessaloniki 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.
Thessaloniki (Θεσσαλονίκη)Thessaloniki Bus Stop,Egnatia Odos,null
City-centre transport
Getting to Thessaloniki (Θεσσαλονίκη) from Thessaloniki city centre
Subway1 · 14m · every ~14 min
Thessaloniki, Monastiriou - KTEL (Θεσσαλονίκη, Μοναστηρίου - ΚΤΕΛ)Monastiriou 244, Thessaloniki, Greece
City-centre transport
Getting to Thessaloniki, Monastiriou - KTEL (Θεσσαλονίκη, Μοναστηρίου - ΚΤΕΛ) from Thessaloniki city centre
Thessaloniki, Monastiriou - KTEL (Θεσσαλονίκη, Μοναστηρίου - ΚΤΕΛ) is 1 km from Thessaloniki city centre. Public transport options include:
Bus8, 12, 31 Train: Thessaloniki Railway Station
Thessaloniki, Monastiriou - KTEL (Θεσσαλονίκη, Μοναστηρίου - ΚΤΕΛ) bus station facilities and services
Thessaloniki, Monastiriou - KTEL (Θεσσαλονίκη, Μοναστηρίου - ΚΤΕΛ) has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC and Ticket Office.
Wi-Fi and ATMs
Free Wi-Fi. ATMs are located inside the station.
Tickets and information
Ticket office support is available at Thessaloniki, Monastiriou - KTEL (Θεσσαλονίκη, Μοναστηρίου - ΚΤΕΛ).
Parking, taxis and toilets
Available at Thessaloniki, Monastiriou - KTEL (Θεσσαλονίκη, Μοναστηρίου - ΚΤΕΛ): Parking, Taxis, WC.
Accessibility
Accessibility facilities are available at Thessaloniki, Monastiriou - KTEL (Θεσσαλονίκη, Μοναστηρίου - ΚΤΕΛ): Elevators, ramps.
Most popular bus connections from Istanbul
More options for your journey from Istanbul to Thessaloniki
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need
Most popular buses to and from Thessaloniki and Istanbul
Most popular bus connections
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