Plovdiv to Istanbul bus with FlixBus

Mon 31 Aug
+ Add return
FlixBus
ArdaTur
City Lines
Infobus
Mybus Sofia
2,000+ travel companies
FlixBus
ArdaTur
City Lines
Infobus
Mybus Sofia
2,000+ travel companies
QR-Code
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
rate4.9
42K ratings
Google Play
rate4.6
136K reviews

The cheapest and fastest coaches from Plovdiv to Istanbul

Showing times, prices and bookable tickets for 31 Aug

Cheapest price on 31 Aug

£28

Average ticket price on 31 Aug

£28

Fastest journey on 31 Aug

5 h 45 m

Average journey duration on 31 Aug

6 h

Buses on 31 Aug

2

Distance

371 km

Cheap tickets

The best way to find a cheap coach ticket from Plovdiv to Istanbul is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid travelling at rush hour.

The average ticket from Plovdiv to Istanbul will cost around £28 if you buy it on the day, but you can find cheap coach tickets today for only £28.

Fast coaches

On Mon 31 Aug, we found 2 buses from Plovdiv to Istanbul, including 2 direct services.

These direct buses cover the 371 km distance in an average of 6 h but if you time it right, some buses will get you there in just 5 h 45 m .

The slowest buses will take 6 h 15 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.

  • FlixBusFlixBus
    13:156h15
    Plovdiv, Avtogara Yug (Пловдив, Автогара Юг)
    19:30Istanbul, Buyuk Otogar (Esenler)
    £281One-way
    0 changes
  • FlixBusFlixBus
    1:155h45
    Plovdiv, Avtogara Yug (Пловдив, Автогара Юг)
    7:00Istanbul, Buyuk Otogar (Esenler)
    £281One-way
    0 changes

Live departures

Plovdiv to Istanbul bus times

The table below shows live departures for Plovdiv to Istanbul coaches for tomorrow, Monday 31 August. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated coach journeys.

Last updated at
ProviderDepartsDurationArrivesChanges
Tickets
FlixBusFlixBus1:15 Plovdiv, Avtogara Yug (Пловдив, Автогара Юг)
5h45
7:00 Istanbul, Buyuk Otogar (Esenler)0 changesdirect
FlixBusFlixBus13:15 Plovdiv, Avtogara Yug (Пловдив, Автогара Юг)
6h15
19:30 Istanbul, Buyuk Otogar (Esenler)0 changesdirect

This is the last bus of the day.

Find all the dates and times for this journey

Compare prices and tickets Plovdiv to Istanbul by coach

Compare coach 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.

Mon
31 Aug
Tue
01 Sept
Wed
02 Sept
Thu
03 Sept
Fri
04 Sept
Sat
05 Sept
Sun
06 Sept
Mon
07 Sept
Tue
08 Sept
Wed
09 Sept
Thu
10 Sept
Fri
11 Sept
Sat
12 Sept
Sun
13 Sept
Mon
14 Sept
Tue
15 Sept
Wed
16 Sept
Thu
17 Sept
Fri
18 Sept
Sat
19 Sept
Sun
20 Sept

Why should you book Plovdiv to Istanbul coaches with Omio?

FlixBus as well as ArdaTur, City Lines, Infobus, Mybus Sofia and more offer coaches services from Plovdiv to Istanbul.
Omio is an official ticket reseller for all your travel options from Plovdiv to Istanbul.

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, City Lines, Infobus or Mybus Sofia to find the best option for your trip from Plovdiv to Istanbul.
  • 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.

Journey information

Overview: Bus from Plovdiv to Istanbul

BulgariaBulgaria
TurkeyTurkey
Icon of bus

Buses from Plovdiv to Istanbul run on average 5 times per day, taking around 6h 26m. Cheap bus tickets for this journey start at £20 if you book in advance.

There are 5 coaches per day. The earliest coach runs at 00:30, the last at 23:30. The fastest coach covers the 371 km distance in 6h 15m.

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
371 km
Average bus duration
6h 26m
Cheapest ticket price
£20
Buses per day
5
Direct buses
5
Fastest bus
6h 15m
First bus
0:30
Last bus
23:30
Cheapest Month
Sept
Cheapest Day
Sat
High Season
Jul - Sept
Low Season
Jan - Mar
Busiest Day
Wed
Least Busy Day
Fri
Best time to book
56 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: FlixBus, ArdaTur, City Lines, Infobus, Mybus Sofia, Huntur, Citylines, Alpar Turizm from Plovdiv to IstanbulYou can travel by bus between Plovdiv to Istanbul with FlixBus, ArdaTur, City Lines, Infobus, Mybus Sofia, Huntur, Citylines, Alpar Turizm for as low as £20. 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
6h 15m
Cheapest FlixBus Price
£28
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.

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 City Lines Duration
7h 0m
Cheapest City Lines Price
£27
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 Infobus Duration
6h 0m
Cheapest Infobus Price
£23
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
6h 20m
Cheapest ArdaTur Price
£20
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.

Mybus Sofia

Luggage & cancellation policy
Mybus Sofia frequency
1 a day

Huntur

Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Huntur Duration
6h 30m
Cheapest Huntur Price
£22
Huntur frequency
1 a day

Citylines

Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Citylines Duration
6h 50m
Cheapest Citylines Price
£25
Citylines frequency
1 a day

Alpar Turizm

Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Alpar Turizm Duration
6h 0m
Cheapest Alpar Turizm Price
£21
Alpar Turizm frequency
1 a day

Complete guide to Istanbul

Things to do in Istanbul

Discover the best of Istanbul — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Istanbul trip today.

  • Must visit

Topkapı Palace

Former imperial residence with courtyards, treasury displays and pavilions that reveal Ottoman court life over several centuries.

  • Must visit

Basilica Cistern

Underground Byzantine cistern with forest-like columns, atmospheric lighting and raised walkways near Hagia Sophia.

  • Recommended

Istanbul Modern

Leading modern art museum on the Bosphorus showing Turkish and international contemporary works in a striking waterfront building.

Turkish lira (₺)

Moderate for a major city: hotels vary widely, meals can be cheap, and public transport is low-cost compared with many European city breaks.

Average meal costs

Budget
₺250-450 for street food or a simple meal.
Mid-range
₺500-1,000 per person for a restaurant meal.
Fine dining
₺1,500+ per person for upscale dining.
Coffee
₺90-160 for a coffee.

Tipping culture

Tip 5-10% in restaurants if service is not included. Round up taxi fares. In cafés, leaving small change is customary but not essential.

FAQs: Plovdiv to Istanbul coach

Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Plovdiv to Istanbul 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 Istanbul, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.

FAQs
Cheap coach tickets from Plovdiv to Istanbul can start from as little as £20 when you book in advance. The average coach ticket price for Plovdiv to Istanbul is £23; 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 Plovdiv to Istanbul is 6h 15m to travel the 371 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 Plovdiv to Istanbul leaves at 0:30. Plan your trip with the Journey Planner from Omio.
The latest coach from Plovdiv to Istanbul leaves at 23:30.
Yes, there are 5 direct coaches a day from Plovdiv to Istanbul with FlixBus, ArdaTur, City Lines, Infobus, Mybus Sofia, Huntur, Citylines, Alpar Turizm. Schedules can vary on holidays or weekends with fewer direct coaches.
When taking a coach from Plovdiv to Istanbul, you can count on FlixBus, ArdaTur, City Lines, Infobus, Mybus Sofia, Huntur, Citylines, Alpar Turizm for the best way to get you to Istanbul. You can also check all possible coach companies who offer a service between Plovdiv and Istanbul and compare the amenities they offer before buying a coach ticket.
When departing from Plovdiv , you have various coach station options to start your route from including Plovdiv, Avtogara Yug (Пловдив, Автогара Юг), Plovdiv (Пловдив) . When arriving in Istanbul , you can end your route in coach stations like Istanbul, Buyuk Otogar (Esenler), Istanbul, Esenler Otogarı (Metro Bulgaria).Passengers board the coach most frequently from Plovdiv, Avtogara Yug (Пловдив, Автогара Юг), which is located around 1 km away from the city centre, and they get off the coach at Istanbul, Buyuk Otogar (Esenler), located 5 away from the city centre.
A trip to Istanbul from Plovdiv is worth doing but not as a day trip with a journey time of 6h 15m each way. Check with Omio app the best way to travel.
The cheapest month for a coach from Plovdiv to Istanbul is September.
Yes, you can take a coach between Plovdiv and Istanbul.
Yes, the following accessibility options are available when taking the coach from Plovdiv to Istanbul:
  • City Lines
    • Assistance
    • Priority seating
    • Accessible restrooms.
  • FlixBus
    • Assistance
    • Priority boarding
    • Wheelchair-accessible buses.
  • 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 Plovdiv to Istanbul for coach company FlixBus, ArdaTur, City Lines, Infobus.
Whether you can cancel your coach ticket from Plovdiv to Istanbul 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.
  • 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.
  • 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 FlixBus, ArdaTur, City Lines.
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 Plovdiv to Istanbul.
Yes, the following luggage options are included when booking a coach ticket from Plovdiv to Istanbul:
  • City Lines
    • One carry-on bag up to 8kg (55x35x25) and one checked bag up to 25kg (70x50x30).
  • FlixBus
    • One carry-on bag up to 7kg (42x30x18 cm) and one checked bag up to 20kg (80x50x30 cm).
  • 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 Plovdiv to Istanbul:
  • City Lines
    • 10€ per additional bag up to 25 kg.
  • FlixBus
    • Additional luggage can be purchased for a fee.
  • ArdaTur
    • Additional baggage or cargo is accepted for transport if there is free space and for a separate charge.
Yes, you can bring your pet on the coach from Plovdiv to Istanbul. 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 Plovdiv to Istanbul with the following coach company: FlixBus, ArdaTur, City Lines, Infobus
Yes, there are USB plugs on board the coach from Plovdiv to Istanbul with the following coach company: FlixBus, City Lines, Infobus.
Yes, there is Wifi on board the coach from Plovdiv to Istanbul with the following coach company: FlixBus, ArdaTur, City Lines, Infobus.

popular bus stations

Important Stations and Airports in Plovdiv and Istanbul

Most Plovdiv to Istanbul buses use the Plovdiv, Avtogara Yug (Пловдив, Автогара Юг) to Istanbul, Büyük Otogari (Esenler) station pair, with some services arriving at Istanbul, Esenler Otogarı (Metro Bulgaria). Use this guide to compare Plovdiv and Istanbul bus stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like bus station facilities and services.

Departure bus stations in Plovdiv
Arrival bus stations in Istanbul

Which Plovdiv station do buses to Istanbul leave from?

Buses from Plovdiv to Istanbul leave from Plovdiv, Avtogara Yug (Пловдив, Автогара Юг). The station is 2 km from Plovdiv city centre at TsentarPlovdiv Center, бул. „Христо Ботев“ 47, 4000 Plovdiv, Bulgaria.
Plovdiv, Avtogara Yug (Пловдив, Автогара Юг)TsentarPlovdiv Center, бул. „Христо Ботев“ 47, 4000 Plovdiv, BulgariaWifiParkingATMTaxisAccessibilityWCShowerTicket Office
City-centre transport

Getting to Plovdiv, Avtogara Yug (Пловдив, Автогара Юг) from Plovdiv city centre

Plovdiv, Avtogara Yug (Пловдив, Автогара Юг) is 1 km from Plovdiv city centre. Public transport options include:

Bus7, 20, 26 · 9m · £0.90 · every ~22 min
16 · 17m · £0.90 · every ~7 min
27 · 18m · £0.90 · every ~7 min

Plovdiv, Avtogara Yug (Пловдив, Автогара Юг) bus station facilities and services

Plovdiv, Avtogara Yug (Пловдив, Автогара Юг) has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Shower and Ticket Office.

Wi-Fi and ATMs

Free Wi-Fi available inside the station. ATMs are aTM located in the main hall.

Tickets and information

Ticket office support is available at Plovdiv, Avtogara Yug (Пловдив, Автогара Юг).

Parking, taxis and toilets

Available at Plovdiv, Avtogara Yug (Пловдив, Автогара Юг): Parking, Taxis, WC.

Accessibility

Accessibility facilities are available at Plovdiv, Avtogara Yug (Пловдив, Автогара Юг): Ramps and assistance available for disabled individuals.

Plovdiv (Пловдив)North bus Station, Severen, Dimitar Stambolov Str 2, 4003 Plovdiv, BulgariaWifiParkingDiningATMTaxisAccessibilityWCShowerTicket Office
City-centre transport

Getting to Plovdiv (Пловдив) from Plovdiv city centre

Plovdiv (Пловдив) is 1 km from Plovdiv city centre. Public transport options include:

TRUE

Plovdiv (Пловдив) bus station facilities and services

Plovdiv (Пловдив) has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Shower and Ticket Office.

Food and drink

Food options include: Snack kiosks and fast food available.

Wi-Fi and ATMs

Wi-Fi is available at Plovdiv (Пловдив). ATMs are aTM located inside the station.

Tickets and information

Ticket office support is available at Plovdiv (Пловдив).

Parking, taxis and toilets

Available at Plovdiv (Пловдив): Parking, Taxis, WC.

Accessibility

Accessibility facilities are available at Plovdiv (Пловдив): Wheelchair accessible entrance available.

More options for your journey from Plovdiv to Istanbul

Here are some other resources that might have the information you need

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.

ios-badge
android-badge
Hand With Phone