- Must visit
Topkapı Palace
Former imperial residence with courtyards, treasury displays and pavilions that reveal Ottoman court life over several centuries.
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The cheapest and fastest coaches from Plovdiv to Istanbul
Showing times, prices and bookable tickets for 15 Oct
Cheapest price on 15 Oct
£21
Average ticket price on 15 Oct
£26
Fastest journey on 15 Oct
5 h 45 m
Average journey duration on 15 Oct
6 h 23 m
Buses on 15 Oct
6
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 £26 if you buy it on the day, but you can find cheap coach tickets today for only £21.
Fast coaches
On Thu 15 Oct, we found 6 buses from Plovdiv to Istanbul, including 6 direct services.
These direct buses cover the 371 km distance in an average of 6 h 23 m but if you time it right, some buses will get you there in just 5 h 45 m .
The slowest buses will take 7 h 5 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.
76407752:158h00Plovdiv10:15Istanbul£211One-way0 changes- 021:007h05Plovdiv4:05Istanbul£241One-way0 changes
- 010:406h20Plovdiv17:00Istanbul£251One-way0 changes
FlixBus1:155h45Plovdiv, Avtogara Yug (Пловдив, Автогара Юг)7:00Istanbul, Buyuk Otogar (Esenler)£281One-way0 changes- FlixBus13:156h15Plovdiv, Avtogara Yug (Пловдив, Автогара Юг)19:30Istanbul, Buyuk Otogar (Esenler)£281One-way0 changes
- FlixBus1:155h45Plovdiv, Avtogara Yug (Пловдив, Автогара Юг)7:00Istanbul, Buyuk Otogar (Esenler)£281One-way0 changes
- FlixBus13:156h15Plovdiv, Avtogara Yug (Пловдив, Автогара Юг)19:30Istanbul, Buyuk Otogar (Esenler)£281One-way0 changes
- 010:406h20Plovdiv17:00Istanbul£251One-way0 changes
- 015:306h30Plovdiv22:00Istanbul£291One-way0 changes
- 021:007h05Plovdiv4:05Istanbul£241One-way0 changes
Journey information
Overview: Bus from Plovdiv to Istanbul
Bulgaria
Turkey
Buses from Plovdiv to Istanbul run on average 5 times per day, taking around 6h 25m. 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 5h 0m.
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 25m |
Cheapest ticket price £20 |
Buses per day 5 |
Direct buses 5 |
Fastest bus 5h 0m |
First bus 0:30 |
Last bus 23:30 |
Cheapest Month Sept |
Cheapest Day Sun |
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
Live departures
Plovdiv to Istanbul bus times
The table below shows live departures for Plovdiv to Istanbul coaches for tomorrow, Thursday 15 October. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated coach journeys.
Last updated at
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Changes | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| FlixBus | 1:15 Plovdiv, Avtogara Yug (Пловдив, Автогара Юг) | 5h45 | 7:00 Istanbul, Buyuk Otogar (Esenler) | 0 changesdirect | |
| 7640775 | 2:15 Plovdiv | 8h00 | 10:15 Istanbul | 0 changesdirect | |
| 0 | 10:40 Plovdiv | 6h20 | 17:00 Istanbul | 0 changesdirect | |
| FlixBus | 13:15 Plovdiv, Avtogara Yug (Пловдив, Автогара Юг) | 6h15 | 19:30 Istanbul, Buyuk Otogar (Esenler) | 0 changesdirect | |
| 0 | 15:30 Plovdiv | 6h30 | 22:00 Istanbul | 0 changesdirect | |
| 0 | 21:00 Plovdiv | 7h05 | 4:05 Istanbul | 0 changesdirect | |
This is the last bus of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Why should you book Plovdiv to Istanbul coaches with Omio?
FlixBus as well as ArdaTur, 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, 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.
Bus providers: ArdaTur, FlixBus, Infobus, Mybus Sofia from Plovdiv to IstanbulYou can travel by bus between Plovdiv to Istanbul with ArdaTur, FlixBus, Infobus, Mybus Sofia 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
5h 45m
Cheapest FlixBus Price
£25
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
5h 0m
Cheapest Infobus Price
£24
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
5h 30m
Cheapest ArdaTur Price
£20
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
6h 0m
Cheapest Mybus Sofia Price
£23
Mybus Sofia 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
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.
- Must visit
İstiklal Avenue
Lively historic avenue linking Taksim and Galata, lined with shops, arcades, consulates and landmarks, ideal for an urban walk.
- Must visit
Sultanahmet Square
Historic square beside major monuments, ideal for walking between monumental sites, gardens and fountains in the old city.
- Recommended
Kadıköy
Colourful waterfront quarter with ferry views, street life, markets and an easy local feel on Istanbul’s Asian side.
- Vegetarian
- Vegan
Simit
A sesame-crusted bread ring sold by street vendors. It is an everyday Istanbul snack, especially popular at breakfast and with tea.
- Vegetarian
- Gluten-free
Kumpir
Baked potatoes filled with butter, cheese and varied toppings. This hearty street food is closely associated with the Ortaköy area of Istanbul.
Döner
Thin slices of lamb or beef cooked on a vertical spit and served in bread or on a plate. A defining fast food of Istanbul and wider Turkey.
Matbah Restaurant
Historic Sultanahmet restaurant known for Ottoman and Turkish dishes in a traditional setting near major old-city sights.
Tarihi Sarıyer Muhallebicisi
Traditional pudding shop in Fatih famed for sütlaç, kazandibi and other classic Turkish milk desserts in a simple historic venue.
Kıyı Restaurant
Well-known meyhane-style venue by the Bosphorus, popular for meze, seafood and rakı in a lively waterside setting.
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.
İstanbulkart Mobil
Get the appOfficial public transport app
Prices
- Single ticket
- ₺27
- Day pass
- None
To the city centre
Gayrettepe -> Gayrettepe
- Distance
- 9 km
- Travel time
- 15 min
- Use an İstanbulkart or contactless bank card on metro, tram and bus; cash is not normally accepted on vehicles.
- From İstanbul Havalimanı, the M11 metro to Gayrettepe is usually the fastest public transport option for central Istanbul.
Best day trips from Istanbul by bus
The most popular day trips by bus from Istanbul are Bursa, Edirne, Tekirdağ, Sakarya and Yalova. Find out what you can do in these day trip destinations and how to book your bus from Istanbul on Omio.
Day trip from Istanbul to Bursa by bus
Why visit Bursa for the day?
Bursa is known for its Ottoman heritage, silk trade and Iskender kebab, with grand mosques and historic bazaars shaping the city’s character. Between fertile lowlands and Uludağ’s slopes, it feels traditional, green and industrious.
How to get from Istanbul to Bursa by bus?
There are 96 coaches per day. The earliest coach runs at 00:05, the last at 23:58. The fastest coach covers the 92 km distance in 1h 50m.
Day trip from Istanbul to Edirne by bus
Why visit Edirne for the day?
Edirne was the Ottoman capital before Istanbul and is known for the striking Selimiye Mosque. Bridges, bazaars and Balkan influences give the city a lively borderland character.
Day trip from Istanbul to Tekirdağ by bus
How to get from Istanbul to Tekirdağ by bus?
There are 17 coaches per day. The earliest coach runs at 00:15, the last at 23:35. The fastest coach covers the 121 km distance in 1h 45m.
Day trip from Istanbul to Sakarya by bus
How to get from Istanbul to Sakarya by bus?
There are 32 coaches per day. The earliest coach runs at 00:15, the last at 23:55. The fastest coach covers the 124 km distance in 3h 5m.
Day trip from Istanbul to Yalova by bus
How to get from Istanbul to Yalova by bus?
The earliest coach runs at 07:30, the last at 15:00.
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.
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 £24; 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 5h 0m 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, Infobus, Mybus Sofia. 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, Infobus, Mybus Sofia 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 (Пловдив), Plovdiv, Avtogara Yug (Пловдив, Автогара Юг) . When arriving in Istanbul , you can end your route in coach stations like Istanbul, Buyuk Otogar (Esenler).Passengers board the coach most frequently from Plovdiv (Пловдив), 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.
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:
- Infobus
- Assistance
- Priority seating
- Transport for wheelchairs and mobility aids.
- 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, Infobus.
Whether you can cancel your coach ticket from Plovdiv to Istanbul 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.
- 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, Infobus.
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:
- 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).
- 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:
- Infobus
- 10€ per additional bag.
- 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:
- 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, Infobus
Yes, there are USB plugs on board the coach from Plovdiv to Istanbul with the following coach company: FlixBus, Infobus.
Yes, there is Wifi on board the coach from Plovdiv to Istanbul with the following coach company: FlixBus, ArdaTur, Infobus.
popular bus stations
Important Stations and Airports in Plovdiv and Istanbul
Most Plovdiv to Istanbul buses use the Plovdiv (Пловдив) to Istanbul, Büyük Otogari (Esenler) station pair. 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 (Пловдив). The station is 2 km from Plovdiv city centre at North bus Station, Severen, Dimitar Stambolov Str 2, 4003 Plovdiv, Bulgaria.
Plovdiv (Пловдив)North bus Station, Severen, Dimitar Stambolov Str 2, 4003 Plovdiv, Bulgaria
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.
Plovdiv, Avtogara Yug (Пловдив, Автогара Юг)TsentarPlovdiv Center, бул. „Христо Ботев“ 47, 4000 Plovdiv, Bulgaria
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 · £1 · every ~22 min
16 · 17m · £1 · every ~7 min
27 · 18m · £1 · 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.
Which Istanbul station do buses from Plovdiv arrive at?
Buses from Plovdiv to Istanbul arrive at Istanbul, Büyük Otogari (Esenler). Istanbul, Büyük Otogari (Esenler) is 5 km from Istanbul city centre.
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.
Most popular bus connections from Plovdiv
More options for your journey from Plovdiv to Istanbul
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need
Most popular buses to and from Istanbul and Plovdiv
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