- Must visit
Topkapı Palace
Former imperial residence with courtyards, treasury displays and pavilions that reveal Ottoman court life over several centuries.
Cheapest price
£37
Average price
£37
Fastest journey
18 h 15 m
Average duration
19 h 15 m
Buses per day
4
Distance
970 km
The best way to find a cheap coach ticket from Rize to Istanbul is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid travelling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Rize to Istanbul will cost around £37 if you buy it on the day, but you can find cheap coach tickets today for only £37.
Of the 4 buses that leave Rize for Istanbul every day 4 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.
These direct buses cover the 970 km distance in an average of 19 h 15 m but if you time it right, some buses will get you there in just 18 h 15 m .
The slowest buses will take 20 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.
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FlixBusOmio recommends booking the flight as it is the most popular option from Rize to Istanbul among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the coach with prices starting from £29. For those with little time consider booking a flight which can get you there in 2h 1m. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a coach costs an average of £29, and a flight costs an average of £23.
Distance: 970 km
| Coach | Most popular Flight |
|---|---|
£36 Average Price Cheapest | £50 Average Price |
19h 56m Average total duration 19h 26m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 5h 1m Average total duration Fastest 2h 1m Onboard + 3h 0m Additional time* |
![]() Most popular bus company | ![]() Most popular airline |
Direct Options | Direct Options |
The table below shows live departures for Rize to Istanbul coaches for today, Wednesday 19 August. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated coach journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Changes | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
FlixBus | 18:00 Rize, Bus Station | 18h35 | 12:35 Istanbul, Buyuk Otogar (Esenler) | 0 changesdirect | |
FlixBus | 18:00 Rize, Bus Station | 18h15 | 12:15 İstanbul, Alibeyköy Cep Otogarı | 0 changesdirect | |
| Thursday 20 August | |||||
FlixBus | 14:00 Rize, Bus Station | 20h15 | 10:15 Istanbul, Buyuk Otogar (Esenler) | 0 changesdirect | |
FlixBus | 14:00 Rize, Bus Station | 19h55 | 9:55 İstanbul, Alibeyköy Cep Otogarı | 0 changesdirect | |
This is the last bus of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
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.
Buses from Rize to Istanbul run on average 5 times per day, taking around 19h 26m. Cheap bus tickets for this journey start at £29 but you can travel from only £23 by flight.
There are 5 coaches per day. The earliest coach runs at 00:21, the last at 20:00. The fastest coach covers the 970 km distance in 18h 35m.
Distance 970 km |
Average bus duration 19h 26m |
Cheapest ticket price £29 |
Buses per day 5 |
Direct buses 5 |
Fastest bus 18h 35m |
First bus 0:21 |
Last bus 20:00 |
Cheapest Month Mar |
Cheapest Day Wed |
High Season Jul - Sept |
Low Season Jan - Mar |
Busiest Day Thu |
Least Busy Day Thu |
Best time to book 1 day |
Discover the best of Istanbul — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Istanbul trip today.
Former imperial residence with courtyards, treasury displays and pavilions that reveal Ottoman court life over several centuries.
Underground Byzantine cistern with forest-like columns, atmospheric lighting and raised walkways near Hagia Sophia.
Leading modern art museum on the Bosphorus showing Turkish and international contemporary works in a striking waterfront building.
Lively historic avenue linking Taksim and Galata, lined with shops, arcades, consulates and landmarks, ideal for an urban walk.
Historic square beside major monuments, ideal for walking between monumental sites, gardens and fountains in the old city.
Colourful waterfront quarter with ferry views, street life, markets and an easy local feel on Istanbul’s Asian side.
A sesame-crusted bread ring sold by street vendors. It is an everyday Istanbul snack, especially popular at breakfast and with tea.
Baked potatoes filled with butter, cheese and varied toppings. This hearty street food is closely associated with the Ortaköy area of Istanbul.
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.
Historic Sultanahmet restaurant known for Ottoman and Turkish dishes in a traditional setting near major old-city sights.
Traditional pudding shop in Fatih famed for sütlaç, kazandibi and other classic Turkish milk desserts in a simple historic venue.
Well-known meyhane-style venue by the Bosphorus, popular for meze, seafood and rakı in a lively waterside setting.
Moderate for a major city: hotels vary widely, meals can be cheap, and public transport is low-cost compared with many European city breaks.
Tip 5-10% in restaurants if service is not included. Round up taxi fares. In cafés, leaving small change is customary but not essential.
Official public transport app
Gayrettepe -> Gayrettepe
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Rize 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.

Most Rize to Istanbul buses use the Rize, Otogar to İstanbul, Alibeyköy Cep Otogarı station pair, with some services arriving at Istanbul, Büyük Otogari (Esenler). Use this guide to compare Rize and Istanbul bus stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like bus station facilities and services.
Rize, Otogar is 1 km from Rize city centre. Public transport options include:
Rize, Otogar has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Shower and Ticket Office.
Food options include: Several small eateries and cafes nearby.
Wi-Fi is available at Rize, Otogar. ATMs are aTMs available within the station premises.
Ticket office support is available at Rize, Otogar.
Available at Rize, Otogar: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Accessibility facilities are available at Rize, Otogar: Wheelchair accessible with assistance.
Istanbul, Büyük Otogari (Esenler) is 5 km from Istanbul city centre. Public transport options include:
Istanbul, Büyük Otogari (Esenler) has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC and Ticket Office.
Food options include: Cafeteria Terminal (in the station), Kebab Express (0.2 km), Simit Sarayı (0.3 km).
Free Wi-Fi. ATMs are located near the main entrance and throughout the station.
Ticket office support is available at Istanbul, Büyük Otogari (Esenler).
Available at Istanbul, Büyük Otogari (Esenler): Parking, Taxis, WC.
Accessibility facilities are available at Istanbul, Büyük Otogari (Esenler): Elevators, ramps.
İstanbul, Alibeyköy Cep Otogarı is 8 km from Istanbul city centre. Public transport options include:
İstanbul, Alibeyköy Cep Otogarı has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC and Ticket Office.
Food options include: Cafeteria Alibeyköy (in the station), Kebab House (0.2 km), Simit Sarayı (0.5 km).
Free Wi-Fi. ATMs are located near the main entrance and in the waiting area.
Ticket office support is available at İstanbul, Alibeyköy Cep Otogarı.
Available at İstanbul, Alibeyköy Cep Otogarı: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Accessibility facilities are available at İstanbul, Alibeyköy Cep Otogarı: Elevators, ramps.
Istanbul, Dudullu Giden Yolcu Terminali is 16 km from Istanbul city centre. Public transport options include:
Istanbul, Dudullu Giden Yolcu Terminali has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Shower and Ticket Office.
Food options include: Several fast food and sit-down restaurants available.
Free Wi-Fi available throughout the terminal. ATMs are aTMs available near the main entrance.
Ticket office support is available at Istanbul, Dudullu Giden Yolcu Terminali.
Available at Istanbul, Dudullu Giden Yolcu Terminali: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Accessibility facilities are available at Istanbul, Dudullu Giden Yolcu Terminali: Elevators and ramps available for disabled access.
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need