- 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 Ruse to Istanbul
Showing times, prices and bookable tickets for 19 Sept
Cheapest price on 19 Sept
£55
Average ticket price on 19 Sept
£55
Fastest journey on 19 Sept
10 h 55 m
Average journey duration on 19 Sept
10 h 55 m
Buses on 19 Sept
1
Distance
400 km
Cheap tickets
The best way to find a cheap coach ticket from Ruse to Istanbul is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid travelling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Ruse to Istanbul will cost around £55 if you buy it on the day, but you can find cheap coach tickets today for only £55.
Fast coaches
On Sat 19 Sept, we found 1 buses from Ruse to Istanbul, including 1 direct services.
These direct buses cover the 400 km distance in an average of 10 h 55 m but if you time it right, some buses will get you there in just 10 h 55 m .
The slowest buses will take 10 h 55 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.
22:0510h55Ruse9:00Istanbul£551One-way0 changes
- 22:0510h55Ruse9:00Istanbul£551One-way0 changes
Travel Information
Compare coach and flight for Ruse to Istanbul
Omio recommends booking the coach as it is the most popular option from Ruse to Istanbul among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price, take the coach, with an average ticket price of £55 For those with little time, consider booking a flight, which has an average total journey time of 5h 56m. Average ticket prices depend on the travel mode: a coach costs an average of £55, while a flight costs an average of £377.
Distance: 400 km
Compare bus with
Most popular Coach | Flight | Driving |
|---|---|---|
£55 Average Price Cheapest | £377 Average Price | £89 Average Price (fuel + tolls) |
11h 40m Average total duration 11h 10m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 5h 56m Average total duration Fastest 3h 56m Onboard + 2h 0m Additional time* | 7h 25m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
 Most popular bus company |  Most popular airline | Your own car or car rental |
Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options |
The cheapest way to travel from Ruse to Istanbul is a coach with an average price of £55.
This is compared to other travel options from Ruse to Istanbul:
A coach is £322 less than a flight for this route with tickets for a flight from Ruse to Istanbul costing on average £377.
The fastest way to travel from Ruse to Istanbul is by flight with an average journey time of 3h 56m.
Other travel options to Istanbul take longer:
Coach takes on average 11h 10m.
It's helpful to compare your options as there are 2 ways to travel between Ruse and Istanbul including taking a coach and flight.
Take the bus. It's the cheapest way to make this trip, and the price gap is usually bigger than people expect.
Tickets start at around £55 compared to roughly £89 in fuel and tolls — a saving of about £34. The journey takes 11h 10m versus 7h 25m by car, so you'll arrive a bit later, but you can use the time productively rather than spending it behind the wheel. No parking to sort, no fuel stops, and most coaches have Wi-Fi and power outlets.
Direct services are operated by City Lines, Huntur, Citylines.
Driving is worth considering if you're on a tight schedule, travelling as a group (where fuel costs split several ways), or want the flexibility to stop along the way.
Live departures
Ruse to Istanbul bus times
The table below shows live departures for Ruse to Istanbul coaches for today, Thursday 17 September. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated coach journeys.
Last updated at
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Changes | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 22:05 Ruse | 10h55 | 9:00 Istanbul | 0 changesdirect | |
| 23:05 Ruse | 10h55 | 10:00 Istanbul | 0 changesdirect | |
This is the last bus of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare prices and tickets Ruse to Istanbul 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.
Fri
18 Sept
18 Sept
Sat
19 Sept
19 Sept
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20 Sept
20 Sept
Mon
21 Sept
21 Sept
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22 Sept
22 Sept
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24 Sept
24 Sept
Why should you book Ruse to Istanbul coaches with Omio?
City Lines as well as Infobus, Huntur, Citylines and more offer coaches services from Ruse to Istanbul.
Omio is the only official third party seller for City Lines tickets.
Why book with Omio vs City Lines?
- Compare with other providers: On Omio, you can not only buy tickets for City Lines, but also compare tickets for the likes of Infobus, Huntur or Citylines to find the best option for your trip from Ruse 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.
- Compare all your options: Omio allows you to compare City Lines with all available travel options, which are bus and flight to ensure you get the best deal for traveling from Ruse to Istanbul.
Why book with Omio over Busbud or Checkmybus?
- Official reseller: City Lines tickets can only be bought on Omio or City Lines's website as Omio is the only official third party seller for City Lines tickets. Busbud or Checkmybus do not sell City Lines tickets as they are not official sellers.
- Multiple modes of transport: Omio allows you to compare travel options including bus and flight to find the ideal travel option from Ruse to Istanbul.
Journey information
Overview: Bus from Ruse to Istanbul
Bulgaria
Turkey
Buses from Ruse to Istanbul run on average 1 times per day, taking around 11h 45m. Cheap bus tickets for this journey start at £56 but you can travel from only £46 by flight.
There are 1 coaches per day. The earliest coach runs at 00:05, the last at 19:30. The fastest coach covers the 400 km distance in 11h 55m.
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
Cheapest alternative travel mode
Flight from £46
Distance 400 km |
Average bus duration 11h 45m |
Cheapest ticket price £56 |
Buses per day 1 |
Direct buses 1 |
Fastest bus 11h 55m |
First bus 0:05 |
Last bus 19:30 |
Cheapest Month Aug |
Cheapest Day Mon |
High Season Jan - Mar |
Low Season Oct - Dec |
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
Cheapest alternative travel mode
Flight from £46
Bus providers: Infobus from Ruse to IstanbulYou can travel by bus between Ruse to Istanbul with Infobus for as low as £46. 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
10h 55m
Cheapest Infobus Price
£54
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.
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.
FAQs: Ruse to Istanbul coach
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Ruse 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 Ruse to Istanbul can start from as little as £54 when you book in advance. The average coach ticket price for Ruse to Istanbul is £55; 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 Ruse to Istanbul is 10h 55m to travel the 400 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 Ruse to Istanbul leaves at 0:05. Plan your trip with the Journey Planner from Omio.
The latest coach from Ruse to Istanbul leaves at 19:30.
Yes, there are 1 direct coaches a day from Ruse to Istanbul with City Lines, Huntur, Citylines. Schedules can vary on holidays or weekends with fewer direct coaches.
When taking a coach from Ruse to Istanbul, you can count on City Lines, Infobus, Huntur, Citylines for the best way to get you to Istanbul. You can also check all possible coach companies who offer a service between Ruse and Istanbul and compare the amenities they offer before buying a coach ticket.
Passengers board the coach most frequently from Ruse (Русе), which is located around 2 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 Ruse is worth doing but not as a day trip with a journey time of 10h 55m each way. Check with Omio app the best way to travel.
The cheapest month for a coach from Ruse to Istanbul is September.
It's helpful to compare your options as there are 2 ways to travel between Ruse and Istanbul including taking a coach and flight.
Yes, the following accessibility options are available when taking the coach from Ruse to Istanbul:
- City Lines
- Assistance
- Priority seating
- Accessible restrooms.
- Infobus
- Assistance
- Priority seating
- Transport for wheelchairs and mobility aids.
Yes, there are bathrooms on board the coach from Ruse to Istanbul for coach company City Lines, Infobus.
Whether you can cancel your coach ticket from Ruse 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.
- Infobus
- You can cancel your ticket up to 24 hours before departure for a partial refund. Cancellations within 24 hours may incur a fee.
Yes, bikes are allowed on board the coach with coach company City Lines, 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 Ruse to Istanbul.
Yes, the following luggage options are included when booking a coach ticket from Ruse to Istanbul:
- City Lines
- One carry-on bag up to 8kg (55x35x25) and one checked bag up to 25kg (70x50x30).
- Infobus
- One carry-on bag up to 5kg (40x20x25) and one checked bag up to 20kg (50x30x80).
Yes, the following additional luggage options are available when booking a coach ticket from Ruse to Istanbul:
- City Lines
- 10€ per additional bag up to 25 kg.
- Infobus
- 10€ per additional bag.
Yes, you can bring your pet on the coach from Ruse 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.
You can reserve your seat on the coach from Ruse to Istanbul with the following coach company: City Lines, Infobus
Yes, there are USB plugs on board the coach from Ruse to Istanbul with the following coach company: City Lines, Infobus.
Yes, there is Wifi on board the coach from Ruse to Istanbul with the following coach company: City Lines, Infobus.
popular bus stations
Important Stations and Airports in Ruse and Istanbul
Most Ruse to Istanbul buses use the Ruse (Русе) to Istanbul, Büyük Otogari (Esenler) station pair. Use this guide to compare Ruse and Istanbul bus stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like bus station facilities and services.
Departure bus stations in Ruse
Arrival bus stations in Istanbul
Which Ruse station do buses to Istanbul leave from?
Buses from Ruse to Istanbul leave from Ruse (Русе). The station is 2 km from Ruse city centre at Ruse Bus Station, g.k. Iztok, 7005 Ruse, Bulgaria.
Ruse (Русе)Ruse Bus Station, g.k. Iztok, 7005 Ruse, Bulgaria
City-centre transport
Getting to Ruse (Русе) from Ruse city centre
Ruse (Русе) is 2 km from Ruse city centre. Public transport options include:
TRUE
Ruse (Русе) bus station facilities and services
Ruse (Русе) has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Shower and Ticket Office.
Food and drink
Food options include: Small cafe available on site
Wi-Fi and ATMs
Wi-Fi is available at Ruse (Русе). ATMs are available at Ruse (Русе).
Tickets and information
Ticket office support is available at Ruse (Русе).
Parking, taxis and toilets
Available at Ruse (Русе): Parking, Taxis, WC.
Accessibility
Accessibility facilities are available at Ruse (Русе): Wheelchair accessible.
Which Istanbul station do buses from Ruse arrive at?
Buses from Ruse 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 · £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.
Most popular bus connections from Ruse
More options for your journey from Ruse to Istanbul
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need
Most popular buses to and from Istanbul and Ruse
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