- Must visit
Topkapı Palace
Former imperial residence with courtyards, treasury displays and pavilions that reveal Ottoman court life over several centuries.
Cheapest price
£20
Average price
£20
Fastest journey
6 h 35 m
Average duration
6 h 48 m
Buses per day
12
Distance
315 km
The best way to find a cheap coach ticket from Safranbolu to Istanbul is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid travelling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Safranbolu to Istanbul will cost around £20 if you buy it on the day, but you can find cheap coach tickets today for only £20.
Of the 12 buses that leave Safranbolu for Istanbul every day 12 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.
These direct buses cover the 315 km distance in an average of 6 h 48 m but if you time it right, some buses will get you there in just 6 h 35 m .
The slowest buses will take 7 h 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 coach as it is the most popular option from Safranbolu to Istanbul among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the coach with prices starting from £16. For those with little time consider booking a flight which can get you there in 1h 10m. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a coach costs an average of £16, and a flight costs an average of £20.
Distance: 315 km
Most popular Coach | Flight |
|---|---|
£19 Average Price Cheapest | £31 Average Price |
7h 1m Average total duration 6h 31m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 4h 10m Average total duration Fastest 1h 10m Onboard + 3h 0m Additional time* |
Direct Options | Direct Options |
The table below shows live departures for Safranbolu to Istanbul coaches for tomorrow, Monday 3 August. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated coach journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Changes | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
FlixBus | 3:00 Safranbolu, Bus Station | 6h55 | 9:55 Istanbul, Buyuk Otogar (Esenler) | 0 changesdirect | |
FlixBus | 3:00 Safranbolu, Bus Station | 6h35 | 9:35 İstanbul, Alibeyköy Cep Otogarı | 0 changesdirect | |
FlixBus | 8:30 Safranbolu, Bus Station | 7h00 | 15:30 İstanbul, Alibeyköy Cep Otogarı | 0 changesdirect | |
FlixBus | 8:30 Safranbolu, Bus Station | 7h15 | 15:45 Istanbul, Buyuk Otogar (Esenler) | 0 changesdirect | |
FlixBus | 10:30 Safranbolu, Bus Station | 7h15 | 17:45 İstanbul, Alibeyköy Cep Otogarı | 0 changesdirect | |
FlixBus | 10:30 Safranbolu, Bus Station | 7h35 | 18:05 Istanbul, Buyuk Otogar (Esenler) | 0 changesdirect | |
FlixBus | 13:30 Safranbolu, Bus Station | 7h25 | 20:55 İstanbul, Alibeyköy Cep Otogarı | 0 changesdirect | |
FlixBus | 13:30 Safranbolu, Bus Station | 7h45 | 21:15 Istanbul, Buyuk Otogar (Esenler) | 0 changesdirect | |
FlixBus | 16:31 Safranbolu, Bus Station | 7h24 | 23:55 İstanbul, Alibeyköy Cep Otogarı | 0 changesdirect | |
FlixBus | 16:31 Safranbolu, Bus Station | 7h44 | 0:15 Istanbul, Buyuk Otogar (Esenler) | 0 changesdirect | |
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 Safranbolu to Istanbul run on average 15 times per day, taking around 6h 31m. Cheap bus tickets for this journey start at £16 if you book in advance.
There are 15 coaches per day. The earliest coach runs at 00:15, the last at 23:58. The fastest coach covers the 315 km distance in 7h 20m.
Distance 315 km |
Average bus duration 6h 31m |
Cheapest ticket price £16 |
Buses per day 15 |
Direct buses 15 |
Fastest bus 7h 20m |
First bus 0:15 |
Last bus 23:58 |
Cheapest Month May |
Cheapest Day Fri |
High Season Jan - Mar |
Low Season Apr - Jun |
Busiest Day Sun |
Least Busy Day Sun |
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 Safranbolu 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 Safranbolu to Istanbul buses use the Safranbolu, Otogar to Istanbul, Büyük Otogari (Esenler) station pair, with some services arriving at İstanbul, Alibeyköy Cep Otogarı. Use this guide to compare Safranbolu and Istanbul bus stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like bus station facilities and services.
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.
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need