- Must visit
Topkapı Palace
Former imperial residence with courtyards, treasury displays and pavilions that reveal Ottoman court life over several centuries.
2,000+ travel companies
2,000+ travel companies
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
4.942K ratings
Google Play
4.6136K reviews
The cheapest and fastest coaches from Sofia Airport to Istanbul
Showing times, prices and bookable tickets for 19 Sept
Cheapest price on 19 Sept
£29
Average ticket price on 19 Sept
£31
Fastest journey on 19 Sept
8 h 25 m
Average journey duration on 19 Sept
8 h 55 m
Buses on 19 Sept
2
Distance
495 km
Cheap tickets
The best way to find a cheap coach ticket from Sofia Airport to Istanbul is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid travelling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Sofia Airport to Istanbul will cost around £31 if you buy it on the day, but you can find cheap coach tickets today for only £29.
Fast coaches
On Sat 19 Sept, we found 2 buses from Sofia Airport to Istanbul, including 2 direct services.
These direct buses cover the 495 km distance in an average of 8 h 55 m but if you time it right, some buses will get you there in just 8 h 25 m .
The slowest buses will take 9 h 25 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.
21:209h25Sofia Airport6:45Istanbul£291One-way0 changes- 22:208h25Sofia Airport6:45Istanbul£321One-way0 changes
- 22:208h25Sofia Airport6:45Istanbul£321One-way0 changes
- 21:209h25Sofia Airport6:45Istanbul£291One-way0 changes
Travel Information
Compare coach and flight for Sofia Airport to Istanbul
Omio recommends booking the flight as it is the most popular option from Sofia Airport to Istanbul among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price, take the coach, with an average ticket price of £28 For those with little time, consider booking a flight, which has an average total journey time of 5h 22m. Average ticket prices depend on the travel mode: a coach costs an average of £28, while a flight costs an average of £364.
Distance: 495 km
Compare bus with
| Coach | Most popular Flight | Driving |
|---|---|---|
£28 Average Price Cheapest | £364 Average Price | £85 Average Price (fuel + tolls) |
9h 19m Average total duration 8h 49m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 5h 22m Average total duration Fastest 3h 22m Onboard + 2h 0m Additional time* | 6h 1m 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 Sofia Airport to Istanbul is a coach with an average price of £28.
This is compared to other travel options from Sofia Airport to Istanbul:
A coach is £337 less than a flight for this route with tickets for a flight from Sofia Airport to Istanbul costing on average £364.
The fastest way to travel from Sofia Airport to Istanbul is by flight with an average journey time of 3h 22m.
Other travel options to Istanbul take longer:
Coach takes on average 8h 49m.
It's helpful to compare your options as there are 2 ways to travel between Sofia Airport 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 £28 compared to roughly £85 in fuel and tolls — a saving of about £57. The journey takes 8h 49m versus 6h 1m 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 ArdaTur.
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
Sofia Airport to Istanbul bus times
The table below shows live departures for Sofia Airport 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 21:20 Sofia Airport | 9h25 | 6:45 Istanbul | 0 changesdirect | |
| 22:20 Sofia Airport | 8h25 | 6:45 Istanbul | 0 changesdirect | |
This is the last bus of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare prices and tickets Sofia Airport 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
Sun
20 Sept
20 Sept
Mon
21 Sept
21 Sept
Tue
22 Sept
22 Sept
Wed
23 Sept
23 Sept
Thu
24 Sept
24 Sept
Why should you book Sofia Airport to Istanbul coaches with Omio?
ArdaTur as well as FlixBus offer coaches services from Sofia Airport to Istanbul.
Omio is the only official third party seller for ArdaTur tickets.
Why book with Omio vs ArdaTur?
- Compare with other providers: On Omio, you can not only buy tickets for ArdaTur, but also compare tickets for the likes of FlixBus to find the best option for your trip from Sofia Airport 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 ArdaTur with all available travel options, which are bus and flight to ensure you get the best deal for traveling from Sofia Airport to Istanbul.
Journey information
Overview: Bus from Sofia Airport to Istanbul
Bulgaria
Turkey
Buses from Sofia Airport to Istanbul run on average 1 times per day, taking around 8h 49m. Cheap bus tickets for this journey start at £28 if you book in advance.
There are 1 coaches per day. The earliest coach runs at 21:20, the last at 21:20. The fastest coach covers the 495 km distance in 8h 25m.
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 495 km |
Average bus duration 8h 49m |
Cheapest ticket price £28 |
Buses per day 1 |
Direct buses 1 |
Fastest bus 8h 25m |
First bus 21:20 |
Last bus 21:20 |
Cheapest Month Apr |
Cheapest Day Mon |
High Season Jul - Sept |
Low Season Jan - Mar |
Busiest Day Sat |
Least Busy Day Wed |
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: ArdaTur, FlixBus from Sofia Airport to IstanbulYou can travel by bus between Sofia Airport to Istanbul with ArdaTur, FlixBus for as low as £28. 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
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.
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
8h 30m
Cheapest ArdaTur Price
£28
ArdaTur frequency
1 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.
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: Sofia Airport to Istanbul coach
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Sofia Airport 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 Sofia Airport to Istanbul can start from as little as £28 when you book in advance. The average coach ticket price for Sofia Airport to Istanbul is £28; 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 Sofia Airport to Istanbul is 8h 25m to travel the 495 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 Sofia Airport to Istanbul leaves at 21:20. Plan your trip with the Journey Planner from Omio.
The latest coach from Sofia Airport to Istanbul leaves at 21:20.
Yes, there are 1 direct coaches a day from Sofia Airport to Istanbul with ArdaTur. Schedules can vary on holidays or weekends with fewer direct coaches.
When taking a coach from Sofia Airport to Istanbul, you can count on ArdaTur, FlixBus for the best way to get you to Istanbul. You can also check all possible coach companies who offer a service between Sofia Airport and Istanbul and compare the amenities they offer before buying a coach ticket.
A trip to Istanbul from Sofia Airport is worth doing but not as a day trip with a journey time of 8h 25m each way. Check with Omio app the best way to travel.
The cheapest month for a coach from Sofia Airport to Istanbul is April.
It's helpful to compare your options as there are 2 ways to travel between Sofia Airport and Istanbul including taking a coach and flight.
Yes, the following accessibility options are available when taking the coach from Sofia Airport to Istanbul:
- ArdaTur
- Passengers with disabilities receive discounts and priority seating, and folding wheelchairs are transported free of charge with advance registration.
- FlixBus
- Assistance
- Priority boarding
- Wheelchair-accessible buses.
Yes, there are bathrooms on board the coach from Sofia Airport to Istanbul for coach company ArdaTur, FlixBus.
Whether you can cancel your coach ticket from Sofia Airport to Istanbul depends on the coach companies:
- 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.
- 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.
Yes, bikes are allowed on board the coach with coach company ArdaTur, FlixBus.
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 Sofia Airport to Istanbul.
Yes, the following luggage options are included when booking a coach ticket from Sofia Airport to Istanbul:
- ArdaTur
- One piece of hand luggage up to 15 kg and two pieces of checked luggage up to 35 kg each are included.
- FlixBus
- One carry-on bag up to 7kg (42x30x18 cm) and one checked bag up to 20kg (80x50x30 cm).
Yes, the following additional luggage options are available when booking a coach ticket from Sofia Airport to Istanbul:
- ArdaTur
- Additional baggage or cargo is accepted for transport if there is free space and for a separate charge.
- FlixBus
- Additional luggage can be purchased for a fee.
Yes, you can bring your pet on the coach from Sofia Airport to Istanbul. The following conditions apply:
- FlixBus
- Small pets in carriers allowed
- guide dogs travel for free.
You can reserve your seat on the coach from Sofia Airport to Istanbul with the following coach company: ArdaTur, FlixBus
Yes, there are USB plugs on board the coach from Sofia Airport to Istanbul with the following coach company: FlixBus.
Yes, there is Wifi on board the coach from Sofia Airport to Istanbul with the following coach company: ArdaTur, FlixBus.
popular bus stations
Important Stations and Airports in Sofia Airport and Istanbul
Most Sofia Airport to Istanbul buses use the Sofia (София) to Istanbul, Büyük Otogari (Esenler) station pair, with some services arriving at Istanbul, Esenler Otogarı (Metro Bulgaria). Use this guide to compare Sofia Airport and Istanbul bus stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like bus station facilities and services.
Departure bus stations in Sofia
Arrival bus stations in Istanbul
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.
Istanbul, Esenler Otogarı (Metro Bulgaria)
City-centre transport
Getting to Istanbul, Esenler Otogarı (Metro Bulgaria) from Istanbul city centre
TrainM1a, M1b · 19m · £0.90 · every ~45 min
Most popular bus connections from Sofia Airport
More options for your journey from Sofia Airport to Istanbul
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need
Most popular buses to and from Istanbul and Sofia Airport
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.
