Sofia to Istanbul bus with Infobus

Sat 19 Sept
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Infobus
FlixBus
ArdaTur
Mybus Sofia
National Express
2,000+ travel companies
Infobus
FlixBus
ArdaTur
Mybus Sofia
National Express
2,000+ travel companies
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The cheapest and fastest coaches from Sofia to Istanbul

Showing times, prices and bookable tickets for 19 Sept

Cheapest price on 19 Sept

£27

Average ticket price on 19 Sept

£31

Fastest journey on 19 Sept

8 h

Average journey duration on 19 Sept

8 h 18 m

Buses on 19 Sept

7

Distance

502 km

Cheap tickets

The best way to find a cheap coach ticket from Sofia 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 to Istanbul will cost around £31 if you buy it on the day, but you can find cheap coach tickets today for only £27.

Fast coaches

On Sat 19 Sept, we found 7 buses from Sofia to Istanbul, including 7 direct services.

These direct buses cover the 502 km distance in an average of 8 h 18 m but if you time it right, some buses will get you there in just 8 h .

The slowest buses will take 8 h 30 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.

  • ArdaTur7509136
    23:5910h16
    Sofia
    10:15Istanbul
    £271One-way
    0 changes
  • ArdaTur0
    10:308h00
    Sofia
    18:30Istanbul
    £291One-way
    0 changes
  • ArdaTur0
    19:009h05
    Sofia
    4:05Istanbul
    £301One-way
    0 changes
  • ArdaTur0
    8:308h30
    Sofia
    17:00Istanbul
    £301One-way
    0 changes
  • ArdaTur0
    13:308h30
    Sofia
    22:00Istanbul
    £331One-way
    0 changes

Travel Information

Compare coach and flight for Sofia to Istanbul

Omio recommends booking the flight as it is the most popular option from Sofia to Istanbul among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price, take the coach, with an average ticket price of £29 For those with little time, consider booking a flight, which has an average total journey time of 5h 25m. If you are seeking to minimise your carbon footprint, the coach is your best option, with estimated CO2 emissions of 0.5 - 1.3kg. Average ticket prices depend on the travel mode: a coach costs an average of £29, while a flight costs an average of £332.

Distance: 502 km

Compare bus with

Coach
Most popular
Flight
Driving

£29

Average Price

Cheapest

£332

Average Price

£81

Average Price

(fuel + tolls)

8h 57m

Average total duration

8h 27m

Onboard

+

30m

Additional time*

5h 25m

Average total duration

Fastest

3h 25m

Onboard

+

2h 0m

Additional time*

6h 1m

Average total duration

(door-to-door)

0.5 - 1.3kg

CO2 emissions

Lowest

1.5 - 3.0kg

CO2 emissions

-

CO2 emissions

Direct Options

Direct Options

Direct Options

Additional time: Average total travel duration to departure point, security checks and transfers.

The cheapest way to travel from Sofia to Istanbul is a coach with an average price of £29.

This is compared to other travel options from Sofia to Istanbul:

A coach is £303 less than a flight for this route with tickets for a flight from Sofia to Istanbul costing on average £332.

The fastest way to travel from Sofia to Istanbul is by flight with an average journey time of 3h 25m.

Other travel options to Istanbul take longer:

Coach takes on average 8h 27m.

It's helpful to compare your options as there are 2 ways to travel between Sofia 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 £29 compared to roughly £81 in fuel and tolls — a saving of about £53. The journey takes 8h 27m 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 FlixBus, ArdaTur, City Lines, Citylines, Huntur, Luks Yonca.

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 to Istanbul bus times

The table below shows live departures for Sofia to Istanbul coaches for today, Friday 18 September. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated coach journeys.

Last updated at
ProviderDepartsDurationArrivesChanges
Tickets
FlixBusFlixBus23:00 София, Централна Aвтогара 2 (Sofia, Centralna Avtogara 2)
8h00
7:00 Istanbul, Buyuk Otogar (Esenler)0 changesdirect
ArdaTur752952023:59 Sofia
10h16
10:15 Istanbul0 changesdirect
Saturday 19 September
ArdaTur08:30 Sofia
8h30
17:00 Istanbul0 changesdirect
ArdaTur010:30 Sofia
8h00
18:30 Istanbul0 changesdirect
FlixBusFlixBus11:00 София, Централна Aвтогара 2 (Sofia, Centralna Avtogara 2)
8h30
19:30 Istanbul, Buyuk Otogar (Esenler)0 changesdirect
ArdaTur013:30 Sofia
8h30
22:00 Istanbul0 changesdirect
ArdaTur019:00 Sofia
9h05
4:05 Istanbul0 changesdirect

This is the last bus of the day.

Find all the dates and times for this journey

Compare prices and tickets Sofia 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.

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18 Sept
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Why should you book Sofia to Istanbul coaches with Omio?

Infobus as well as FlixBus, ArdaTur, Mybus Sofia and more offer coaches services from Sofia to Istanbul.
Omio is the only official third party seller for Infobus tickets.

Why book with Omio vs Infobus?

  • Compare with other providers: On Omio, you can not only buy tickets for Infobus, but also compare tickets for the likes of FlixBus, ArdaTur or Mybus Sofia to find the best option for your trip from Sofia 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 Infobus with all available travel options, which are bus and flight to ensure you get the best deal for traveling from Sofia to Istanbul.

Why book with Omio over Busbud or Checkmybus?

  • Official reseller: Infobus tickets can only be bought on Omio or Infobus's website as Omio is the only official third party seller for Infobus tickets. Busbud or Checkmybus do not sell Infobus 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 Sofia to Istanbul.

Journey information

Overview: Bus from Sofia to Istanbul

BulgariaBulgaria
TurkeyTurkey
Icon of bus

Buses from Sofia to Istanbul run on average 6 times per day, taking around 8h 27m. Cheap bus tickets for this journey start at £25 if you book in advance.

There are 6 coaches per day. The earliest coach runs at 00:20, the last at 23:30. The fastest coach covers the 502 km distance in 6h 59m.

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
502 km
Average bus duration
8h 27m
Cheapest ticket price
£25
Buses per day
6
Direct buses
6
Fastest bus
6h 59m
First bus
0:20
Last bus
23:30
Cheapest Month
Jan
Cheapest Day
Tue
High Season
Jul - Sept
Low Season
Oct - Dec
Busiest Day
Thu
Least Busy Day
Tue
Best time to book
91 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

Bus providers: Infobus, FlixBus, ArdaTur, Mybus Sofia from Sofia to IstanbulYou can travel by bus between Sofia to Istanbul with Infobus, FlixBus, ArdaTur, Mybus Sofia for as low as £26. 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
6h 59m
Cheapest Infobus Price
£27
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.

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
8h 0m
Cheapest FlixBus Price
£31
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.

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
7h 30m
Cheapest ArdaTur Price
£25
ArdaTur frequency
4 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
7h 59m
Cheapest Mybus Sofia Price
£27
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

Topkapı Palace

Former imperial residence with courtyards, treasury displays and pavilions that reveal Ottoman court life over several centuries.

  • 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.

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.

FAQs: Sofia to Istanbul coach

Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Sofia 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.

FAQs
Cheap coach tickets from Sofia to Istanbul can start from as little as £25 when you book in advance. The average coach ticket price for Sofia to Istanbul is £29; 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 to Istanbul is 6h 59m to travel the 502 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 to Istanbul leaves at 0:20. Plan your trip with the Journey Planner from Omio.
The latest coach from Sofia to Istanbul leaves at 23:30.
Yes, there are 6 direct coaches a day from Sofia to Istanbul with Infobus, FlixBus, ArdaTur, Mybus Sofia. Schedules can vary on holidays or weekends with fewer direct coaches.
When taking a coach from Sofia to Istanbul, you can count on Infobus, FlixBus, ArdaTur, Mybus Sofia for the best way to get you to Istanbul. You can also check all possible coach companies who offer a service between Sofia and Istanbul and compare the amenities they offer before buying a coach ticket.
When departing from Sofia , you have various coach station options to start your route from including Sofia (София), София, Централна Aвтогара 2 (Sofia, Centralna Avtogara 2), Sofiya Airport - Terminal T1, Sofia, Sofia International Airport (София, Летище София) . When arriving in Istanbul , you can end your route in coach stations like Istanbul, Buyuk Otogar (Esenler).Passengers board the coach most frequently from Sofia (София), which is located around 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 Sofia is worth doing but not as a day trip with a journey time of 6h 59m each way. Check with Omio app the best way to travel.
The cheapest month for a coach from Sofia to Istanbul is January.
It's helpful to compare your options as there are 2 ways to travel between Sofia and Istanbul including taking a coach and flight.
Yes, the following accessibility options are available when taking the coach from Sofia 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 Sofia to Istanbul for coach company Infobus, FlixBus, ArdaTur.
Whether you can cancel your coach ticket from Sofia 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 Infobus, FlixBus, ArdaTur.
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 to Istanbul.
Yes, the following luggage options are included when booking a coach ticket from Sofia 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 Sofia 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 Sofia 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 Sofia to Istanbul with the following coach company: Infobus, FlixBus, ArdaTur
Yes, there are USB plugs on board the coach from Sofia to Istanbul with the following coach company: Infobus, FlixBus.
Yes, there is Wifi on board the coach from Sofia to Istanbul with the following coach company: Infobus, FlixBus, ArdaTur.

popular bus stations

Important Stations and Airports in Sofia and Istanbul

Most Sofia to Istanbul buses use the Sofia (София) to Istanbul, Büyük Otogari (Esenler) station pair. Use this guide to compare Sofia 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

Which Sofia station do buses to Istanbul leave from?

Buses from Sofia to Istanbul leave from Sofia (София). The station is from Sofia city centre at Central Bus Station - Sofia, Tsentralna, bul. "Knyaginya Maria Luiza" 100, 1202 Sofia, Bulgaria.
Sofia (София)Central Bus Station - Sofia, Tsentralna, bul. "Knyaginya Maria Luiza" 100, 1202 Sofia, BulgariaWifiParkingDiningATMTaxisAccessibilityWCShowerTicket Office
City-centre transport

Getting to Sofia (София) from Sofia city centre

Bus36h 31m · £358
38h 30m
39h 1m · £273
57h 18m · £224

Sofia (София) bus station facilities and services

Sofia (София) 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 cafes available nearby.

Wi-Fi and ATMs

Wi-Fi is available at Sofia (София). ATMs are aTM machines available onsite.

Tickets and information

Ticket office support is available at Sofia (София).

Parking, taxis and toilets

Available at Sofia (София): Parking, Taxis, WC.

Accessibility

Accessibility facilities are available at Sofia (София): Facilities are accessible for passengers with reduced mobility.

София, Централна Aвтогара 2 (Sofia, Centralna Avtogara 2)
City-centre transport

Getting to София, Централна Aвтогара 2 (Sofia, Centralna Avtogara 2) from Sofia city centre

Bus78 · 13m · every ~5 min
Subway2 · 3m · £0.90 · every ~20 min
M2 · 4m · every ~16 min
Sofia, Sofia International Airport (T1) (София, Летище София (T1))Sofia Airport Departure Terminal 1, bul. "Christopher Columbus" 1, 1528
City-centre transport

Getting to Sofia, Sofia International Airport (T1) (София, Летище София (T1)) from Sofia city centre

Bus84 · 28m · every ~9 min
84 · 30m · every ~9 min
Subway4 · 49m · £0.90 · every ~13 min
Shuttle13m · £16
14m · £59
14m · £59
14m · £59
14m · £59
14m · £59
14m · £59
14m · £59
14m · £59
14m · £59
14m · £59
14m · £59
14m · £59
14m · £59
14m · £59
14m · £59
14m · £59
14m · £59
14m · £59
14m · £59
14m · £59

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