- 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 Sofia to Istanbul
Showing times, prices and bookable tickets for 03 Nov
- Cheapest price on 03 Nov
- £27
- Average ticket price on 03 Nov
- £31
- Fastest journey on 03 Nov
- 7 h 30 m
- Average journey duration on 03 Nov
- 7 h 55 m
- Buses on 03 Nov
- 6
- 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 Tue 03 Nov, we found 6 buses from Sofia to Istanbul, including 6 direct services.
These direct buses cover the 502 km distance in an average of 7 h 55 m but if you time it right, some buses will get you there in just 7 h 30 m .
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.
733850823:59 9h16 Sofia 10:15 Istanbul £27 1 One-way 0 changes- 0
8:30 7h30 Sofia 17:00 Istanbul £29 1 One-way 0 changes - 0
19:00 8h05 Sofia 4:05 Istanbul £29 1 One-way 0 changes - 0
13:30 7h30 Sofia 22:00 Istanbul £33 1 One-way 0 changes 
FlixBus11:00 8h30 София, Централна Aвтогара 2 (Sofia, Centralna Avtogara 2) 20:30 Istanbul, Buyuk Otogar (Esenler) £34 1 One-way 0 changes
- 0
13:30 7h30 Sofia 22:00 Istanbul £33 1 One-way 0 changes - 0
8:30 7h30 Sofia 17:00 Istanbul £29 1 One-way 0 changes - FlixBus
23:00 8h00 София, Централна Aвтогара 2 (Sofia, Centralna Avtogara 2) 8:00 Istanbul, Buyuk Otogar (Esenler) £34 1 One-way 0 changes - 0
19:00 8h05 Sofia 4:05 Istanbul £29 1 One-way 0 changes - FlixBus
11:00 8h30 София, Централна Aвтогара 2 (Sofia, Centralna Avtogara 2) 20:30 Istanbul, Buyuk Otogar (Esenler) £34 1 One-way 0 changes
Journey information
Overview: Bus from Sofia to Istanbul
Bulgaria
Turkey
Buses from Sofia to Istanbul run on average 6 times per day, taking around 8h 31m. 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 31m |
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
Frequently asked questions about your Sofia to Istanbul trip
Use these quick route answers to check fares, travel time, departure options, and direct services before booking from Sofia to Istanbul.
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 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 FlixBus, ArdaTur, Infobus, Mybus Sofia. Schedules can vary on holidays or weekends with fewer direct coaches.
Live departures
Sofia to Istanbul bus times
The table below shows live departures for Sofia to Istanbul coaches for today, Monday 2 November. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated coach journeys.
Last updated at
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Changes | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| FlixBus | 23:00 София, Централна Aвтогара 2 (Sofia, Centralna Avtogara 2) | 8h00 | 8:00 Istanbul, Buyuk Otogar (Esenler) | 0 changesdirect | |
| 7722955 | 23:59 Sofia | 9h16 | 10:15 Istanbul | 0 changesdirect | |
| Tuesday 3 November | |||||
| 0 | 8:30 Sofia | 7h30 | 17:00 Istanbul | 0 changesdirect | |
| FlixBus | 11:00 София, Централна Aвтогара 2 (Sofia, Centralna Avtogara 2) | 8h30 | 20:30 Istanbul, Buyuk Otogar (Esenler) | 0 changesdirect | |
| 0 | 13:30 Sofia | 7h30 | 22:00 Istanbul | 0 changesdirect | |
| 0 | 19:00 Sofia | 8h05 | 4:05 Istanbul | 0 changesdirect | |
This is the last bus of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Why should you book Sofia to Istanbul coaches with Omio?
FlixBus as well as ArdaTur, Infobus, Mybus Sofia and more offer coaches services from Sofia to Istanbul.
Omio is an official ticket reseller for all your travel options from Sofia to Istanbul.
Why book with Omio vs FlixBus?
- Compare with other providers: On Omio, you can not only buy tickets for FlixBus, but also compare tickets for the likes of ArdaTur, Infobus 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 FlixBus 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 Wanderu, Trainline or Busbud?
- 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.
Bus providers: ArdaTur, FlixBus, Infobus, Mybus Sofia from Sofia to IstanbulYou can travel by bus between Sofia to Istanbul with ArdaTur, FlixBus, Infobus, Mybus Sofia for as low as £25. 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
Average FlixBus Duration
8h 0m
Cheapest FlixBus Price
£30
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.
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.
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
Companies, tickets, and onboard amenities between Sofia and Istanbul
Review the details behind your booking, from operators and ticket rules to luggage, onboard amenities, accessibility, and route-specific travel policies.
When taking a coach from Sofia to Istanbul, you can count on FlixBus, ArdaTur, Infobus, 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.
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.
- 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 to Istanbul for coach company FlixBus, ArdaTur, Infobus.
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.
- 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 {providersWithBike}.
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).
- 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 to Istanbul:
- Infobus
- 10€ per additional bag.
- 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 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: FlixBus, ArdaTur, Infobus
Yes, there are USB plugs on board the coach from Sofia to Istanbul with the following coach company: FlixBus, Infobus.
Yes, there is Wifi on board the coach from Sofia to Istanbul with the following coach company: FlixBus, ArdaTur, Infobus.
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 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.
It's helpful to compare your options as there are 2 ways to travel between Sofia and Istanbul including taking a coach and flight.
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.
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, Bulgaria
City-centre transport
Getting to Sofia (София) from Sofia city centre
Bus36h 31m · £349
38h 30m
39h 1m · £266
57h 18m · £218
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 · £1 · 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 · £1 · every ~13 min
Shuttle13m · £16
14m · £58
14m · £58
14m · £58
14m · £58
14m · £58
14m · £58
14m · £58
14m · £58
14m · £58
14m · £58
14m · £58
14m · £58
14m · £58
14m · £58
14m · £58
14m · £58
14m · £58
14m · £58
14m · £58
14m · £58
Which Istanbul station do buses from Sofia arrive at?
Buses from Sofia 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 · £1 · every ~45 min
Bus91E · 20m · £1 · every ~17 min
TramT4 · 22m · £1 · 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.
Bus stations for Sofia to Istanbul
Check bus stations information for Sofia and Istanbul, including where buses depart and arrive on this route.
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), Sofia, Sofia International Airport (T1) (София, Летище София (T1)), Sofia, Sofia International Airport (София, Летище София) . When arriving in Istanbul , you can end your route in coach stations like Istanbul, Büyük Otogari (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, Büyük Otogari (Esenler), located 5 away from the city centre.
More options for your journey from Sofia to Istanbul
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need
Most popular buses to and from Istanbul and Sofia
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