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The cheapest and fastest coaches from Sofia to Istanbul Airport
Showing times and prices for 23 Mar
Cheapest price
£35
Average price
£35
Fastest journey
8 h
Average duration
8 h 15 m
Buses per day
2
Distance
475 km
Cheap tickets
The best way to find a cheap coach ticket from Sofia to Istanbul Airport 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 Airport will cost around £35 if you buy it on the day, but you can find cheap coach tickets today for only £35.
Fast coaches
Of the 2 buses that leave Sofia for Istanbul Airport every day 2 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.
These direct buses cover the 475 km distance in an average of 8 h 15 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.
FlixBus11:008h30
София, Централна Aвтогара 2 (Sofia, Centralna Avtogara 2)20:30Istanbul, Buyuk Otogar (Esenler)
£351One-way
0 changes
FlixBus23:008h00
София, Централна Aвтогара 2 (Sofia, Centralna Avtogara 2)08:00Istanbul, Buyuk Otogar (Esenler)
£351One-way
0 changes
FlixBus23:008h00
София, Централна Aвтогара 2 (Sofia, Centralna Avtogara 2)08:00Istanbul, Buyuk Otogar (Esenler)
£351One-way
0 changes
FlixBus11:008h30
София, Централна Aвтогара 2 (Sofia, Centralna Avtogara 2)20:30Istanbul, Buyuk Otogar (Esenler)
£351One-way
0 changes
Travel Information
Compare coach and flight for Sofia to Istanbul Airport
Omio recommends booking the coach as it is the most popular option from Sofia to Istanbul Airport among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the coach with prices starting from £27. For those with little time consider booking a flight which can get you there in 1h 52m. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a coach costs an average of £27, and a flight costs an average of £42.
Distance: 475 km
Compare bus with
Most popular Coach | Flight |
|---|---|
£34 Average Price Cheapest | £69 Average Price |
9h 5m Average total duration 8h 35m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 4h 52m Average total duration Fastest 1h 52m Onboard + 3h 0m Additional time* |
Most popular bus company |  Most popular airline |
Direct Options | Direct Options |
Live departures
Sofia to Istanbul Airport bus times
The table below shows live departures for Sofia to Istanbul Airport coaches for today, Sunday 22 March. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated coach journeys.
Last updated at 11:36
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Changes | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| FlixBus | 21:00 София, Централна Aвтогара 2 (Sofia, Centralna Avtogara 2) | 8h00 | 05:00 Istanbul, Buyuk Otogar (Esenler) | 0 changesdirect | |
| Monday 23 March | |||||
| FlixBus | 09:00 София, Централна Aвтогара 2 (Sofia, Centralna Avtogara 2) | 8h30 | 17:30 Istanbul, Buyuk Otogar (Esenler) | 0 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 Airport 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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Why should you book Sofia to Istanbul Airport coaches with Omio?
FlixBus as well as City Lines or Infobus offer coaches services from Sofia to Istanbul Airport.
Omio is an official ticket reseller for all your travel options from Sofia to Istanbul Airport.
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 City Lines or Infobus to find the best option for your trip from Sofia to Istanbul Airport.
- 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 Airport.
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 Airport.
Journey information
Overview: Bus from Sofia to Istanbul Airport
Bulgaria
Turkey
Buses from Sofia to Istanbul Airport run on average 3 times per day, taking around 8h 35m. Cheap bus tickets for this journey start at £27 if you book in advance.
There are 3 coaches per day. The earliest coach runs at 20:00, the last at 21:59. The fastest coach covers the 475 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 475 km |
Average bus duration 8h 35m |
Cheapest ticket price £27 |
Buses per day 3 |
Direct buses 3 |
Fastest bus 6h 59m |
First bus 20:00 |
Last bus 21:59 |
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: FlixBus, City Lines, Infobus from Sofia to Istanbul AirportYou can travel by bus between Sofia to Istanbul Airport with FlixBus, City Lines, Infobus for as low as £27. 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 Duration
8h 0m
Cheapest Price
£31
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.
City Lines
About
\City Lines\" can refer to several different bus companies. One prominent example is Citylines, a leading Bulgarian bus company headquartered in Sofia. It operates an extensive network of 44 routes, connecting 22 cities across Bulgaria and serving 9 European nations with an average of 19 trips daily. Citylines coaches offer amenities such as air conditioning, onboard restrooms, and Wi-Fi connectivity. Another is Rochester City Lines, a family-owned and operated charter bus company in Minnesota, United States, providing services for college, corporate, event, religious, school, and workforce transportation. They offer a fleet including motorcoaches, minibuses, and executive vans. Historically, National City Lines, Inc. (NCL) was a significant public transportation holding company in the United States, founded in 1920. NCL acquired numerous local transit systems, often converting streetcar lines to bus operations, a practice sometimes referred to as \"bustitution.\" Additionally, \"City Line\" is also the name of a bus rapid transit (BRT) line in Spokane, Washington, operated by the Spokane Transit Authority. This 6-mile route, which opened in 2023, utilizes modern, zero-emission battery-electric buses and connects key areas including downtown Spokane and the University District."
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Duration
8h 30m
Cheapest Price
£27
City Lines frequency
3 a day
Luggage included
One carry-on bag up to 8kg (55x35x25) and one checked bag up to 25kg (70x50x30).
Additional luggage
10€ per additional bag up to 25 kg.
Cancellation Policy
You can cancel your ticket up to 24 hours before departure for a full refund. Cancellations within 24 hours incur a 20% fee.
Amenities on board the bus
Wifi
Food sold onboard
Seat reservation
Toilets
USB plugs
Accessibility
Assistance; Priority seating; Accessible restrooms.
Bikes
Bikes are allowed; must be booked in advance.
Pets
Small pets allowed in carriers; larger pets must be leashed and muzzled.
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 Duration
6h 59m
Cheapest Price
£27
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.
FAQs: Sofia to Istanbul Airport coach
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Sofia to Istanbul Airport 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 Airport, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.
Cheap coach tickets from Sofia to Istanbul Airport can start from as little as £27 when you book in advance. The average coach ticket price for Sofia to Istanbul Airport is £34; 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 Airport is 6h 59m to travel the 475 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 Airport leaves at 20:00. Plan your trip with the Journey Planner from Omio.
The latest coach from Sofia to Istanbul Airport leaves at 21:59.
Yes, there are 3 direct coaches a day from Sofia to Istanbul Airport with City Lines. Schedules can vary on holidays or weekends with fewer direct coaches.
When taking a coach from Sofia to Istanbul Airport, you can count on FlixBus, City Lines, Infobus for the best way to get you to Istanbul Airport. You can also check all possible coach companies who offer a service between Sofia and Istanbul Airport and compare the amenities they offer before buying a coach ticket.
A trip to Istanbul Airport 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 Airport is September.
It's helpful to compare your options as there are 2 ways to travel between Sofia and Istanbul Airport including taking a coach and flight.
Yes, the following accessibility options are available when taking the coach from Sofia to Istanbul Airport:
- City Lines
- Assistance
- Priority seating
- Accessible restrooms.
- Infobus
- Assistance
- Priority seating
- Transport for wheelchairs and mobility aids.
- FlixBus
- Assistance
- Priority boarding
- Wheelchair-accessible buses.
Yes, there are bathrooms on board the coach from Sofia to Istanbul Airport for coach company FlixBus, City Lines, Infobus.
Whether you can cancel your coach ticket from Sofia to Istanbul Airport 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.
- 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 FlixBus, 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 Sofia to Istanbul Airport.
Yes, the following luggage options are included when booking a coach ticket from Sofia to Istanbul Airport:
- 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).
- 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 Airport:
- City Lines
- 10€ per additional bag up to 25 kg.
- Infobus
- 10€ per additional bag.
- FlixBus
- Additional luggage can be purchased for a fee.
Yes, you can bring your pet on the coach from Sofia to Istanbul Airport. 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.
- FlixBus
- Small pets in carriers allowed
- guide dogs travel for free.
You can reserve your seat on the coach from Sofia to Istanbul Airport with the following coach company: FlixBus, City Lines, Infobus
Yes, there are USB plugs on board the coach from Sofia to Istanbul Airport with the following coach company: FlixBus, City Lines, Infobus.
Yes, there is Wifi on board the coach from Sofia to Istanbul Airport with the following coach company: FlixBus, City Lines, Infobus.
popular bus stations
Important Stations and Airports in Sofia and Istanbul Airport
Sofia
Istanbul
София, Централна Aвтогара 2 (Sofia, Centralna Avtogara 2)
information
София, (Sofia)
information
Sofiya, Avtogara Serdika (София, Автогара Сердика)
Amenities at bus station
WifiParkingDiningATMTaxisAccessibilityWCTicket Officeinformation
Ticket Office Hours
- 00:00-23:59
Distance to city center
1 km
Car connection
Knyaginya Maria Luiza BlvdWifi
- Free Wi-Fi
Dining
- Cafeteria Serdika (in the station)
- Bistro Bulgaria (0.2 km)
- Sofia Grill House (0.5 km).
Taxis
- Available outside the main entrance.
Accessibility
- Elevators, ramps
WC
- Available in the station.
Public transport options for Sofiya, Avtogara Serdika (София, Автогара Сердика)
- Bus: 213, 305, 404 Metro: M1, M2 Train: Sofia Central Station
Most popular bus connections from Sofia
More options for your journey from Sofia to Istanbul Airport
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need
Most popular buses to and from Istanbul Airport and Sofia
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