Sofia to Istanbul Airport bus with City Lines

Tue 03 Feb
+ Add return
City Lines
Infobus
National Express
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Alsa
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City Lines
Infobus
National Express
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Alsa
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The cheapest and fastest coaches from Sofia to Istanbul Airport

Showing times and prices for 03 Feb

Cheapest price

£40

Average price

£40

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 £40 if you buy it on the day, but you can find cheap coach tickets today for only £40.

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.

FlixBusFlixBus
11:008h30
София, Централна Aвтогара 2 (Sofia, Centralna Avtogara 2)
20:30Istanbul, Buyuk Otogar (Esenler)
£401One-way
0 changes
FlixBusFlixBus
23:008h00
София, Централна Aвтогара 2 (Sofia, Centralna Avtogara 2)
08:00Istanbul, Buyuk Otogar (Esenler)
£401One-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 £26. 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 £26, and a flight costs an average of £42.

Distance: 475 km

Compare bus with

Most popular
Coach
Flight

£30

Average Price

Cheapest

£73

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*

City Lines

Most popular bus company

Turkish Airlines

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, Monday 2 February. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated coach journeys.

Last updated at 19:59
ProviderDepartsDurationArrivesChanges
Tickets
ams_arda_tur20:59 Sofia
9h46
06:45 Istanbul Airport0 changesdirect
Tuesday 3 February
meinfernbus_flixbusFlixBus09:00 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.

Tue
03 Feb
Wed
04 Feb
Thu
05 Feb
Fri
06 Feb
Sat
07 Feb
Sun
08 Feb
Mon
09 Feb

Journey information

Overview: Bus from Sofia to Istanbul Airport

BulgariaBulgaria
TurkeyTurkey
Icon of bus

Buses from Sofia to Istanbul Airport run on average 4 times per day, taking around 8h 35m. Cheap bus tickets for this journey start at £26 if you book in advance.

There are 4 coaches per day. The earliest coach runs at 08:00, the last at 21:00. 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
£26
Buses per day
4
Direct buses
4
Fastest bus
6h 59m
First bus
08:00
Last bus
21:00
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: City Lines, Infobus from Sofia to Istanbul AirportYou can travel by bus between Sofia to Istanbul Airport with City Lines, Infobus for as low as £26. When you search for schedules and tickets, Omio will show you the best journey

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
7h 59m
Cheapest 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.
Learn more about Infobus

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.

FAQs
Cheap coach tickets from Sofia to Istanbul Airport can start from as little as £26 when you book in advance. The average coach ticket price for Sofia to Istanbul Airport is £30; 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 8:00. Plan your trip with the Journey Planner from Omio.
The latest coach from Sofia to Istanbul Airport leaves at 21:00.
Yes, there are 4 direct coaches a day from Sofia to Istanbul Airport with City Lines, Infobus. Schedules can vary on holidays or weekends with fewer direct coaches.
When taking a coach from Sofia to Istanbul Airport, you can count on 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.
Yes, there are bathrooms on board the coach from Sofia to Istanbul Airport for coach company 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.
Yes, bikes are allowed on board the coach with coach company 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).
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.
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.
You can reserve your seat on the coach from Sofia to Istanbul Airport with the following coach company: City Lines, Infobus
Yes, there are USB plugs on board the coach from Sofia to Istanbul Airport with the following coach company: City Lines, Infobus.
Yes, there is Wifi on board the coach from Sofia to Istanbul Airport with the following coach company: 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
Sofiya, Avtogara Serdika (София, Автогара Сердика)WifiParkingDiningATMTaxisAccessibilityWCTicket Office
Amenities at bus station
WifiWifi
ParkingParking
DiningDining
ATMATM
TaxisTaxis
AccessibilityAccessibility
WCWC
Ticket OfficeTicket Office
information
address
Address
Knyaginya Maria Luiza Blvd 102, 1202 Sofia, Bulgaria
ticketOfficeHours
Ticket Office Hours
  • 00:00-23:59
ticketOfficeHours
Distance to city center
1 km
carConnection
Car connection
Knyaginya Maria Luiza Blvd
Wifi
Wifi
  • Free Wi-Fi
Dining
Dining
  • Cafeteria Serdika (in the station)
  • Bistro Bulgaria (0.2 km)
  • Sofia Grill House (0.5 km).
Taxis
Taxis
  • Available outside the main entrance.
Accessibility
Accessibility
  • Elevators, ramps
WC
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
Sofia, Centralna Avtogara (София, Централна Автогара)WifiParkingATMTaxisAccessibilityWCTicket Office
Amenities at bus station
WifiWifi
ParkingParking
ATMATM
TaxisTaxis
AccessibilityAccessibility
WCWC
Ticket OfficeTicket Office
information
address
Address
Centralna Avtogara, 100 Knyaginya Maria Luiza Blvd, Sofia, Bulgaria
ticketOfficeHours
Ticket Office Hours
  • 06:00-22:00
ticketOfficeHours
Distance to city center
1 km
carConnection
Car connection
Knyaginya Maria Luiza Blvd
Wifi
Wifi
  • Free Wi-Fi
Taxis
Taxis
  • Available outside the main entrance.
Accessibility
Accessibility
  • Elevators, ramps
WC
WC
  • Available in the station.
Public transport options for Sofia, Centralna Avtogara (София, Централна Автогара)
  • Bus: 213, 305, 404 Metro: M2 Train: Sofia Central Station

More options for your journey from Sofia to Istanbul Airport

Here are some other resources that might have the information you need

Tickets and more information for coaches to Sofia
Tickets and more information for coaches to Istanbul Airport
HomeCoachesCoach tickets to Istanbul Airport Sofia to Istanbul Airport bus

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