- 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 Thessaloniki to Istanbul
Showing times and prices for 23 Aug
Cheapest price
£67
Average price
£69
Fastest journey
13 h 30 m
Average duration
15 h 58 m
Buses per day
2
Distance
507 km
Cheap tickets
The best way to find a cheap coach ticket from Thessaloniki to Istanbul is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid travelling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Thessaloniki to Istanbul will cost around £69 if you buy it on the day, but you can find cheap coach tickets today for only £67.
Fast coaches
To travel from Thessaloniki to Istanbul you need to make at least one change.
FlixBus · FlixBus17:3013h30Thessaloniki, Monastiriou - KTEL (Θεσσαλονίκη, Μοναστηρίου - ΚΤΕΛ)7:00Istanbul, Buyuk Otogar (Esenler)£671One-way1 change- FlixBus · FlixBus1:0518h25Thessaloniki, Monastiriou - KTEL (Θεσσαλονίκη, Μοναστηρίου - ΚΤΕΛ)19:30Istanbul, Buyuk Otogar (Esenler)£701One-way1 change
- FlixBus · FlixBus17:3013h30Thessaloniki, Monastiriou - KTEL (Θεσσαλονίκη, Μοναστηρίου - ΚΤΕΛ)7:00Istanbul, Buyuk Otogar (Esenler)£671One-way1 change
- FlixBus · FlixBus1:0518h25Thessaloniki, Monastiriou - KTEL (Θεσσαλονίκη, Μοναστηρίου - ΚΤΕΛ)19:30Istanbul, Buyuk Otogar (Esenler)£701One-way1 change
Travel Information
Compare coach and flight for Thessaloniki to Istanbul
Omio recommends booking the coach as it is the most popular option from Thessaloniki to Istanbul among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the coach with prices starting from £40. For those with little time consider booking a flight which can get you there in 2h 4m. In case you are seeking to minimise your carbon footprint the coach is your best bet as it emits only 0.5 - 1.3kg. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a coach costs an average of £40, and a flight costs an average of £66.
Distance: 507 km
Compare bus with
Most popular Coach | Flight |
|---|---|
£46 Average Price Cheapest | £143 Average Price |
10h 36m Average total duration 10h 6m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 5h 4m Average total duration Fastest 2h 4m Onboard + 3h 0m Additional time* |
0.5 - 1.3kg CO2 emissions Lowest | 1.5 - 3.0kg CO2 emissions |
 Most popular bus company |  Most popular airline |
Direct Options | Direct Options |
Additional time: Average total travel duration to departure point, security checks and transfers.
Live departures
Thessaloniki to Istanbul bus times
The table below shows live departures for Thessaloniki to Istanbul coaches for tomorrow, Sunday 23 August. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated coach journeys.
Last updated at
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Changes | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| FlixBus · FlixBus | 17:30 Thessaloniki, Monastiriou - KTEL (Θεσσαλονίκη, Μοναστηρίου - ΚΤΕΛ) | 13h30 | 7:00 Istanbul, Buyuk Otogar (Esenler) | 1 change | |
This is the last bus of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare prices and tickets Thessaloniki 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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Why should you book Thessaloniki to Istanbul coaches with Omio?
ArdaTur as well as Infobus, FlixBus, Simeonidis Tours and more offer coaches services from Thessaloniki 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 Infobus, FlixBus or Simeonidis Tours to find the best option for your trip from Thessaloniki 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 Thessaloniki to Istanbul.
Journey information
Overview: Bus from Thessaloniki to Istanbul
Greece
Turkey
Buses from Thessaloniki to Istanbul run on average 5 times per day, taking around 10h 6m. Cheap bus tickets for this journey start at £40 if you book in advance.
There are 4 coaches per day. The earliest coach runs at 00:15, the last at 23:05. The fastest coach covers the 507 km distance in 8h 45m.
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 507 km |
Average bus duration 10h 6m |
Cheapest ticket price £40 |
Buses per day 5 |
Direct buses 4 |
Fastest bus 8h 45m |
First bus 0:15 |
Last bus 23:05 |
Cheapest Month Jun |
Cheapest Day Tue |
High Season Jul - Sept |
Low Season Jan - Mar |
Busiest Day Tue |
Least Busy Day Mon |
Best time to book 14 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: ArdaTur, Infobus, FlixBus, Simeonidis Tours from Thessaloniki to IstanbulYou can travel by bus between Thessaloniki to Istanbul with ArdaTur, Infobus, FlixBus, Simeonidis Tours for as low as £40. 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 Duration
9h 0m
Cheapest Price
£31
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 Duration
13h 30m
Cheapest Price
£41
FlixBus frequency
1 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 Duration
8h 45m
Cheapest Price
£36
ArdaTur frequency
6 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.
Simeonidis Tours
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Duration
10h 0m
Cheapest Price
£49
Simeonidis Tours 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
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: Thessaloniki to Istanbul coach
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Thessaloniki 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 Thessaloniki to Istanbul can start from as little as £40 when you book in advance. The average coach ticket price for Thessaloniki to Istanbul is £44; 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 Thessaloniki to Istanbul is 7h 45m to travel the 507 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 Thessaloniki to Istanbul leaves at 0:15. Plan your trip with the Journey Planner from Omio.
The latest coach from Thessaloniki to Istanbul leaves at 23:05.
Yes, there are 3 direct coaches a day from Thessaloniki to Istanbul with ArdaTur, Infobus, Simeonidis Tours. Schedules can vary on holidays or weekends with fewer direct coaches.
When taking a coach from Thessaloniki to Istanbul, you can count on ArdaTur, Infobus, FlixBus, Simeonidis Tours for the best way to get you to Istanbul. You can also check all possible coach companies who offer a service between Thessaloniki and Istanbul and compare the amenities they offer before buying a coach ticket.
When departing from Thessaloniki , you have various coach station options to start your route from including Thessaloniki (Θεσσαλονίκη), Thessaloniki, Monastiriou - KTEL (Θεσσαλονίκη, Μοναστηρίου - ΚΤΕΛ) . When arriving in Istanbul , you can end your route in coach stations like Istanbul, Buyuk Otogar (Esenler).Passengers board the coach most frequently from Thessaloniki (Θεσσαλονίκη), 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 Thessaloniki is worth doing but not as a day trip with a journey time of 7h 45m each way. Check with Omio app the best way to travel.
The cheapest month for a coach from Thessaloniki to Istanbul is September.
It's helpful to compare your options as there are 2 ways to travel between Thessaloniki and Istanbul including taking a coach and flight.
Yes, the following accessibility options are available when taking the coach from Thessaloniki 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 Thessaloniki to Istanbul for coach company ArdaTur, Infobus, FlixBus.
Whether you can cancel your coach ticket from Thessaloniki 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 ArdaTur, Infobus, 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 Thessaloniki to Istanbul.
Yes, the following luggage options are included when booking a coach ticket from Thessaloniki 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 Thessaloniki 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 Thessaloniki 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 Thessaloniki to Istanbul with the following coach company: ArdaTur, Infobus, FlixBus
Yes, there are USB plugs on board the coach from Thessaloniki to Istanbul with the following coach company: Infobus, FlixBus.
Yes, there is Wifi on board the coach from Thessaloniki to Istanbul with the following coach company: ArdaTur, Infobus, FlixBus.
popular bus stations
Important Stations and Airports in Thessaloniki and Istanbul
Most Thessaloniki to Istanbul buses use the Thessaloniki (Θεσσαλονίκη) to Istanbul, Büyük Otogari (Esenler) station pair. Use this guide to compare Thessaloniki and Istanbul bus stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like bus station facilities and services.
Departure bus stations in Thessaloniki
Arrival bus stations in Istanbul
Thessaloniki (Θεσσαλονίκη)Thessaloniki Bus Stop,Egnatia Odos,null
City-centre transport
Getting to Thessaloniki (Θεσσαλονίκη) from Thessaloniki city centre
Subway1 · 14m · every ~14 min
Thessaloniki, Monastiriou - KTEL (Θεσσαλονίκη, Μοναστηρίου - ΚΤΕΛ)Monastiriou 244, Thessaloniki, Greece
City-centre transport
Getting to Thessaloniki, Monastiriou - KTEL (Θεσσαλονίκη, Μοναστηρίου - ΚΤΕΛ) from Thessaloniki city centre
Thessaloniki, Monastiriou - KTEL (Θεσσαλονίκη, Μοναστηρίου - ΚΤΕΛ) is 1 km from Thessaloniki city centre. Public transport options include:
Bus8, 12, 31 Train: Thessaloniki Railway Station
Thessaloniki, Monastiriou - KTEL (Θεσσαλονίκη, Μοναστηρίου - ΚΤΕΛ) bus station facilities and services
Thessaloniki, Monastiriou - KTEL (Θεσσαλονίκη, Μοναστηρίου - ΚΤΕΛ) has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC and Ticket Office.
Wi-Fi and ATMs
Free Wi-Fi. ATMs are located inside the station.
Tickets and information
Ticket office support is available at Thessaloniki, Monastiriou - KTEL (Θεσσαλονίκη, Μοναστηρίου - ΚΤΕΛ).
Parking, taxis and toilets
Available at Thessaloniki, Monastiriou - KTEL (Θεσσαλονίκη, Μοναστηρίου - ΚΤΕΛ): Parking, Taxis, WC.
Accessibility
Accessibility facilities are available at Thessaloniki, Monastiriou - KTEL (Θεσσαλονίκη, Μοναστηρίου - ΚΤΕΛ): Elevators, ramps.
Which Istanbul station do buses from Thessaloniki arrive at?
Buses from Thessaloniki 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 · £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.
Most popular bus connections from Thessaloniki
More options for your journey from Thessaloniki to Istanbul
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need
Most popular buses to and from Istanbul and Thessaloniki
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