Varna to Istanbul bus with ArdaTur

Wed 23 Sept
+ Add return
Infobus
FlixBus
ArdaTur
LikeBus
National Express
2,000+ travel companies
Infobus
FlixBus
ArdaTur
LikeBus
National Express
2,000+ travel companies
QR-Code
Scan to get our free app
Use our app to get live travel updates and book mobile tickets for trains, buses, flights, and ferries.
App Store
rate4.9
42K ratings
Google Play
rate4.6
136K reviews

The cheapest and fastest coaches from Varna to Istanbul

Showing times, prices and bookable tickets for 23 Sept

Cheapest price on 23 Sept

£25

Average ticket price on 23 Sept

£29

Fastest journey on 23 Sept

7 h 30 m

Average journey duration on 23 Sept

8 h 30 m

Buses on 23 Sept

5

Distance

259 km

Cheap tickets

The best way to find a cheap coach ticket from Varna to Istanbul is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid travelling at rush hour.

The average ticket from Varna to Istanbul will cost around £29 if you buy it on the day, but you can find cheap coach tickets today for only £25.

Fast coaches

On Wed 23 Sept, we found 5 buses from Varna to Istanbul, including 5 direct services.

These direct buses cover the 259 km distance in an average of 8 h 30 m but if you time it right, some buses will get you there in just 7 h 30 m .

The slowest buses will take 9 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.

  • ArdaTur
    6:008h30
    Varna
    14:30Istanbul
    £251One-way
    0 changes
  • ArdaTur
    5:009h30
    Varna
    14:30Istanbul
    £251One-way
    0 changes
  • ArdaTur
    17:308h30
    Varna
    2:00Istanbul
    £301One-way
    0 changes
  • ArdaTur
    18:307h30
    Varna
    2:00Istanbul
    £311One-way
    0 changes
  • Infobus
    19:308h30
    Varna
    4:00Istanbul
    £351One-way
    0 changes

Travel Information

Compare coach and flight for Varna to Istanbul

Omio recommends booking the flight as it is the most popular option from Varna to Istanbul among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price, take the coach, with an average ticket price of £31 For those with little time, consider booking a flight, which has an average total journey time of 3h 7m. Average ticket prices depend on the travel mode: a coach costs an average of £31, while a flight costs an average of £189.

Distance: 259 km

Compare bus with

Coach
Most popular
Flight
Driving

£31

Average Price

Cheapest

£189

Average Price

£71

Average Price

(fuel + tolls)

9h 12m

Average total duration

8h 42m

Onboard

+

30m

Additional time*

3h 7m

Average total duration

Fastest

1h 7m

Onboard

+

2h 0m

Additional time*

6h 19m

Average total duration

(door-to-door)

ArdaTur

Most popular bus company

Turkish Airlines

Most popular airline

Your own car or car rental

Direct Options

Direct Options

Direct Options

The cheapest way to travel from Varna to Istanbul is a coach with an average price of £31.

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

A coach is £158 less than a flight for this route with tickets for a flight from Varna to Istanbul costing on average £189.

The fastest way to travel from Varna to Istanbul is by flight with an average journey time of 1h 7m.

Other travel options to Istanbul take longer:

Coach takes on average 8h 42m.

It's helpful to compare your options as there are 2 ways to travel between Varna 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 £31 compared to roughly £71 in fuel and tolls — a saving of about £40. The journey takes 8h 42m versus 6h 19m 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 Infobus, FlixBus, ArdaTur, LikeBus.

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

Varna to Istanbul bus times

The table below shows live departures for Varna to Istanbul coaches for today, Tuesday 22 September. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated coach journeys.

Last updated at
ProviderDepartsDurationArrivesChanges
Tickets
LikeBus021:30 Varna
9h30
7:00 Istanbul0 changesdirect
Wednesday 23 September
ArdaTur5:00 Varna
9h30
14:30 Istanbul0 changesdirect
ArdaTur6:00 Varna
8h30
14:30 Istanbul0 changesdirect

This is the last bus of the day.

Find all the dates and times for this journey

Compare prices and tickets Varna 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.

Wed
23 Sept
Thu
24 Sept
Fri
25 Sept
Sat
26 Sept
Sun
27 Sept
Mon
28 Sept
Tue
29 Sept
Wed
30 Sept
Thu
01 Oct
Fri
02 Oct
Sat
03 Oct
Sun
04 Oct
Mon
05 Oct
Tue
06 Oct
Wed
07 Oct
Thu
08 Oct
Fri
09 Oct
Sat
10 Oct
Sun
11 Oct
Mon
12 Oct
Tue
13 Oct

Why should you book Varna to Istanbul coaches with Omio?

Infobus as well as FlixBus, ArdaTur, LikeBus and more offer coaches services from Varna 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 LikeBus to find the best option for your trip from Varna 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 Varna 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 Varna to Istanbul.

Journey information

Overview: Bus from Varna to Istanbul

BulgariaBulgaria
TurkeyTurkey
Icon of bus

Buses from Varna to Istanbul run on average 4 times per day, taking around 8h 42m. Cheap bus tickets for this journey start at £20 if you book in advance.

There are 4 coaches per day. The earliest coach runs at 05:00, the last at 22:30. The fastest coach covers the 259 km distance in 6h 30m.

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
259 km
Average bus duration
8h 42m
Cheapest ticket price
£20
Buses per day
4
Direct buses
4
Fastest bus
6h 30m
First bus
5:00
Last bus
22:30
Cheapest Month
Mar
Cheapest Day
Mon
High Season
Jul - Sept
Low Season
Oct - Dec
Busiest Day
Thu
Least Busy Day
Fri
Best time to book
42 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, LikeBus, FlixBus from Varna to IstanbulYou can travel by bus between Varna to Istanbul with ArdaTur, Infobus, LikeBus, FlixBus for as low as £20. 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
7h 20m
Cheapest Infobus Price
£25
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
£20
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 ArdaTur Duration
6h 30m
Cheapest ArdaTur Price
£23
ArdaTur frequency
3 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.

LikeBus

Luggage & cancellation policy
Average LikeBus Duration
9h 30m
Cheapest LikeBus Price
£32
LikeBus 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: Varna to Istanbul coach

Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Varna 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 Varna to Istanbul can start from as little as £20 when you book in advance. The average coach ticket price for Varna to Istanbul is £31; 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 Varna to Istanbul is 6h 30m to travel the 259 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 Varna to Istanbul leaves at 5:00. Plan your trip with the Journey Planner from Omio.
The latest coach from Varna to Istanbul leaves at 22:30.
Yes, there are 4 direct coaches a day from Varna to Istanbul with Infobus, FlixBus, ArdaTur, LikeBus. Schedules can vary on holidays or weekends with fewer direct coaches.
When taking a coach from Varna to Istanbul, you can count on Infobus, FlixBus, ArdaTur, LikeBus for the best way to get you to Istanbul. You can also check all possible coach companies who offer a service between Varna and Istanbul and compare the amenities they offer before buying a coach ticket.
When departing from Varna , you have various coach station options to start your route from including Varna, Varna, Avtogara (Варна, Aвтогара) . When arriving in Istanbul , you can end your route in coach stations like Istanbul, Buyuk Otogar (Esenler), İstanbul, Havalimanı (Tayakadın Terminal Cad. No:1).Passengers board the coach most frequently from Varna, 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.
The cheapest month for a coach from Varna to Istanbul is March.
It's helpful to compare your options as there are 2 ways to travel between Varna and Istanbul including taking a coach and flight.
Yes, the following accessibility options are available when taking the coach from Varna 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 Varna to Istanbul for coach company Infobus, FlixBus, ArdaTur.
Whether you can cancel your coach ticket from Varna 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 Varna to Istanbul.
Yes, the following luggage options are included when booking a coach ticket from Varna 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 Varna 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 Varna 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 Varna to Istanbul with the following coach company: Infobus, FlixBus, ArdaTur
Yes, there are USB plugs on board the coach from Varna to Istanbul with the following coach company: Infobus, FlixBus.
Yes, there is Wifi on board the coach from Varna to Istanbul with the following coach company: Infobus, FlixBus, ArdaTur.

popular bus stations

Important Stations and Airports in Varna and Istanbul

Most Varna to Istanbul buses use the Varna to Istanbul, Büyük Otogari (Esenler) station pair, with some services arriving at İstanbul, Havalimanı (Tayakadın Terminal Cad. No:1). Use this guide to compare Varna and Istanbul bus stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like bus station facilities and services.

Departure bus stations in Varna
Arrival bus stations in Istanbul

Which Varna station do buses to Istanbul leave from?

Buses from Varna to Istanbul leave from Varna. The station is from Varna city centre at Varna, Mladost, 9009 Varna, Bulgaria.
VarnaVarna, Mladost, 9009 Varna, BulgariaWifiParkingDiningATMTaxisAccessibilityWCShowerTicket Office
City-centre transport

Getting to Varna from Varna city centre

TRUE

Varna bus station facilities and services

Varna has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Shower and Ticket Office.

Food and drink

Food options include: Snack bar and vending machines on site.

Wi-Fi and ATMs

Free Wi-Fi available in the waiting area. ATMs are aTM located in the main hall.

Tickets and information

Ticket office support is available at Varna.

Parking, taxis and toilets

Available at Varna: Parking, Taxis, WC.

Accessibility

Accessibility facilities are available at Varna: Wheelchair ramps and accessible entrances.

Varna, Avtogara (Варна, Aвтогара)bul. "Vladislav Varnenchik" 158, 9000 Varna, BlgariyaWifiParkingDiningATMTaxisAccessibilityWCTicket Office
City-centre transport

Getting to Varna, Avtogara (Варна, Aвтогара) from Varna city centre

Varna, Avtogara (Варна, Aвтогара) is 1 km from Varna city centre. Public transport options include:

Bus14, 22, 41, 148

Varna, Avtogara (Варна, Aвтогара) bus station facilities and services

Varna, Avtogara (Варна, Aвтогара) has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC and Ticket Office.

Food and drink

Food options include: Cafeteria Varna (in the station), Bistro Bulgaria (0.5 km), Restaurant Sea View (0.7 km).

Wi-Fi and ATMs

Free Wi-Fi. ATMs are located inside the station near the main entrance.

Tickets and information

Ticket office support is available at Varna, Avtogara (Варна, Aвтогара).

Parking, taxis and toilets

Available at Varna, Avtogara (Варна, Aвтогара): Parking, Taxis, WC.

Accessibility

Accessibility facilities are available at Varna, Avtogara (Варна, Aвтогара): Elevators, ramps.

More options for your journey from Varna to Istanbul

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

The Omio App Makes Travel Planning Easy

We’ll get you where you want to go. From live train updates to mobile tickets, our innovative app is the ideal way to plan and keep track of your travel.

ios-badge
android-badge
Hand With Phone