- 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 Veliko Tarnovo to Istanbul
Showing times, prices and bookable tickets for 19 Sept
Cheapest price on 19 Sept
£39
Average ticket price on 19 Sept
£41
Fastest journey on 19 Sept
9 h 55 m
Average journey duration on 19 Sept
10 h 25 m
Buses on 19 Sept
2
Distance
358 km
Cheap tickets
The best way to find a cheap coach ticket from Veliko Tarnovo to Istanbul is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid travelling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Veliko Tarnovo to Istanbul will cost around £41 if you buy it on the day, but you can find cheap coach tickets today for only £39.
Fast coaches
On Sat 19 Sept, we found 2 buses from Veliko Tarnovo to Istanbul, including 2 direct services.
These direct buses cover the 358 km distance in an average of 10 h 25 m but if you time it right, some buses will get you there in just 9 h 55 m .
The slowest buses will take 10 h 55 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.
22:0510h55Veliko Tarnovo9:00Istanbul£391One-way0 changes- 0:059h55Veliko Tarnovo10:00Istanbul£431One-way0 changes
- 0:059h55Veliko Tarnovo10:00Istanbul£431One-way0 changes
- 22:0510h55Veliko Tarnovo9:00Istanbul£391One-way0 changes
Travel Information
Compare coach for Veliko Tarnovo to Istanbul
Omio recommends booking the coach as it is the most popular option from Veliko Tarnovo to Istanbul among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price, take the coach, with an average ticket price of £42 For those with little time, consider booking a coach, which has an average total journey time of 10h 21m. Average ticket prices depend on the travel mode: a coach costs an average of £42, while a coach costs an average of £42.
Distance: 358 km
Compare bus with
Most popular Coach | Driving |
|---|---|
£42 Average Price Cheapest | £77 Average Price (fuel + tolls) |
10h 21m Average total duration Fastest 9h 51m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 5h 57m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
 Most popular bus company | Your own car or car rental |
Direct Options | Direct Options |
The cheapest way to travel from Veliko Tarnovo to Istanbul is a coach with an average price of £42.
The fastest way to travel from Veliko Tarnovo to Istanbul is by coach with an average journey time of 9h 51m.
Yes, you can take a coach between Veliko Tarnovo and Istanbul.
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 £42 compared to roughly £77 in fuel and tolls — a saving of about £35. The journey takes 9h 51m versus 5h 57m 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 City Lines, Huntur, Luks Istanbul.
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
Veliko Tarnovo to Istanbul bus times
The table below shows live departures for Veliko Tarnovo to Istanbul coaches for tomorrow, Friday 18 September. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated coach journeys.
Last updated at
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Changes | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 0:05 Veliko Tarnovo | 9h55 | 10:00 Istanbul | 0 changesdirect | |
This is the last bus of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare prices and tickets Veliko Tarnovo to Istanbul by coach
Compare coach 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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18 Sept
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Why should you book Veliko Tarnovo to Istanbul coaches with Omio?
City Lines as well as Infobus, Huntur, Luks Istanbul and more offer coaches services from Veliko Tarnovo to Istanbul.
Omio is the only official third party seller for City Lines tickets.
Why book with Omio vs City Lines?
- Compare with other providers: On Omio, you can not only buy tickets for City Lines, but also compare tickets for the likes of Infobus, Huntur or Luks Istanbul to find the best option for your trip from Veliko Tarnovo 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.
Why book with Omio over Busbud or Checkmybus?
- Official reseller: City Lines tickets can only be bought on Omio or City Lines's website as Omio is the only official third party seller for City Lines tickets. Busbud or Checkmybus do not sell City Lines tickets as they are not official sellers.
Journey information
Overview: Bus from Veliko Tarnovo to Istanbul
Bulgaria
Turkey
Buses from Veliko Tarnovo to Istanbul run on average 1 times per day, taking around 9h 51m. Cheap bus tickets for this journey start at £42 if you book in advance.
There are 1 coaches per day. The earliest coach runs at 01:05, the last at 20:30. The fastest coach covers the 358 km distance in 10h 55m.
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 358 km |
Average bus duration 9h 51m |
Cheapest ticket price £42 |
Buses per day 1 |
Direct buses 1 |
Fastest bus 10h 55m |
First bus 1:05 |
Last bus 20:30 |
Cheapest Month Feb |
Cheapest Day Fri |
High Season Jan - Mar |
Low Season Apr - Jun |
Busiest Day Sat |
Least Busy Day Mon |
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: City Lines, Infobus, Huntur, Luks Istanbul from Veliko Tarnovo to IstanbulYou can travel by bus between Veliko Tarnovo to Istanbul with City Lines, Infobus, Huntur, Luks Istanbul for as low as £42. 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 City Lines Duration
10h 0m
Cheapest City Lines Price
£37
City Lines frequency
1 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 Infobus Duration
10h 55m
Cheapest Infobus Price
£42
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.
Huntur
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Huntur Duration
10h 0m
Cheapest Huntur Price
£22
Huntur frequency
1 a day
Luks Istanbul
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Luks Istanbul Duration
8h 30m
Cheapest Luks Istanbul Price
£72
Luks Istanbul 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: Veliko Tarnovo to Istanbul coach
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Veliko Tarnovo 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 Veliko Tarnovo to Istanbul can start from as little as £42 when you book in advance. The average coach ticket price for Veliko Tarnovo to Istanbul is £42; 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 Veliko Tarnovo to Istanbul is 10h 55m to travel the 358 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 Veliko Tarnovo to Istanbul leaves at 1:05. Plan your trip with the Journey Planner from Omio.
The latest coach from Veliko Tarnovo to Istanbul leaves at 20:30.
Yes, there are 1 direct coaches a day from Veliko Tarnovo to Istanbul with City Lines, Huntur, Luks Istanbul. Schedules can vary on holidays or weekends with fewer direct coaches.
When taking a coach from Veliko Tarnovo to Istanbul, you can count on City Lines, Infobus, Huntur, Luks Istanbul for the best way to get you to Istanbul. You can also check all possible coach companies who offer a service between Veliko Tarnovo and Istanbul and compare the amenities they offer before buying a coach ticket.
Passengers board the coach most frequently from Veliko Tarnovo (Велико-Тирново), which is located around 1 km 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 Veliko Tarnovo is worth doing but not as a day trip with a journey time of 10h 55m each way. Check with Omio app the best way to travel.
The cheapest month for a coach from Veliko Tarnovo to Istanbul is February.
Yes, you can take a coach between Veliko Tarnovo and Istanbul.
Yes, the following accessibility options are available when taking the coach from Veliko Tarnovo to Istanbul:
- 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 Veliko Tarnovo to Istanbul for coach company City Lines, Infobus.
Yes, bikes are allowed on board the coach with coach company City Lines, Infobus.
Whether you can cancel your coach ticket from Veliko Tarnovo to Istanbul 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.
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 Veliko Tarnovo to Istanbul.
Yes, the following luggage options are included when booking a coach ticket from Veliko Tarnovo to Istanbul:
- 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 Veliko Tarnovo to Istanbul:
- 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 Veliko Tarnovo to Istanbul. 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 Veliko Tarnovo to Istanbul with the following coach company: City Lines, Infobus
Yes, there are USB plugs on board the coach from Veliko Tarnovo to Istanbul with the following coach company: City Lines, Infobus.
Yes, there is Wifi on board the coach from Veliko Tarnovo to Istanbul with the following coach company: City Lines, Infobus.
popular bus stations
Important Stations and Airports in Veliko Tarnovo and Istanbul
Most Veliko Tarnovo to Istanbul buses use the Veliko Tarnovo (Велико-Тирново) to Istanbul, Büyük Otogari (Esenler) station pair. Use this guide to compare Veliko Tarnovo and Istanbul bus stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like bus station facilities and services.
Departure bus stations in Veliko Tarnovo
Arrival bus stations in Istanbul
Which Veliko Tarnovo station do buses to Istanbul leave from?
Buses from Veliko Tarnovo to Istanbul leave from Veliko Tarnovo (Велико-Тирново). The station is 1 km from Veliko Tarnovo city centre at Veliko Tarnovo, Bulgaria.
Veliko Tarnovo (Велико-Тирново)Veliko Tarnovo, Bulgaria
City-centre transport
Getting to Veliko Tarnovo (Велико-Тирново) from Veliko Tarnovo city centre
Veliko Tarnovo (Велико-Тирново) is 1 km from Veliko Tarnovo city centre. Public transport options include:
TRUE
Veliko Tarnovo (Велико-Тирново) bus station facilities and services
Veliko Tarnovo (Велико-Тирново) 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 cafe available at the station.
Wi-Fi and ATMs
Wi-Fi is available at Veliko Tarnovo (Велико-Тирново). ATMs are available at Veliko Tarnovo (Велико-Тирново).
Tickets and information
Ticket office support is available at Veliko Tarnovo (Велико-Тирново).
Parking, taxis and toilets
Available at Veliko Tarnovo (Велико-Тирново): Parking, Taxis, WC.
Accessibility
Accessibility facilities are available at Veliko Tarnovo (Велико-Тирново): Ramp available for wheelchair access.
Which Istanbul station do buses from Veliko Tarnovo arrive at?
Buses from Veliko Tarnovo 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 Veliko Tarnovo
More options for your journey from Veliko Tarnovo to Istanbul
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need
Most popular buses to and from Istanbul and Veliko Tarnovo
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