- Must visit
National Archaeological Museum
Sofia’s main archaeology museum displays Thracian, Roman and medieval finds in a former mosque. It is ideal for understanding Bulgaria’s long history.
Flights from Istanbul to Sofia depart on average 15 times per day, taking around 4h 40m. Cheap flight tickets for this journey start at £48 but you can travel from only £27 by coach.
There are 4 flights per day. The earliest flight runs at 00:05, the last at 23:55. The fastest flight covers the 502 km distance in 1h 15m. July is the cheapest month to fly.
Distance 502 km |
Average flight duration 4h 40m |
Cheapest ticket price £48 |
Flights per day 15 |
Direct flights 4 |
Fastest flight 1h 15m |
First flight 0:05 |
Last flight 23:55 |
Cheapest Month Jul |
Cheapest Day Sun |
High Season Jul - Sept |
Low Season Oct - Dec |
Busiest Day Mon |
Least Busy Day Fri |
Best time to book 49 days |
Cheapest price
£138
Average price
£346
Fastest journey
1 h 15 m
Average duration
2 h 8 m
Flights per day
21
Distance
502 km
The best way to find a cheap flight ticket from Istanbul to Sofia is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid travelling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Istanbul to Sofia will cost around £346 if you buy it on the day, but you can find cheap flight tickets today for only £138.
Of the 21 flights that leave Istanbul for Sofia every day 4 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.
These direct flights cover the 502 km distance in an average of 2 h 8 m but if you time it right, some flights will get you there in just 1 h 15 m .
The slowest flights will take 5 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.
PC271
LH1743 · LH1702
A3995 · A3980
LH1743 · LH1706
AZ7049+
AZ7178
TK1031
TK1027
PC271
TK1029
A3999 · A3980Omio recommends booking the coach as it is the most popular option from Istanbul to Sofia 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 4h 40m. 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 £27, and a flight costs an average of £48.
Distance: 502 km
| Flight | Most popular Coach |
|---|---|
£192 Average Price | £30 Average Price Cheapest |
7h 40m Average total duration Fastest 4h 40m Onboard + 3h 0m Additional time* | 7h 42m Average total duration 7h 12m Onboard + 30m Additional time* |
1.5 - 3.0kg CO2 emissions | 0.5 - 1.3kg CO2 emissions Lowest |
![]() Most popular airline | ![]() Most popular bus company |
Direct Options | Direct Options |
Additional time: Average total travel duration to departure point, security checks and transfers.
The table below shows live departures for Istanbul to Sofia flights for today, Sunday 2 August. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated flight journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Changes | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
RO9160 · RO291 | 18:55 Istanbul Airport | 17h35 | 12:30 Sofia Airport | 1 change | |
TK1029 | 19:00 Istanbul Airport | 1h20 | 20:20 Sofia Airport | 0 changesdirect | |
A3995 · A3980 | 20:55 Istanbul Airport | 13h10 | 10:05 Sofia Airport | 1 change | |
RO266 · RO291 | 23:15 Istanbul Airport | 13h15 | 12:30 Sofia Airport | 1 change | |
| Monday 3 August | |||||
A33163+ A3980 | 1:40 Istanbul Airport | 8h25 | 10:05 Sofia Airport | 1 change | |
LH1743 · LH1706 | 3:45 Istanbul Airport | 19h30 | 23:15 Sofia Airport | 1 change | |
LH1743 · LH1702 | 3:45 Istanbul Airport | 8h25 | 12:10 Sofia Airport | 1 change | |
A3999 · A3980 | 4:35 Istanbul Airport | 5h30 | 10:05 Sofia Airport | 1 change | |
RO9164 · RO291 | 6:55 Istanbul Airport | 5h35 | 12:30 Sofia Airport | 1 change | |
TK1027 | 7:30 Istanbul Airport | 1h15 | 8:45 Sofia Airport | 0 changesdirect | |
AZ7031+ AZ7178 | 7:35 Istanbul Airport | 28h35 | 12:10 Sofia Airport | 1 change | |
BA721 · BA892 | 8:15 Istanbul Airport | 11h05 | 19:20 Sofia Airport | 1 change | |
AZ7178+ AZ7061 | 9:05 Istanbul Sabiha Gokcen International Airport | 27h05 | 12:10 Sofia Airport | 1 change | |
RO262 · RO291 | 10:15 Istanbul Airport | 25h40 | 11:55 Sofia Airport | 1 change | |
PC271 | 11:25 Istanbul Sabiha Gokcen International Airport | 1h20 | 12:45 Sofia Airport | 0 changesdirect | |
AZ7049+ AZ7178 | 12:00 Istanbul Sabiha Gokcen International Airport | 24h10 | 12:10 Sofia Airport | 1 change | |
AZ7035+ AZ7178 | 12:20 Istanbul Airport | 23h50 | 12:10 Sofia Airport | 1 change | |
RO9162 · RO291 | 13:20 Istanbul Airport | 22h35 | 11:55 Sofia Airport | 1 change | |
TK1031 | 13:45 Istanbul Airport | 1h15 | 15:00 Sofia Airport | 0 changesdirect | |
AZ7033+ AZ7178 | 16:45 Istanbul Airport | 19h25 | 12:10 Sofia Airport | 1 change | |
Find all the dates and times for this journey
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.
Discover the best of Sofia — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Sofia trip today.
Sofia’s main archaeology museum displays Thracian, Roman and medieval finds in a former mosque. It is ideal for understanding Bulgaria’s long history.
Set in the former mineral baths, this museum presents Sofia’s urban development, daily life and civic history in a striking historic building.
A major national gallery in a former royal palace, showing Bulgarian art from past centuries to modern works in grand historic interiors.
A broad pedestrian boulevard lined with landmarks, shops and public buildings. It is Sofia’s main walking route for sightseeing and people-watching.
A central square between key institutions and churches, with Roman remains nearby. It is a useful starting point for exploring historic Sofia on foot.
A city garden at the foot of Vitosha Mountain, popular for walks, concerts and open views. It offers a relaxed local atmosphere beyond the busiest centre.
Shopska salad of tomatoes, cucumbers, peppers and sirene cheese. A national staple closely linked with Bulgarian home cooking and rakia.
Banitsa is a flaky pastry pie with eggs and white cheese, baked for breakfast and festive occasions. It is one of Bulgaria’s most familiar comfort foods.
Tarator is a cold yoghurt soup with cucumber, dill, garlic and walnuts. It is a classic summer dish in Bulgaria, especially refreshing in Sofia’s heat.
Stylish restaurant focused on Bulgarian ingredients and contemporary presentation, with a refined dining room suited to a special meal.
Traditional Bulgarian restaurant in a historic setting, known for regional dishes, folk-style interiors and a polished but welcoming atmosphere.
Long-established Bulgarian venue serving grills, salads and classic national dishes in a lively, rustic tavern atmosphere near the city centre.
Budget-friendly for Europe: hotels, meals and public transport are cheaper than in many EU capitals, though central areas and upscale venues cost more.
Round up in cafés and taxis. In restaurants, 5-10% is usual for good service if not already included.
Official public transport app
Sofia Airport Metro Station -> Serdika, Sofia
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Istanbul to Sofia by flight. 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 flight, the cheapest option, or tips for making the most of your visit at Sofia, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.

Most Istanbul to Sofia flights use the Istanbul Airport to Sofia Airport airport pair. Use this guide to compare Istanbul and Sofia airports on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like airport facilities and services.
Istanbul Airport is 32 km from Istanbul city centre. Public transport options include:
Istanbul Airport has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Shopping, Parking, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Shower, Lounge and Lost and Found Office.
Free Wi-Fi available throughout the airport for two hours. ATMs are located throughout the airport, offering services from various banks.
Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Istanbul Airport: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Accessibility facilities are available at Istanbul Airport: Elevators, ramps.
Istanbul Sabiha Gokcen International Airport is 7 km from Istanbul city centre. Public transport options include:
Istanbul Sabiha Gokcen International Airport has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Shopping, Parking, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Shower, Lounge and Lost and Found Office.
Free Wi-Fi available throughout the airport. ATMs are located in arrivals and departures areas.
Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Istanbul Sabiha Gokcen International Airport: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Accessibility facilities are available at Istanbul Sabiha Gokcen International Airport: Ramps, assistance.
Sofia Airport is 6 km from Sofia city centre. Public transport options include:
Sofia Airport has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Shopping, Parking, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Shower, Lounge and Lost and Found Office.
Free Wi-Fi available throughout the airport. ATMs are located in both terminals.
Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Sofia Airport: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Accessibility facilities are available at Sofia Airport: Ramps, toilets.
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need