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Topkapı Palace
Former imperial residence with courtyards, treasury displays and pavilions that reveal Ottoman court life over several centuries.
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Journey information
Overview: Sofia to Istanbul flight
Bulgaria
Turkey
Flights from Sofia to Istanbul depart on average 13 times per day, taking around 3h 25m. Cheap flight tickets for this journey start at £41 but you can travel from only £25 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. January is the cheapest month to fly.
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
Cheapest alternative travel mode
Coach from £25
Distance 502 km |
Average flight duration 3h 25m |
Cheapest ticket price £41 |
Flights per day 13 |
Direct flights 4 |
Fastest flight 1h 15m |
First flight 0:05 |
Last flight 23:55 |
Cheapest Month Jan |
Cheapest Day Sun |
High Season Jul - Sept |
Low Season Oct - Dec |
Busiest Day Thu |
Least Busy Day Tue |
Best time to book 70 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
Cheapest alternative travel mode
Coach from £25
The cheapest and fastest flights from Sofia to Istanbul
Showing times, prices and bookable tickets for 19 Sept
Cheapest price on 19 Sept
£87
Average ticket price on 19 Sept
£382
Fastest journey on 19 Sept
1 h 15 m
Average journey duration on 19 Sept
2 h 29 m
Flights on 19 Sept
13
Distance
502 km
Cheap tickets
The best way to find a cheap flight ticket from Sofia to Istanbul 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 will cost around £382 if you buy it on the day, but you can find cheap flight tickets today for only £87.
Fast flights
On Sat 19 Sept, we found 13 flights from Sofia to Istanbul, including 4 direct services.
These direct flights cover the 502 km distance in an average of 2 h 29 m but if you time it right, some flights will get you there in just 1 h 15 m .
The slowest flights will take 6 h 40 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.
PC27213:301h15Sofia Airport14:45Istanbul Sabiha Gokcen International Airport£871One-way0 changes- PC5544 · PC202314:1010h00Sofia Airport0:10Istanbul Sabiha Gokcen International Airport£1421One-way1 change
- PC5544 · PC201914:107h00Sofia Airport21:10Istanbul Sabiha Gokcen International Airport£1651One-way1 change
TK103215:501h30Sofia Airport17:20Istanbul Airport£2321One-way0 changes
LH4159+
LH174219:256h40Sofia Airport2:05Istanbul Airport£2451One-way1 change
- PC27213:301h15Sofia Airport14:45Istanbul Sabiha Gokcen International Airport£871One-way0 changes
- TK10289:351h30Sofia Airport11:05Istanbul Airport£4451One-way0 changes
- TK103215:501h30Sofia Airport17:20Istanbul Airport£2321One-way0 changes
- TK103021:101h30Sofia Airport22:40Istanbul Airport£2921One-way0 changes
- LH4159+LH174219:256h40Sofia Airport2:05Istanbul Airport£2451One-way1 change
Travel Information
Compare coach and flight for Sofia to Istanbul
Omio recommends booking the flight as it is the most popular option from Sofia to Istanbul among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price, take the coach, with an average ticket price of £29 For those with little time, consider booking a flight, which has an average total journey time of 5h 25m. If you are seeking to minimise your carbon footprint, the coach is your best option, with estimated CO2 emissions of 0.5 - 1.3kg. Average ticket prices depend on the travel mode: a coach costs an average of £29, while a flight costs an average of £332.
Distance: 502 km
Compare flight with
Most popular Flight | Coach | Driving |
|---|---|---|
£332 Average Price | £29 Average Price Cheapest | £81 Average Price (fuel + tolls) |
5h 25m Average total duration Fastest 3h 25m Onboard + 2h 0m Additional time* | 8h 57m Average total duration 8h 27m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 6h 1m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
1.5 - 3.0kg CO2 emissions | 0.5 - 1.3kg CO2 emissions Lowest | - CO2 emissions |
Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options |
Additional time: Average total travel duration to departure point, security checks and transfers.
The cheapest way to travel from Sofia to Istanbul is a coach with an average price of £31.
This is compared to other travel options from Sofia to Istanbul:
A coach is £50 less than a flight for this route with tickets for a flight from Sofia to Istanbul costing on average £81.
The fastest way to travel from Sofia to Istanbul is by flight with an average journey time of 4h 15m.
Other travel options to Istanbul take longer:
Coach takes on average 6h 41m.
It's helpful to compare your options as there are 2 ways to travel between Sofia and Istanbul including taking a coach and flight.
Live departures
Sofia to Istanbul flight times
The table below shows live departures for Sofia to Istanbul flights for today, Friday 18 September. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated flight journeys.
Last updated at
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Changes | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| LH4159+LH1742 | 19:25 Sofia Airport | 6h40 | 2:05 Istanbul Airport | 1 change | |
 RO298 · RO9161 | 20:35 Sofia Airport | 14h30 | 11:05 Istanbul Airport | 1 change | |
| RO298 · RO265 | 20:35 Sofia Airport | 25h50 | 22:25 Istanbul Airport | 1 change | |
| RO298 · RO9165 | 20:35 Sofia Airport | 20h50 | 17:25 Istanbul Airport | 1 change | |
| RO298 · RO261 | 20:35 Sofia Airport | 12h50 | 9:25 Istanbul Airport | 1 change | |
| TK1030 | 21:10 Sofia Airport | 1h30 | 22:40 Istanbul Airport | 0 changesdirect | |
 A3983 · A3990 | 21:20 Sofia Airport | 12h15 | 9:35 Istanbul Airport | 1 change | |
| Saturday 19 September | |||||
| LH1707 · LH1742 | 6:10 Sofia Airport | 19h55 | 2:05 Istanbul Airport | 1 change | |
| TK1028 | 9:35 Sofia Airport | 1h30 | 11:05 Istanbul Airport | 0 changesdirect | |
| RO292 · RO9165 | 10:05 Sofia Airport | 7h20 | 17:25 Istanbul Airport | 1 change | |
| RO292 · RO261 | 10:05 Sofia Airport | 23h20 | 9:25 Istanbul Airport | 1 change | |
| RO292 · RO265 | 10:05 Sofia Airport | 12h20 | 22:25 Istanbul Airport | 1 change | |
| RO292 · RO9161 | 10:05 Sofia Airport | 25h00 | 11:05 Istanbul Airport | 1 change | |
| LH1703 · LH1742 | 12:55 Sofia Airport | 13h10 | 2:05 Istanbul Airport | 1 change | |
| PC272 | 13:30 Sofia Airport | 1h15 | 14:45 Istanbul Sabiha Gokcen International Airport | 0 changesdirect | |
| PC5544 · PC2019 | 14:10 Sofia Airport | 7h00 | 21:10 Istanbul Sabiha Gokcen International Airport | 1 change | |
| PC5544 · PC2023 | 14:10 Sofia Airport | 10h00 | 0:10 Istanbul Sabiha Gokcen International Airport | 1 change | |
| TK1032 | 15:50 Sofia Airport | 1h30 | 17:20 Istanbul Airport | 0 changesdirect | |
This is the last flight of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
How far in advance should I book flight tickets from Sofia to Istanbul?
The best time to book your flight from Sofia to Istanbul is 70 days before departure. See how prices for flights change on the Sofia to Istanbul route.
Prices are for one-way tickets for one passenger from Sofia to Istanbul per month. Insights are sourced from fares found by Omio users in the last 12 months. Current prices may differ as prices vary depending on the time of day, class or how far in advance you book your flight from Sofia to Istanbul.
Flights
from £41Coaches
from £27Compare prices and tickets Sofia 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 Sofia to Istanbul flights with Omio?
Lufthansa as well as Air Serbia, tarom, Norwegian Air Shuttle, CitizenPlane and more offer flights services from Sofia to Istanbul.
Omio is an official ticket reseller for all your travel options from Sofia to Istanbul.
Why book with Omio vs Lufthansa?
- Compare with other providers: On Omio, you can not only buy tickets for Lufthansa, but also compare tickets for the likes of Air Serbia, tarom, Norwegian Air Shuttle or CitizenPlane to find the best option for your trip from Sofia 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 Lufthansa with all available travel options, which are bus and flight to ensure you get the best deal for traveling from Sofia to Istanbul.
Why book with Omio over Skyscanner, Trip or Kayak?
- Compare with other providers: On Omio, you can also compare tickets for the likes of Air Serbia, tarom, Norwegian Air Shuttle or CitizenPlane to find the best option for your trip from Sofia to Istanbul.
- Multiple modes of transport: Omio allows you to compare travel options including bus and flight to find the ideal travel option from Sofia to Istanbul.
Airlines: Lufthansa, Air Serbia, tarom, Norwegian Air Shuttle, CitizenPlane, Turkish Airlines, Pegasus, Lot Polish Airlines, British Airways, Aegean Airlines from Sofia to IstanbulFind the best flights between Sofia to Istanbul with Omio's travel partners Lufthansa, Air Serbia, tarom, Norwegian Air Shuttle, CitizenPlane, Turkish Airlines, Pegasus, Lot Polish Airlines, British Airways, Aegean Airlines from £25. We can find you the best deals, schedules and tickets when comparing and booking the best trip.
Lufthansa
About
Lufthansa is Germany’s largest airline and one of the leading carriers in Europe, connecting travelers to destinations worldwide from its main hubs in Frankfurt and Munich. Its modern fleet offers a wide choice of travel experiences, from Economy Class with affordable fares and onboard entertainment to Premium Economy, Business Class, and First Class with extra comfort, fine dining, and exclusive lounge access.
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Lufthansa Duration
4h 35m
Cheapest Lufthansa Price
£131
Lufthansa frequency
3 a day
Luggage included
1 carry-on bag (8 kg) and 1 personal item included in Economy Class
Additional luggage
Additional bags can be purchased, prices vary by route and fare type
Cancellation Policy
Refunds depend on fare type; most flexible fares offer full refund, basic fares are non-refundable
Pregnant on board
Lufthansa allows travel up to end of 36th week for single pregnancies, 32nd week for multiple pregnancies. Medical certificate required after 28th week
Unaccompagned minor
Unaccompanied minor service available for children aged 5-11 (mandatory) and 12-17 (optional). Service fee applies
Amenities on board the airplane
Wifi
Food sold onboard
USB plugs
Accessibility
Lufthansa provides wheelchair service and special assistance for passengers with reduced mobility
Pets
Small dogs and cats allowed in cabin or cargo hold, fees apply. Service animals travel free of charge
Entertaiment on board
Turkish Airlines
About
Turkish Airlines is the national flag carrier of Turkey and one of the world’s leading airlines, flying to more international destinations than any other airline. Based in Istanbul, it connects travelers to Europe, Asia, the Americas, Africa, and beyond. Passengers can choose from Economy Class with comfortable seating, WiFi, and in-flight entertainment, or upgrade to Business Class for spacious seating, gourmet dining, and lounge access. With its award-winning service and global reach, Turkish Airlines is a top choice for both business and leisure travel.
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Turkish Airlines Duration
1h 20m
Cheapest Turkish Airlines Price
£60
Turkish Airlines frequency
5 a day
Luggage included
Economy Class: 1 carry-on bag (8kg, 55x40x23cm) + personal item (4kg, 40x30x15cm)
Additional luggage
Additional baggage can be purchased online or at the airport. Fees vary by route.
Cancellation Policy
Free cancellation within 24 hours of booking. After that, cancellation fees apply based on fare type and timing.
Pregnant on board
Pregnant women can fly until 28th week without medical clearance. Between 28-36 weeks, medical certificate required. Not allowed after 36 weeks.
Unaccompagned minor
UNACCOMPANIED minor service available for children aged 7-12. Children 12+ can travel alone. Service must be booked at least 48 hours before departure.
Amenities on board the airplane
Wifi
Food sold onboard
USB plugs
Accessibility
Turkish Airlines provides wheelchair assistance and special services for passengers with disabilities. Advance notice required.
Pets
Small pets allowed in cabin (max 8kg including carrier) and cargo hold. Must be booked in advance.
Entertaiment on board
British Airways
About
British Airways (BA) is the United Kingdom’s flag carrier airline with headquarters in London near its main hub at London Heathrow Airport (LHR). BA is the second largest UK-based airline in terms of fleet size and number of passengers carried. Known as a full-service global airline, British Airways offers year-round low fares to destinations worldwide and flies to and from centrally-located airports. Its extensive global route network includes more than 170 destinations in nearly 80 countries throughout Europe, North America, South America, Asia, Africa and Australia. syn p British Airways (BA) is the flag carrier airline of the United Kingdom with its headquarters in London near its main hub at London Heathrow Airport (LHR). Known as a full-service global airline, BA offers low fares year-round to destinations around the globe and flies to and from centrally-located airports. Its extensive global route network includes more than 170 destinations in nearly 80 countries throughout Europe, North America, South America, Asia, Africa and Australia. BA is also the second largest airline based in the UK in terms of its fleet size and number of passengers carried.
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average British Airways Duration
7h 15m
Cheapest British Airways Price
£284
British Airways frequency
1 a day
Luggage included
Economy Basic includes 1 cabin bag (max 23kg, 56x45x25cm) plus 1 personal item (40x30x15cm)
Additional luggage
Additional checked bags can be purchased, with prices varying by route and fare class
Cancellation Policy
Cancellation policy depends on ticket type - Basic tickets non-refundable, Flexible tickets can be cancelled for a full refund
Pregnant on board
Travel permitted until end of 36th week for single pregnancies, end of 32nd week for multiple pregnancies. Medical clearance required after 28th weeks
Unaccompagned minor
Young flyers aged 5-11 can travel alone using British Airways' Skyflyer Solo service. Service must be booked in advance and is available on most routes
Amenities on board the airplane
Wifi
Food sold onboard
USB plugs
Accessibility
British Airways provides assistance for passengers with reduced mobility, including wheelchair assistance and special assistance through airports.
Pets
Pets travel in the hold except assistance dogs. Advance booking required. Only cats and dogs accepted on most routes
Entertaiment on board
Air Serbia
About
Air Serbia is the national flag carrier of Serbia, with its main hub at Belgrade Nikola Tesla Airport. The airline's origins trace back to Aeroput, established in 1927, making it one of the oldest airlines in Europe. Rebranded as Air Serbia in 2013 after a partnership with Etihad Airways, the airline has since modernized its fleet and expanded its network. Air Serbia operates scheduled, seasonal, and charter flights to over 90 destinations across Europe, the Mediterranean, North America, Asia, and Africa. They offer both passenger and cargo services, and in cooperation with partner airlines, extend their reach to international destinations in Asia, Australia, North America, and Africa. The airline is a member of the International Air Transport Association (IATA).
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Air Serbia Duration
2h 55m
Cheapest Air Serbia Price
£92
Air Serbia frequency
4 a day
Luggage included
1 piece of hand luggage (8kg, 55x40x23cm) and 1 personal item (40x30x20cm) included in standard ticket.
Additional luggage
Additional checked baggage can be purchased, with varying fees based on route and timing of purchase.
Cancellation Policy
Refundable tickets can be cancelled for a fee, non-refundable tickets cannot be cancelled but taxes may be refunded.
Pregnant on board
Pregnancy up to 28th week: no restrictions. From 28th to end of 36th week: medical certificate required. After 36th week: not allowed to fly.
Unaccompagned minor
Unaccompanied minor service available for children aged 5-16. Must be booked at least 24 hours before departure. Service fee applies.
Amenities on board the airplane
Wifi
USB plugs
Accessibility
Air Serbia provides special assistance for passengers with reduced mobility, including wheelchair assistance and support throughout the journey.
Pets
Small pets in cabin (up to 8kg including carrier) or cargo hold for larger animals.
Entertaiment on board
Norwegian Air Shuttle
About
Norwegian Air International (NAI) was an Irish airline and a fully integrated subsidiary of Norwegian Air Shuttle, operating under its corporate identity. Headquartered at Dublin Airport, NAI operated flights to destinations across Europe and the Middle East from various European bases. Between 2017 and 2019, it also offered services from Europe to the United States and Canada. NAI received its operating license and air operator's certificate from Ireland in February 2014, allowing it to leverage European Union airline freedoms. By April 2021, its aircraft and operations were gradually transferred to its Swedish sister airline, Norwegian Air Sweden, and its parent company.
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Norwegian Air Shuttle Duration
6h 55m
Cheapest Norwegian Air Shuttle Price
£133
Norwegian Air Shuttle frequency
1 a day
Luggage included
LowFare includes personal item (under seat, max 23x33x20cm)
Additional luggage
Extra baggage can be purchased online or at airport. Checked baggage allowance is 23kg
Cancellation Policy
Free cancellation within 24h of booking if flight is more than 7 days away. After that, cancellation fees apply based on fare type
Pregnant on board
Pregnant women can travel up to end of 36th week (32nd week for multiple pregnancies). Medical certificate required after 28th week
Unaccompagned minor
Unaccompanied minor service available for children aged 5-17. Must be booked at least 48h before departure. Service fee applies
Amenities on board the airplane
Wifi
USB plugs
Accessibility
Norwegian Air provides assistance for passengers with reduced mobility, including wheelchair assistance and special seating arrangements
Pets
Small pets in cabin, max 8kg including carrier. Must be booked in advance
Entertaiment on board
Lot Polish Airlines
About
LOT Polish Airlines, legally Polskie Linie Lotnicze LOT S.A., is the flag carrier of Poland and one of the world's oldest airlines, founded in 1928. It is a founding member of IATA and joined the Star Alliance in 2003. With its main hub at Warsaw Chopin Airport, LOT serves over 97 destinations across Europe, Asia, and North America with a fleet of 87 aircraft as of June 2025. The airline is recognized for operating one of Europe's youngest fleets and was the first European operator of the Boeing 787 Dreamliner.
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Lot Polish Airlines Duration
4h 35m
Cheapest Lot Polish Airlines Price
£154
Lot Polish Airlines frequency
10 a day
Luggage included
1 carry-on bag (8kg, 55x40x23cm) and 1 personal item (40x35x12cm)
Additional luggage
Additional checked baggage can be purchased, with fees varying by route and timing of purchase
Cancellation Policy
Refunds depend on ticket type - flex tickets offer full refund, economy tickets are non-refundable but taxes can be reclaimed
Pregnant on board
Pregnant women can travel up to 32nd week without medical certificate, up to 36th week with medical certificate issued max 7 days before flight
Unaccompagned minor
Children aged 5-11 can travel as UM with mandatory assistance. Service must be booked at least 48h before departure
Amenities on board the airplane
Wifi
USB plugs
Accessibility
LOT provides assistance for passengers with reduced mobility, including wheelchair assistance and special seating arrangements
Pets
Small pets under 8kg allowed in cabin, larger animals in cargo hold. Must be booked in advance
Entertaiment on board
Aegean Airlines
About
Aegean Airlines is the flag carrier of Greece and a leading airline in Southeastern Europe, connecting travelers to destinations across Europe, the Middle East, and North Africa. Operating from its main hubs in Athens and Thessaloniki, Aegean offers a modern fleet and high-quality service. Passengers can enjoy comfortable seating, complimentary snacks and drinks on most flights, and additional perks in Business Class such as lounge access, premium dining, and extra comfort. With affordable fares and strong regional connectivity, Aegean Airlines is a trusted choice for exploring Greece and beyond.
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Aegean Airlines Duration
2h 40m
Cheapest Aegean Airlines Price
£71
Aegean Airlines frequency
1 a day
Luggage included
1 carry-on bag (max 8kg, 56x45x25cm) and 1 personal item (max 40x20x25cm)
Additional luggage
23kg checked baggage, additional fees apply for extra weight
Cancellation Policy
Refundable tickets available with flex fare option, non-refundable tickets can be changed for a fee
Pregnant on board
Pregnant women can travel up to the 36th week without medical certificate, after that requires doctor's approval
Unaccompagned minor
Children aged 5-11 can travel unaccompanied with mandatory assistance service. Ages 12-17 optional assistance
Amenities on board the airplane
Wifi
USB plugs
Accessibility
Assistance available for passengers with reduced mobility, must be requested at least 48h before departure
Pets
Small pets allowed in cabin, max 8kg including carrier. Must be booked in advance
Entertaiment on board
tarom
About
TAROM (Transporturile Aeriene Române) is Romania's national flag carrier and its oldest operating airline, established in 1954. Headquartered in Otopeni, near Bucharest, its main hub is Henri Coandă International Airport. TAROM is the largest airline in Romania based on international destinations and flights, and the second-largest by fleet size and passengers carried. The Romanian government, through the Ministry of Transportation, owns over 97% of TAROM. Since June 25, 2010, TAROM has been a member of the SkyTeam alliance, expanding its global network and offering passengers access to numerous destinations worldwide. The airline operates to more than 50 destinations, including those served by its codeshare partners, across Europe, North Africa, and the Middle East.
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average tarom Duration
2h 10m
Cheapest tarom Price
£115
tarom frequency
4 a day
Luggage included
1 cabin bag (55x40x20 cm) max 10kg
Additional luggage
23kg checked baggage included in most fares, additional can be purchased
Cancellation Policy
Refunds available for cancellations within 24 hours of booking, after that fees apply based on fare type
Pregnant on board
Pregnant women can travel up to 36 weeks, medical certificate required after 28 weeks
Unaccompagned minor
Children aged 5-17 can travel unaccompanied with advance arrangement and additional fee
Amenities on board the airplane
USB plugs
Accessibility
Assistance for disabled passengers must be requested at least 48 hours before departure
Pets
Small pets allowed in cabin, max 6kg including carrier
Entertaiment on board
CitizenPlane
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average CitizenPlane Duration
1h 30m
Cheapest CitizenPlane Price
£80
CitizenPlane frequency
3 a day
Pegasus
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Pegasus Duration
1h 15m
Cheapest Pegasus Price
£41
Pegasus 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
Get the appOfficial public transport app
Prices
- Single ticket
- ₺46.20
- Day pass
- /null
To the city centre
Istanbul Airport, Istanbul -> Gayrettepe, Istanbul
- Distance
- 16 km
- Travel time
- 30 min
- Use an İstanbulkart for metro, tram and bus travel; the standard anonymous-card full fare is ₺46.20 per journey on the current official tariff.
- No reliable current official day-pass fare was found from the transport authority or operator sources checked, so buy stored-value credit on an İstanbulkart instead.
FAQs: Sofia to Istanbul flights
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Sofia to Istanbul 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 Istanbul, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.
Cheap plane tickets from Sofia to Istanbul can start from as little as £46 when you book in advance. The average flight ticket price for Sofia to Istanbul is £81; 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 plane from Sofia to Istanbul is 1h 15m to travel the 502 km long route. Journey times can vary on weekends and holidays, so use our Journey Planner to search for a specific date.
The earliest flight from Sofia to Istanbul leaves at 0:05. Plan your trip with the Journey Planner from Omio.
The latest flight from Sofia to Istanbul leaves at 23:55.
Yes, there are 4 direct flights a day from Sofia to Istanbul with CitizenPlane, Turkish Airlines, Pegasus. Schedules can vary on holidays or weekends with fewer direct flights.
When taking a flight from Sofia to Istanbul, you can count on Lufthansa, Air Serbia, tarom, Norwegian Air Shuttle, CitizenPlane, Turkish Airlines, Pegasus, Lot Polish Airlines, British Airways, Aegean Airlines, Qatar Airways for the best way to get you to Istanbul. You can also check all possible airlines who offer a service between Sofia and Istanbul and compare the amenities they offer before buying a plane ticket.
Flights from Sofia to Istanbul generally leave from Sofia Airport and arrive in Istanbul Airport .Sofia Airport is 6 km away from Sofia city centre and Istanbul Airport is 32 km from Istanbul city centre.
The cheapest month for a flight from Sofia to Istanbul is January.
It's helpful to compare your options as there are 2 ways to travel between Sofia and Istanbul including taking a coach and flight.
There is a time difference of 1 h between Sofia and Istanbul in winter.
For international flights we recommend to arrive 2.5 to 3 hours before departure. Please check the website of your departure airport if in doubt. Some airports may offer booking time slots for security checks or offer additional information on when to get there based on time of day.
Most airlines permit carry-on bags that fit within specific dimensions (e.g., 22 x 14 x 9 inches or 56 x 36 x 23 cm), including handles and wheels. Bags must fit in the overhead bin or under the seat in front of you.
Many airlines impose weight limits, commonly ranging between 7 kg (15 lbs) and 12 kg (26 lbs). Typically, passengers are allowed one carry-on bag and one personal item (for example a purse, laptop bag, or backpack). Personal items must fit under the seat in front of you. Budget Airlines (like Ryanair or Wizz Air) have stricter size and weight limits, often requiring fees for larger carry-ons. Full-Service Airlines have more lenient policies, sometimes including more spacious dimensions or higher weight limits depending on your ticket class.
The list of items prohibited on an airplane varies by country and airline, but in general, the following items are not allowed in carry-on or checked baggage: Weapons and self-defence items, sharp objects, flammable materials, explosives, toxic substances, or liquids over 100ml (except for medications and baby essentials). In checked baggage, firearms (without authorization), explosives, large lithium batteries, and hazardous chemicals are prohibited. Electronic cigarettes must be in carry-on bags, while alcohol and dry ice have restrictions. Always check with your airline for specific regulations.
popular airports
Important Stations and Airports in Sofia and Istanbul
Most Sofia to Istanbul flights use the Sofia Airport to Istanbul Airport airport pair, with some services landing at Istanbul Sabiha Gokcen International Airport. Use this guide to compare Sofia and Istanbul airports on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like airport facilities and services.
Departure airports in Sofia
Arrival airports in Istanbul
Which Sofia airport do flights to Istanbul leave from?
Flights from Sofia to Istanbul depart from Sofia Airport. The airport is 7 km from Sofia city centre at Sofia Airport, 1 Hristofor Columb Blvd, 1540 Sofia, Bulgaria.
Sofia Airport (SOF)Sofia Airport, 1 Hristofor Columb Blvd, 1540 Sofia, Bulgaria
City-centre transport
Getting to Sofia Airport from Sofia city centre
Sofia Airport is 6 km from Sofia city centre. Public transport options include:
Bus84 · 22m · every ~9 min
84 · 24m · every ~9 min
Subway4 · 27m · £0.90 · every ~13 min
Shuttle13m · £16
14m · £59
14m · £59
14m · £59
14m · £59
14m · £59
14m · £59
14m · £59
14m · £59
14m · £59
14m · £59
14m · £59
14m · £59
14m · £59
14m · £59
14m · £59
14m · £59
14m · £59
14m · £59
14m · £59
14m · £59
Sofia Airport airport facilities and services
Sofia Airport has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Shopping, Parking, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Shower, Lounge and Lost and Found Office.
Wi-Fi and ATMs
Free Wi-Fi available throughout the airport. ATMs are located in both terminals.
Luggage and lost property
Lost and found is available at the station.
Parking, taxis and toilets
Available at Sofia Airport: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Accessibility
Accessibility facilities are available at Sofia Airport: Ramps, toilets.
Which Istanbul airport do flights from Sofia arrive at?
Flights from Sofia to Istanbul most often arrive at Istanbul Airport. Some flights land at Istanbul Sabiha Gokcen International Airport, so check your ticket before travel to confirm your Istanbul arrival airport.
Istanbul Airport (IST)Tayakadın, Terminal Cad No:1, 34283 Arnavutköy/İstanbul, Turkey
City-centre transport
Getting to Istanbul Airport from Istanbul city centre
Istanbul Airport is 32 km from Istanbul city centre. Public transport options include:
TrainM11 · 57m · £2 · every ~8 min
BusHvl-3 · 1h 15m · £6 · every ~3 min
Shuttle43m
45m
Istanbul Airport airport facilities and services
Istanbul Airport has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Shopping, Parking, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Shower, Lounge and Lost and Found Office.
Wi-Fi and ATMs
Free Wi-Fi available throughout the airport for two hours. ATMs are located throughout the airport, offering services from various banks.
Luggage and lost property
Lost and found is available at the station.
Parking, taxis and toilets
Available at Istanbul Airport: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Accessibility
Accessibility facilities are available at Istanbul Airport: Elevators, ramps.
Istanbul Sabiha Gokcen International Airport (SAW)Sanayi, 34906 Pendik/Istanbul, Turkey
City-centre transport
Getting to Istanbul Sabiha Gokcen International Airport from Istanbul city centre
Istanbul Sabiha Gokcen International Airport is 7 km from Istanbul city centre. Public transport options include:
TrainM4 · 1h 6m · £2 · every ~28 min
BusSg-2 · 1h 55m · £6 · every ~4 min
Shuttle42m · £19
45m
53m
Istanbul Sabiha Gokcen International Airport airport facilities and services
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.
Wi-Fi and ATMs
Free Wi-Fi available throughout the airport. ATMs are located in arrivals and departures areas.
Luggage and lost property
Lost and found is available at the station.
Parking, taxis and toilets
Available at Istanbul Sabiha Gokcen International Airport: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Accessibility
Accessibility facilities are available at Istanbul Sabiha Gokcen International Airport: Ramps, assistance.
Most popular flights from Sofia
More options for your journey from Sofia to Istanbul
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Most popular flights to and from Istanbul and Sofia
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