- Must visit
Istanbul Modern
Leading contemporary art museum on the Bosphorus with strong Turkish and international exhibitions in a landmark waterfront building.
Cheapest price
$34
Average price
$64
Fastest journey
10 h
Average duration
11 h 10 m
Buses per day
8
Distance
445 km
The best way to find a cheap bus ticket from Bucharest to Istanbul is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid traveling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Bucharest to Istanbul will cost around $64 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $34.
Of the 8 buses that leave Bucharest for Istanbul on Sat, Jul 18, 6 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.
On Sat, Jul 18 the direct buses cover the 445 km distance in an average of 11 h 10 m but if you time it right, some buses will get you there in just 10 h .
On Sat, Jul 18 the slowest buses will take 12 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.
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FlixBus
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FlixBus
7182860Omio recommends booking the bus as it is the most popular option from Bucharest to Istanbul among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the bus with prices starting from $29. For those with little time consider booking a flight which can get you there in 3h 7m. In case you are seeking to minimise your carbon footprint the bus is your best bet as it emits only 0.4 - 1.1kg. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of $29, and a flight costs an average of $62.
Distance: 276 miles (445 km)
Most popular Bus | Flight |
|---|---|
$43 Average price Cheapest | $148 Average price |
9h 3m Average total duration 8h 33m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 6h 7m Average total duration Fastest 3h 7m Onboard + 3h 0m Additional time* |
0.4 - 1.1kg CO2 emissions Lowest | 1.3 - 2.7kg 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.
This is compared to other travel options from Bucharest to Istanbul:
A bus is $104 (€86) less than a flight for this route with tickets for a flight from Bucharest to Istanbul costing on average $148 (€121).
Other travel options to Istanbul take longer:
Bus takes on average 8h 33m.
| Operator | Departure Time | Arrival Time | Duration | Departure days | Cheapest price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 10:10AM | Arrival Time 07:00AM | Duration 20h50 | Departure days Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $79 |
Operator Lilian Express | Departure Time 07:00PM | Arrival Time 06:00AM | Duration 11h00 | Departure days Everyday | Cheapest price $37 |
Operator VIB Marina | Departure Time 07:00PM | Arrival Time 05:00AM | Duration 10h00 | Departure days Everyday | Cheapest price $37 |
Operator Infobus | Departure Time 07:00PM | Arrival Time 06:00AM | Duration 11h00 | Departure days Everyday | Cheapest price $34 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 10:00PM | Arrival Time 09:10AM | Duration 11h10 | Departure days Everyday | Cheapest price $47 |
Operator Lüks Istanbul Tur | Departure Time 10:10PM | Arrival Time 12:00PM | Duration 13h50 | Departure days Mon, Tue, Thu, Fri, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $86 |
Operator Luks Muradoglu | Departure Time 11:20PM | Arrival Time 12:00PM | Duration 12h40 | Departure days Tue, Thu, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $83 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 11:45PM | Arrival Time 07:30PM | Duration 19h45 | Departure days Everyday | Cheapest price $77 |
The table below shows live departures for Bucharest to Istanbul buses for today, Friday, July 17. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated bus journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
7191632 | 7:00 PM Bucuresti, Rahova Bus Station | 11h00 | 6:00 AM Istanbul, Buyuk Otogar (Esenler) | 0 transfersDirect | |
7251499 | 7:00 PM Bucuresti, Rahova Bus Station | 11h00 | 6:00 AM Istanbul, Buyuk Otogar (Esenler) | 0 transfersDirect | |
7155831 | 7:00 PM Bucuresti, Rahova Bus Station | 10h00 | 5:00 AM Istanbul, Buyuk Otogar (Esenler) | 0 transfersDirect | |
FlixBus | 10:00 PM București, Autogara Militari | 11h10 | 9:10 AM Istanbul, Buyuk Otogar (Esenler) | 0 transfersDirect | |
7248770 | 10:10 PM Bucuresti, Rahova Bus Station | 13h50 | 12:00 PM Istanbul, Buyuk Otogar (Esenler) | 0 transfersDirect | |
FlixBus · FlixBus | 11:45 PM București, Autogara Militari | 19h45 | 7:30 PM Istanbul, Buyuk Otogar (Esenler) | 1 transfer | |
| Saturday, July 18 | |||||
FlixBus · FlixBus | 10:10 AM București, Autogara Militari | 20h50 | 7:00 AM Istanbul, Buyuk Otogar (Esenler) | 1 transfer | |
This is the last bus of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare bus 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.
Buses from Bucharest to Istanbul run on average 6 times per day, taking around 8h 33m. Cheap bus tickets for this journey start at $29 (€24) if you book in advance.
There are 5 buses per day. The earliest bus runs at 03:00, the last at 23:45. The fastest bus covers the 276 miles (445 km) distance in 10h 0m.
Distance 276 miles (445 km) |
Average bus duration 8h 33m |
Cheapest ticket price $29 (€24) |
Buses per day 6 |
Direct buses 5 |
Fastest bus 10h 0m |
First bus 3:00 AM |
Last bus 11:45 PM |
Cheapest Month Jul |
Cheapest Day Sun |
High Season Jul - Sep |
Low Season Jan - Mar |
Busiest Day Wed |
Least Busy Day Fri |
Best time to book 77 days |
Discover the best of Istanbul — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Istanbul trip today.
Leading contemporary art museum on the Bosphorus with strong Turkish and international exhibitions in a landmark waterfront building.
Major archaeology museum complex displaying masterpieces from ancient Anatolia, Mesopotamia, and the classical world.
Restored church-museum famed for exceptional Byzantine mosaics and frescoes that rival the city’s most celebrated monuments.
Historic square between Hagia Sophia and the Blue Mosque, ideal for walking among Istanbul’s greatest imperial monuments.
Lively pedestrian avenue lined with historic passages, shops, consulates, and culture venues in the heart of Beyoğlu.
Historic uphill quarter around the tower with narrow lanes, old facades, and photogenic walks toward Karaköy.
Grilled minced lamb kebab from southeastern Turkey, served with vegetables and lavash. A staple in Istanbul kebab houses and a classic local favorite.
Rice pilaf, currants, pine nuts, and herbs stuffed into mussel shells. A famous Istanbul street food, especially along waterfront districts.
Layers of thin dough with pistachios or walnuts and syrup. An Ottoman dessert strongly associated with Istanbul's historic sweet shops.
Historic Sultanahmet restaurant known for refined Ottoman dishes and elegant service in a classic setting near major sights.
Beloved meyhane in Beyoğlu serving classic meze, rakı, and seasonal seafood in a lively, traditional tavern environment.
Established Bosphorus fish restaurant known for fresh seafood, meze, and water views. A polished choice for a classic Istanbul dinner.
Moderate for major city breaks: dining and transit are reasonable, but central hotels and tourist areas cost more than many nearby Turkish destinations.
Restaurants: 5-10% if service not included. Cafes: round up or leave small change. Taxis: round up the fare; larger tips are optional.
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Bucharest to Istanbul by bus. 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 bus, the cheapest option, or tips for making the most of your visit at Istanbul, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.

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