- Must visit
Istanbul Modern
Türkiye’s leading museum of modern and contemporary art on the Karaköy waterfront, known for major Turkish and international exhibitions.
Cheapest price
$24
Average price
$45
Fastest journey
10 h
Average duration
12 h 35 m
Buses per day
5
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 $45 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $24.
Of the 5 buses that leave Bucharest for Istanbul on Wed, Jun 03, 4 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.
On Wed, Jun 03 the direct buses cover the 445 km distance in an average of 12 h 35 m but if you time it right, some buses will get you there in just 10 h .
On Wed, Jun 03 the slowest buses will take 19 h 45 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.
7039998
6910636
FlixBus
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FlixBus · FlixBus
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7039998
6910636
FlixBus
FlixBus · FlixBusOmio 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 $30. 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 $30, and a flight costs an average of $63.
Distance: 276 miles (445 km)
Most popular Bus | Flight |
|---|---|
$44 Average price Cheapest | $150 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 $106 (€86) less than a flight for this route with tickets for a flight from Bucharest to Istanbul costing on average $150 (€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, Fri, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $74 |
Operator Infobus | Departure Time 07:00PM | Arrival Time 06:00AM | Duration 11h00 | Departure days Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $24 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 10:00PM | Arrival Time 09:10AM | Duration 11h10 | Departure days Everyday | Cheapest price $48 |
Operator Infobus | Departure Time 10:10PM | Arrival Time 12:00PM | Duration 13h50 | Departure days Mon, Thu, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $86 |
Operator Euroticket | Departure Time 11:20PM | Arrival Time 12:00PM | Duration 12h40 | Departure days Sat | Cheapest price $88 |
Operator Infobus | Departure Time 11:20PM | Arrival Time 12:00PM | Duration 12h40 | Departure days Thu, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $84 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 11:45PM | Arrival Time 07:30PM | Duration 19h45 | Departure days Everyday | Cheapest price $73 |
The table below shows live departures for Bucharest to Istanbul buses for today, Tuesday, June 2. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated bus journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
6966274 | 7:00 PM Bucharest | 11h00 | 6:00 AM Istanbul, Buyuk Otogar (Esenler) | 0 transfersDirect | |
7005621 | 7:00 PM Bucharest | 11h00 | 6:00 AM Istanbul, Buyuk Otogar (Esenler) | 0 transfersDirect | |
7040640 | 7:00 PM Bucharest | 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 | |
FlixBus · FlixBus | 11:45 PM București, Autogara Militari | 19h45 | 7:30 PM Istanbul, Buyuk Otogar (Esenler) | 1 transfer |
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 $30 (€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 $30 (€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.
Türkiye’s leading museum of modern and contemporary art on the Karaköy waterfront, known for major Turkish and international exhibitions.
The former Ottoman imperial palace with treasury, courtyards, and imperial collections that reveal centuries of court life.
A major complex of archaeology museums near Gülhane, famous for classical antiquities and artifacts from ancient civilizations.
The historic heart of old Istanbul, surrounded by major monuments and ideal for first-time visitors exploring on foot.
The city’s best-known pedestrian avenue, lined with historic buildings, shops, passages, galleries, and constant urban energy.
A fashionable Bosphorus promenade in Karaköy that has become highly popular for strolling, views, and contemporary city atmosphere.
A ring-shaped bread crusted with sesame seeds, widely eaten in Istanbul for breakfast or as a street snack with tea and cheese.
A classic Istanbul street food of grilled fish served in bread with salad and onion, especially associated with the Eminönü waterfront.
A traditional Turkish stew of white beans, often cooked with butter or meat and commonly served with rice in Istanbul lokantas.
One of Istanbul's best-known fine dining restaurants, blending Turkish ingredients with modern technique and offering panoramic city views.
A stylish, established lokanta serving refined Turkish home-style dishes and meze, popular for both lunch and evening dining.
Well-known terrace restaurant near Eminönü, famous for kebabs, pistachio specialties, and sweeping views over the Golden Horn.
Moderate for tourists: local food and transit are affordable, while hotels and upscale dining in central areas cost more.
Around 5-10% in casual restaurants and 10% in nicer places. Round up taxis. Small tips for hotel staff are appreciated; not expected for fast food.
Official public transport app
İstanbul Havalimanı (Tayakadın Terminal Cad. No:1, Istanbul) -> Sirkeci Station, Istanbul
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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