- Must visit
Istanbul Modern
Leading contemporary art museum on the Bosphorus with strong Turkish and international exhibitions in a landmark waterfront building.
Cheapest price
$101
Average price
$120
Fastest journey
1 d 1 h 55 m
Average duration
1 d 7 h 2 m
Buses per day
5
Distance
1067 km
The best way to find a cheap bus ticket from Budapest to Istanbul is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid traveling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Budapest to Istanbul will cost around $120 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $101.
It's difficult to get from Budapest to Istanbul without transferring at least once.
FlixBus · FlixBus
FlixBus · FlixBus
FlixBus · FlixBus
FlixBus · FlixBus
FlixBus · FlixBus
FlixBus · FlixBus
FlixBus · FlixBus
FlixBus · FlixBus
FlixBus · FlixBus
FlixBus · FlixBusOmio recommends booking the flight as it is the most popular option from Budapest to Istanbul among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the bus with prices starting from $93. For those with little time consider booking a flight which can get you there in 2h 52m. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of $93, and a flight costs an average of $57.
Distance: 663 miles (1067 km)
| Bus | Most popular Flight | Driving |
|---|---|---|
$113 Average price Cheapest | $141 Average price | $322 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
25h 59m Average total duration 25h 29m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 5h 52m Average total duration Fastest 2h 52m Onboard + 3h 0m Additional time* | 13h 37m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
![]() Most popular bus company | ![]() Most popular airline | Your own car or car rental |
Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options |
This is compared to other travel options from Budapest to Istanbul:
A bus is $28 (€23) less than a flight for this route with tickets for a flight from Budapest to Istanbul costing on average $141 (€114).
Other travel options to Istanbul take longer:
Bus takes on average 25h 29m.
You'll arrive about {timeSavings} sooner ({durationInMinutes} by bus vs {drivingDurationInMinutes} by car) and save roughly {savingsAmount} compared to fuel and tolls ({cheapestPrice} vs {drivingPriceInCents}). You also skip the drive itself — no traffic stress, no parking, and you can use the time to work, nap, or catch up on a series with the onboard Wi-Fi.
Direct coaches are operated by {directProviders}.
Driving is still worth considering if you're travelling with bulky luggage, need flexibility on departure times, or plan to stop along the way.
| Operator | Departure Time | Arrival Time | Duration | Departure days | Cheapest price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 12:30AM | Arrival Time 09:10AM | Duration 31h40 | Departure days Mon | Cheapest price $139 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 12:55AM | Arrival Time 09:10AM | Duration 31h15 | Departure days Mon | Cheapest price $127 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 02:50AM | Arrival Time 09:10AM | Duration 29h20 | Departure days Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $113 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 03:15AM | Arrival Time 09:10AM | Duration 28h55 | Departure days Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $99 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 08:30AM | Arrival Time 11:25AM | Duration 25h55 | Departure days Everyday | Cheapest price $90 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 10:45PM | Arrival Time 09:10AM | Duration 33h25 | Departure days Everyday | Cheapest price $116 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 11:15PM | Arrival Time 09:10AM | Duration 32h55 | Departure days Everyday | Cheapest price $109 |
The table below shows live departures for Budapest to Istanbul buses for today, Sunday, August 23. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated bus journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
FlixBus · FlixBus | 8:30 AM Budapest, Népliget Autóbusz-Pályaudvar | 25h55 | 11:25 AM Istanbul, Buyuk Otogar (Esenler) | 1 transfer | |
FlixBus · FlixBus | 10:45 PM Budapest, Népliget Autóbusz-Pályaudvar | 33h25 | 9:10 AM Istanbul, Buyuk Otogar (Esenler) | 1 transfer | |
FlixBus · FlixBus | 11:15 PM Budapest, Liszt Ferenc Nemzetközi Repülőtér | 32h55 | 9:10 AM Istanbul, Buyuk Otogar (Esenler) | 1 transfer | |
| Monday, August 24 | |||||
FlixBus · FlixBus | 12:30 AM Budapest, Népliget Autóbusz-Pályaudvar | 31h40 | 9:10 AM Istanbul, Buyuk Otogar (Esenler) | 1 transfer | |
FlixBus · FlixBus | 12:55 AM Budapest, Liszt Ferenc Nemzetközi Repülőtér | 31h15 | 9:10 AM 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 Budapest to Istanbul run on average 4 times per day, taking around 25h 29m. Cheap bus tickets for this journey start at $93 (€74) but you can travel from only $57 (€46) by flight.
The earliest bus runs at 11:00, the last at 22:00. The fastest bus covers the 663 miles (1067 km) distance in 25h 55m.
Distance 663 miles (1067 km) |
Average bus duration 25h 29m |
Cheapest ticket price $93 (€74) |
Buses per day 4 |
Fastest bus 25h 55m |
First bus 11:00 AM |
Last bus 10:00 PM |
Cheapest Month Jul |
Cheapest Day Sun |
High Season Jul - Sep |
Low Season Jan - Mar |
Busiest Day Fri |
Least Busy Day Mon |
Best time to book 3 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 Budapest 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.

Most Budapest to Istanbul buses use the Budapest, Népliget Autóbusz-Pályaudvar to Istanbul, Büyük Otogari (Esenler) station pair. Use this guide to compare Budapest and Istanbul bus stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like bus station facilities and services.
Budapest, Népliget Autóbusz-Pályaudvar is 5 km from Budapest city centre. Public transport options include:
Budapest, Népliget Autóbusz-Pályaudvar has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, and Ticket Office.
Food options include: Cafeteria Népliget (in the station), Gulyás Tér (0.5 km), Pesti Burger (0.7 km).
Free Wi-Fi. ATMs are located near the entrance.
Ticket office support is available at Budapest, Népliget Autóbusz-Pályaudvar.
Available at Budapest, Népliget Autóbusz-Pályaudvar: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Accessibility facilities are available at Budapest, Népliget Autóbusz-Pályaudvar: Elevators, ramps.
Istanbul, Büyük Otogari (Esenler) is 5 km from Istanbul city centre. Public transport options include:
Istanbul, Büyük Otogari (Esenler) has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, and Ticket Office.
Food options include: Cafeteria Terminal (in the station), Kebab Express (0.2 km), Simit Sarayı (0.3 km).
Free Wi-Fi. ATMs are located near the main entrance and throughout the station.
Ticket office support is available at Istanbul, Büyük Otogari (Esenler).
Available at Istanbul, Büyük Otogari (Esenler): Parking, Taxis, WC.
Accessibility facilities are available at Istanbul, Büyük Otogari (Esenler): Elevators, ramps.
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need