- Must visit
Istanbul Modern
Leading contemporary art museum on the Bosphorus with strong Turkish and international exhibitions in a landmark waterfront building.
Omio recommends booking the flight as it is the most popular option from Erzurum to Istanbul among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price, take the bus, with an average ticket price of $53 For those with little time, consider booking a flight, which has an average total journey time of 4h 9m. Average ticket prices depend on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of $53, while a flight costs an average of $185.
Distance: 645 miles (1039 km)
| Bus | Most popular Flight | Driving |
|---|---|---|
$53 Average price Cheapest | $185 Average price | $161 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
19h 36m Average total duration 19h 6m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 4h 9m Average total duration Fastest 2h 9m Onboard + 2h 0m Additional time* | 14h 8m 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 Erzurum to Istanbul:
A bus is $132 (€107) less than a flight for this route with tickets for a flight from Erzurum to Istanbul costing on average $185 (€150).
Other travel options to Istanbul take longer:
Bus takes on average 19h 6m.
Tickets start at around $53 (€43) compared to roughly $161 (€131) in fuel and tolls — a saving of about $108 (€87). The journey takes 19h 6m versus 14h 8m by car, so you'll arrive a bit later, but you can use the time productively rather than spending it behind the wheel. No parking to sort, no fuel stops, and most coaches have Wi-Fi and power outlets.
Direct services are operated by FlixBus.
Driving is worth considering if you're on a tight schedule, travelling as a group (where fuel costs split several ways), or want the flexibility to stop along the way.
| Operator | Departure Time | Arrival Time | Duration | Departure days | Cheapest price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 11:31AM | Arrival Time 06:50AM | Duration 19h19 | Departure days Wed, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $42 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 12:31PM | Arrival Time 07:50AM | Duration 19h19 | Departure days Wed | Cheapest price $43 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 02:01PM | Arrival Time 09:35AM | Duration 19h34 | Departure days Wed | Cheapest price $52 |
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 Erzurum to Istanbul run on average 4 times per day, taking around 19h 6m. Cheap bus tickets for this journey start at $44 (€36) if you book in advance.
There are 4 buses per day. The earliest bus runs at 11:31, the last at 11:31. The fastest bus covers the 645 miles (1039 km) distance in 18h 44m.
Distance 645 miles (1039 km) |
Average bus duration 19h 6m |
Cheapest ticket price $44 (€36) |
Buses per day 4 |
Direct buses 4 |
Fastest bus 18h 44m |
First bus 11:31 AM |
Last bus 11:31 AM |
Cheapest Month Jan |
Cheapest Day Fri |
High Season Jul - Sep |
Low Season Oct - Dec |
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 Erzurum 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 Erzurum to Istanbul buses use the Erzurum, Büyükşehir Belediyesi Şehirlerarası Otobüs Terminali to Istanbul, Büyük Otogari (Esenler) station pair, with some services arriving at İstanbul, Alibeyköy Cep Otogarı. Use this guide to compare Erzurum and Istanbul bus stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like bus station facilities and services.
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.
İstanbul, Alibeyköy Cep Otogarı is 8 km from Istanbul city centre. Public transport options include:
İstanbul, Alibeyköy Cep Otogarı has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, and Ticket Office.
Food options include: Cafeteria Alibeyköy (in the station), Kebab House (0.2 km), Simit Sarayı (0.5 km).
Free Wi-Fi. ATMs are located near the main entrance and in the waiting area.
Ticket office support is available at İstanbul, Alibeyköy Cep Otogarı.
Available at İstanbul, Alibeyköy Cep Otogarı: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Accessibility facilities are available at İstanbul, Alibeyköy Cep Otogarı: Elevators, ramps.
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