Istanbul Airport to Sofia bus with City Lines

Thu, Feb 05
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City Lines
FlixBus
Infobus
HAVAİST
ArdaTur
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City Lines
FlixBus
Infobus
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ArdaTur
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The cheapest and fastest buses from Istanbul Airport to Sofia

Showing times and prices for Feb 06

Cheapest price

$48

Average price

$48

Fastest journey

8 h 30 m

Average duration

8 h 45 m

Buses per day

2

Distance

475 km

Cheap tickets

The best way to find a cheap bus ticket from Istanbul Airport to Sofia is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid traveling at rush hour.

The average ticket from Istanbul Airport to Sofia will cost around $48 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $48.

Fast buses

Of the 2 buses that leave Istanbul Airport for Sofia on Fri, Feb 06, 2 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.

On Fri, Feb 06 the direct buses cover the 475 km distance in an average of 8 h 45 m but if you time it right, some buses will get you there in just 8 h 30 m .

On Fri, Feb 06 the slowest buses will take 9 h 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.

FlixBusFlixBus
11:00AM8h30
Istanbul, Buyuk Otogar (Esenler)
06:30PMСофия, Централна Aвтогара 2 (Sofia, Centralna Avtogara 2)
$481One-way
0 transfers
FlixBusFlixBus
11:00PM9h00
Istanbul, Buyuk Otogar (Esenler)
07:00AMСофия, Централна Aвтогара 2 (Sofia, Centralna Avtogara 2)
$481One-way
0 transfers

Travel Information

Compare bus and flight for Istanbul Airport to Sofia

Omio recommends booking the bus as it is the most popular option from Istanbul Airport to Sofia 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 1h 52m. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of €30, and a flight costs an average of €40.

Distance: 295 miles (475 km)

Compare bus with

Most popular
Bus
Flight

€37

Average price

Cheapest

€94

Average price

9h 48m

Average total duration

9h 18m

Onboard

+

30m

Additional time*

4h 52m

Average total duration

Fastest

1h 52m

Onboard

+

3h 0m

Additional time*

City Lines

Most popular bus company

Turkish Airlines

Most popular airline

Direct Options

Direct Options

Istanbul Airport to Sofia Bus Timetables

OperatorDeparture TimeArrival TimeDurationDeparture daysCheapest price
Operator
FlixBus
Departure Time
11:00AM
Arrival Time
06:30PM
Duration
8h30
Departure days
Thu, Fri, Sat, Sun
Cheapest price
$43
Operator
FlixBus
Departure Time
11:00PM
Arrival Time
07:00AM
Duration
9h00
Departure days
Thu, Fri, Sat, Sun
Cheapest price
$43

Live departures

Istanbul Airport to Sofia bus times

The table below shows live departures for Istanbul Airport to Sofia buses for today, Thursday, February 5. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated bus journeys.

Last updated at 7:18 AM
ProviderDepartsDurationArrivesTransfers
Tickets
meinfernbus_flixbusFlixBus8:00 AM Istanbul, Buyuk Otogar (Esenler)
8h30
4:30 PM София, Централна Aвтогара 2 (Sofia, Centralna Avtogara 2)0 transfersDirect
meinfernbus_flixbusFlixBus8:00 PM Istanbul, Buyuk Otogar (Esenler)
9h00
5:00 AM София, Централна Aвтогара 2 (Sofia, Centralna Avtogara 2)0 transfersDirect

This is the last bus of the day.

Find all the dates and times for this journey

Compare prices and tickets Istanbul Airport to Sofia by bus or flight

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.

Fri
Feb 06
Sat
Feb 07
Sun
Feb 08
Mon
Feb 09
Tue
Feb 10
Wed
Feb 11
Thu
Feb 12

Why should you book Istanbul Airport to Sofia buses with Omio?

FlixBus as well as Infobus, City Lines, HAVAİST, ArdaTur and more offer buses services from Istanbul Airport to Sofia.
Omio is an official ticket reseller for all your travel options from Istanbul Airport to Sofia.

Why book with Omio vs FlixBus?

  • Compare with other providers: On Omio, you can not only buy tickets for FlixBus, but also compare tickets for the likes of Infobus, City Lines, HAVAİST or ArdaTur to find the best option for your trip from Istanbul Airport to Sofia.
  • 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 FlixBus with all available travel options, which are bus and flight to ensure you get the best deal for traveling from Istanbul Airport to Sofia.

Why book with Omio over Wanderu?

  • Multiple modes of transport: Omio allows you to compare travel options including bus and flight to find the ideal travel option from Istanbul Airport to Sofia.

Journey information

Overview: Bus from Istanbul Airport to Sofia

TurkeyTurkey
BulgariaBulgaria
Icon of bus

Buses from Istanbul Airport to Sofia run on average 3 times per day, taking around 9h 18m. Cheap bus tickets for this journey start at $38 (€30) if you book in advance.

There are 3 buses per day. The earliest bus runs at 17:00, the last at 20:00. The fastest bus covers the 295 miles (475 km) distance in 9h 0m.

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
Distance
295 miles (475 km)
Average bus duration
9h 18m
Cheapest ticket price
$38 (€30)
Buses per day
3
Direct buses
3
Fastest bus
9h 0m
First bus
17:00
Last bus
20:00
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

Bus providers: City Lines, FlixBus, Infobus, HAVAİST, ArdaTur from Istanbul Airport to SofiaYou can travel by bus between Istanbul Airport to Sofia with City Lines, FlixBus, Infobus, HAVAİST, ArdaTur for as low as $38 (€30). When you search for schedules and tickets, Omio will show you the best journey

City Lines

About
"City Lines" can refer to several different bus companies. One prominent example is Citylines, a leading Bulgarian bus company headquartered in Sofia. It operates an extensive network of 44 routes, connecting 22 cities across Bulgaria and serving 9 European nations with an average of 19 trips daily. Citylines coaches offer amenities such as air conditioning, onboard restrooms, and Wi-Fi connectivity. Another is Rochester City Lines, a family-owned and operated charter bus company in Minnesota, United States, providing services for college, corporate, event, religious, school, and workforce transportation. They offer a fleet including motorcoaches, minibuses, and executive vans. Historically, National City Lines, Inc. (NCL) was a significant public transportation holding company in the United States, founded in 1920. NCL acquired numerous local transit systems, often converting streetcar lines to bus operations, a practice sometimes referred to as "bustitution." Additionally, "City Line" is also the name of a bus rapid transit (BRT) line in Spokane, Washington, operated by the Spokane Transit Authority. This 6-mile route, which opened in 2023, utilizes modern, zero-emission battery-electric buses and connects key areas including downtown Spokane and the University District.
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Duration
9h 0m
Cheapest Price
$38 (€30)
City Lines frequency
5 a day
Luggage included
One carry-on bag up to 8kg (55x35x25) and one checked bag up to 25kg (70x50x30).
Additional luggage
10€ per additional bag up to 25 kg.
Cancellation Policy
You can cancel your ticket up to 24 hours before departure for a full refund. Cancellations within 24 hours incur a 20% fee.
Amenities on board the bus
Wifi
Food sold onboard
Seat reservation
Toilets
USB plugs
Accessibility
Assistance; Priority seating; Accessible restrooms.
Bikes
Bikes are allowed; must be booked in advance.
Pets
Small pets allowed in carriers; larger pets must be leashed and muzzled.

FlixBus

About
FlixBus is one of Europe’s leading low-cost bus companies, founded in Germany and now offering long-distance services across Europe and the United States. In addition to its extensive daytime network, FlixBus also operates overnight buses on select European routes. Standard amenities include free Wi-Fi, power outlets to charge devices, extra legroom, luggage space, and onboard toilets, with snacks and drinks available for purchase. FlixBus offers a single Standard ticket type for all routes, which includes one carry-on bag and one checked bag per passenger. Additional fees apply for extra luggage and for reserving specific seats, such as Extra Seats, Table Seats, or Panorama Seats. This combination of affordability, comfort, and wide coverage makes FlixBus a popular choice for budget-conscious travelers.
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Duration
9h 0m
Cheapest Price
$43 (€34)
Luggage included
One carry-on bag up to 7kg (42x30x18 cm) and one checked bag up to 20kg (80x50x30 cm).
Additional luggage
Additional luggage can be purchased for a fee.
Cancellation Policy
You can cancel your ticket up to 15 minutes before departure and receive a voucher for future travel. Refund requests for delays over 120 minutes are possible.
Amenities on board the bus
Wifi
Food sold onboard
Seat reservation
Toilets
USB plugs
Accessibility
Assistance; Priority boarding; Wheelchair-accessible buses.
Bikes
Bikes are allowed for a fee; must be booked.
Pets
Small pets in carriers allowed; guide dogs travel for free.

Infobus

About
Infobus is an international IT company that operates as an online service for finding and purchasing bus, train, and plane tickets, rather than being a bus company itself. Established in 2002, Infobus acts as an intermediary between passengers and various transport carriers, particularly helping smaller bus companies offer online booking services. They utilize their own "BusSystem" to manage routes and ticket sales globally. Infobus covers over 30 countries and 300 cities, offering a wide range of routes and daily departures. While amenities can vary by carrier, Infobus aims to provide affordable and convenient travel with features like online booking, 24/7 support, and prompt notifications.
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Duration
10h 31m
Cheapest Price
$38 (€30)
Luggage included
One carry-on bag up to 5kg (40x20x25) and one checked bag up to 20kg (50x30x80).
Additional luggage
10€ per additional bag.
Cancellation Policy
You can cancel your ticket up to 24 hours before departure for a partial refund. Cancellations within 24 hours may incur a fee.
Amenities on board the bus
Wifi
Food sold onboard
Seat reservation
Toilets
USB plugs
Accessibility
Assistance; Priority seating; Transport for wheelchairs and mobility aids.
Bikes
Bikes are allowed; may require prior reservation and an additional fee.
Pets
Small pets allowed in carriers; larger pets may require a separate ticket.

ArdaTur

About
ArdaTur is a bus company based in Haskovo, Bulgaria, established in 1991. It offers extensive bus services across seven countries, including Bulgaria, Greece, Turkey, Austria, the Czech Republic, Hungary, and Germany. ArdaTur operates over 233 daily departures, primarily from major cities like Istanbul, Sofia, and Thessaloniki, providing both intercity and regional routes. The company emphasizes passenger comfort with amenities such as Wi-Fi, restrooms, individual monitors, and complimentary food and drinks on international lines. ArdaTur maintains a modern fleet of over 80 luxury buses and has its own garage and service facility to ensure vehicle reliability and safety.
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Duration
7h 0m
Cheapest Price
$39 (€31)
ArdaTur frequency
1 a day
Luggage included
One piece of hand luggage up to 15 kg and two pieces of checked luggage up to 35 kg each are included.
Additional luggage
Additional baggage or cargo is accepted for transport if there is free space and for a separate charge.
Cancellation Policy
Cancellation policies vary by ticket class, individual trips, or promotions, with refunds ranging from 50% to 100% depending on the time before departure, and no refunds for cancellations less than 24 hours prior.
Refund
If the trip is delayed through the fault of the carrier, 100% of the ticket value and compensation for direct costs to the place of departure will be refunded with supporting documents.
Amenities on board the bus
Wifi
Seat reservation
Seat reservations are possible when buying a ticket or at Arda Tur offices up to 24 hours before departure during weak periods and 72 hours during busy periods.
Toilets
Accessibility
Passengers with disabilities receive discounts and priority seating, and folding wheelchairs are transported free of charge with advance registration.
Bikes
Only foldable bikes are allowed.

HAVAİST

Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Duration
9h 30m
Cheapest Price
$26 (€21)
HAVAİST frequency
3 a day

FAQs: Bus from Istanbul Airport to Sofia

Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Istanbul Airport to Sofia 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 Sofia, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.

FAQs
Cheap bus tickets from Istanbul Airport to Sofia can start from as little as $38 (€30) when you book in advance. The average bus ticket price for Istanbul Airport to Sofia is $47 (€37) ; 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 bus from Istanbul Airport to Sofia is 9h 0m to travel the 295 miles (475 km) long journey. Journey times can vary on weekends and holidays, so use our Journey Planner to search for a specific date.
The earliest bus from Istanbul Airport to Sofia leaves at 5:00 PM. Plan your trip with the Journey Planner from Omio.
The latest bus from Istanbul Airport to Sofia leaves at 8:00 PM.
Yes, there are 3 direct buses a day from Istanbul Airport to Sofia with City Lines, FlixBus, ArdaTur. Schedules can vary on holidays or weekends with fewer direct buses.
When taking a bus from Istanbul Airport to Sofia, you can count on City Lines, FlixBus, Infobus, HAVAİST, ArdaTur for the best way to get you to Sofia. You can also check all possible bus companies who offer a service between Istanbul Airport and Sofia and compare the amenities they offer before buying a bus ticket.
A trip to Sofia from Istanbul Airport is worth doing but not as a day trip with a journey time of 9h 0m each way. Check with Omio app the best way to travel.
The cheapest month for a bus from Istanbul Airport to Sofia is July.
It's helpful to compare your options as there are 2 ways to travel between Istanbul Airport and Sofia including taking a bus and flight.
Yes, the following accessibility options are available when taking the bus from Istanbul Airport to Sofia:
  • City Lines
    • Assistance
    • Priority seating
    • Accessible restrooms.
  • Infobus
    • Assistance
    • Priority seating
    • Transport for wheelchairs and mobility aids.
  • FlixBus
    • Assistance
    • Priority boarding
    • Wheelchair-accessible buses.
Yes, there are bathrooms on board the bus from Istanbul Airport to Sofia for bus company City Lines, FlixBus, Infobus, ArdaTur.
Some of the most interesting sights to explore in Sofia are:
  • Alexander Nevsky Cathedral, a stunning Orthodox cathedral known for its impressive architecture and golden domes
  • Vitosha Boulevard, a vibrant pedestrian street lined with shops, cafes, and restaurants
  • National Palace of Culture, a multifunctional conference and exhibition center surrounded by beautiful gardens
  • Boyana Church, a UNESCO World Heritage site famous for its medieval frescoes
  • Sofia Central Mineral Baths, a historic building showcasing beautiful architecture and housing a museum.
The best things to do in Sofia include:
  • Borisova Gradina, a large and scenic park ideal for leisurely walks and outdoor activities
  • Sofia Zoo, one of the oldest and largest zoos in the Balkans, home to a wide variety of animals
  • Sofia History Museum, offering insights into the city's rich past and cultural heritage
  • Serdika Archaeological Complex, where you can explore ancient Roman ruins in the heart of the city
  • Sofia Opera and Ballet, where you can enjoy world-class performances in a beautiful setting.
Whether you can cancel your bus ticket from Istanbul Airport to Sofia depends on the bus companies:
  • City Lines
    • You can cancel your ticket up to 24 hours before departure for a full refund. Cancellations within 24 hours incur a 20% fee.
  • Infobus
    • You can cancel your ticket up to 24 hours before departure for a partial refund. Cancellations within 24 hours may incur a fee.
  • FlixBus
    • You can cancel your ticket up to 15 minutes before departure and receive a voucher for future travel. Refund requests for delays over 120 minutes are possible.
Yes, bikes are allowed on board the bus with bus company City Lines, FlixBus, Infobus.
Tickets are often cheaper when booked early. Traveling during off-peak hours or on weekdays can help you save money. Sort results by price to quickly identify the most affordable options. Check for promotions or discounts available on our website and app.
Yes, there is food available to purchase on board the bus from Istanbul Airport to Sofia.
Yes, the following luggage options are included when booking a bus ticket from Istanbul Airport to Sofia:
  • City Lines
    • One carry-on bag up to 8kg (55x35x25) and one checked bag up to 25kg (70x50x30).
  • Infobus
    • One carry-on bag up to 5kg (40x20x25) and one checked bag up to 20kg (50x30x80).
  • FlixBus
    • One carry-on bag up to 7kg (42x30x18 cm) and one checked bag up to 20kg (80x50x30 cm).
Yes, the following additional luggage options are available when booking a bus ticket from Istanbul Airport to Sofia:
  • City Lines
    • 10€ per additional bag up to 25 kg.
  • Infobus
    • 10€ per additional bag.
  • FlixBus
    • Additional luggage can be purchased for a fee.
Yes, you can bring your pet on the bus from Istanbul Airport to Sofia. The following conditions apply:
  • City Lines
    • Small pets allowed in carriers
    • larger pets must be leashed and muzzled.
  • Infobus
    • Small pets allowed in carriers
    • larger pets may require a separate ticket.
  • FlixBus
    • Small pets in carriers allowed
    • guide dogs travel for free.
You can reserve your seat on the bus from Istanbul Airport to Sofia with the following bus company: City Lines, FlixBus, Infobus, ArdaTur
Yes, there are USB plugs on board the bus from Istanbul Airport to Sofia with the following bus company: City Lines, FlixBus, Infobus.
Yes, there is Wifi on board the bus from Istanbul Airport to Sofia with the following bus company: City Lines, FlixBus, Infobus, ArdaTur.

popular bus stations

Popular bus stations from Istanbul Airport to Sofia

Istanbul
Sofia
Sofiya, Avtogara Serdika (София, Автогара Сердика)WifiParkingDiningATMTaxisAccessibilityWCTicket Office
Amenities at bus station
WifiWifi
ParkingParking
DiningDining
ATMATM
TaxisTaxis
AccessibilityAccessibility
WCWC
Ticket OfficeTicket Office
information
ticketOfficeHours
Ticket Office Hours
  • 00:00-23:59
ticketOfficeHours
Distance to city center
1 km
carConnection
Car connection
Knyaginya Maria Luiza Blvd
Wifi
Wifi
  • Free Wi-Fi
Dining
Dining
  • Cafeteria Serdika (in the station)
  • Bistro Bulgaria (0.2 km)
  • Sofia Grill House (0.5 km).
Taxis
Taxis
  • Available outside the main entrance.
Accessibility
Accessibility
  • Elevators, ramps
WC
WC
  • Available in the station.
Public transit options for Sofiya, Avtogara Serdika (София, Автогара Сердика)
  • Bus: 213, 305, 404 Metro: M1, M2 Train: Sofia Central Station
София, Централна Aвтогара 2 (Sofia, Centralna Avtogara 2)
information
Amenities at bus station
WifiWifi
ParkingParking
ATMATM
TaxisTaxis
AccessibilityAccessibility
WCWC
Ticket OfficeTicket Office
information
ticketOfficeHours
Ticket Office Hours
  • 06:00-22:00
ticketOfficeHours
Distance to city center
1 km
carConnection
Car connection
Knyaginya Maria Luiza Blvd
Wifi
Wifi
  • Free Wi-Fi
Taxis
Taxis
  • Available outside the main entrance.
Accessibility
Accessibility
  • Elevators, ramps
WC
WC
  • Available in the station.
Public transit options for Sofia, Centralna Avtogara (София, Централна Автогара)
  • Bus: 213, 305, 404 Metro: M2 Train: Sofia Central Station

Most popular bus connections from Istanbul Airport

More options for your journey from Istanbul Airport to Sofia

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