- Must visit
National Museum of Art of Romania
Romania’s premier art museum, housing European masters and major national collections inside the former Royal Palace.
Cheapest price on Sep 18
Kč375
Average ticket price on Sep 18
Kč1188
Fastest journey on Sep 18
10 h
Average journey duration on Sep 18
10 h 39 m
Buses on Sep 18
8
Distance
445 km
The best way to find a cheap bus ticket from Istanbul to Bucharest is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid traveling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Istanbul to Bucharest will cost around Kč1188 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only Kč375.
On Fri, Sep 18, we found 8 buses from Istanbul to Bucharest, including 6 direct services.
On Fri, Sep 18 the direct buses cover the 445 km distance in an average of 10 h 39 m but if you time it right, some buses will get you there in just 10 h .
On Fri, Sep 18 the slowest buses will take 11 h 10 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.
7482899
7457452
7527347
FlixBus
7449440
7527347
FlixBus
0
7457452
7449440Omio recommends booking the bus as it is the most popular option from Istanbul to Bucharest among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price, take the bus, with an average ticket price of Kč1216 For those with little time, consider booking a flight, which has an average total journey time of 5h 55m. If you are seeking to minimise your carbon footprint, the bus is your best option, with estimated CO2 emissions of 0.4 - 1.1kg. Average ticket prices depend on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of Kč1216, while a flight costs an average of Kč12057.
Distance: 276 miles (445 km)
Most popular Bus | Flight | Driving |
|---|---|---|
Kč1216 Average price Cheapest | Kč12057 Average price | Kč2762 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
12h 4m Average total duration 11h 34m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 5h 55m Average total duration Fastest 3h 55m Onboard + 2h 0m Additional time* | 8h 21m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
0.4 - 1.1kg CO2 emissions Lowest | 1.3 - 2.7kg CO2 emissions | - CO2 emissions |
![]() Most popular bus company | ![]() Most popular airline | Your own car or car rental |
Direct Options | 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 Istanbul to Bucharest:
A bus is Kč10842 less than a flight for this route with tickets for a flight from Istanbul to Bucharest costing on average Kč12057.
Other travel options to Bucharest take longer:
Bus takes on average 11h 34m.
Tickets start at around Kč1216 compared to roughly Kč2762 in fuel and tolls — a saving of about Kč1546. The journey takes 11h 34m versus 8h 21m 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, Lüks Istanbul Tur, Luks Muradoglu, Euroticket.
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 Lüks Istanbul Tur | Departure Time 07:50AM | Arrival Time 07:00PM | Duration 11h10 | Departure days Mon, Tue, Wed, Fri, Sat | Cheapest price Kč1382 |
Operator Luks Muradoglu | Departure Time 08:00AM | Arrival Time 06:00PM | Duration 10h00 | Departure days Mon, Wed, Thu, Sat | Cheapest price Kč1758 |
Operator Infobus | Departure Time 08:30AM | Arrival Time 07:25PM | Duration 10h55 | Departure days Mon, Wed, Thu, Fri, Sat | Cheapest price Kč1658 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 11:00AM | Arrival Time 06:00AM | Duration 19h00 | Departure days Everyday | Cheapest price Kč1618 |
Operator Lilian Express | Departure Time 06:30PM | Arrival Time 06:40AM | Duration 12h10 | Departure days Everyday | Cheapest price Kč375 |
Operator VIB Marina | Departure Time 07:00PM | Arrival Time 05:00AM | Duration 10h00 | Departure days Everyday | Cheapest price Kč370 |
Operator Infobus | Departure Time 07:00PM | Arrival Time 06:00AM | Duration 11h00 | Departure days Everyday | Cheapest price Kč388 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 10:00PM | Arrival Time 08:10AM | Duration 10h10 | Departure days Everyday | Cheapest price Kč997 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 11:00PM | Arrival Time 08:20PM | Duration 21h20 | Departure days Mon, Tue, Wed, Fri, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price Kč1605 |
The table below shows live departures for Istanbul to Bucharest buses for tomorrow, Friday, September 18. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated bus journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
7449440 | 7:50 AM Istanbul | 11h10 | 7:00 PM Bucharest | 0 transfersDirect | |
0 | 8:30 AM Istanbul | 10h55 | 7:25 PM Bucharest | 0 transfersDirect | |
FlixBus · FlixBus | 11:00 AM Istanbul, Buyuk Otogar (Esenler) | 19h00 | 6:00 AM București, Autogara Militari | 1 transfer | |
7482899 | 6:30 PM Istanbul | 12h10 | 6:40 AM Bucharest | 0 transfersDirect | |
7457452 | 7:00 PM Istanbul | 11h00 | 6:00 AM Bucharest | 0 transfersDirect | |
7527347 | 7:00 PM Istanbul | 10h00 | 5:00 AM Bucharest | 0 transfersDirect | |
FlixBus | 10:00 PM Istanbul, Buyuk Otogar (Esenler) | 10h10 | 8:10 AM București, Autogara Militari | 0 transfersDirect | |
FlixBus · FlixBus | 11:00 PM Istanbul, Buyuk Otogar (Esenler) | 21h20 | 8:20 PM București, Autogara Militari | 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 Istanbul to Bucharest run on average 7 times per day, taking around 11h 34m. Cheap bus tickets for this journey start at Kč440 if you book in advance.
There are 6 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 9h 10m.
Distance 276 miles (445 km) |
Average bus duration 11h 34m |
Cheapest ticket price Kč440 |
Buses per day 7 |
Direct buses 6 |
Fastest bus 9h 10m |
First bus 3:00 AM |
Last bus 11:45 PM |
Cheapest Month Aug |
Cheapest Day Sun |
High Season Jul - Sep |
Low Season Oct - Dec |
Busiest Day Tue |
Least Busy Day Fri |
Best time to book 14 days |
Discover the best of Bucharest — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Bucharest trip today.
Romania’s premier art museum, housing European masters and major national collections inside the former Royal Palace.
An outstanding open-air museum of traditional Romanian village life, with historic houses, churches, and windmills.
A leading natural history museum with fossils, geology, and biodiversity displays, popular with families and science fans.
Bucharest’s atmospheric old center, packed with historic streets, churches, nightlife, and restored merchant buildings.
The city’s grand central boulevard connects major landmarks, museums, and elegant historic architecture.
Bucharest’s largest park offers lakeside walks, bike paths, gardens, and access to major museums and leisure areas.
Grilled skinless sausages made with beef, pork, and garlic. A beloved Romanian street and barbecue staple, especially popular with mustard and bread.
Sour soup with beef tripe, garlic, vinegar, and cream. One of Romania's most iconic comfort dishes, widely eaten in Bucharest.
Cabbage rolls stuffed with minced meat and rice, usually slow-cooked and served with sour cream. A festive Romanian classic.
Elegant fine dining restaurant focused on refined Romanian cuisine and local ingredients in a polished setting.
Historic beer hall and restaurant known for Romanian classics, grilled meats, and traditional atmosphere in the Old Town.
Popular modern Romanian bistro serving regional dishes and desserts in a casual, welcoming space.
Budget-friendly for Europe: hotels, meals, and public transit usually cost less than in Western EU capitals, though central areas and upscale venues cost more.
Restaurants: 5-10% if service is not included. Cafes: round up or leave small change. Taxis: round up the fare or add about 5%.
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Istanbul to Bucharest 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 Bucharest, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.

Most Istanbul to Bucharest buses use the Istanbul, Büyük Otogari (Esenler) to București station pair, with some services arriving at București, Autogara Militari. Use this guide to compare Istanbul and Bucharest 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, Havalimanı (Tayakadın Terminal Cad. No:1) is 32 km from Istanbul city centre. Public transport options include:
İstanbul, Havalimanı (Tayakadın Terminal Cad. No:1) has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Shower, and Ticket Office.
Food options include: Multiple dining options available including fast food and cafes.
Free Wi-Fi is available at designated areas. ATMs are aTMs available near entrance doors.
Ticket office support is available at İstanbul, Havalimanı (Tayakadın Terminal Cad. No:1).
Available at İstanbul, Havalimanı (Tayakadın Terminal Cad. No:1): Parking, Taxis, WC.
Accessibility facilities are available at İstanbul, Havalimanı (Tayakadın Terminal Cad. No:1): Wheelchair accessible with ramps and elevators.
București has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Shower, and Ticket Office.
Food options include: Several small food stalls available.
Wi-Fi is available at București. ATMs are aTM located near the entrance.
Ticket office support is available at București.
Available at București: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Accessibility facilities are available at București: Ramps available for wheelchair access.
Bucuresti, Rahova Bus Station has practical services for this route, including Accessibility.
Accessibility facilities are available at Bucuresti, Rahova Bus Station: The place has an entrance that is wheelchair-accessible.
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need