- Must visit
National Museum of Art of Romania
Romania’s leading fine-arts museum in the former Royal Palace, with major Romanian and European collections.
Cheapest price
$23
Average price
$57
Fastest journey
10 h
Average duration
10 h 25 m
Buses per day
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 $57 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $23.
Of the 8 buses that leave Istanbul for Bucharest on Sat, Jun 20, 7 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.
On Sat, Jun 20 the direct buses cover the 445 km distance in an average of 10 h 25 m but if you time it right, some buses will get you there in just 10 h .
On Sat, Jun 20 the slowest buses will take 11 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.
7043467
7107536
0
FlixBus
7122077
7070538
0
FlixBus
0
7043467Omio 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 prices starting from $29. For those with little time consider booking a flight which can get you there in 1h 46m. 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 $29, and a flight costs an average of $67.
Distance: 276 miles (445 km)
Most popular Bus | Flight | Driving |
|---|---|---|
$44 Average price Cheapest | $199 Average price | $128 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
11h 7m Average total duration 10h 37m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 4h 46m Average total duration Fastest 1h 46m Onboard + 3h 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 $154 (€126) less than a flight for this route with tickets for a flight from Istanbul to Bucharest costing on average $199 (€163).
Other travel options to Bucharest take longer:
Bus takes on average 10h 37m.
Tickets start at around $44 (€36) compared to roughly $128 (€105) in fuel and tolls — a saving of about $84 (€69). The journey takes 10h 37m 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 Infobus, FlixBus, 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 Infobus | Departure Time 07:50AM | Arrival Time 07:00PM | Duration 11h10 | Departure days Wed | Cheapest price $64 |
Operator Lüks Istanbul Tur | Departure Time 07:50AM | Arrival Time 07:00PM | Duration 11h10 | Departure days Mon, Tue, Thu, Fri, Sat | Cheapest price $65 |
Operator | Departure Time 08:00AM | Arrival Time 06:00PM | Duration 10h00 | Departure days Mon | Cheapest price $83 |
Operator Luks Muradoglu | Departure Time 08:00AM | Arrival Time 06:00PM | Duration 10h00 | Departure days Thu, Sat | Cheapest price $83 |
Operator Infobus | Departure Time 08:00AM | Arrival Time 06:00PM | Duration 10h00 | Departure days Wed | Cheapest price $82 |
Operator Infobus | Departure Time 08:30AM | Arrival Time 07:25PM | Duration 10h55 | Departure days Mon, Wed, Thu, Fri, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $77 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 11:00AM | Arrival Time 06:00AM | Duration 19h00 | Departure days Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri, Sun | Cheapest price $70 |
Operator VIB Marina | Departure Time 07:00PM | Arrival Time 05:00AM | Duration 10h00 | Departure days Tue, Thu, Fri, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $46 |
Operator Lilian Express | Departure Time 07:00PM | Arrival Time 06:40AM | Duration 11h40 | Departure days Mon, Tue, Thu, Fri, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $31 |
Operator | Departure Time 07:00PM | Arrival Time 05:00AM | Duration 10h00 | Departure days Mon | Cheapest price $46 |
Operator Infobus | Departure Time 07:00PM | Arrival Time 05:00AM | Duration 10h00 | Departure days Everyday | Cheapest price $23 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 10:00PM | Arrival Time 08:10AM | Duration 10h10 | Departure days Everyday | Cheapest price $47 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 11:00PM | Arrival Time 08:20PM | Duration 21h20 | Departure days Everyday | Cheapest price $70 |
The table below shows live departures for Istanbul to Bucharest buses for today, Friday, June 19. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated bus journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
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 | |
| Saturday, June 20 | |||||
7122077 | 7:50 AM Istanbul, Buyuk Otogar (Esenler) | 11h10 | 7:00 PM Bucharest | 0 transfersDirect | |
7070538 | 8:00 AM Istanbul, Buyuk Otogar (Esenler) | 10h00 | 6:00 PM Bucharest | 0 transfersDirect | |
0 | 8:30 AM Istanbul, Buyuk Otogar (Esenler) | 10h55 | 7:25 PM Bucharest | 0 transfersDirect | |
7043467 | 7:00 PM Istanbul, Buyuk Otogar (Esenler) | 11h00 | 6:00 AM Bucharest | 0 transfersDirect | |
7107536 | 7:00 PM Istanbul, Buyuk Otogar (Esenler) | 11h40 | 6:40 AM Bucharest | 0 transfersDirect | |
0 | 7:00 PM Istanbul, Buyuk Otogar (Esenler) | 10h00 | 5:00 AM Bucharest | 0 transfersDirect | |
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 10h 37m. Cheap bus tickets for this journey start at $29 (€24) 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 10h 10m.
Distance 276 miles (445 km) |
Average bus duration 10h 37m |
Cheapest ticket price $29 (€24) |
Buses per day 7 |
Direct buses 6 |
Fastest bus 10h 10m |
First bus 3:00 AM |
Last bus 11:45 PM |
Cheapest Month Jul |
Cheapest Day Sat |
High Season Jul - Sep |
Low Season Oct - Dec |
Busiest Day Tue |
Least Busy Day Fri |
Best time to book 7 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 leading fine-arts museum in the former Royal Palace, with major Romanian and European collections.
One of Bucharest’s most popular museums, known for natural history exhibits and family-friendly dinosaur displays.
A distinctive museum of rural life, folk art, costumes, icons, and traditional crafts, highly regarded for its curation.
The city’s historic core with lively pedestrian streets, heritage buildings, churches, and one of the best walking areas.
Bucharest’s most famous boulevard, lined with landmarks, grand architecture, hotels, and popular strolling spots.
Bucharest’s largest well-known park, centered on a lake and popular for walking, boating, and relaxed green space.
Cabbage rolls stuffed with minced pork and rice, slowly cooked and traditionally served with polenta and sour cream. A staple of Romanian festive meals.
Skinless grilled minced meat rolls seasoned with garlic and spices, usually eaten with mustard and bread. One of the most iconic street and beer-garden foods in Bucharest.
A rich sour tripe soup finished with cream, garlic, and vinegar. It is one of Romania’s most famous traditional soups and widely loved in Bucharest.
Well-regarded restaurant focused on refined Romanian cuisine inspired by regional traditions, with a stylish setting and strong local identity.
Historic Bucharest restaurant in a grand old beer hall, famous for classic Romanian dishes, house beer, and lively traditional atmosphere.
Established venue known for carefully prepared Romanian food, including traditional recipes, quality ingredients, and a polished but welcoming atmosphere.
Affordable for most tourists. Meals, coffee, and local transport cost less than in many Western European capitals.
About 10% in restaurants if service is not included. Round up for taxis. Small tips are appreciated for hotel staff.
Official public transport app
Bucharest Filaret Bus Station -> Piața Unirii, Bucharest
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 Bukarest, Autogara Rahova 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.
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need