- Must visit
Museum of Fine Arts, Budapest
A major fine arts museum on Heroes’ Square with strong collections of Old Masters, Egyptian antiquities, and European art. It is a leading choice for art lovers visiting Budapest.
Cheapest price
$111
Average price
$119
Fastest journey
1 d 3 h 20 m
Average duration
1 d 4 h 8 m
Buses per day
3
Distance
1067 km
The best way to find a cheap bus ticket from Istanbul to Budapest is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid traveling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Istanbul to Budapest will cost around $119 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $111.
It's difficult to get from Istanbul to Budapest without transferring at least once.
FlixBus · FlixBus
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FlixBus · FlixBusOmio recommends booking the flight as it is the most popular option from Istanbul to Budapest among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the bus with prices starting from $76. For those with little time consider booking a flight which can get you there in 2h 43m. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of $76, and a flight costs an average of $47.
Distance: 663 miles (1067 km)
| Bus | Most popular Flight | Driving |
|---|---|---|
$94 Average price Cheapest | $182 Average price | $310 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
23h 40m Average total duration 23h 10m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 5h 43m Average total duration Fastest 2h 43m Onboard + 3h 0m Additional time* | 12h 57m 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 Istanbul to Budapest:
A bus is $88 (€72) less than a flight for this route with tickets for a flight from Istanbul to Budapest costing on average $182 (€149).
Other travel options to Budapest take longer:
Bus takes on average 23h 10m.
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 11:00AM | Arrival Time 11:16AM | Duration 25h16 | Departure days Wed, Fri | Cheapest price $71 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 10:00PM | Arrival Time 02:20AM | Duration 29h20 | Departure days Everyday | Cheapest price $90 |
The table below shows live departures for Istanbul to Budapest buses for today, Saturday, June 20. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated bus journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
FlixBus · FlixBus | 10:00 PM Istanbul, Buyuk Otogar (Esenler) | 29h20 | 2:20 AM Budapest, Keleti Vasútállomás (Kerepesi út) | 1 transfer | |
FlixBus · FlixBus | 10:00 PM Istanbul, Buyuk Otogar (Esenler) | 27h45 | 12:45 AM Budapest, Népliget Autóbusz-Pályaudvar | 1 transfer | |
FlixBus · FlixBus | 10:00 PM Istanbul, Buyuk Otogar (Esenler) | 27h20 | 12:20 AM Budapest, Liszt Ferenc Nemzetközi Repülőtér | 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 Budapest run on average 1 times per day, taking around 23h 10m. Cheap bus tickets for this journey start at $76 (€62) but you can travel from only $47 (€38) 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 16m.
Distance 663 miles (1067 km) |
Average bus duration 23h 10m |
Cheapest ticket price $76 (€62) |
Buses per day 1 |
Fastest bus 25h 16m |
First bus 11:00 AM |
Last bus 10:00 PM |
Cheapest Month Oct |
Cheapest Day Thu |
High Season Jul - Sep |
Low Season Oct - Dec |
Busiest Day Sun |
Least Busy Day Fri |
Discover the best of Budapest — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Budapest trip today.
A major fine arts museum on Heroes’ Square with strong collections of Old Masters, Egyptian antiquities, and European art. It is a leading choice for art lovers visiting Budapest.
Located inside Buda Castle, this museum focuses on Hungarian art from medieval works to modern painting. The setting and hilltop views add to the visit.
This museum documents the fascist and communist dictatorships in Hungary in a powerful former secret police building. It is among Budapest’s most discussed modern-history museums.
The historic hilltop quarter around Buda Castle is ideal for walking among old streets, viewpoints, churches, and major monuments. It is one of Budapest’s essential areas to explore.
A monumental square at the end of Andrássy Avenue, framed by the Museum of Fine Arts and the Hall of Art. It is one of the city’s most photographed public spaces.
The exterior courtyards and yellow neo-Baroque setting in City Park are a Budapest icon, and the bath is highly popular with visitors. Advance booking is often useful during busy periods.
A rich Hungarian goulash soup with beef, paprika, potatoes, and vegetables. It is one of the country’s most iconic comfort dishes.
A spicy river fish soup made with paprika, carp or mixed freshwater fish. It is especially associated with Hungary’s river regions and widely enjoyed in Budapest.
Tender chicken cooked in a paprika sauce, usually finished with sour cream and often served with nokedli. It is a classic Hungarian home-style meal.
A long-established family-run restaurant known for traditional Hungarian and Jewish-Hungarian dishes in a warm, classic setting.
A Michelin-starred Budapest restaurant offering refined modern Hungarian cuisine with excellent service and an elegant fine-dining atmosphere.
A popular central Budapest restaurant specializing in goulash, stews, and hearty Hungarian comfort food in a lively casual atmosphere.
Affordable for most tourists versus Western Europe. Public transport and casual dining are cheap; hotels in peak season cost more.
Service may be included. If not, tip about 10% in restaurants for good service. Round up in taxis. Small tips are appreciated in bars, cafés, and by hotel staff.
Official public transport app
Budapest, Népliget Autóbusz-Pályaudvar -> Deák Ferenc Tér, Budapest
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Istanbul to Budapest 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 Budapest, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.

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