- Must visit
Museum of Fine Arts
Hungary’s top fine arts museum, with major European works from antiquity to the 20th century. Ideal for classic painting, sculpture, and old masters.
Cheapest price on Sep 19
€90
Average ticket price on Sep 19
€94
Fastest journey on Sep 19
1 d 4 h 30 m
Average journey duration on Sep 19
1 d 4 h 57 m
Buses on Sep 19
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 €94 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only €90.
It's difficult to get from Istanbul to Budapest without transferring at least once.
FlixBus · FlixBus
FlixBus · FlixBus
FlixBus · FlixBus
FlixBus · FlixBus
FlixBus · FlixBus
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 an average ticket price of €80 For those with little time, consider booking a flight, which has an average total journey time of 6h 32m. Average ticket prices depend on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of €80, while a flight costs an average of €484.
Distance: 663 miles (1067 km)
| Bus | Most popular Flight | Driving |
|---|---|---|
€80 Average price Cheapest | €484 Average price | €257 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
24h 50m Average total duration 24h 20m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 6h 32m Average total duration Fastest 4h 32m Onboard + 2h 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 €404 less than a flight for this route with tickets for a flight from Istanbul to Budapest costing on average €484.
Other travel options to Budapest take longer:
Bus takes on average 24h 20m.
Tickets start at around €80 compared to roughly €257 in fuel and tolls — a saving of about €177. The journey takes 24h 20m versus 12h 57m 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.
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 10:00PM | Arrival Time 02:20AM | Duration 29h20 | Departure days Everyday | Cheapest price €76 |
The table below shows live departures for Istanbul to Budapest buses for tomorrow, Saturday, September 19. 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) | 29h00 | 2:00 AM Budapest, Népliget Autóbusz-Pályaudvar | 1 transfer | |
FlixBus · FlixBus | 10:00 PM Istanbul, Buyuk Otogar (Esenler) | 28h30 | 1:30 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 2 times per day, taking around 24h 20m. Cheap bus tickets for this journey start at €51 but you can travel from only €31 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 20h 25m.
Distance 663 miles (1067 km) |
Average bus duration 24h 20m |
Cheapest ticket price €51 |
Buses per day 2 |
Fastest bus 20h 25m |
First bus 11:00 AM |
Last bus 10:00 PM |
Cheapest Month Oct |
Cheapest Day Sat |
High Season Jul - Sep |
Low Season Oct - Dec |
Busiest Day Sun |
Least Busy Day Wed |
Best time to book 56 days |
Discover the best of Budapest — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Budapest trip today.
Hungary’s top fine arts museum, with major European works from antiquity to the 20th century. Ideal for classic painting, sculpture, and old masters.
Leading contemporary art museum with strong Hungarian and international shows. Worth visiting for bold exhibitions in a landmark modern building.
National museum covering Hungarian history, archaeology, and statehood. A classic stop for understanding the country beyond Budapest’s landmarks.
UNESCO-listed castle quarter of cobbled streets, courtyards, and viewpoints. Best for atmosphere, heritage walks, and some of Budapest’s finest vistas.
Elegant Andrássy Avenue links the center with Heroes’ Square through palaces and shops. A grand boulevard ideal for walking and historic city views.
Large central park with boating lake, baths, museums, and promenades. A versatile area for families, relaxed walks, and major city attractions.
A rich paprika beef soup with potatoes and vegetables. It is Hungary’s signature comfort dish and a staple in homes and traditional inns.
Slow-cooked beef stew with lots of onion and paprika, usually served with nokedli. A classic example of deep Hungarian paprika flavor.
River fish soup, often carp-based, cooked with hot paprika. It is especially traditional along the Danube and at festive family meals.
Refined Hungarian dining in a historic building, with updated national classics and strong wine service in a formal atmosphere.
Michelin-starred fine dining with a modern tasting menu rooted in Hungarian ingredients. Stylish, intimate, and one of Budapest’s top tables.
Traditional Hungarian restaurant known for goulash, pörkölt, and live music. Warm, old-style atmosphere near the city center.
Moderate for Europe: stays and dining are cheaper than in Western capitals, while central hotels and tourist areas cost more. Transit is good value.
About 10% is common in restaurants if no service charge is added. Round up for taxis and leave small change or round up at cafes.
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.

Most Istanbul to Budapest buses use the Istanbul, Büyük Otogari (Esenler) to Budapest, Népliget Autóbusz-Pályaudvar station pair, with some services arriving at Budapest, Liszt Ferenc Nemzetközi Repülőtér. Use this guide to compare Istanbul and Budapest 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.
Budapest, Népliget Autóbusz-Pályaudvar is 5 km from Budapest city centre. Public transport options include:
Budapest, Népliget Autóbusz-Pályaudvar has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, and Ticket Office.
Food options include: Cafeteria Népliget (in the station), Gulyás Tér (0.5 km), Pesti Burger (0.7 km).
Free Wi-Fi. ATMs are located near the entrance.
Ticket office support is available at Budapest, Népliget Autóbusz-Pályaudvar.
Available at Budapest, Népliget Autóbusz-Pályaudvar: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Accessibility facilities are available at Budapest, Népliget Autóbusz-Pályaudvar: Elevators, ramps.
Budapest, Keleti Vasútállomás (Thokoly út) is 3 km from Budapest city centre. Public transport options include:
Budapest, Keleti Vasútállomás (Thokoly út) has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Shower, and Ticket Office.
Food options include: Several fast food and sit-down options.
Free Wi-Fi available within the station. ATMs are located near the main entrance.
Ticket office support is available at Budapest, Keleti Vasútállomás (Thokoly út).
Available at Budapest, Keleti Vasútállomás (Thokoly út): Parking, Taxis, WC.
Accessibility facilities are available at Budapest, Keleti Vasútállomás (Thokoly út): Wheelchair accessible; elevators available.
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need