The cheapest and fastest buses from Istanbul to Plovdiv
Cheapest price
$42
Average price
$45
Fastest journey
6 h 20 m
Average duration
6 h 38 m
Buses per day
4
Distance
371 km
The best way to find a cheap bus ticket from Istanbul to Plovdiv is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid traveling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Istanbul to Plovdiv will cost around $45 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $42.
Of the 4 buses that leave Istanbul for Plovdiv on Sun, Mar 22, 4 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.
On Sun, Mar 22 the direct buses cover the 371 km distance in an average of 6 h 38 m but if you time it right, some buses will get you there in just 6 h 20 m .
On Sun, Mar 22 the slowest buses will take 6 h 45 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.
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FlixBus
FlixBus
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FlixBus
FlixBusIstanbul to Plovdiv Bus Timetables
| Operator | Departure Time | Arrival Time | Duration | Departure days | Cheapest price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 11:00AM | Arrival Time 04:45PM | Duration 6h45 | Departure days Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $38 |
Operator ArdaTur | Departure Time 02:30PM | Arrival Time 08:10PM | Duration 6h40 | Departure days Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $38 |
Operator Infobus | Departure Time 08:00PM | Arrival Time 03:16AM | Duration 8h16 | Departure days Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri | Cheapest price $36 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 11:00PM | Arrival Time 04:45AM | Duration 6h45 | Departure days Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $38 |
Operator ArdaTur | Departure Time 11:30PM | Arrival Time 04:50AM | Duration 6h20 | Departure days Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $36 |
Live departures
Istanbul to Plovdiv bus times
The table below shows live departures for Istanbul to Plovdiv buses for today, Saturday, March 21. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated bus journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
FlixBus | 8:00 AM Istanbul, Buyuk Otogar (Esenler) | 6h45 | 2:45 PM Plovdiv, Avtogara Yug (Пловдив, Автогара Юг) | 0 transfersDirect | |
0 | 11:30 AM Istanbul, Buyuk Otogar (Esenler) | 6h40 | 6:10 PM Plovdiv (Пловдив) | 0 transfersDirect | |
FlixBus | 8:00 PM Istanbul, Buyuk Otogar (Esenler) | 6h45 | 2:45 AM Plovdiv, Avtogara Yug (Пловдив, Автогара Юг) | 0 transfersDirect | |
0 | 8:30 PM Istanbul, Buyuk Otogar (Esenler) | 6h20 | 2:50 AM Plovdiv (Пловдив) | 0 transfersDirect | |
This is the last bus of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare prices and tickets Istanbul to Plovdiv by bus
Compare bus 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.
Mar 21
Mar 22
Mar 23
Mar 24
Mar 25
Mar 26
Mar 27
Mar 28
Mar 29
Mar 30
Mar 31
Apr 01
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Apr 09
Apr 10
Why should you book Istanbul to Plovdiv buses with Omio?
Why book with Omio vs City Lines?
- Compare with other providers: On Omio, you can not only buy tickets for City Lines, but also compare tickets for the likes of ArdaTur, FlixBus, Infobus or Citylines to find the best option for your trip from Istanbul to Plovdiv.
- 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.
Why book with Omio over Busbud or Checkmybus?
- Official reseller: City Lines tickets can only be bought on Omio or City Lines's website as Omio is the only official third party seller for City Lines tickets. Busbud or Checkmybus do not sell City Lines tickets as they are not official sellers.
Journey information
Overview: Bus from Istanbul to Plovdiv
Buses from Istanbul to Plovdiv run on average 5 times per day, taking around 6h 53m. Cheap bus tickets for this journey start at $28 (€23) if you book in advance.
There are 5 buses per day. The earliest bus runs at 00:30, the last at 23:30. The fastest bus covers the 230 miles (371 km) distance in 6h 20m.
Distance 230 miles (371 km) |
Average bus duration 6h 53m |
Cheapest ticket price $28 (€23) |
Buses per day 5 |
Direct buses 5 |
Fastest bus 6h 20m |
First bus 00:30 |
Last bus 23:30 |
Bus providers: City Lines, ArdaTur, FlixBus, Infobus, Citylines, Alpar Turizm, Kamil Koc from Istanbul to PlovdivYou can travel by bus between Istanbul to Plovdiv with City Lines, ArdaTur, FlixBus, Infobus, Citylines, Alpar Turizm, Kamil Koc for as low as $28 (€23). When you search for schedules and tickets, Omio will show you the best journey
City Lines
FlixBus
Infobus
ArdaTur
Citylines
Alpar Turizm
Kamil Koc
FAQs: Bus from Istanbul to Plovdiv
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Istanbul to Plovdiv 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 Plovdiv, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.

- City Lines
- Assistance
- Priority seating
- Accessible restrooms.
- ArdaTur
- Passengers with disabilities receive discounts and priority seating, and folding wheelchairs are transported free of charge with advance registration.
- FlixBus
- Assistance
- Priority boarding
- Wheelchair-accessible buses.
- Ancient Theatre of Philippopolis, a well-preserved Roman theater still used for performances and events
- Old Town Plovdiv, a historic area with cobblestone streets and traditional Bulgarian architecture
- Kapana Creative District, a vibrant neighborhood known for its art galleries, cafes, and cultural events
- Plovdiv Roman Stadium, the remains of a large Roman stadium partially visible in the city center
- Alyosha Monument, a Soviet-era statue offering panoramic views of the city from a hilltop location.
- Regional Ethnographic Museum, a museum showcasing Bulgarian cultural heritage and traditional crafts
- Visit the Plovdiv City Garden, a relaxing green space perfect for a leisurely stroll
- Explore the Plovdiv Regional Historical Museum, which offers insights into the city's rich past
- Enjoy a wine tasting tour in the Thracian Valley, known for its excellent local wines
- Attend a cultural event or festival, such as the Plovdiv Jazz Fest or the International Folklore Festival.
- 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.
- ArdaTur
- 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.
- 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.
- City Lines
- One carry-on bag up to 8kg (55x35x25) and one checked bag up to 25kg (70x50x30).
- ArdaTur
- One piece of hand luggage up to 15 kg and two pieces of checked luggage up to 35 kg each are included.
- FlixBus
- One carry-on bag up to 7kg (42x30x18 cm) and one checked bag up to 20kg (80x50x30 cm).
- City Lines
- 10€ per additional bag up to 25 kg.
- ArdaTur
- Additional baggage or cargo is accepted for transport if there is free space and for a separate charge.
- FlixBus
- Additional luggage can be purchased for a fee.
- 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.
popular bus stations
Popular bus stations from Istanbul to Plovdiv
- 06:00-23:00
- Free Wi-Fi
- Cafeteria Terminal (in the station)
- Kebab Express (0.2 km)
- Simit Sarayı (0.3 km).
- Available outside the main entrance.
- Elevators, ramps
- Available in the station.
- Metro: M1A Bus: 83O, 91E, 97G
Most popular bus connections from Istanbul
More options for your journey from Istanbul to Plovdiv
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