- Recommended
Regional Archaeological Museum Plovdiv
Major archaeological museum with Thracian, Greek and Roman finds, including notable artifacts from ancient Philippopolis.
Cheapest price
$32
Average price
$38
Fastest journey
5 h 20 m
Average duration
6 h 8 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 $38 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $32.
Of the 4 buses that leave Istanbul for Plovdiv on Sun, Jun 21, 4 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.
On Sun, Jun 21 the direct buses cover the 371 km distance in an average of 6 h 8 m but if you time it right, some buses will get you there in just 5 h 20 m .
On Sun, Jun 21 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.
6824740
0
FlixBus
FlixBus
6824740
0
FlixBus
FlixBusOmio recommends booking the bus as it is the most popular option from Istanbul to Plovdiv among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the bus with prices starting from $32. For those with little time consider booking a bus which can get you there in 6h 49m. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of $32, and a bus costs an average of $32.
Distance: 230 miles (371 km)
Most popular Bus | Driving |
|---|---|
$35 Average price Cheapest | $82 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
7h 19m Average total duration Fastest 6h 49m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 4h 15m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
![]() Most popular bus company | Your own car or car rental |
Direct Options | Direct Options |
Other travel options to Plovdiv take longer:
Bus takes on average 6h 49m.
Tickets start at around $35 (€28) compared to roughly $82 (€67) in fuel and tolls — a saving of about $47 (€39). The journey takes 6h 49m versus 4h 15m 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, ArdaTur, City Lines, Infobus, Citylines, Luks Yonca, Alpar Turizm.
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 11:00AM | Arrival Time 05:45PM | Duration 6h45 | Departure days Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri, Sun | Cheapest price $38 |
Operator ArdaTur | Departure Time 02:00PM | Arrival Time 07:40PM | Duration 5h40 | Departure days Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $34 |
Operator Infobus | Departure Time 08:00PM | Arrival Time 03:16AM | Duration 7h16 | Departure days Tue | Cheapest price $31 |
Operator Mybus Sofia | Departure Time 08:00PM | Arrival Time 03:16AM | Duration 7h16 | Departure days Mon, Wed, Thu | Cheapest price $31 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 11:00PM | Arrival Time 05:45AM | Duration 6h45 | Departure days Everyday | Cheapest price $38 |
Operator ArdaTur | Departure Time 11:30PM | Arrival Time 04:50AM | Duration 5h20 | Departure days Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $32 |
The table below shows live departures for Istanbul to Plovdiv 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 | 11:00 PM Istanbul, Buyuk Otogar (Esenler) | 6h45 | 5:45 AM Plovdiv, Avtogara Yug (Пловдив, Автогара Юг) | 0 transfersDirect | |
6997208 | 11:30 PM Istanbul, Buyuk Otogar (Esenler) | 5h20 | 4:50 AM Plovdiv (Пловдив) | 0 transfersDirect | |
| Sunday, June 21 | |||||
FlixBus | 11:00 AM Istanbul, Buyuk Otogar (Esenler) | 6h45 | 5:45 PM Plovdiv, Avtogara Yug (Пловдив, Автогара Юг) | 0 transfersDirect | |
0 | 2:00 PM Istanbul, Buyuk Otogar (Esenler) | 5h40 | 7:40 PM Plovdiv (Пловдив) | 0 transfersDirect | |
This is the last bus of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
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.
Buses from Istanbul to Plovdiv run on average 5 times per day, taking around 6h 49m. Cheap bus tickets for this journey start at $32 (€26) 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 5h 20m.
Distance 230 miles (371 km) |
Average bus duration 6h 49m |
Cheapest ticket price $32 (€26) |
Buses per day 5 |
Direct buses 5 |
Fastest bus 5h 20m |
First bus 12:30 AM |
Last bus 11:30 PM |
Cheapest Month Jul |
Cheapest Day Sat |
High Season Apr - Jun |
Low Season Oct - Dec |
Busiest Day Tue |
Least Busy Day Fri |
Best time to book 56 days |
Discover the best of Plovdiv — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Plovdiv trip today.
Major archaeological museum with Thracian, Greek and Roman finds, including notable artifacts from ancient Philippopolis.
Housed in the elegant Kuyumdzhioglu House, this museum presents Bulgarian folk culture, crafts and period interiors.
Beautiful 19th-century merchant house museum in the Old Town, known for richly decorated rooms and preserved frescoes.
The city’s most atmospheric district, filled with cobbled streets, National Revival houses and major archaeological landmarks.
Creative central quarter known for narrow streets, design shops, street art and a lively cultural scene popular with younger visitors.
Historic hilltop area with archaeological remains and one of the best sunset viewpoints in Plovdiv.
A classic Bulgarian salad of tomatoes, cucumbers, peppers, onions, and grated sirene cheese. It is one of the country’s most recognizable dishes and commonly eaten in Plovdiv.
A traditional Rhodope potato dish made with grated potatoes, onions, and spearmint, often pan-cooked until crisp. It is strongly associated with southern Bulgaria near Plovdiv.
A slow-cooked stew usually made with pork or chicken, onions, peppers, and tomatoes, often baked in an earthenware pot. It is a staple of Bulgarian tavern cooking.
An established fine-dining restaurant in the Old Town, set in a historic house and known for refined Bulgarian cuisine and an elegant atmosphere.
A popular central Plovdiv restaurant known for modern Bulgarian and Mediterranean dishes, quality wine, and a lively yet stylish atmosphere in Kapana.
A well-known hilltop restaurant with panoramic views over Plovdiv, serving Bulgarian classics, grilled dishes, and wines in a scenic setting.
Affordable for most visitors. Meals, coffee, and local transport cost less than in many EU city breaks.
About 10% in restaurants for good service. Round up taxis. Small tips for hotel staff are appreciated, but not required.
Official public transport app
Plovdiv, Avtogara Yug -> Plovdiv Center
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.

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