- Must visit
Bandırma Gemi Müzesi ve Milli Mücadele Açık Hava Müzesi
Museum ship displaying the Bandırma ferry replica and exhibits on the start of the national struggle. A core stop for understanding Samsun’s modern history.
The best way to find a cheap bus ticket from Istanbul to Samsun is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid traveling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Istanbul to Samsun will cost around €27 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only €23.
On Wed, Nov 04, we found 4 buses from Istanbul to Samsun, including 4 direct services.
On Wed, Nov 04 the direct buses cover the 619 km distance in an average of 11 h 53 m but if you time it right, some buses will get you there in just 10 h 30 m .
On Wed, Nov 04 the slowest buses will take 12 h 50 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.

|
| ||||||||||||

|
| ||||||||||||

|
| ||||||||||||

|
| ||||||||||||

|
| ||||||||||||

|
| ||||||||||||

|
| ||||||||||||

|
| ||||||||||||
Buses from Istanbul to Samsun run on average 13 times per day, taking around 11h 47m. Cheap bus tickets for this journey start at €24 if you book in advance.
There are 13 buses per day. The earliest bus runs at 00:30, the last at 23:50. The fastest bus covers the 384 miles (619 km) distance in 10h 10m.
Plan this route
Use these quick route answers to check fares, travel time, departure options, and direct services before booking from Istanbul to Samsun.
| Operator | Departure Time | Arrival Time | Duration | Departure days | Cheapest price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 05:30AM | Arrival Time 06:20PM | Duration 12h50 | Departure days Mon, Wed, Fri, Sat | Cheapest price €22 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 08:30AM | Arrival Time 09:20PM | Duration 12h50 | Departure days Tue, Thu | Cheapest price €26 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 08:50AM | Arrival Time 09:20PM | Duration 12h30 | Departure days Tue, Thu | Cheapest price €26 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 10:20AM | Arrival Time 10:30PM | Duration 12h10 | Departure days Fri | Cheapest price €27 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 11:01AM | Arrival Time 11:05PM | Duration 12h04 | Departure days Tue, Thu | Cheapest price €26 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 11:21AM | Arrival Time 11:05PM | Duration 11h44 | Departure days Tue, Thu | Cheapest price €26 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 04:00PM | Arrival Time 04:30AM | Duration 12h30 | Departure days Mon, Wed, Fri, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price €23 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 05:00PM | Arrival Time 05:00AM | Duration 12h00 | Departure days Tue, Thu | Cheapest price €26 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 05:20PM | Arrival Time 05:00AM | Duration 11h40 | Departure days Everyday | Cheapest price €23 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 06:00PM | Arrival Time 05:25AM | Duration 11h25 | Departure days Tue, Thu, Sun | Cheapest price €26 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 06:20PM | Arrival Time 05:25AM | Duration 11h05 | Departure days Tue, Thu | Cheapest price €26 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 07:30PM | Arrival Time 06:00AM | Duration 10h30 | Departure days Wed | Cheapest price €31 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 07:50PM | Arrival Time 06:00AM | Duration 10h10 | Departure days Fri, Sat | Cheapest price €31 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 09:00PM | Arrival Time 08:35AM | Duration 11h35 | Departure days Tue, Thu | Cheapest price €26 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 09:20PM | Arrival Time 08:35AM | Duration 11h15 | Departure days Tue, Thu | Cheapest price €26 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 10:00PM | Arrival Time 09:30AM | Duration 11h30 | Departure days Tue, Thu | Cheapest price €26 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 10:20PM | Arrival Time 09:30AM | Duration 11h10 | Departure days Tue, Thu | Cheapest price €26 |
The table below shows live departures for Istanbul to Samsun buses for today, Tuesday, November 3. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated bus journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
FlixBus | 8:30 AM Istanbul, Buyuk Otogar (Esenler) | 12h50 | 9:20 PM Samsun, Şehirlerarası Otobüs Terminali | 0 transfersDirect | |
FlixBus | 8:50 AM İstanbul, Alibeyköy Cep Otogarı | 12h30 | 9:20 PM Samsun, Şehirlerarası Otobüs Terminali | 0 transfersDirect | |
FlixBus | 11:01 AM Istanbul, Buyuk Otogar (Esenler) | 12h04 | 11:05 PM Samsun, Şehirlerarası Otobüs Terminali | 0 transfersDirect | |
FlixBus | 11:21 AM İstanbul, Alibeyköy Cep Otogarı | 11h44 | 11:05 PM Samsun, Şehirlerarası Otobüs Terminali | 0 transfersDirect | |
FlixBus | 5:00 PM Istanbul, Buyuk Otogar (Esenler) | 12h00 | 5:00 AM Samsun, Şehirlerarası Otobüs Terminali | 0 transfersDirect | |
FlixBus | 5:20 PM İstanbul, Alibeyköy Cep Otogarı | 11h40 | 5:00 AM Samsun, Şehirlerarası Otobüs Terminali | 0 transfersDirect | |
FlixBus | 6:00 PM Istanbul, Buyuk Otogar (Esenler) | 11h25 | 5:25 AM Samsun, Şehirlerarası Otobüs Terminali | 0 transfersDirect | |
FlixBus | 6:20 PM İstanbul, Alibeyköy Cep Otogarı | 11h05 | 5:25 AM Samsun, Şehirlerarası Otobüs Terminali | 0 transfersDirect | |
FlixBus | 9:00 PM Istanbul, Buyuk Otogar (Esenler) | 11h35 | 8:35 AM Samsun, Şehirlerarası Otobüs Terminali | 0 transfersDirect | |
FlixBus | 9:20 PM İstanbul, Alibeyköy Cep Otogarı | 11h15 | 8:35 AM Samsun, Şehirlerarası Otobüs Terminali | 0 transfersDirect | |
FlixBus | 10:00 PM Istanbul, Buyuk Otogar (Esenler) | 11h30 | 9:30 AM Samsun, Şehirlerarası Otobüs Terminali | 0 transfersDirect | |
FlixBus | 10:20 PM İstanbul, Alibeyköy Cep Otogarı | 11h10 | 9:30 AM Samsun, Şehirlerarası Otobüs Terminali | 0 transfersDirect | |
This is the last bus of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Buses from Istanbul to Samsun with FlixBus. Overnight buses available on this route with FlixBus. Use the details below to compare onboard facilities.
Review the details behind your booking, from operators and ticket rules to luggage, onboard amenities, accessibility, and route-specific travel policies.
Discover the best of Samsun — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Samsun trip today.
Museum ship displaying the Bandırma ferry replica and exhibits on the start of the national struggle. A core stop for understanding Samsun’s modern history.
Major archaeology and ethnography museum with finds from the Black Sea region, including ancient artifacts and local cultural objects.
Museum focused on Mustafa Kemal Atatürk’s arrival in Samsun and the early independence period, with documents, photos, and period displays.
Long seafront promenade popular for walking, cycling, and sunset views over the Black Sea. It is a practical and scenic way to experience the city.
Hilltop recreation area with broad city and sea views, green spaces, and access to the Amisos tomb area. Popular with both visitors and locals.
Central city square tied to the start of modern Turkish history, with monuments, shops, and access to key museums and public spaces.
Bafra pidesi is Samsun’s famous long, thin baked pide, traditionally filled with minced meat or cheese and cooked in a wood oven for a crisp texture.
Terme pidesi is a softer, closed pide from Terme, usually filled with cheese or minced meat. It is a classic Black Sea bakery specialty in Samsun Province.
Nokul is a traditional Black Sea pastry made as rolled dough with fillings such as raisins, walnuts, or tahini, commonly served for guests and tea.
Popular breakfast stop near Çakallı, known for local menemen and roadside Black Sea breakfast plates in a casual setting.
Well-known pide salonu in Bafra style, popular for crisp wood-fired pides in a simple, busy local setting.
Established restaurant specializing in Samsun and Black Sea cooking, especially pide and regional meat dishes, with a comfortable family atmosphere.
More affordable than Istanbul or Antalya. Hotels, meals, and local transit are usually cheaper, making Samsun good value for most travelers.
Service may be included, but 5-10% is common in restaurants. Round up in cafes and for taxis, or add a small tip for helpful service.
Official public transport app
Samsun Çarşamba Havalimanı -> Cumhuriyet Meydanı, Samsun
Get destination-focused answers for the end of your trip, including what to do, when to go, practical entry details, and tips for making the most of your time in Samsun.
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Istanbul to Samsun 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 Samsun, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.

Most Istanbul to Samsun buses use the Istanbul, Büyük Otogari (Esenler) to Samsun, Şehirlerarası Otobüs Terminali station pair. Use this guide to compare Istanbul and Samsun 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.
İstanbul, Alibeyköy Cep Otogarı is 8 km from Istanbul city centre. Public transport options include:
İstanbul, Alibeyköy Cep Otogarı has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, and Ticket Office.
Food options include: Cafeteria Alibeyköy (in the station), Kebab House (0.2 km), Simit Sarayı (0.5 km).
Free Wi-Fi. ATMs are located near the main entrance and in the waiting area.
Ticket office support is available at İstanbul, Alibeyköy Cep Otogarı.
Available at İstanbul, Alibeyköy Cep Otogarı: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Accessibility facilities are available at İstanbul, Alibeyköy Cep Otogarı: Elevators, ramps.
Samsun, Şehirlerarası Otobüs Terminali is 3 km from Samsun city centre. Public transport options include:
Samsun, Şehirlerarası Otobüs Terminali has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Shower, and Ticket Office.
Food options include: Several eateries available within the premises.
Wi-Fi is available at Samsun, Şehirlerarası Otobüs Terminali. ATMs are available at Samsun, Şehirlerarası Otobüs Terminali.
Ticket office support is available at Samsun, Şehirlerarası Otobüs Terminali.
Available at Samsun, Şehirlerarası Otobüs Terminali: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Accessibility facilities are available at Samsun, Şehirlerarası Otobüs Terminali: Accessible facilities for disabled individuals available.
Check bus stations information for Istanbul and Samsun, including where buses depart and arrive on this route.