4.9
4.6The cheapest and fastest buses from Istanbul to Sofia Airport
Cheapest price
$38
Average price
$38
Fastest journey
7 h 50 m
Average duration
7 h 50 m
Buses per day
1
Distance
495 km
The best way to find a cheap bus ticket from Istanbul to Sofia Airport is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid traveling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Istanbul to Sofia Airport will cost around $38 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $38.
Of the 1 buses that leave Istanbul for Sofia Airport on Thu, May 21, 1 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.
On Thu, May 21 the direct buses cover the 495 km distance in an average of 7 h 50 m but if you time it right, some buses will get you there in just 7 h 50 m .
On Thu, May 21 the slowest buses will take 7 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.
692952111:30 PM7h50Istanbul, Buyuk Otogar (Esenler)7:20 AMSofia, Sofia International Airport (София, Летище София)$381One-way0 transfers
- 692952111:30 PM7h50Istanbul, Buyuk Otogar (Esenler)7:20 AMSofia, Sofia International Airport (София, Летище София)$381One-way0 transfers
Travel Information
Compare bus and flight for Istanbul to Sofia Airport
Omio recommends booking the bus as it is the most popular option from Istanbul to Sofia Airport among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the bus with prices starting from $38. For those with little time consider booking a flight which can get you there in 1h 21m. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of $38, and a flight costs an average of $50.
Distance: 307 miles (495 km)
Compare bus with
Most popular Bus | Flight | Driving |
|---|---|---|
$42 Average price Cheapest | $123 Average price | $107 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
9h 17m Average total duration 8h 47m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 4h 21m Average total duration Fastest 1h 21m Onboard + 3h 0m Additional time* | 5h 21m 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 Sofia Airport:
A bus is $81 (€66) less than a flight for this route with tickets for a flight from Istanbul to Sofia Airport costing on average $123 (€99).
Other travel options to Sofia Airport take longer:
Bus takes on average 8h 47m.
Tickets start at around $42 (€34) compared to roughly $107 (€86) in fuel and tolls — a saving of about $65 (€52). The journey takes 8h 47m versus 5h 21m 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 ArdaTur, FlixBus.
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.
Istanbul to Sofia Airport Bus Timetables
| Operator | Departure Time | Arrival Time | Duration | Departure days | Cheapest price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Operator ArdaTur | Departure Time 08:30PM | Arrival Time 05:20AM | Duration 8h50 | Departure days Fri, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $38 |
Operator ArdaTur | Departure Time 11:30PM | Arrival Time 07:20AM | Duration 7h50 | Departure days Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu | Cheapest price $38 |
Live departures
Istanbul to Sofia Airport bus times
The table below shows live departures for Istanbul to Sofia Airport buses for today, Wednesday, May 20. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated bus journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 6847711 | 11:30 PM Istanbul, Buyuk Otogar (Esenler) | 7h50 | 7:20 AM Sofia, Sofia International Airport (София, Летище София) | 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 Sofia Airport by bus or flight
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.
May 21
May 22
May 23
May 24
May 25
May 26
May 27
May 28
May 29
May 30
May 31
Jun 01
Jun 02
Jun 03
Why should you book Istanbul to Sofia Airport buses with Omio?
Why book with Omio vs ArdaTur?
- Compare with other providers: On Omio, you can not only buy tickets for ArdaTur, but also compare tickets for the likes of Infobus or FlixBus to find the best option for your trip from Istanbul to Sofia Airport.
- 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.
- Compare all your options: Omio allows you to compare ArdaTur with all available travel options, which are bus and flight to ensure you get the best deal for traveling from Istanbul to Sofia Airport.
Journey information
Overview: Bus from Istanbul to Sofia Airport
Turkey
Bulgaria
Buses from Istanbul to Sofia Airport run on average 1 times per day, taking around 8h 47m. Cheap bus tickets for this journey start at $38 (€31) if you book in advance.
There are 1 buses per day. The earliest bus runs at 20:30, the last at 20:30. The fastest bus covers the 307 miles (495 km) distance in 7h 50m.
Distance 307 miles (495 km) |
Average bus duration 8h 47m |
Cheapest ticket price $38 (€31) |
Buses per day 1 |
Direct buses 1 |
Fastest bus 7h 50m |
First bus 8:30 PM |
Last bus 8:30 PM |
Cheapest Month Aug |
Cheapest Day Wed |
High Season Apr - Jun |
Low Season Oct - Dec |
Busiest Day Sat |
Least Busy Day Mon |
Bus providers: ArdaTur, Infobus, FlixBus from Istanbul to Sofia AirportYou can travel by bus between Istanbul to Sofia Airport with ArdaTur, Infobus, FlixBus for as low as $38 (€31). When you search for schedules and tickets, Omio will show you the best journey
Infobus
FlixBus
ArdaTur
FAQs: Bus from Istanbul to Sofia Airport
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Istanbul to Sofia Airport 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 Sofia Airport, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.
- Infobus
- Assistance
- Priority seating
- Transport for wheelchairs and mobility aids.
- 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.
- Infobus
- You can cancel your ticket up to 24 hours before departure for a partial refund. Cancellations within 24 hours may incur a 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.
- Infobus
- One carry-on bag up to 5kg (40x20x25) and one checked bag up to 20kg (50x30x80).
- 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).
- Infobus
- 10€ per additional bag.
- 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.
- 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 Sofia Airport
WifiParkingDiningATMTaxisAccessibilityWCTicket Office
- 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
WifiParkingDiningATMTaxisAccessibilityWCTicket Office- 06:00-23:00
- Free Wi-Fi
- Cafeteria Alibeyköy (in the station)
- Kebab House (0.2 km)
- Simit Sarayı (0.5 km).
- Available outside the main entrance.
- Elevators, ramps
- Available in the station.
- Bus: 36CE, 49T, 49Z Metro: M7
Most popular bus connections from Istanbul
More options for your journey from Istanbul to Sofia Airport
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need
Most popular buses to and from Sofia Airport and Istanbul
Most popular bus connections to Sofia Airport
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