Istanbul to Sofia bus with ArdaTur

Thu, Oct 08
+ Add return
City Lines
Infobus
FlixBus
ArdaTur
Mybus Sofia
2,000+ travel companies
City Lines
Infobus
FlixBus
ArdaTur
Mybus Sofia
2,000+ travel companies
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The cheapest and fastest buses from Istanbul to Sofia

Showing times, prices and bookable tickets for Oct 08

Cheapest price on Oct 08

$34

Average ticket price on Oct 08

$40

Fastest journey on Oct 08

8 h

Average journey duration on Oct 08

8 h 32 m

Buses on Oct 08

5

Distance

502 km

Cheap tickets

The best way to find a cheap bus ticket from Istanbul to Sofia 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 will cost around $40 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $34.

Fast buses

On Thu, Oct 08, we found 5 buses from Istanbul to Sofia, including 5 direct services.

On Thu, Oct 08 the direct buses cover the 502 km distance in an average of 8 h 32 m but if you time it right, some buses will get you there in just 8 h .

On Thu, Oct 08 the slowest buses will take 9 h 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.

  • ArdaTur7396341
    9:00 PM9h00
    Istanbul
    6:00 AMSofia
    $341One-way
    0 transfers
  • ArdaTur0
    11:30 PM8h10
    Istanbul
    7:40 AMSofia
    $371One-way
    0 transfers
  • ArdaTur0
    2:00 PM8h00
    Istanbul
    10:00 PMSofia
    $381One-way
    0 transfers
  • FlixBusFlixBus
    11:00 PM9h00
    Istanbul, Buyuk Otogar (Esenler)
    8:00 AMСофия, Централна Aвтогара 2 (Sofia, Centralna Avtogara 2)
    $461One-way
    0 transfers
  • FlixBusFlixBus
    11:00 AM8h30
    Istanbul, Buyuk Otogar (Esenler)
    7:30 PMСофия, Централна Aвтогара 2 (Sofia, Centralna Avtogara 2)
    $461One-way
    0 transfers

Journey information

Overview: Bus from Istanbul to Sofia

TurkeyTurkey
BulgariaBulgaria
Icon of bus

Buses from Istanbul to Sofia run on average 5 times per day, taking around 8h 51m. Cheap bus tickets for this journey start at $24 (€20) if you book in advance.

There are 5 buses per day. The earliest bus runs at 00:20, the last at 23:30. The fastest bus covers the 311 miles (502 km) distance in 7h 35m.

Fares are the lowest economy prices found on Omio. Early booking often means lower prices. Prices change daily and are subject to availability. Discount cards, coach trips, and booking fees are not included.
Price information
Distance
311 miles (502 km)
Average bus duration
8h 51m
Cheapest ticket price
$24 (€20)
Buses per day
5
Direct buses
5
Fastest bus
7h 35m
First bus
12:20 AM
Last bus
11:30 PM
Cheapest Month
May
Cheapest Day
Mon
High Season
Jul - Sep
Low Season
Oct - Dec
Busiest Day
Mon
Least Busy Day
Sun
Best time to book
91 days
Fares are the lowest economy prices found on Omio. Early booking often means lower prices. Prices change daily and are subject to availability. Discount cards, coach trips, and booking fees are not included.
Price information

Istanbul to Sofia Bus Timetables

OperatorDeparture TimeArrival TimeDurationDeparture daysCheapest price
Operator
FlixBus
Departure Time
11:00AM
Arrival Time
07:30PM
Duration
8h30
Departure days
Everyday
Cheapest price
$46
Operator
ArdaTur
Departure Time
02:00PM
Arrival Time
10:00PM
Duration
8h00
Departure days
Mon, Tue, Thu, Fri, Sat, Sun
Cheapest price
$38
Operator
ArdaTur
Departure Time
09:00PM
Arrival Time
06:00AM
Duration
9h00
Departure days
Mon, Tue, Thu, Fri, Sat, Sun
Cheapest price
$34
Operator
FlixBus
Departure Time
11:00PM
Arrival Time
08:00AM
Duration
9h00
Departure days
Everyday
Cheapest price
$46
Operator
ArdaTur
Departure Time
11:30PM
Arrival Time
07:40AM
Duration
8h10
Departure days
Mon, Tue, Thu, Fri, Sat, Sun
Cheapest price
$37

Live departures

Istanbul to Sofia bus times

The table below shows live departures for Istanbul to Sofia buses for today, Wednesday, October 7. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated bus journeys.

Last updated at
ProviderDepartsDurationArrivesTransfers
Tickets
FlixBusFlixBus11:00 AM Istanbul, Buyuk Otogar (Esenler)
8h30
7:30 PM София, Централна Aвтогара 2 (Sofia, Centralna Avtogara 2)0 transfersDirect
FlixBusFlixBus11:00 PM Istanbul, Buyuk Otogar (Esenler)
9h00
8:00 AM София, Централна Aвтогара 2 (Sofia, Centralna Avtogara 2)0 transfersDirect

This is the last bus of the day.

Find all the dates and times for this journey

Why should you book Istanbul to Sofia buses with Omio?

City Lines as well as Infobus, FlixBus, ArdaTur, Mybus Sofia and more offer buses services from Istanbul to Sofia.
Omio is the only official third party seller for City Lines tickets.

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 Infobus, FlixBus, ArdaTur or Mybus Sofia to find the best option for your trip from Istanbul to Sofia.
  • 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 City Lines with all available travel options, which are bus and flight to ensure you get the best deal for traveling from Istanbul to Sofia.

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.
  • Multiple modes of transport: Omio allows you to compare travel options including bus and flight to find the ideal travel option from Istanbul to Sofia.

Bus providers: ArdaTur, FlixBus, Infobus, Mybus Sofia, City Lines from Istanbul to SofiaYou can travel by bus between Istanbul to Sofia with ArdaTur, FlixBus, Infobus, Mybus Sofia, City Lines for as low as $24 (€20). When you search for schedules and tickets, Omio will show you the best journey

FlixBus

About
FlixBus is one of Europe’s leading low-cost bus companies, founded in Germany and now offering long-distance services across Europe and the United States. In addition to its extensive daytime network, FlixBus also operates overnight buses on select European routes. Standard amenities include free Wi-Fi, power outlets to charge devices, extra legroom, luggage space, and onboard toilets, with snacks and drinks available for purchase. FlixBus offers a single Standard ticket type for all routes, which includes one carry-on bag and one checked bag per passenger. Additional fees apply for extra luggage and for reserving specific seats, such as Extra Seats, Table Seats, or Panorama Seats. This combination of affordability, comfort, and wide coverage makes FlixBus a popular choice for budget-conscious travelers.
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average FlixBus Duration
8h 30m
Cheapest FlixBus Price
$41 (€34)
FlixBus frequency
2 a day
Luggage included
One carry-on bag up to 7kg (42x30x18 cm) and one checked bag up to 20kg (80x50x30 cm).
Additional luggage
Additional luggage can be purchased for a fee.
Cancellation Policy
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.
Amenities on board the bus
Wifi
Food sold onboard
Seat reservation
Toilets
USB plugs
Accessibility
Assistance; Priority boarding; Wheelchair-accessible buses.
Bikes
Bikes are allowed for a fee; must be booked.
Pets
Small pets in carriers allowed; guide dogs travel for free.

Infobus

About
Infobus is an international IT company that operates as an online service for finding and purchasing bus, train, and plane tickets, rather than being a bus company itself. Established in 2002, Infobus acts as an intermediary between passengers and various transport carriers, particularly helping smaller bus companies offer online booking services. They utilize their own "BusSystem" to manage routes and ticket sales globally. Infobus covers over 30 countries and 300 cities, offering a wide range of routes and daily departures. While amenities can vary by carrier, Infobus aims to provide affordable and convenient travel with features like online booking, 24/7 support, and prompt notifications.
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Infobus Duration
9h 31m
Cheapest Infobus Price
$36 (€30)
Infobus frequency
1 a day
Luggage included
One carry-on bag up to 5kg (40x20x25) and one checked bag up to 20kg (50x30x80).
Additional luggage
10€ per additional bag.
Cancellation Policy
You can cancel your ticket up to 24 hours before departure for a partial refund. Cancellations within 24 hours may incur a fee.
Amenities on board the bus
Wifi
Food sold onboard
Seat reservation
Toilets
USB plugs
Accessibility
Assistance; Priority seating; Transport for wheelchairs and mobility aids.
Bikes
Bikes are allowed; may require prior reservation and an additional fee.
Pets
Small pets allowed in carriers; larger pets may require a separate ticket.

City Lines

About
"City Lines" can refer to several different bus companies. One prominent example is Citylines, a leading Bulgarian bus company headquartered in Sofia. It operates an extensive network of 44 routes, connecting 22 cities across Bulgaria and serving 9 European nations with an average of 19 trips daily. Citylines coaches offer amenities such as air conditioning, onboard restrooms, and Wi-Fi connectivity. Another is Rochester City Lines, a family-owned and operated charter bus company in Minnesota, United States, providing services for college, corporate, event, religious, school, and workforce transportation. They offer a fleet including motorcoaches, minibuses, and executive vans. Historically, National City Lines, Inc. (NCL) was a significant public transportation holding company in the United States, founded in 1920. NCL acquired numerous local transit systems, often converting streetcar lines to bus operations, a practice sometimes referred to as "bustitution." Additionally, "City Line" is also the name of a bus rapid transit (BRT) line in Spokane, Washington, operated by the Spokane Transit Authority. This 6-mile route, which opened in 2023, utilizes modern, zero-emission battery-electric buses and connects key areas including downtown Spokane and the University District.
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average City Lines Duration
9h 0m
Cheapest City Lines Price
$36 (€30)
City Lines frequency
1 a day
Luggage included
One carry-on bag up to 8kg (55x35x25) and one checked bag up to 25kg (70x50x30).
Additional luggage
10€ per additional bag up to 25 kg.
Cancellation Policy
You can cancel your ticket up to 24 hours before departure for a full refund. Cancellations within 24 hours incur a 20% fee.
Amenities on board the bus
Wifi
Food sold onboard
Seat reservation
Toilets
USB plugs
Accessibility
Assistance; Priority seating; Accessible restrooms.
Bikes
Bikes are allowed; must be booked in advance.
Pets
Small pets allowed in carriers; larger pets must be leashed and muzzled.

ArdaTur

About
ArdaTur is a bus company based in Haskovo, Bulgaria, established in 1991. It offers extensive bus services across seven countries, including Bulgaria, Greece, Turkey, Austria, the Czech Republic, Hungary, and Germany. ArdaTur operates over 233 daily departures, primarily from major cities like Istanbul, Sofia, and Thessaloniki, providing both intercity and regional routes. The company emphasizes passenger comfort with amenities such as Wi-Fi, restrooms, individual monitors, and complimentary food and drinks on international lines. ArdaTur maintains a modern fleet of over 80 luxury buses and has its own garage and service facility to ensure vehicle reliability and safety.
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average ArdaTur Duration
7h 35m
Cheapest ArdaTur Price
$24 (€20)
ArdaTur frequency
3 a day
Luggage included
One piece of hand luggage up to 15 kg and two pieces of checked luggage up to 35 kg each are included.
Additional luggage
Additional baggage or cargo is accepted for transport if there is free space and for a separate charge.
Cancellation Policy
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.
Refund
If the trip is delayed through the fault of the carrier, 100% of the ticket value and compensation for direct costs to the place of departure will be refunded with supporting documents.
Amenities on board the bus
Wifi
Seat reservation
Seat reservations are possible when buying a ticket or at Arda Tur offices up to 24 hours before departure during weak periods and 72 hours during busy periods.
Toilets
Accessibility
Passengers with disabilities receive discounts and priority seating, and folding wheelchairs are transported free of charge with advance registration.
Bikes
Only foldable bikes are allowed.

Mybus Sofia

Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Mybus Sofia Duration
9h 31m
Cheapest Mybus Sofia Price
$36 (€30)
Mybus Sofia frequency
1 a day

Complete guide to Sofia

Things to do in Sofia

Discover the best of Sofia — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Sofia trip today.

  • Must visit

National Archaeological Museum

Bulgaria’s leading archaeological museum, housed in a former mosque and displaying Thracian, Roman, and medieval treasures.

  • Must visit

National Gallery Kvadrat 500

A major branch of the National Gallery featuring Bulgarian and international art in a large modern exhibition space.

  • Must visit

Regional History Museum Sofia

This museum traces Sofia’s past from antiquity to modern times, with standout displays in the restored Central Mineral Baths.

Bulgarian lev (лв.)

Budget-friendly for Europe. Hotels, meals, and public transport usually cost less than in major EU capitals, making Sofia good value for tourists.

Average meal costs

Budget
15-25 лв. for fast food or casual meals.
Mid-range
30-50 лв. per person for a restaurant meal.
Fine dining
80+ лв. per person for upscale restaurants.
Coffee
4-7 лв. for cappuccino.

Tipping culture

Restaurants: 5-10% if service is good. Cafes: round up or leave small change. Taxis: round up the fare; larger tips are optional.

FAQs: Bus from Istanbul to Sofia

Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Istanbul to Sofia 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, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.

FAQs
Cheap bus tickets from Istanbul to Sofia can start from as little as $24 (€20) when you book in advance. The average bus ticket price for Istanbul to Sofia is $38 (€32) ; however, prices vary depending on the time of day and class and they tend to be more expensive on the day.
The average journey time by bus from Istanbul to Sofia is 7h 35m to travel the 311 miles (502 km) long journey. Journey times can vary on weekends and holidays, so use our Journey Planner to search for a specific date.
The earliest bus from Istanbul to Sofia leaves at 12:20 AM. Plan your trip with the Journey Planner from Omio.
The latest bus from Istanbul to Sofia leaves at 11:30 PM.
Yes, there are 5 direct buses a day from Istanbul to Sofia with City Lines, Infobus, FlixBus, ArdaTur, Mybus Sofia. Schedules can vary on holidays or weekends with fewer direct buses.
When taking a bus from Istanbul to Sofia, you can count on City Lines, Infobus, FlixBus, ArdaTur, Mybus Sofia for the best way to get you to Sofia. You can also check all possible bus companies who offer a service between Istanbul and Sofia and compare the amenities they offer before buying a bus ticket.
When departing from Istanbul , you have various bus station options to start your journey from including Istanbul, Buyuk Otogar (Esenler) . When arriving in Sofia , you can end your journey in bus stations like Sofia (София), София, Централна Aвтогара 2 (Sofia, Centralna Avtogara 2), Sofia, Sofia International Airport (София, Летище София), Sofiya Airport - Terminal T1 .Passengers board the bus most frequently from Istanbul, Buyuk Otogar (Esenler), which is located around 3 miles (5 km) away from the city centre, and they get off the bus at Sofia (София), located 0 away from the city centre.
It's helpful to compare your options as there are 2 ways to travel between Istanbul and Sofia including taking a bus and flight.
Yes, the following accessibility options are available when taking the bus from Istanbul to Sofia:
  • Infobus
    • Assistance
    • Priority seating
    • Transport for wheelchairs and mobility aids.
  • FlixBus
    • Assistance
    • Priority boarding
    • Wheelchair-accessible buses.
  • ArdaTur
    • Passengers with disabilities receive discounts and priority seating, and folding wheelchairs are transported free of charge with advance registration.
Yes, there are bathrooms on board the bus from Istanbul to Sofia for bus company Infobus, FlixBus, ArdaTur, City Lines.
Whether you can cancel your bus ticket from Istanbul to Sofia depends on the bus companies:
  • Infobus
    • You can cancel your ticket up to 24 hours before departure for a partial refund. Cancellations within 24 hours may incur a fee.
  • 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.
  • 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.
Yes, bikes are allowed on board the bus with bus company Infobus, FlixBus, ArdaTur.
Tickets are often cheaper when booked early. Traveling during off-peak hours or on weekdays can help you save money. Sort results by price to quickly identify the most affordable options. Check for promotions or discounts available on our website and app.
Yes, there is food available to purchase on board the bus from Istanbul to Sofia.
Yes, the following luggage options are included when booking a bus ticket from Istanbul to Sofia:
  • Infobus
    • One carry-on bag up to 5kg (40x20x25) and one checked bag up to 20kg (50x30x80).
  • FlixBus
    • One carry-on bag up to 7kg (42x30x18 cm) and one checked bag up to 20kg (80x50x30 cm).
  • ArdaTur
    • One piece of hand luggage up to 15 kg and two pieces of checked luggage up to 35 kg each are included.
Yes, the following additional luggage options are available when booking a bus ticket from Istanbul to Sofia:
  • Infobus
    • 10€ per additional bag.
  • FlixBus
    • Additional luggage can be purchased for a fee.
  • ArdaTur
    • Additional baggage or cargo is accepted for transport if there is free space and for a separate charge.
Yes, you can bring your pet on the bus from Istanbul to Sofia. The following conditions apply:
  • 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.
You can reserve your seat on the bus from Istanbul to Sofia with the following bus company: Infobus, FlixBus, ArdaTur, City Lines
Yes, there are USB plugs on board the bus from Istanbul to Sofia with the following bus company: Infobus, FlixBus, City Lines.
Yes, there is Wifi on board the bus from Istanbul to Sofia with the following bus company: Infobus, FlixBus, ArdaTur, City Lines.
The currency used in Bulgaria is the Bulgarian Lev (BGN). Travelers can use both cash and cards, but cash is widely preferred in smaller towns and markets, while cards are accepted in most hotels, restaurants, and larger stores in cities.
In Sofia, travelers should be cautious of pickpocketing, especially in crowded areas like markets, public transport, and popular tourist sites. Taxi scams are common; using official taxis with meters or ride-hailing apps is recommended to avoid overcharging. Avoid unlicensed guides and be wary of distraction techniques used by thieves. Overall, staying alert and securing personal belongings helps ensure a safe visit.
Pack lightweight, versatile clothing suitable for the destination's climate, and use secure, lockable luggage to protect belongings. Keep essential items like travel documents, medication, and valuables in a carry-on bag for easy access. Use packing organizers or cubes to maximize space and maintain order. Lastly, include a small first aid kit and personal hygiene items for added comfort during travel.

popular bus stations

Popular bus stations from Istanbul to Sofia

Most Istanbul to Sofia buses use the Istanbul, Büyük Otogari (Esenler) to Sofia (София) station pair, with some services arriving at София, Централна Aвтогара 2 (Sofia, Centralna Avtogara 2). Use this guide to compare Istanbul and Sofia bus stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like bus station facilities and services.

Departure bus stations in Istanbul
Arrival bus stations in Sofia

Which Istanbul station do buses to Sofia leave from?

Buses from Istanbul to Sofia leave from Istanbul, Büyük Otogari (Esenler). The station is 3 miles (5 km) from Istanbul city centre at Istanbul Buyuk Otogari, Esenler, Istanbul, Turkey.
Istanbul, Büyük Otogari (Esenler)Istanbul Buyuk Otogari, Esenler, Istanbul, TurkeyWifiParkingDiningATMTaxisAccessibilityWCTicket Office
City-centre transport

Getting to Istanbul, Büyük Otogari (Esenler) from Istanbul city centre

Istanbul, Büyük Otogari (Esenler) is 5 km from Istanbul city centre. Public transport options include:

TrainM1a, M1b · 11m · $1 · every ~45 min
Bus91E · 20m · $1 · every ~17 min
TramT4 · 22m · $1 · every ~34 min

Istanbul, Büyük Otogari (Esenler) bus station facilities and services

Istanbul, Büyük Otogari (Esenler) has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, and Ticket Office.

Food and drink

Food options include: Cafeteria Terminal (in the station), Kebab Express (0.2 km), Simit Sarayı (0.3 km).

Wi-Fi and ATMs

Free Wi-Fi. ATMs are located near the main entrance and throughout the station.

Tickets and information

Ticket office support is available at Istanbul, Büyük Otogari (Esenler).

Parking, taxis and toilets

Available at Istanbul, Büyük Otogari (Esenler): Parking, Taxis, WC.

Accessibility

Accessibility facilities are available at Istanbul, Büyük Otogari (Esenler): Elevators, ramps.

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