- Must visit
Archaeological Museum of Thessaloniki
Major museum with finds from ancient Macedonia, including gold, sculpture, and funerary artifacts. Essential for understanding the region’s ancient history.
Cheapest price
$55
Average price
$57
Fastest journey
8 h 30 m
Average duration
8 h 48 m
Buses per day
6
Distance
507 km
The best way to find a cheap bus ticket from Istanbul to Thessaloniki is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid traveling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Istanbul to Thessaloniki will cost around $57 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $55.
Of the 6 buses that leave Istanbul for Thessaloniki on Fri, Jun 19, 5 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.
On Fri, Jun 19 the direct buses cover the 507 km distance in an average of 8 h 48 m but if you time it right, some buses will get you there in just 8 h 30 m .
On Fri, Jun 19 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.
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6959320Omio recommends booking the bus as it is the most popular option from Istanbul to Thessaloniki among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the bus with prices starting from $55. For those with little time consider booking a flight which can get you there in 2h 7m. In case you are seeking to minimise your carbon footprint the bus is your best bet as it emits only 0.5 - 1.3kg. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of $55, and a flight costs an average of $99.
Distance: 315 miles (507 km)
Most popular Bus | Flight |
|---|---|
$60 Average price Cheapest | $231 Average price |
10h 51m Average total duration 10h 21m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 5h 7m Average total duration Fastest 2h 7m Onboard + 3h 0m Additional time* |
0.5 - 1.3kg CO2 emissions Lowest | 1.5 - 3.0kg CO2 emissions |
![]() Most popular bus company | ![]() Most popular airline |
Direct Options | Direct Options |
Additional time: Average total travel duration to departure point, security checks and transfers.
This is compared to other travel options from Istanbul to Thessaloniki:
A bus is $172 (€140) less than a flight for this route with tickets for a flight from Istanbul to Thessaloniki costing on average $231 (€189).
Other travel options to Thessaloniki take longer:
Bus takes on average 10h 21m.
| Operator | Departure Time | Arrival Time | Duration | Departure days | Cheapest price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 11:00AM | Arrival Time 04:50AM | Duration 17h50 | Departure days Wed, Thu, Fri, Sun | Cheapest price $62 |
Operator ArdaTur | Departure Time 12:00PM | Arrival Time 08:45PM | Duration 8h45 | Departure days Everyday | Cheapest price $55 |
Operator ArdaTur | Departure Time 04:30PM | Arrival Time 01:30AM | Duration 9h00 | Departure days Everyday | Cheapest price $55 |
Operator ArdaTur | Departure Time 09:30PM | Arrival Time 06:00AM | Duration 8h30 | Departure days Everyday | Cheapest price $55 |
The table below shows live departures for Istanbul to Thessaloniki buses for today, Thursday, June 18. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated bus journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
6988184 | 9:30 PM Istanbul, Buyuk Otogar (Esenler) | 8h30 | 6:00 AM Thessaloniki (Θεσσαλονίκη) | 0 transfersDirect | |
6988184 | 9:30 PM Istanbul, Buyuk Otogar (Esenler) | 8h45 | 6:15 AM Thessaloniki (Θεσσαλονίκη) | 0 transfersDirect | |
| Friday, June 19 | |||||
FlixBus · FlixBus | 11:00 AM Istanbul, Buyuk Otogar (Esenler) | 17h50 | 4:50 AM Thessaloniki, Monastiriou - KTEL (Θεσσαλονίκη, Μοναστηρίου - ΚΤΕΛ) | 1 transfer | |
6959320 | 12:00 PM Istanbul, Buyuk Otogar (Esenler) | 9h00 | 9:00 PM Thessaloniki (Θεσσαλονίκη) | 0 transfersDirect | |
6959320 | 12:00 PM Istanbul, Buyuk Otogar (Esenler) | 8h45 | 8:45 PM Thessaloniki (Θεσσαλονίκη) | 0 transfersDirect | |
0 | 4:30 PM Istanbul, Buyuk Otogar (Esenler) | 9h00 | 1:30 AM Thessaloniki (Θεσσαλονίκη) | 0 transfersDirect | |
This is the last bus of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
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.
Buses from Istanbul to Thessaloniki run on average 4 times per day, taking around 10h 21m. Cheap bus tickets for this journey start at $55 (€45) if you book in advance.
There are 3 buses per day. The earliest bus runs at 00:15, the last at 23:00. The fastest bus covers the 315 miles (507 km) distance in 8h 30m.
Distance 315 miles (507 km) |
Average bus duration 10h 21m |
Cheapest ticket price $55 (€45) |
Buses per day 4 |
Direct buses 3 |
Fastest bus 8h 30m |
First bus 12:15 AM |
Last bus 11:00 PM |
Cheapest Month May |
Cheapest Day Sat |
High Season Jul - Sep |
Low Season Jan - Mar |
Busiest Day Fri |
Least Busy Day Sat |
Best time to book 70 days |
Discover the best of Thessaloniki — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Thessaloniki trip today.
Major museum with finds from ancient Macedonia, including gold, sculpture, and funerary artifacts. Essential for understanding the region’s ancient history.
Leading museum on Byzantine art and daily life, with icons, mosaics, and richly curated permanent galleries. One of the city’s most important cultural stops.
Contemporary art museum known for modern Greek and international works, temporary exhibitions, and a strong presence in the city’s festival scene.
Thessaloniki’s grand central square opening toward the sea, lined with cafes and neoclassical facades. A must-see urban landmark and common social media backdrop.
Long seafront walking route ideal for strolling, cycling, and sunset views. One of the city’s most loved everyday public spaces.
The Upper Town preserves traditional houses, narrow lanes, and some of the city’s best viewpoints. Ideal for slower walks and photography.
A signature Thessaloniki pastry made with flaky phyllo and filled with sweet custard, cheese, or minced meat. It is one of the city’s most iconic breakfast foods.
The city’s famous sesame bread ring, sold widely by street vendors. It is a simple, traditional snack strongly associated with everyday life in Thessaloniki.
Crisp triangular phyllo pastries filled with rich cream, originally linked with the Panorama area of Thessaloniki. They are among the city’s best-known sweets.
Well-known modern meze restaurant focused on seasonal ingredients, seafood, and creative Greek cooking in a lively, contemporary setting.
Long-established restaurant serving classic Greek and Mediterranean dishes in an elegant dining room. Suitable for a more formal Thessaloniki meal.
Established seafood restaurant known for polished service, quality fish, and refined Greek dishes. A strong choice for a more upscale meal.
Generally affordable for a European city. Food and coffee are reasonable, while hotels rise in peak summer and during major events.
Service is usually included. Round up or leave 5-10% in restaurants for good service. Small change for cafes is enough. Round up taxi fares; tipping is appreciated, not required.
Official public transport app
Thessaloniki, Monastiriou - KTEL -> Aristotelous Square, Thessaloniki
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Istanbul to Thessaloniki 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 Thessaloniki, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.

Most Istanbul to Thessaloniki buses use the Istanbul, Büyük Otogari (Esenler) to Thessaloniki (Θεσσαλονίκη) station pair, with some services arriving at Thessaloniki, Monastiriou - KTEL (Θεσσαλονίκη, Μοναστηρίου - ΚΤΕΛ). Use this guide to compare Istanbul and Thessaloniki 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.
Thessaloniki, Monastiriou - KTEL (Θεσσαλονίκη, Μοναστηρίου - ΚΤΕΛ) is 1 km from Thessaloniki city centre. Public transport options include:
Thessaloniki, Monastiriou - KTEL (Θεσσαλονίκη, Μοναστηρίου - ΚΤΕΛ) has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, and Ticket Office.
Free Wi-Fi. ATMs are located inside the station.
Ticket office support is available at Thessaloniki, Monastiriou - KTEL (Θεσσαλονίκη, Μοναστηρίου - ΚΤΕΛ).
Available at Thessaloniki, Monastiriou - KTEL (Θεσσαλονίκη, Μοναστηρίου - ΚΤΕΛ): Parking, Taxis, WC.
Accessibility facilities are available at Thessaloniki, Monastiriou - KTEL (Θεσσαλονίκη, Μοναστηρίου - ΚΤΕΛ): Elevators, ramps.
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