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The cheapest and fastest buses from Istanbul to Thessaloniki
Showing times and prices for Mar 21
Cheapest price
$72
Average price
$73
Fastest journey
9 h 30 m
Average duration
9 h 48 m
Buses per day
6
Distance
507 km
Cheap tickets
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 $73 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $72.
Fast buses
Of the 6 buses that leave Istanbul for Thessaloniki on Sat, Mar 21, 5 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.
On Sat, Mar 21 the direct buses cover the 507 km distance in an average of 9 h 48 m but if you time it right, some buses will get you there in just 9 h 30 m .
On Sat, Mar 21 the slowest buses will take 10 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.
004:30PM10h00
Istanbul, Buyuk Otogar (Esenler)01:30AMThessaloniki (Θεσσαλονίκη)
$721One-way
0 transfers
010:00PM9h45
Istanbul, Buyuk Otogar (Esenler)06:45AMThessaloniki (Θεσσαλονίκη)
$721One-way
0 transfers
012:00PM10h00
Istanbul, Buyuk Otogar (Esenler)09:00PMThessaloniki (Θεσσαλονίκη)
$721One-way
0 transfers
010:00PM9h30
Istanbul, Buyuk Otogar (Esenler)06:30AMThessaloniki (Θεσσαλονίκη)
$721One-way
0 transfers
012:00PM9h45
Istanbul, Buyuk Otogar (Esenler)08:45PMThessaloniki (Θεσσαλονίκη)
$721One-way
0 transfers
010:00PM9h30
Istanbul, Buyuk Otogar (Esenler)06:30AMThessaloniki (Θεσσαλονίκη)
$721One-way
0 transfers
010:00PM9h45
Istanbul, Buyuk Otogar (Esenler)06:45AMThessaloniki (Θεσσαλονίκη)
$721One-way
0 transfers
012:00PM9h45
Istanbul, Buyuk Otogar (Esenler)08:45PMThessaloniki (Θεσσαλονίκη)
$721One-way
0 transfers
004:30PM10h00
Istanbul, Buyuk Otogar (Esenler)01:30AMThessaloniki (Θεσσαλονίκη)
$721One-way
0 transfers
012:00PM10h00
Istanbul, Buyuk Otogar (Esenler)09:00PMThessaloniki (Θεσσαλονίκη)
$721One-way
0 transfers
Travel Information
Compare bus and flight for Istanbul to Thessaloniki
Omio 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 $43. For those with little time consider booking a flight which can get you there in 2h 8m. 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 $43, and a flight costs an average of $71.
Distance: 315 miles (507 km)
Compare bus with
Most popular Bus | Flight |
|---|---|
$56 Average price Cheapest | $186 Average price |
10h 58m Average total duration 10h 28m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 5h 8m Average total duration Fastest 2h 8m 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.
Istanbul to Thessaloniki Bus Timetables
| Operator | Departure Time | Arrival Time | Duration | Departure days | Cheapest price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Operator ArdaTur | Departure Time 12:00PM | Arrival Time 09:00PM | Duration 10h00 | Departure days Everyday | Cheapest price $57 |
Operator ArdaTur | Departure Time 04:30PM | Arrival Time 01:30AM | Duration 10h00 | Departure days Fri, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $62 |
Operator ArdaTur | Departure Time 10:00PM | Arrival Time 06:45AM | Duration 9h45 | Departure days Everyday | Cheapest price $57 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 11:00PM | Arrival Time 12:25PM | Duration 14h25 | Departure days Wed, Thu, Fri, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $59 |
Live departures
Istanbul to Thessaloniki bus times
The table below shows live departures for Istanbul to Thessaloniki buses for today, Friday, March 20. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated bus journeys.
Last updated at 5:56 AM
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 6714029 | 9:00 AM Istanbul, Buyuk Otogar (Esenler) | 10h00 | 7:00 PM Thessaloniki (Θεσσαλονίκη) | 0 transfersDirect | |
| 6714029 | 9:00 AM Istanbul, Buyuk Otogar (Esenler) | 9h45 | 6:45 PM Thessaloniki (Θεσσαλονίκη) | 0 transfersDirect | |
| 6714028 | 1:30 PM Istanbul, Buyuk Otogar (Esenler) | 10h00 | 11:30 PM Thessaloniki (Θεσσαλονίκη) | 0 transfersDirect | |
| 6714030 | 7:00 PM Istanbul, Buyuk Otogar (Esenler) | 9h30 | 4:30 AM Thessaloniki (Θεσσαλονίκη) | 0 transfersDirect | |
| 6714030 | 7:00 PM Istanbul, Buyuk Otogar (Esenler) | 9h45 | 4:45 AM Thessaloniki (Θεσσαλονίκη) | 0 transfersDirect | |
 FlixBus · FlixBus | 8:00 PM Istanbul, Buyuk Otogar (Esenler) | 14h25 | 10:25 AM Thessaloniki, Monastiriou - KTEL (Θεσσαλονίκη, Μοναστηρίου - ΚΤΕΛ) | 1 transfer | |
This is the last bus of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare prices and tickets Istanbul to Thessaloniki 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.
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Why should you book Istanbul to Thessaloniki buses with Omio?
ArdaTur as well as Infobus or FlixBus offer buses services from Istanbul to Thessaloniki.
Omio is the only official third party seller for ArdaTur tickets.
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 Thessaloniki.
- 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 Thessaloniki.
Journey information
Overview: Bus from Istanbul to Thessaloniki
Turkey
Greece
Buses from Istanbul to Thessaloniki run on average 3 times per day, taking around 10h 28m. Cheap bus tickets for this journey start at $43 (€35) 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 9h 30m.
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 315 miles (507 km) |
Average bus duration 10h 28m |
Cheapest ticket price $43 (€35) |
Buses per day 3 |
Direct buses 3 |
Fastest bus 9h 30m |
First bus 00:15 |
Last bus 23:00 |
Cheapest month Apr |
Cheapest day Mon |
High season Apr - Jun |
Low season Oct - Dec |
Busiest day Mon |
Least busy day Sat |
Best day to book ahead 70 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
Bus providers: ArdaTur, Infobus, FlixBus from Istanbul to ThessalonikiYou can travel by bus between Istanbul to Thessaloniki with ArdaTur, Infobus, FlixBus for as low as $43 (€35). When you search for schedules and tickets, Omio will show you the best journey
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 Duration
11h 0m
Cheapest Price
$43 (€35)
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.
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 Duration
14h 25m
Cheapest Price
$57 (€46)
FlixBus frequency
1 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.
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 Duration
8h 45m
Cheapest Price
$39 (€32)
ArdaTur frequency
7 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.
FAQs: Bus from Istanbul to 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.
Cheap bus tickets from Istanbul to Thessaloniki can start from as little as $43 (€35) when you book in advance. The average bus ticket price for Istanbul to Thessaloniki is $56 (€45) ; 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 Thessaloniki is 9h 30m to travel the 315 miles (507 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 Thessaloniki leaves at 12:15 AM. Plan your trip with the Journey Planner from Omio.
The latest bus from Istanbul to Thessaloniki leaves at 11:00 PM.
Yes, there are 3 direct buses a day from Istanbul to Thessaloniki with ArdaTur, Infobus. Schedules can vary on holidays or weekends with fewer direct buses.
When taking a bus from Istanbul to Thessaloniki, you can count on ArdaTur, Infobus, FlixBus for the best way to get you to Thessaloniki. You can also check all possible bus companies who offer a service between Istanbul and Thessaloniki 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 Thessaloniki , you can end your journey in bus stations like Thessaloniki (Θεσσαλονίκη), Thessaloniki, Monastiriou - KTEL (Θεσσαλονίκη, Μοναστηρίου - ΚΤΕΛ) .Passengers board the bus most frequently from Istanbul, Buyuk Otogar (Esenler), which is located around 5 away from the city centre, and they get off the bus at Thessaloniki (Θεσσαλονίκη), located 0 away from the city centre.
A trip to Thessaloniki from Istanbul is worth doing but not as a day trip with a journey time of 9h 30m each way. Check with Omio app the best way to travel.
The cheapest month for a bus from Istanbul to Thessaloniki is April.
It's helpful to compare your options as there are 2 ways to travel between Istanbul and Thessaloniki including taking a bus and flight.
Yes, the following accessibility options are available when taking the bus from Istanbul to Thessaloniki:
- 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.
Yes, there are bathrooms on board the bus from Istanbul to Thessaloniki for bus company ArdaTur, Infobus, FlixBus.
Some of the most interesting sights to explore in Thessaloniki are:
- White Tower of Thessaloniki, a historic monument and museum offering panoramic views of the city and the sea
- Rotunda of Galerius, an ancient Roman structure originally intended as a mausoleum, now a UNESCO World Heritage Site
- Aristotelous Square, the main city square known for its impressive architecture and vibrant atmosphere
- Church of Agios Dimitrios, the largest church in Greece dedicated to the city's patron saint, featuring beautiful mosaics
- Ano Poli, the old town area with traditional architecture, narrow streets, and stunning views of Thessaloniki.
The best things to do in Thessaloniki include:
- Museum of Byzantine Culture, a comprehensive museum showcasing Byzantine art and artifacts
- Explore the vibrant local markets, offering a taste of authentic Greek culture and cuisine
- Visit the Thessaloniki Concert Hall for a cultural experience with music and performances
- Enjoy a leisurely walk along the Thessaloniki waterfront promenade
- Discover the local nightlife in the Ladadika district, known for its lively bars and restaurants.
Whether you can cancel your bus ticket from Istanbul to Thessaloniki 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.
- 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.
Yes, bikes are allowed on board the bus with bus company ArdaTur, Infobus, FlixBus.
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 Thessaloniki.
Yes, the following luggage options are included when booking a bus ticket from Istanbul to Thessaloniki:
- 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).
Yes, the following additional luggage options are available when booking a bus ticket from Istanbul to Thessaloniki:
- 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.
Yes, you can bring your pet on the bus from Istanbul to Thessaloniki. The following conditions apply:
- 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 Thessaloniki with the following bus company: ArdaTur, Infobus, FlixBus
Yes, there are USB plugs on board the bus from Istanbul to Thessaloniki with the following bus company: Infobus, FlixBus.
Yes, there is Wifi on board the bus from Istanbul to Thessaloniki with the following bus company: ArdaTur, Infobus, FlixBus.
popular bus stations
Popular bus stations from Istanbul to Thessaloniki
Istanbul
Thessaloniki
The major bus station for departures in Istanbul is Istanbul, Büyük Otogari (Esenler). Find all the information you need to know about services, amenities and connections at Istanbul, Büyük Otogari (Esenler) for your trip from Istanbul to Thessaloniki.
Istanbul, Büyük Otogari (Esenler)
Amenities at bus station
WifiParkingDiningATMTaxisAccessibilityWCTicket Officeinformation
Ticket Office Hours
- 06:00-23:00
Distance to city center
5 km
Car connection
O-3 OtoyoluWifi
- Free Wi-Fi
Dining
- Cafeteria Terminal (in the station)
- Kebab Express (0.2 km)
- Simit Sarayı (0.3 km).
Taxis
- Available outside the main entrance.
Accessibility
- Elevators, ramps
WC
- Available in the station.
Public transit options for Istanbul, Büyük Otogari (Esenler)
- Metro: M1A Bus: 83O, 91E, 97G
The major bus station for arrivals in Thessaloniki is Thessaloniki (Θεσσαλονίκη). Find all the information you need to know about services, amenities and connections at Thessaloniki (Θεσσαλονίκη) for your trip to Thessaloniki from Istanbul.
Thessaloniki (Θεσσαλονίκη)
information
Thessaloniki, Monastiriou - KTEL (Θεσσαλονίκη, Μοναστηρίου - ΚΤΕΛ)
Amenities at bus station
WifiParkingATMTaxisAccessibilityWCTicket Officeinformation
Ticket Office Hours
- 06:00-22:00
Distance to city center
1 kmCar connection
MonastiriouWifi
- Free Wi-Fi
Taxis
- Available outside the station.
Accessibility
- Elevators, ramps
WC
- Available in the station.
Public transit options for Thessaloniki, Monastiriou - KTEL (Θεσσαλονίκη, Μοναστηρίου - ΚΤΕΛ)
- Bus: 8, 12, 31 Train: Thessaloniki Railway Station
Most popular bus connections from Istanbul
More options for your journey from Istanbul to Thessaloniki
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need
Most popular buses to and from Thessaloniki and Istanbul
Most popular bus connections to Thessaloniki
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