- Must visit
Varna Archaeological Museum
Major museum known for the world-famous Varna Gold, the oldest processed gold treasure in the world, plus rich Thracian, Greek, Roman, and medieval collections.
Cheapest price
$32
Average price
$41
Fastest journey
6 h 40 m
Average duration
7 h 52 m
Buses per day
5
Distance
259 km
The best way to find a cheap bus ticket from Istanbul to Varna is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid traveling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Istanbul to Varna will cost around $41 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $32.
Of the 5 buses that leave Istanbul for Varna on Wed, Jun 17, 5 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.
On Wed, Jun 17 the direct buses cover the 259 km distance in an average of 7 h 52 m but if you time it right, some buses will get you there in just 6 h 40 m .
On Wed, Jun 17 the slowest buses will take 8 h 40 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.
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0Omio recommends booking the bus as it is the most popular option from Istanbul to Varna among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the bus with prices starting from $32. For those with little time consider booking a flight which can get you there in 1h 3m. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of $32, and a flight costs an average of $166.
Distance: 160 miles (259 km)
Most popular Bus | Flight | Driving |
|---|---|---|
$39 Average price Cheapest | $342 Average price | $83 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
9h 5m Average total duration 8h 35m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 4h 3m Average total duration Fastest 1h 3m Onboard + 3h 0m Additional time* | 5h 53m 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 Varna:
A bus is $303 (€245) less than a flight for this route with tickets for a flight from Istanbul to Varna costing on average $342 (€277).
Other travel options to Varna take longer:
Bus takes on average 8h 35m.
Tickets start at around $39 (€32) compared to roughly $83 (€68) in fuel and tolls — a saving of about $44 (€36). The journey takes 8h 35m versus 5h 53m 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, Infobus, City Lines, FlixBus, Citylines, Metro Turizm.
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.
| Operator | Departure Time | Arrival Time | Duration | Departure days | Cheapest price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Operator LuxBus | Departure Time 07:00AM | Arrival Time 03:20PM | Duration 8h20 | Departure days Tue, Wed, Fri | Cheapest price $47 |
Operator Infobus | Departure Time 07:00AM | Arrival Time 03:20PM | Duration 8h20 | Departure days Mon, Thu, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $48 |
Operator LikeBus | Departure Time 07:00AM | Arrival Time 03:20PM | Duration 8h20 | Departure days Everyday | Cheapest price $45 |
Operator ArdaTur | Departure Time 02:30PM | Arrival Time 09:10PM | Duration 6h40 | Departure days Mon, Wed, Thu, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $44 |
Operator ArdaTur | Departure Time 06:30PM | Arrival Time 01:50AM | Duration 7h20 | Departure days Mon, Wed, Fri, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $32 |
Operator ArdaTur | Departure Time 10:30PM | Arrival Time 07:10AM | Duration 8h40 | Departure days Mon, Wed, Fri, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $38 |
The table below shows live departures for Istanbul to Varna buses for today, Tuesday, June 16. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated bus journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
0 | 7:00 AM Istanbul, Buyuk Otogar (Esenler) | 8h20 | 3:20 PM Varna | 0 transfersDirect | |
6983641 | 7:00 AM Istanbul, Buyuk Otogar (Esenler) | 8h20 | 3:20 PM Varna | 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 Varna run on average 4 times per day, taking around 8h 35m. Cheap bus tickets for this journey start at $32 (€26) if you book in advance.
There are 4 buses per day. The earliest bus runs at 00:04, the last at 23:43. The fastest bus covers the 160 miles (259 km) distance in 6h 40m.
Distance 160 miles (259 km) |
Average bus duration 8h 35m |
Cheapest ticket price $32 (€26) |
Buses per day 4 |
Direct buses 4 |
Fastest bus 6h 40m |
First bus 12:04 AM |
Last bus 11:43 PM |
Cheapest Month Sep |
Cheapest Day Thu |
High Season Apr - Jun |
Low Season Oct - Dec |
Busiest Day Tue |
Least Busy Day Wed |
Best time to book 14 days |
Discover the best of Varna — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Varna trip today.
Major museum known for the world-famous Varna Gold, the oldest processed gold treasure in the world, plus rich Thracian, Greek, Roman, and medieval collections.
A private museum inside Grand Mall showcasing socialist-era cars, household items, wax figures, and memorabilia from everyday life in communist Bulgaria.
The city’s main fine arts gallery, featuring Bulgarian painting, sculpture, graphics, and rotating contemporary exhibitions in a central historic building.
Varna’s signature seaside park with promenades, gardens, monuments, sea views, and cultural venues; the city’s essential walking and sunset area.
Central beach strip beside the Sea Garden, popular for sea views, long walks, and the lively summer atmosphere that draws both locals and visitors.
Main pedestrian-friendly central boulevard lined with shops, historic facades, and city life, ideal for getting a feel for downtown Varna.
A classic Bulgarian salad of tomatoes, cucumbers, peppers, onions, and grated Sirene cheese. It is one of the country’s signature starters and very common in Varna taverns.
A cold yogurt soup with cucumber, dill, garlic, and walnuts, especially refreshing on the Black Sea coast in summer.
Black Sea mussels cooked with white wine, garlic, and herbs. Varna is a strong place to try them because fresh mussels are a local coastal specialty.
A well-known Varna restaurant serving Bulgarian dishes, grilled meats, and regional specialties in a rustic traditional atmosphere.
A popular seafood restaurant set on a ship-themed venue, known for fish, mussels, and sea views near the coast.
An established casual restaurant with a broad menu of Bulgarian and European dishes, appreciated for reliable food and central location.
Generally affordable for tourists. Meals, coffee, and local transport cost less than in many EU beach cities, while summer seafront venues charge more.
About 10% in restaurants for good service. Round up in cafes and taxis. Hotel staff may receive small tips, but tipping is not obligatory.
Official public transport app
Varna, Avtogara -> Varna Cathedral
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Istanbul to Varna 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 Varna, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.

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