- Must visit
Varna Archaeological Museum
Varna's premier museum, home to the world-famous Varna Gold and major Thracian, Greek, and Roman finds. Essential for understanding the city's ancient importance.
Cheapest price on Sep 15
CHF26
Average ticket price on Sep 15
CHF33
Fastest journey on Sep 15
6 h 40 m
Average journey duration on Sep 15
8 h
Buses on Sep 15
4
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 CHF33 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only CHF26.
On Tue, Sep 15, we found 4 buses from Istanbul to Varna, including 4 direct services.
On Tue, Sep 15 the direct buses cover the 259 km distance in an average of 8 h but if you time it right, some buses will get you there in just 6 h 40 m .
On Tue, Sep 15 the slowest buses will take 9 h 20 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.
7505498
7457339
0
7487057
0
7505498
7457339
7487057Omio 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 an average ticket price of CHF35 For those with little time, consider booking a flight, which has an average total journey time of 3h 2m. Average ticket prices depend on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of CHF35, while a flight costs an average of CHF207.
Distance: 160 miles (259 km)
Most popular Bus | Flight | Driving |
|---|---|---|
CHF35 Average price Cheapest | CHF207 Average price | CHF69 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
8h 39m Average total duration 8h 9m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 3h 2m Average total duration Fastest 1h 2m Onboard + 2h 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 CHF172 less than a flight for this route with tickets for a flight from Istanbul to Varna costing on average CHF207.
Other travel options to Varna take longer:
Bus takes on average 8h 9m.
Tickets start at around CHF35 compared to roughly CHF69 in fuel and tolls — a saving of about CHF34. The journey takes 8h 9m 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, City Lines, FlixBus, LuxBus, 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 06:00AM | Arrival Time 03:20PM | Duration 9h20 | Departure days Everyday | Cheapest price CHF39 |
Operator LikeBus | Departure Time 07:00AM | Arrival Time 03:20PM | Duration 8h20 | Departure days Mon, Wed, Sun | Cheapest price CHF43 |
Operator ArdaTur | Departure Time 02:30PM | Arrival Time 09:10PM | Duration 6h40 | Departure days Everyday | Cheapest price CHF36 |
Operator ArdaTur | Departure Time 06:30PM | Arrival Time 01:50AM | Duration 7h20 | Departure days Everyday | Cheapest price CHF26 |
Operator ArdaTur | Departure Time 10:30PM | Arrival Time 07:10AM | Duration 8h40 | Departure days Everyday | Cheapest price CHF31 |
The table below shows live departures for Istanbul to Varna buses for today, Monday, September 14. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated bus journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
7497343 | 10:30 PM Istanbul | 8h40 | 7:10 AM Varna | 0 transfersDirect | |
| Tuesday, September 15 | |||||
7487057 | 6:00 AM Istanbul | 9h20 | 3:20 PM Varna | 0 transfersDirect | |
0 | 2:30 PM Istanbul | 6h40 | 9:10 PM Varna | 0 transfersDirect | |
7505498 | 6:30 PM Istanbul | 7h20 | 1:50 AM 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 5 times per day, taking around 8h 9m. Cheap bus tickets for this journey start at CHF26 if you book in advance.
There are 5 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 9m |
Cheapest ticket price CHF26 |
Buses per day 5 |
Direct buses 5 |
Fastest bus 6h 40m |
First bus 12:04 AM |
Last bus 11:43 PM |
Cheapest Month Sep |
Cheapest Day Sat |
High Season Jul - Sep |
Low Season Oct - Dec |
Busiest Day Tue |
Least Busy Day Sat |
Best time to book 28 days |
Discover the best of Varna — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Varna trip today.
Varna's premier museum, home to the world-famous Varna Gold and major Thracian, Greek, and Roman finds. Essential for understanding the city's ancient importance.
Important museum on Bulgaria's maritime history with historic vessels, naval artifacts, and submarine exhibits. Great for families and naval heritage fans.
Hands-on science museum with physics demonstrations, planetarium content, and interactive exhibits. Worth visiting for a fun, educational break from the beach.
Varna's signature seaside park with promenades, monuments, museums, gardens, and coastal views. The city's top walking area from morning to late evening.
Lively pedestrian boulevard lined with shops and historic facades. Ideal for strolling, people-watching, and linking the cathedral, center, and Sea Garden.
Main civic square in central Varna, surrounded by notable buildings and transport links. A practical meeting point and gateway to the historic center.
Cold yogurt, cucumber, dill, garlic, and walnut soup. A Bulgarian summer staple on the Black Sea coast, prized for its refreshing taste in hot weather.
Layered pastry with white sirene cheese, eggs, and butter. One of Bulgaria's best-known baked breakfasts, widely eaten in Varna bakeries and homes.
Shopska-style salad of tomatoes, cucumbers, peppers, onions, and grated sirene cheese. A national classic often started with rakia before meals in Varna.
Traditional Bulgarian tavern serving grills, salads, and hearty local dishes in a rustic, folk-style setting popular with locals.
Elegant seaside restaurant known for refined Black Sea fish, mussels, and polished service in the Sea Garden area.
Established seafood venue by the coast, valued for fresh fish, shellfish, and sea views in an upscale but relaxed atmosphere.
Budget-friendly for a Black Sea city. Hotels, meals, and local transit usually cost less than in many EU beach destinations, especially outside peak summer.
Around 10% in restaurants is common for good service. Round up in cafes and taxis, or add a small tip if service and fare handling were helpful.
Official public transport app
Varna, Avtogara -> Varna Cathedral, Varna
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.

Most Istanbul to Varna buses use the Istanbul, Büyük Otogari (Esenler) to Varna station pair, with some services arriving at Varna, Avtogara (Варна, Aвтогара). Use this guide to compare Istanbul and Varna 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.
İstanbul, Havalimanı (Tayakadın Terminal Cad. No:1) is 32 km from Istanbul city centre. Public transport options include:
İstanbul, Havalimanı (Tayakadın Terminal Cad. No:1) has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Shower, and Ticket Office.
Food options include: Multiple dining options available including fast food and cafes.
Free Wi-Fi is available at designated areas. ATMs are aTMs available near entrance doors.
Ticket office support is available at İstanbul, Havalimanı (Tayakadın Terminal Cad. No:1).
Available at İstanbul, Havalimanı (Tayakadın Terminal Cad. No:1): Parking, Taxis, WC.
Accessibility facilities are available at İstanbul, Havalimanı (Tayakadın Terminal Cad. No:1): Wheelchair accessible with ramps and elevators.
Varna has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Shower, and Ticket Office.
Food options include: Snack bar and vending machines on site.
Free Wi-Fi available in the waiting area. ATMs are aTM located in the main hall.
Ticket office support is available at Varna.
Available at Varna: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Accessibility facilities are available at Varna: Wheelchair ramps and accessible entrances.
Varna, Avtogara (Варна, Aвтогара) is 1 km from Varna city centre. Public transport options include:
Varna, Avtogara (Варна, Aвтогара) has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, and Ticket Office.
Food options include: Cafeteria Varna (in the station), Bistro Bulgaria (0.5 km), Restaurant Sea View (0.7 km).
Free Wi-Fi. ATMs are located inside the station near the main entrance.
Ticket office support is available at Varna, Avtogara (Варна, Aвтогара).
Available at Varna, Avtogara (Варна, Aвтогара): Parking, Taxis, WC.
Accessibility facilities are available at Varna, Avtogara (Варна, Aвтогара): Elevators, ramps.
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