- Must visit
Istanbul Modern
Leading contemporary art museum on the Bosphorus with strong Turkish and international exhibitions in a landmark waterfront building.
Cheapest price
$123
Average price
$131
Fastest journey
1 d 1 h 5 m
Average duration
1 d 2 h 50 m
Buses per day
2
Distance
1290 km
The best way to find a cheap bus ticket from Ljubljana to Istanbul is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid traveling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Ljubljana to Istanbul will cost around $131 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $123.
It's difficult to get from Ljubljana to Istanbul without transferring at least once.
FlixBus · FlixBus
FlixBus · FlixBus
FlixBus · FlixBus
FlixBus · FlixBusOmio recommends booking the flight as it is the most popular option from Ljubljana to Istanbul among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the bus with prices starting from $83. For those with little time consider booking a flight which can get you there in 2h 42m. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of $83, and a flight costs an average of $180.
Distance: 801 miles (1290 km)
| Bus | Most popular Flight | Driving |
|---|---|---|
$119 Average price Cheapest | $253 Average price | $328 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
24h 19m Average total duration 23h 49m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 5h 42m Average total duration Fastest 2h 42m Onboard + 3h 0m Additional time* | 14h 36m 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 Ljubljana to Istanbul:
A bus is $134 (€110) less than a flight for this route with tickets for a flight from Ljubljana to Istanbul costing on average $253 (€208).
Other travel options to Istanbul take longer:
Bus takes on average 23h 49m.
You'll arrive about {timeSavings} sooner ({durationInMinutes} by bus vs {drivingDurationInMinutes} by car) and save roughly {savingsAmount} compared to fuel and tolls ({cheapestPrice} vs {drivingPriceInCents}). You also skip the drive itself — no traffic stress, no parking, and you can use the time to work, nap, or catch up on a series with the onboard Wi-Fi.
Direct coaches are operated by {directProviders}.
Driving is still worth considering if you're travelling with bulky luggage, need flexibility on departure times, or plan to stop along the way.
| Operator | Departure Time | Arrival Time | Duration | Departure days | Cheapest price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 05:50AM | Arrival Time 11:25AM | Duration 28h35 | Departure days Everyday | Cheapest price $102 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 05:25PM | Arrival Time 07:30PM | Duration 25h05 | Departure days Everyday | Cheapest price $125 |
The table below shows live departures for Ljubljana to Istanbul buses for tomorrow, Friday, July 17. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated bus journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
FlixBus · FlixBus | 5:50 AM Ljubljana, Avtobusna Postaja | 28h35 | 11:25 AM Istanbul, Buyuk Otogar (Esenler) | 1 transfer | |
FlixBus · FlixBus | 5:25 PM Ljubljana, Avtobusna Postaja | 25h05 | 7:30 PM Istanbul, Buyuk Otogar (Esenler) | 1 transfer | |
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 Ljubljana to Istanbul run on average 1 times per day, taking around 23h 49m. Cheap bus tickets for this journey start at $83 (€68) if you book in advance.
The earliest bus runs at 11:00, the last at 17:25. The fastest bus covers the 801 miles (1290 km) distance in 25h 5m.
Distance 801 miles (1290 km) |
Average bus duration 23h 49m |
Cheapest ticket price $83 (€68) |
Buses per day 1 |
Fastest bus 25h 5m |
First bus 11:00 AM |
Last bus 5:25 PM |
Cheapest Month Jun |
Cheapest Day Mon |
High Season Jul - Sep |
Low Season Jan - Mar |
Busiest Day Tue |
Least Busy Day Mon |
Best time to book 2 days |
Discover the best of Istanbul — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Istanbul trip today.
Leading contemporary art museum on the Bosphorus with strong Turkish and international exhibitions in a landmark waterfront building.
Major archaeology museum complex displaying masterpieces from ancient Anatolia, Mesopotamia, and the classical world.
Restored church-museum famed for exceptional Byzantine mosaics and frescoes that rival the city’s most celebrated monuments.
Historic square between Hagia Sophia and the Blue Mosque, ideal for walking among Istanbul’s greatest imperial monuments.
Lively pedestrian avenue lined with historic passages, shops, consulates, and culture venues in the heart of Beyoğlu.
Historic uphill quarter around the tower with narrow lanes, old facades, and photogenic walks toward Karaköy.
Grilled minced lamb kebab from southeastern Turkey, served with vegetables and lavash. A staple in Istanbul kebab houses and a classic local favorite.
Rice pilaf, currants, pine nuts, and herbs stuffed into mussel shells. A famous Istanbul street food, especially along waterfront districts.
Layers of thin dough with pistachios or walnuts and syrup. An Ottoman dessert strongly associated with Istanbul's historic sweet shops.
Historic Sultanahmet restaurant known for refined Ottoman dishes and elegant service in a classic setting near major sights.
Beloved meyhane in Beyoğlu serving classic meze, rakı, and seasonal seafood in a lively, traditional tavern environment.
Established Bosphorus fish restaurant known for fresh seafood, meze, and water views. A polished choice for a classic Istanbul dinner.
Moderate for major city breaks: dining and transit are reasonable, but central hotels and tourist areas cost more than many nearby Turkish destinations.
Restaurants: 5-10% if service not included. Cafes: round up or leave small change. Taxis: round up the fare; larger tips are optional.
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Ljubljana to Istanbul 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 Istanbul, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.

Most Ljubljana to Istanbul buses use the Ljubljana, Avtobusna Postaja to Istanbul, Büyük Otogari (Esenler) station pair. Use this guide to compare Ljubljana and Istanbul bus stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like bus station facilities and services.
Ljubljana, Avtobusna Postaja has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, and Ticket Office.
Food options include: Cafeteria Fast Food (in the station), Bakery Delight (in the station).
Free Wi-Fi. ATMs are located inside the station, near the main entrance.
Ticket office support is available at Ljubljana, Avtobusna Postaja.
Available at Ljubljana, Avtobusna Postaja: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Accessibility facilities are available at Ljubljana, Avtobusna Postaja: Elevators, ramps.
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.
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need