- Must visit
Istanbul Modern
Leading contemporary art museum on the Bosphorus with strong Turkish and international exhibitions in a landmark waterfront building.
Cheapest price
$28
Average price
$34
Fastest journey
6 h 15 m
Average duration
6 h 58 m
Buses per day
4
Distance
371 km
The best way to find a cheap bus ticket from Plovdiv to Istanbul is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid traveling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Plovdiv to Istanbul will cost around $34 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $28.
Of the 4 buses that leave Plovdiv for Istanbul on Sun, Jul 19, 4 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.
On Sun, Jul 19 the direct buses cover the 371 km distance in an average of 6 h 58 m but if you time it right, some buses will get you there in just 6 h 15 m .
On Sun, Jul 19 the slowest buses will take 8 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.
6919900
7224124
FlixBus
0
FlixBus
0
7224124
6919900Omio recommends booking the bus as it is the most popular option from Plovdiv to Istanbul among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the bus with prices starting from $28. For those with little time consider booking a bus which can get you there in 6h 36m. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of $28, and a bus costs an average of $28.
Distance: 230 miles (371 km)
Most popular Bus | Driving |
|---|---|
$32 Average price Cheapest | $85 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
7h 6m Average total duration Fastest 6h 36m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 4h 45m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
![]() Most popular bus company | Your own car or car rental |
Direct Options | Direct Options |
Other travel options to Istanbul take longer:
Bus takes on average 6h 36m.
Tickets start at around $32 (€26) compared to roughly $85 (€70) in fuel and tolls — a saving of about $53 (€44). The journey takes 6h 36m versus 4h 45m 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 FlixBus, ArdaTur, City Lines, Infobus, Huntur, Citylines, Alpar 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 FlixBus | Departure Time 01:15AM | Arrival Time 07:00AM | Duration 5h45 | Departure days Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri | Cheapest price $38 |
Operator ArdaTur | Departure Time 02:15AM | Arrival Time 10:15AM | Duration 8h00 | Departure days Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri, Sun | Cheapest price $28 |
Operator ArdaTur | Departure Time 10:40AM | Arrival Time 05:00PM | Duration 6h20 | Departure days Wed, Thu | Cheapest price $27 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 01:15PM | Arrival Time 07:30PM | Duration 6h15 | Departure days Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $38 |
Operator ArdaTur | Departure Time 03:30PM | Arrival Time 10:00PM | Duration 6h30 | Departure days Everyday | Cheapest price $39 |
Operator ArdaTur | Departure Time 09:00PM | Arrival Time 04:05AM | Duration 7h05 | Departure days Everyday | Cheapest price $33 |
Operator Mybus Sofia | Departure Time 11:59PM | Arrival Time 05:59AM | Duration 6h00 | Departure days Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri | Cheapest price $30 |
The table below shows live departures for Plovdiv to Istanbul buses for today, Saturday, July 18. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated bus journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
FlixBus | 1:15 PM Plovdiv, Avtogara Yug (Пловдив, Автогара Юг) | 6h15 | 7:30 PM Istanbul, Buyuk Otogar (Esenler) | 0 transfersDirect | |
7255391 | 3:30 PM Plovdiv (Пловдив) | 6h30 | 10:00 PM Istanbul, Buyuk Otogar (Esenler) | 0 transfersDirect | |
7221243 | 9:00 PM Plovdiv (Пловдив) | 7h05 | 4:05 AM Istanbul, Buyuk Otogar (Esenler) | 0 transfersDirect | |
| Sunday, July 19 | |||||
6919900 | 2:15 AM Plovdiv (Пловдив) | 8h00 | 10:15 AM Istanbul, Buyuk Otogar (Esenler) | 0 transfersDirect | |
This is the last bus of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare bus 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 Plovdiv to Istanbul run on average 6 times per day, taking around 6h 36m. Cheap bus tickets for this journey start at $28 (€23) if you book in advance.
There are 5 buses per day. The earliest bus runs at 00:30, the last at 23:30. The fastest bus covers the 230 miles (371 km) distance in 5h 0m.
Distance 230 miles (371 km) |
Average bus duration 6h 36m |
Cheapest ticket price $28 (€23) |
Buses per day 6 |
Direct buses 5 |
Fastest bus 5h 0m |
First bus 12:30 AM |
Last bus 11:30 PM |
Cheapest Month Sep |
Cheapest Day Sun |
High Season Jul - Sep |
Low Season Jan - Mar |
Busiest Day Tue |
Least Busy Day Fri |
Best time to book 49 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 Plovdiv 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.

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