- Must visit
Istanbul Modern
Leading contemporary art museum on the Bosphorus with strong Turkish and international exhibitions in a landmark waterfront building.
Cheapest price on Sep 02
$28
Average ticket price on Sep 02
$35
Fastest journey on Sep 02
5 h 45 m
Average journey duration on Sep 02
6 h 9 m
Buses on Sep 02
7
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 $35 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $28.
On Wed, Sep 02, we found 7 buses from Plovdiv to Istanbul, including 7 direct services.
On Wed, Sep 02 the direct buses cover the 371 km distance in an average of 6 h 9 m but if you time it right, some buses will get you there in just 5 h 45 m .
On Wed, Sep 02 the slowest buses will take 6 h 30 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.
7423499
0
0
7256875
FlixBus
FlixBus
0
FlixBus
7256875
0Omio 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 an average ticket price of $32 For those with little time, consider booking a bus, which has an average total journey time of 6h 56m. Average ticket prices depend on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of $32, while a bus costs an average of $32.
Distance: 230 miles (371 km)
Most popular Bus | Driving |
|---|---|
$32 Average price Cheapest | $87 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
6h 56m Average total duration Fastest 6h 26m 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 |
Tickets start at around $32 (€26) compared to roughly $87 (€70) in fuel and tolls — a saving of about $55 (€44). The journey takes 6h 26m 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, Mybus Sofia, 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, Wed, Thu, Fri, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $38 |
Operator ArdaTur | Departure Time 02:15AM | Arrival Time 10:15AM | Duration 8h00 | Departure days Wed, Fri | Cheapest price $28 |
Operator ArdaTur | Departure Time 10:40AM | Arrival Time 05:00PM | Duration 6h20 | Departure days Tue, Wed, Fri | Cheapest price $35 |
Operator ArdaTur | Departure Time 12:35PM | Arrival Time 06:30PM | Duration 5h55 | Departure days Tue, Wed, Fri | Cheapest price $30 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 01:15PM | Arrival Time 07:30PM | Duration 6h15 | Departure days Everyday | Cheapest price $38 |
Operator ArdaTur | Departure Time 03:30PM | Arrival Time 10:00PM | Duration 6h30 | Departure days Tue, Wed, Fri | Cheapest price $40 |
Operator ArdaTur | Departure Time 09:00PM | Arrival Time 04:05AM | Duration 7h05 | Departure days Tue, Wed, Fri | Cheapest price $33 |
The table below shows live departures for Plovdiv to Istanbul buses for today, Tuesday, September 1. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated bus journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
7455358 | 9:00 PM Plovdiv | 7h05 | 4:05 AM Istanbul | 0 transfersDirect | |
| Wednesday, September 2 | |||||
FlixBus | 1:15 AM Plovdiv, Avtogara Yug (Пловдив, Автогара Юг) | 5h45 | 7:00 AM Istanbul, Buyuk Otogar (Esenler) | 0 transfersDirect | |
7423499 | 2:15 AM Plovdiv | 8h00 | 10:15 AM Istanbul | 0 transfersDirect | |
7256875 | 10:40 AM Plovdiv | 6h20 | 5:00 PM Istanbul | 0 transfersDirect | |
FlixBus | 1:15 PM Plovdiv, Avtogara Yug (Пловдив, Автогара Юг) | 6h15 | 7:30 PM Istanbul, Buyuk Otogar (Esenler) | 0 transfersDirect | |
0 | 12:35 PM Plovdiv | 5h55 | 6:30 PM Istanbul | 0 transfersDirect | |
0 | 3:30 PM Plovdiv | 6h30 | 10:00 PM Istanbul | 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 5 times per day, taking around 6h 26m. Cheap bus tickets for this journey start at $27 (€22) 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 6h 15m.
Distance 230 miles (371 km) |
Average bus duration 6h 26m |
Cheapest ticket price $27 (€22) |
Buses per day 5 |
Direct buses 5 |
Fastest bus 6h 15m |
First bus 12:30 AM |
Last bus 11:30 PM |
Cheapest Month Sep |
Cheapest Day Sat |
High Season Jul - Sep |
Low Season Jan - Mar |
Busiest Day Wed |
Least Busy Day Fri |
Best time to book 56 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.

Most Plovdiv to Istanbul buses use the Plovdiv, Avtogara Yug (Пловдив, Автогара Юг) to Istanbul, Büyük Otogari (Esenler) station pair, with some services arriving at Istanbul, Esenler Otogarı (Metro Bulgaria). Use this guide to compare Plovdiv and Istanbul bus stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like bus station facilities and services.
Plovdiv, Avtogara Yug (Пловдив, Автогара Юг) is 1 km from Plovdiv city centre. Public transport options include:
Plovdiv, Avtogara Yug (Пловдив, Автогара Юг) has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Shower, and Ticket Office.
Free Wi-Fi available inside the station. ATMs are aTM located in the main hall.
Ticket office support is available at Plovdiv, Avtogara Yug (Пловдив, Автогара Юг).
Available at Plovdiv, Avtogara Yug (Пловдив, Автогара Юг): Parking, Taxis, WC.
Accessibility facilities are available at Plovdiv, Avtogara Yug (Пловдив, Автогара Юг): Ramps and assistance available for disabled individuals.
Plovdiv (Пловдив) is 1 km from Plovdiv city centre. Public transport options include:
Plovdiv (Пловдив) has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Shower, and Ticket Office.
Food options include: Snack kiosks and fast food available.
Wi-Fi is available at Plovdiv (Пловдив). ATMs are aTM located inside the station.
Ticket office support is available at Plovdiv (Пловдив).
Available at Plovdiv (Пловдив): Parking, Taxis, WC.
Accessibility facilities are available at Plovdiv (Пловдив): Wheelchair accessible entrance available.
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