Sofia to Istanbul Airport bus with City Lines

Sat, Dec 13
+ Add return
City Lines
Infobus
FlixBus
Alsa
BlaBlaCar Bus
1,000+ travel companies
City Lines
Infobus
FlixBus
Alsa
BlaBlaCar Bus
1,000+ travel companies
QR-Code
Scan to get our free app
Use our app to get live travel updates and book mobile tickets for trains, buses, flights, and ferries.
App Store
rate4.9
42K ratings
Google Play
rate4.6
136K reviews

The cheapest and fastest buses from Sofia to Istanbul Airport

Showing times and prices for Dec 15

Cheapest price

$48

Average price

$48

Fastest journey

8 h

Average duration

8 h 15 m

Buses per day

2

Distance

475 km

Cheap tickets

The best way to find a cheap bus ticket from Sofia to Istanbul Airport is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid traveling at rush hour.

The average ticket from Sofia to Istanbul Airport will cost around $48 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $48.

Fast buses

Of the 2 buses that leave Sofia for Istanbul Airport on Mon, Dec 15, 2 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.

On Mon, Dec 15 the direct buses cover the 475 km distance in an average of 8 h 15 m but if you time it right, some buses will get you there in just 8 h .

On Mon, Dec 15 the slowest buses will take 8 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.

FlixBusFlixBus
11:00AM8h30
София, Централна Aвтогара 2 (Sofia, Centralna Avtogara 2)
08:30PMIstanbul, Buyuk Otogar (Esenler)
$481One-way
0 transfers
FlixBusFlixBus
11:00PM8h00
София, Централна Aвтогара 2 (Sofia, Centralna Avtogara 2)
08:00AMIstanbul, Buyuk Otogar (Esenler)
$481One-way
0 transfers

Travel Information

Compare bus and flight for Sofia to Istanbul Airport

Omio recommends booking the bus as it is the most popular option from Sofia to Istanbul Airport among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the bus with prices starting from €29. For those with little time consider booking a flight which can get you there in 1h 52m. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of €29, and a flight costs an average of €46.

Distance: 295 miles (475 km)

Compare bus with

Most popular
Bus
Flight

€33

Average price

Cheapest

€80

Average price

9h 5m

Average total duration

8h 35m

Onboard

+

30m

Additional time*

4h 52m

Average total duration

Fastest

1h 52m

Onboard

+

3h 0m

Additional time*

City Lines

Most popular bus company

Turkish Airlines

Most popular airline

Direct Options

Direct Options

Sofia to Istanbul Airport Bus Timetables

OperatorDeparture TimeArrival TimeDurationDeparture daysCheapest price
Operator
FlixBus
Departure Time
11:00AM
Arrival Time
08:30PM
Duration
8h30
Departure days
Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu, Sun
Cheapest price
$43
Operator
FlixBus
Departure Time
11:00PM
Arrival Time
08:00AM
Duration
8h00
Departure days
Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu, Sun
Cheapest price
$43

Live departures

Sofia to Istanbul Airport bus times

The table below shows live departures for Sofia to Istanbul Airport buses for tomorrow, Monday, December 15. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated bus journeys.

Last updated at 11:17 PM
ProviderDepartsDurationArrivesTransfers
Tickets
meinfernbus_flixbusFlixBus9:00 AM София, Централна Aвтогара 2 (Sofia, Centralna Avtogara 2)
8h30
5:30 PM Istanbul, Buyuk Otogar (Esenler)0 transfersDirect
meinfernbus_flixbusFlixBus9:00 PM София, Централна Aвтогара 2 (Sofia, Centralna Avtogara 2)
8h00
5:00 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 prices and tickets Sofia to Istanbul Airport by bus or flight

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.

Mon
Dec 15
Tue
Dec 16
Wed
Dec 17
Thu
Dec 18
Fri
Dec 19
Sat
Dec 20
Sun
Dec 21
Mon
Dec 22
Tue
Dec 23
Wed
Dec 24
Thu
Dec 25
Fri
Dec 26
Sat
Dec 27
Sun
Dec 28

Journey information

Overview: Bus from Sofia to Istanbul Airport

BulgariaBulgaria
TurkeyTurkey
Icon of bus

Buses from Sofia to Istanbul Airport run on average 4 times per day, taking around 8h 35m. Cheap bus tickets for this journey start at $36 (€29) if you book in advance.

There are 4 buses per day. The earliest bus runs at 08:00, the last at 21:00. The fastest bus covers the 295 miles (475 km) distance in 6h 59m.

Fares are the lowest economy prices found on Omio. Early booking often means lower prices. Prices change daily and are subject to availability. Discount cards, coach trips, and booking fees are not included.
Price information
Distance
295 miles (475 km)
Average bus duration
8h 35m
Cheapest ticket price
$36 (€29)
Buses per day
4
Direct buses
4
Fastest bus
6h 59m
First bus
08:00
Last bus
21:00
Fares are the lowest economy prices found on Omio. Early booking often means lower prices. Prices change daily and are subject to availability. Discount cards, coach trips, and booking fees are not included.
Price information

Bus providers: City Lines, Infobus from Sofia to Istanbul AirportYou can travel by bus between Sofia to Istanbul Airport with City Lines, Infobus for as low as $36 (€29). When you search for schedules and tickets, Omio will show you the best journey

City Lines

About
"City Lines" can refer to several different bus companies. One prominent example is Citylines, a leading Bulgarian bus company headquartered in Sofia. It operates an extensive network of 44 routes, connecting 22 cities across Bulgaria and serving 9 European nations with an average of 19 trips daily. Citylines coaches offer amenities such as air conditioning, onboard restrooms, and Wi-Fi connectivity. Another is Rochester City Lines, a family-owned and operated charter bus company in Minnesota, United States, providing services for college, corporate, event, religious, school, and workforce transportation. They offer a fleet including motorcoaches, minibuses, and executive vans. Historically, National City Lines, Inc. (NCL) was a significant public transportation holding company in the United States, founded in 1920. NCL acquired numerous local transit systems, often converting streetcar lines to bus operations, a practice sometimes referred to as "bustitution." Additionally, "City Line" is also the name of a bus rapid transit (BRT) line in Spokane, Washington, operated by the Spokane Transit Authority. This 6-mile route, which opened in 2023, utilizes modern, zero-emission battery-electric buses and connects key areas including downtown Spokane and the University District.
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Duration
8h 30m
Cheapest Price
$38 (€30)
City Lines frequency
3 a day
Luggage included
One carry-on bag up to 8kg (55x35x25) and one checked bag up to 25kg (70x50x30).
Additional luggage
10€ per additional bag up to 25 kg.
Cancellation Policy
You can cancel your ticket up to 24 hours before departure for a full refund. Cancellations within 24 hours incur a 20% fee.
Amenities on board the bus
Wifi
Food sold onboard
Seat reservation
Toilets
USB plugs
Accessibility
Assistance; Priority seating; Accessible restrooms.
Bikes
Bikes are allowed; must be booked in advance.
Pets
Small pets allowed in carriers; larger pets must be leashed and muzzled.

Infobus

About
Infobus is an international IT company that operates as an online service for finding and purchasing bus, train, and plane tickets, rather than being a bus company itself. Established in 2002, Infobus acts as an intermediary between passengers and various transport carriers, particularly helping smaller bus companies offer online booking services. They utilize their own "BusSystem" to manage routes and ticket sales globally. Infobus covers over 30 countries and 300 cities, offering a wide range of routes and daily departures. While amenities can vary by carrier, Infobus aims to provide affordable and convenient travel with features like online booking, 24/7 support, and prompt notifications.
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Duration
7h 59m
Cheapest Price
$38 (€30)
Infobus frequency
1 a day
Luggage included
One carry-on bag up to 5kg (40x20x25) and one checked bag up to 20kg (50x30x80).
Additional luggage
10€ per additional bag.
Cancellation Policy
You can cancel your ticket up to 24 hours before departure for a partial refund. Cancellations within 24 hours may incur a fee.
Amenities on board the bus
Wifi
Food sold onboard
Seat reservation
Toilets
USB plugs
Accessibility
Assistance; Priority seating; Transport for wheelchairs and mobility aids.
Bikes
Bikes are allowed; may require prior reservation and an additional fee.
Pets
Small pets allowed in carriers; larger pets may require a separate ticket.

FAQs: Bus from Sofia to Istanbul Airport

Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Sofia to Istanbul Airport 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 Airport, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.

FAQs
There are 4 buses a day from Sofia to Istanbul Airport (IST) which require at least one change with Infobus or City Lines. Schedules can vary on holidays or weekends with fewer buses.
When taking a bus from Sofia to Istanbul Airport (IST), you can count on Infobus or City Lines for the best way to get you to Istanbul Airport (IST). You can also check all possible bus companies who offer a service to Istanbul Airport (IST) from Sofia and compare the amenities they offer before buying a bus ticket.
A day trip to Istanbul Airport (IST) from Sofia is worth doing with a journey time of min each way. Check with Omio app   the best way to travel.
Yes, you can take a flight from Sofia to Istanbul Airport (IST).
Yes, the following accessibility options are available when taking the bus from Sofia to Istanbul Airport (IST):
  • Infobus
    • Assistance
    • Priority seating
    • Transport for wheelchairs and mobility aids.
  • City Lines
    • Assistance
    • Priority seating
    • Accessible restrooms.
Yes, there are bathrooms on board the bus from Sofia to Istanbul Airport (IST) for bus companies Infobus and City Lines.
Yes, bikes are allowed on board the bus with bus companies Infobus and City Lines.
Whether you can cancel your bus ticket from Sofia to Istanbul Airport (IST) depends on the bus companies:
  • Infobus
    • You can cancel your ticket up to 24 hours before departure for a partial refund. Cancellations within 24 hours may incur a fee.
  • City Lines
    • You can cancel your ticket up to 24 hours before departure for a full refund. Cancellations within 24 hours incur a 20% fee.

To find the cheapest bus tickets for your trip from Sofia to Istanbul Airport (IST), follow these tips:

  • Book in advance: Tickets are often cheaper when booked early.
  • Be flexible with dates and times: Traveling during off-peak hours or on weekdays can help you save money.
  • Use our search filters: Sort results by price to quickly identify the most affordable options.
  • Look for special deals or discounts: Check for promotions or discounts available on our website and app.
  • Start your search now and compare ticket prices to find the best deal!

    Yes, there is food available to purchase on board the bus from Sofia to Istanbul Airport (IST).
    Yes, the following luggage options are included when booking a bus ticket from Sofia to Istanbul Airport (IST):
    • Infobus
      • One carry-on bag up to 5kg (40x20x25) and one checked bag up to 20kg (50x30x80).
    • City Lines
      • One carry-on bag up to 8kg (55x35x25) and one checked bag up to 25kg (70x50x30).
    Yes, the following additional luggage options are available when booking a bus ticket from Sofia to Istanbul Airport (IST):
    • Infobus
      • 10€ per additional bag.
    • City Lines
      • 10€ per additional bag up to 25 kg.
    Yes, you can bring your pet on the bus from Sofia to Istanbul Airport (IST). The following conditions apply:
    • Infobus
      • Small pets allowed in carriers
      • Larger pets may require a separate ticket.
    • City Lines
      • Small pets allowed in carriers
      • Larger pets must be leashed and muzzled.
    You can reserve your seat on the bus from Sofia to Istanbul Airport (IST) with the following bus companies: Infobus and City Lines
    Yes, there are USB plugs on board the bus from Sofia to Istanbul Airport (IST) with the following bus providers: Infobus and City Lines.
    Yes, there is Wifi on board the bus from Sofia to Istanbul Airport (IST) with the following bus companies: Infobus and City Lines.

    popular bus stations

    Popular bus stations from Sofia to Istanbul Airport

    Sofia
    Istanbul
    Amenities at bus station
    WifiWifi
    ParkingParking
    ATMATM
    TaxisTaxis
    AccessibilityAccessibility
    WCWC
    Ticket OfficeTicket Office
    information
    ticketOfficeHours
    Ticket Office Hours
    • 06:00-22:00
    ticketOfficeHours
    Distance to city center
    1 km
    carConnection
    Car connection
    Knyaginya Maria Luiza Blvd
    Wifi
    Wifi
    • Free Wi-Fi
    Taxis
    Taxis
    • Available outside the main entrance.
    Accessibility
    Accessibility
    • Elevators, ramps
    WC
    WC
    • Available in the station.
    Public transit options for Sofia, Centralna Avtogara (София, Централна Автогара)
    • Bus: 213, 305, 404 Metro: M2 Train: Sofia Central Station
    Sofia, Sofia International Airport (T1) (София, Летище София (T1))
    Sofiya, Avtogara Serdika (София, Автогара Сердика)WifiParkingDiningATMTaxisAccessibilityWCTicket Office
    Amenities at bus station
    WifiWifi
    ParkingParking
    DiningDining
    ATMATM
    TaxisTaxis
    AccessibilityAccessibility
    WCWC
    Ticket OfficeTicket Office
    information
    ticketOfficeHours
    Ticket Office Hours
    • 00:00-23:59
    ticketOfficeHours
    Distance to city center
    1 km
    carConnection
    Car connection
    Knyaginya Maria Luiza Blvd
    Wifi
    Wifi
    • Free Wi-Fi
    Dining
    Dining
    • Cafeteria Serdika (in the station)
    • Bistro Bulgaria (0.2 km)
    • Sofia Grill House (0.5 km).
    Taxis
    Taxis
    • Available outside the main entrance.
    Accessibility
    Accessibility
    • Elevators, ramps
    WC
    WC
    • Available in the station.
    Public transit options for Sofiya, Avtogara Serdika (София, Автогара Сердика)
    • Bus: 213, 305, 404 Metro: M1, M2 Train: Sofia Central Station

    More options for your journey from Sofia to Istanbul Airport

    Here are some other resources that might have the information you need

    HomeBusesSofia to Istanbul Airport bus

    The Omio App Makes Travel Planning Easy

    We’ll get you where you want to go. From live train updates to mobile tickets, our innovative app is the ideal way to plan and keep track of your travel.

    ios-badge
    android-badge
    Hand With Phone