Sofia to Istanbul Airport bus with FlixBus

Mon, Jun 22
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The cheapest and fastest buses from Sofia to Istanbul Airport

Showing times and prices for Jun 22

Cheapest price

$47

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 $47.

Fast buses

Of the 2 buses that leave Sofia for Istanbul Airport on Mon, Jun 22, 2 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.

On Mon, Jun 22 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, Jun 22 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.

  • FlixBus
    9:00 PM8h00
    Sofia
    5:00 AMIstanbul Airport
    $471One-way
    0 transfers
  • FlixBus
    8:00 AM8h30
    Sofia
    4:30 PMIstanbul Airport
    $491One-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 $42. 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 $42, and a flight costs an average of $56.

Distance: 295 miles (475 km)

Compare bus with

Most popular
Bus
Flight
Driving

$46

Average price

Cheapest

$107

Average price

$109

Average price

(fuel + tolls)

8h 54m

Average total duration

8h 24m

Onboard

+

30m

Additional time*

4h 52m

Average total duration

Fastest

1h 52m

Onboard

+

3h 0m

Additional time*

5h 33m

Average total duration

(door-to-door)

FlixBus

Most popular bus company

Turkish Airlines

Most popular airline

Your own car or car rental

Direct Options

Direct Options

Direct Options

The cheapest way to travel from Sofia to Istanbul Airport is a bus with an average price of $46 (€38).

This is compared to other travel options from Sofia to Istanbul Airport:

A bus is $61 (€50) less than a flight for this route with tickets for a flight from Sofia to Istanbul Airport costing on average $107 (€87).

The fastest way to travel from Sofia to Istanbul Airport is by flight with an average journey time of 1h 52m.

Other travel options to Istanbul Airport take longer:

Bus takes on average 8h 24m.

It's helpful to compare your options as there are 2 ways to travel between Sofia and Istanbul Airport including taking a bus and flight.
We recommend using the bus as it is the most popular way to get from Sofia to Istanbul Airport among Omio's users.
Take the bus. It's the cheapest way to make this trip, and the price gap is usually bigger than people expect.

Tickets start at around $46 (€38) compared to roughly $109 (€90) in fuel and tolls — a saving of about $63 (€52). The journey takes 8h 24m versus 5h 33m 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, City Lines, Infobus.

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.

Sofia to Istanbul Airport Bus Timetables

OperatorDeparture TimeArrival TimeDurationDeparture daysCheapest price
Operator
FlixBus
Departure Time
08:00AM
Arrival Time
04:30PM
Duration
8h30
Departure days
Mon, Sat, Sun
Cheapest price
$48
Operator
FlixBus
Departure Time
11:00AM
Arrival Time
07:30PM
Duration
8h30
Departure days
Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri
Cheapest price
$42
Operator
FlixBus
Departure Time
09:00PM
Arrival Time
05:00AM
Duration
8h00
Departure days
Mon, Sat, Sun
Cheapest price
$47
Operator
FlixBus
Departure Time
11:00PM
Arrival Time
07:00AM
Duration
8h00
Departure days
Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri
Cheapest price
$42

Live departures

Sofia to Istanbul Airport bus times

The table below shows live departures for Sofia to Istanbul Airport buses for today, Sunday, June 21. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated bus journeys.

Last updated at
ProviderDepartsDurationArrivesTransfers
Tickets
FlixBus9:00 PM Sofia
8h00
5:00 AM Istanbul Airport0 transfersDirect
Monday, June 22
FlixBus8:00 AM Sofia
8h30
4:30 PM Istanbul Airport0 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
Jun 22
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Why should you book Sofia to Istanbul Airport buses with Omio?

FlixBus as well as City Lines or Infobus offer buses services from Sofia to Istanbul Airport.
Omio is an official ticket reseller for all your travel options from Sofia to Istanbul Airport.

Why book with Omio vs FlixBus?

  • Compare with other providers: On Omio, you can not only buy tickets for FlixBus, but also compare tickets for the likes of City Lines or Infobus to find the best option for your trip from Sofia to Istanbul Airport.
  • Designed for International Travelers: Omio is in your language including 24/7 customer service and offers multiple payment options, including PayPal, credit cards, and bank transfer, in your preferred currency.
  • Compare all your options: Omio allows you to compare FlixBus with all available travel options, which are bus and flight to ensure you get the best deal for traveling from Sofia to Istanbul Airport.

Why book with Omio over Wanderu, Trainline or Busbud?

  • Multiple modes of transport: Omio allows you to compare travel options including bus and flight to find the ideal travel option from Sofia to Istanbul Airport.

Journey information

Overview: Bus from Sofia to Istanbul Airport

BulgariaBulgaria
TurkeyTurkey
Icon of bus

Buses from Sofia to Istanbul Airport run on average 3 times per day, taking around 8h 24m. Cheap bus tickets for this journey start at $42 (€34) if you book in advance.

There are 3 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 8h 0m.

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 24m
Cheapest ticket price
$42 (€34)
Buses per day
3
Direct buses
3
Fastest bus
8h 0m
First bus
8:00 AM
Last bus
9:00 PM
Cheapest Month
Sep
Cheapest Day
Thu
High Season
Jul - Sep
Low Season
Jan - Mar
Busiest Day
Mon
Least Busy Day
Fri
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: FlixBus, City Lines, Infobus from Sofia to Istanbul AirportYou can travel by bus between Sofia to Istanbul Airport with FlixBus, City Lines, Infobus for as low as $42 (€34). When you search for schedules and tickets, Omio will show you the best journey

FlixBus

About
FlixBus is one of Europe’s leading low-cost bus companies, founded in Germany and now offering long-distance services across Europe and the United States. In addition to its extensive daytime network, FlixBus also operates overnight buses on select European routes. Standard amenities include free Wi-Fi, power outlets to charge devices, extra legroom, luggage space, and onboard toilets, with snacks and drinks available for purchase. FlixBus offers a single Standard ticket type for all routes, which includes one carry-on bag and one checked bag per passenger. Additional fees apply for extra luggage and for reserving specific seats, such as Extra Seats, Table Seats, or Panorama Seats. This combination of affordability, comfort, and wide coverage makes FlixBus a popular choice for budget-conscious travelers.
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Duration
8h 0m
Cheapest Price
$42 (€34)
FlixBus frequency
2 a day
Luggage included
One carry-on bag up to 7kg (42x30x18 cm) and one checked bag up to 20kg (80x50x30 cm).
Additional luggage
Additional luggage can be purchased for a fee.
Cancellation Policy
You can cancel your ticket up to 15 minutes before departure and receive a voucher for future travel. Refund requests for delays over 120 minutes are possible.
Amenities on board the bus
Wifi
Food sold onboard
Seat reservation
Toilets
USB plugs
Accessibility
Assistance; Priority boarding; Wheelchair-accessible buses.
Bikes
Bikes are allowed for a fee; must be booked.
Pets
Small pets in carriers allowed; guide dogs travel for free.

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
$37 (€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
6h 59m
Cheapest Price
$37 (€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.

Complete guide to Istanbul Airport

Things to do in Istanbul Airport

Discover the best of Istanbul Airport — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Istanbul Airport trip today.

  • Must visit

Istanbul Modern

Leading contemporary art museum on the waterfront, known for Turkish modern and contemporary art, photography, and temporary exhibitions.

  • Must visit

Topkapı Palace Museum

Former imperial residence of the Ottoman sultans with treasury rooms, courtyards, and historic collections overlooking the Bosphorus.

  • Recommended

Istanbul Archaeological Museums

Major museum complex with outstanding classical, Near Eastern, and Ottoman-era collections, including the Alexander Sarcophagus.

Turkish Lira

Airport prices are higher than in the city. Snacks and coffee are pricey, but casual meals remain manageable for most travelers.

Average meal costs

Budget
TRY 250-400 for fast food or a simple snack.
Mid-range
TRY 500-900 per person at a casual sit-down restaurant.
Fine dining
TRY 1,500+ per person at upscale airport dining.
Coffee
TRY 120-180 for a coffee.

Tipping culture

Service is sometimes included. If not, tip about 5-10% at restaurants. Round up for cafes and taxis. No tip is expected for counter service.

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
Cheap bus tickets from Sofia to Istanbul Airport can start from as little as $42 (€34) when you book in advance. The average bus ticket price for Sofia to Istanbul Airport is $46 (€38) ; however, prices vary depending on the time of day and class and they tend to be more expensive on the day.
The average journey time by bus from Sofia to Istanbul Airport is 8h 0m to travel the 295 miles (475 km) long journey. Journey times can vary on weekends and holidays, so use our Journey Planner to search for a specific date.
The earliest bus from Sofia to Istanbul Airport leaves at 8:00 AM. Plan your trip with the Journey Planner from Omio.
The latest bus from Sofia to Istanbul Airport leaves at 9:00 PM.
Yes, there are 3 direct buses a day from Sofia to Istanbul Airport with FlixBus, City Lines, Infobus. Schedules can vary on holidays or weekends with fewer direct buses.
When taking a bus from Sofia to Istanbul Airport, you can count on FlixBus, City Lines, Infobus for the best way to get you to Istanbul Airport. You can also check all possible bus companies who offer a service between Sofia and Istanbul Airport and compare the amenities they offer before buying a bus ticket.
A trip to Istanbul Airport from Sofia is worth doing but not as a day trip with a journey time of 8h 0m each way. Check with Omio app the best way to travel.
The cheapest month for a bus from Sofia to Istanbul Airport is September.
It's helpful to compare your options as there are 2 ways to travel between Sofia and Istanbul Airport including taking a bus and flight.
Yes, the following accessibility options are available when taking the bus from Sofia to Istanbul Airport:
  • City Lines
    • Assistance
    • Priority seating
    • Accessible restrooms.
  • Infobus
    • Assistance
    • Priority seating
    • Transport for wheelchairs and mobility aids.
  • FlixBus
    • Assistance
    • Priority boarding
    • Wheelchair-accessible buses.
Yes, there are bathrooms on board the bus from Sofia to Istanbul Airport for bus company FlixBus, City Lines, Infobus.
Whether you can cancel your bus ticket from Sofia to Istanbul Airport depends on the bus companies:
  • 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.
  • Infobus
    • You can cancel your ticket up to 24 hours before departure for a partial refund. Cancellations within 24 hours may incur a fee.
  • FlixBus
    • You can cancel your ticket up to 15 minutes before departure and receive a voucher for future travel. Refund requests for delays over 120 minutes are possible.
Yes, bikes are allowed on board the bus with bus company FlixBus, City Lines, Infobus.
Tickets are often cheaper when booked early. Traveling during off-peak hours or on weekdays can help you save money. Sort results by price to quickly identify the most affordable options. Check for promotions or discounts available on our website and app.
Yes, there is food available to purchase on board the bus from Sofia to Istanbul Airport.
Yes, the following luggage options are included when booking a bus ticket from Sofia to Istanbul Airport:
  • City Lines
    • One carry-on bag up to 8kg (55x35x25) and one checked bag up to 25kg (70x50x30).
  • Infobus
    • One carry-on bag up to 5kg (40x20x25) and one checked bag up to 20kg (50x30x80).
  • FlixBus
    • One carry-on bag up to 7kg (42x30x18 cm) and one checked bag up to 20kg (80x50x30 cm).
Yes, the following additional luggage options are available when booking a bus ticket from Sofia to Istanbul Airport:
  • City Lines
    • 10€ per additional bag up to 25 kg.
  • Infobus
    • 10€ per additional bag.
  • FlixBus
    • Additional luggage can be purchased for a fee.
Yes, you can bring your pet on the bus from Sofia to Istanbul Airport. The following conditions apply:
  • City Lines
    • Small pets allowed in carriers
    • larger pets must be leashed and muzzled.
  • Infobus
    • Small pets allowed in carriers
    • larger pets may require a separate ticket.
  • FlixBus
    • Small pets in carriers allowed
    • guide dogs travel for free.
You can reserve your seat on the bus from Sofia to Istanbul Airport with the following bus company: FlixBus, City Lines, Infobus
Yes, there are USB plugs on board the bus from Sofia to Istanbul Airport with the following bus company: FlixBus, City Lines, Infobus.
Yes, there is Wifi on board the bus from Sofia to Istanbul Airport with the following bus company: FlixBus, City Lines, Infobus.
Istanbul Airport is outside the Schengen Area. Travelers departing from Sofia will need a valid passport and may require a visa depending on their nationality. Entry and visa requirements can be subject to change. For the latest information, check with your destination's embassy or consulate.
We recommend using the bus as it is the most popular way to get from Sofia to Istanbul Airport among Omio's users.
Türkiye uses the Turkish Lira (TRY) as its currency. Travelers often find cards widely accepted in major cities and tourist areas, but carrying some cash is advisable for small purchases, local markets, and rural regions where card acceptance may be limited.
Pack lightweight, versatile clothing suitable for the destination's climate, and use secure, lockable luggage to protect belongings. Keep essential items like travel documents, medication, and valuables in a carry-on bag for easy access. Use packing organizers or cubes to maximize space and maintain order. Lastly, include a small first aid kit and personal hygiene items for added comfort during travel.

popular bus stations

Popular bus stations from Sofia to Istanbul Airport

Most Sofia to Istanbul Airport buses use the София, (Sofia) to Istanbul, Büyük Otogari (Esenler) station pair, with some services arriving at Istanbul, Esenler Otogarı (Metro Bulgaria). Use this guide to compare Sofia and Istanbul Airport bus stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like bus station facilities and services.

Departure bus stations in Sofia
Arrival bus stations in Istanbul
София, (Sofia)
City-centre transport

Getting to София, (Sofia) from Sofia city centre

Bus36h 31m · $485
38h 30m
39h 1m · $370
57h 18m · $303
София, Централна Aвтогара 2 (Sofia, Centralna Avtogara 2)
City-centre transport

Getting to София, Централна Aвтогара 2 (Sofia, Centralna Avtogara 2) from Sofia city centre

Bus78 · 13m · every ~5 min
Subway2 · 3m · $1 · every ~20 min
M2 · 4m · every ~16 min
Sofiya, Avtogara Serdika (София, Автогара Сердика)Knyaginya Maria Luiza Blvd 102, 1202 Sofia, BulgariaWifiParkingDiningATMTaxisAccessibilityWCTicket Office
City-centre transport

Getting to Sofiya, Avtogara Serdika (София, Автогара Сердика) from Sofia city centre

Sofiya, Avtogara Serdika (София, Автогара Сердика) is 1 km from Sofia city centre. Public transport options include:

Bus78 · 12m · every ~5 min
Tram12, 27 · 9m · $1 · every ~19 min
Subway2 · 4m · $1 · every ~20 min
M2 · 5m · every ~16 min

Sofiya, Avtogara Serdika (София, Автогара Сердика) bus station facilities and services

Sofiya, Avtogara Serdika (София, Автогара Сердика) has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, and Ticket Office.

Food and drink

Food options include: Cafeteria Serdika (in the station), Bistro Bulgaria (0.2 km), Sofia Grill House (0.5 km).

Wi-Fi and ATMs

Free Wi-Fi. ATMs are located near the main entrance.

Tickets and information

Ticket office support is available at Sofiya, Avtogara Serdika (София, Автогара Сердика).

Parking, taxis and toilets

Available at Sofiya, Avtogara Serdika (София, Автогара Сердика): Parking, Taxis, WC.

Accessibility

Accessibility facilities are available at Sofiya, Avtogara Serdika (София, Автогара Сердика): Elevators, ramps.

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

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