Sofia to Istanbul Airport bus with FlixBus

Tue, Sep 29
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2,000+ travel companies
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The cheapest and fastest buses from Sofia to Istanbul Airport

Showing times, prices and bookable tickets for Sep 29

Cheapest price on Sep 29

$46

Average ticket price on Sep 29

$46

Fastest journey on Sep 29

8 h

Average journey duration on Sep 29

8 h 15 m

Buses on Sep 29

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 $46 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $46.

Fast buses

On Tue, Sep 29, we found 2 buses from Sofia to Istanbul Airport, including 2 direct services.

On Tue, Sep 29 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 Tue, Sep 29 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
    11:00 PM8h00
    София, Централна Aвтогара 2 (Sofia, Centralna Avtogara 2)
    7:00 AMIstanbul, Buyuk Otogar (Esenler)
    $461One-way
    0 transfers
  • FlixBusFlixBus
    11:00 AM8h30
    София, Централна Aвтогара 2 (Sofia, Centralna Avtogara 2)
    7:30 PMIstanbul, Buyuk Otogar (Esenler)
    $461One-way
    0 transfers

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
Cheapest price
$49
Operator
FlixBus
Departure Time
11:00AM
Arrival Time
07:30PM
Duration
8h30
Departure days
Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri, Sat, Sun
Cheapest price
$46
Operator
FlixBus
Departure Time
09:00PM
Arrival Time
05:00AM
Duration
8h00
Departure days
Mon
Cheapest price
$47
Operator
FlixBus
Departure Time
11:00PM
Arrival Time
07:00AM
Duration
8h00
Departure days
Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri, Sat, Sun
Cheapest price
$46

Live departures

Sofia to Istanbul Airport bus times

The table below shows live departures for Sofia to Istanbul Airport buses for today, Monday, September 28. 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
Tuesday, September 29
FlixBusFlixBus11:00 AM София, Централна Aвтогара 2 (Sofia, Centralna Avtogara 2)
8h30
7:30 PM 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.

Tue
Sep 29
Wed
Sep 30
Thu
Oct 01
Fri
Oct 02
Sat
Oct 03
Sun
Oct 04
Mon
Oct 05

Why should you book Sofia to Istanbul Airport buses with Omio?

FlixBus operates all 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?

  • 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 or Trainline?

  • 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 2 times per day, taking around 8h 15m. Cheap bus tickets for this journey start at $41 (€34) if you book in advance.

There are 2 buses per day. The earliest bus runs at 08:00, the last at 08:00. 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 15m
Cheapest ticket price
$41 (€34)
Buses per day
2
Direct buses
2
Fastest bus
8h 0m
First bus
8:00 AM
Last bus
8:00 AM
Cheapest Month
Sep
Cheapest Day
Thu
High Season
Jul - Sep
Low Season
Jan - Mar
Busiest Day
Mon
Least Busy Day
Fri
Best time to book
14 days
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 from Sofia to Istanbul AirportYou can travel by bus between Sofia to Istanbul Airport with FlixBus for as low as $41 (€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 FlixBus Duration
8h 0m
Cheapest FlixBus Price
$41 (€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.

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 $41 (€34) when you book in advance. The average bus ticket price for Sofia to Istanbul Airport is $44 (€36) ; 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 8:00 AM.
Yes, there are 2 direct buses a day from Sofia to Istanbul Airport with FlixBus. 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 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.
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, there are bathrooms on board the bus from Sofia to Istanbul Airport for bus company FlixBus.
Yes, the following accessibility options are available when taking the bus from Sofia to Istanbul Airport:
  • FlixBus
    • Assistance
    • Priority boarding
    • Wheelchair-accessible buses.
Yes, bikes are allowed on board the bus with bus company FlixBus.
Whether you can cancel your bus ticket from Sofia to Istanbul Airport depends on the bus companies:
  • 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.
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:
  • 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:
  • 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:
  • 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
Yes, there are USB plugs on board the bus from Sofia to Istanbul Airport with the following bus company: FlixBus.
Yes, there is Wifi on board the bus from Sofia to Istanbul Airport with the following bus company: FlixBus.
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 Sofia (София) to Istanbul, Büyük Otogari (Esenler) station pair. 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
Sofia (София)Central Bus Station - Sofia, Tsentralna, bul. "Knyaginya Maria Luiza" 100, 1202 Sofia, BulgariaWifiParkingDiningATMTaxisAccessibilityWCShowerTicket Office
City-centre transport

Getting to Sofia (София) from Sofia city centre

Bus36h 31m · $481
38h 30m
39h 1m · $367
57h 18m · $301

Sofia (София) bus station facilities and services

Sofia (София) has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Shower, and Ticket Office.

Food and drink

Food options include: Small cafes available nearby.

Wi-Fi and ATMs

Wi-Fi is available at Sofia (София). ATMs are aTM machines available onsite.

Tickets and information

Ticket office support is available at Sofia (София).

Parking, taxis and toilets

Available at Sofia (София): Parking, Taxis, WC.

Accessibility

Accessibility facilities are available at Sofia (София): Facilities are accessible for passengers with reduced mobility.

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
Sofia, Sofia International Airport (T1) (София, Летище София (T1))Sofia Airport Departure Terminal 1, bul. "Christopher Columbus" 1, 1528
City-centre transport

Getting to Sofia, Sofia International Airport (T1) (София, Летище София (T1)) from Sofia city centre

Bus84 · 28m · every ~9 min
84 · 30m · every ~9 min
Subway4 · 49m · $1 · every ~13 min
Shuttle13m · $22
14m · $79
14m · $79
14m · $79
14m · $79
14m · $79
14m · $79
14m · $79
14m · $79
14m · $79
14m · $79
14m · $79
14m · $79
14m · $79
14m · $79
14m · $79
14m · $79
14m · $79
14m · $79
14m · $79
14m · $79

More options for your journey from Sofia to Istanbul Airport

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

HomeBusesBuses in TurkeySofia to Istanbul Airport bus

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