The cheapest and fastest buses from Sofia to Istanbul Airport
- Cheapest price on Nov 13
- $46
- Average ticket price on Nov 13
- $49
- Fastest journey on Nov 13
- 8 h
- Average journey duration on Nov 13
- 8 h 15 m
- Buses on Nov 13
- 2
- Distance
- 475 km
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 $49 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $46.
On Fri, Nov 13, we found 2 buses from Sofia to Istanbul Airport, including 2 direct services.
On Fri, Nov 13 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 Fri, Nov 13 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.

9:00 PM 8h00 Sofia 5:00 AM Istanbul Airport $46 1 One-way 0 transfers
8:00 AM 8h30 Sofia 4:30 PM Istanbul Airport $53 1 One-way 0 transfers

9:00 PM 8h00 Sofia 5:00 AM Istanbul Airport $46 1 One-way 0 transfers
8:00 AM 8h30 Sofia 4:30 PM Istanbul Airport $53 1 One-way 0 transfers
Journey information
Overview: Bus from Sofia to Istanbul Airport
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 if you book in advance.
There are 2 buses per day. The earliest bus runs at 08:00, the last at 20:00. The fastest bus covers the 295 miles (475 km) distance in 8h 0m.
Distance 295 miles (475 km) |
Average bus duration 8h 15m |
Cheapest ticket price $41 |
Buses per day 2 |
Direct buses 2 |
Fastest bus 8h 0m |
First bus 8:00 AM |
Last bus 8:00 PM |
Cheapest Month Oct |
Cheapest Day Thu |
High Season Jul - Sep |
Low Season Jan - Mar |
Busiest Day Mon |
Least Busy Day Fri |
Best time to book 14 days |
Frequently asked questions about your Sofia to Istanbul Airport trip
Use these quick route answers to check fares, travel time, departure options, and direct services before booking from Sofia to Istanbul Airport.
Sofia to Istanbul Airport Bus Timetables
| Operator | Departure Time | Arrival Time | Duration | Departure days | Cheapest price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 08:00AM | Arrival Time 04:30PM | Duration 8h30 | Departure days Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $45 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 11:00AM | Arrival Time 08:30PM | Duration 8h30 | Departure days Mon | Cheapest price $45 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 08:00PM | Arrival Time 04:00AM | Duration 8h00 | Departure days Tue | Cheapest price $47 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 09:00PM | Arrival Time 05:00AM | Duration 8h00 | Departure days Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $45 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 11:00PM | Arrival Time 08:00AM | Duration 8h00 | Departure days Mon | Cheapest price $45 |
Live departures
Sofia to Istanbul Airport bus times
The table below shows live departures for Sofia to Istanbul Airport buses for today, Thursday, November 12. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated bus journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
![]() | 9:00 PM Sofia | 8h00 | 5:00 AM Istanbul Airport | 0 transfersDirect | |
| Friday, November 13 | |||||
![]() | 8:00 AM Sofia | 8h30 | 4:30 PM Istanbul Airport | 0 transfersDirect | |
This is the last bus of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Why should you book Sofia to Istanbul Airport buses with Omio?
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.
Bus providers: FlixBus from Sofia to Istanbul AirportYou can travel by bus between Sofia to Istanbul Airport with FlixBus for as low as $41. When you search for schedules and tickets, Omio will show you the best journey
FlixBus
Companies, tickets, and onboard amenities between Sofia and Istanbul Airport
Review the details behind your booking, from operators and ticket rules to luggage, onboard amenities, accessibility, and route-specific travel policies.
- FlixBus
- Assistance
- Priority boarding
- Wheelchair-accessible buses.
- 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.
- FlixBus
- One carry-on bag up to 7kg (42x30x18 cm) and one checked bag up to 20kg (80x50x30 cm).
- FlixBus
- Additional luggage can be purchased for a fee.
- FlixBus
- 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.

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.
Getting to Sofia (София) from Sofia city centre
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.
Getting to София, Централна Aвтогара 2 (Sofia, Centralna Avtogara 2) from Sofia city centre
Getting to Sofia, Sofia International Airport (T1) (София, Летище София (T1)) from Sofia city centre
More options for your journey from Sofia to Istanbul Airport
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need
