The cheapest and fastest buses from Sofia to Istanbul
Cheapest price
$43
Average price
$46
Fastest journey
7 h 30 m
Average duration
8 h 10 m
Buses per day
5
Distance
502 km
The best way to find a cheap bus ticket from Sofia to Istanbul 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 will cost around $46 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $43.
Of the 5 buses that leave Sofia for Istanbul on Sat, Feb 28, 5 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.
On Sat, Feb 28 the direct buses cover the 502 km distance in an average of 8 h 10 m but if you time it right, some buses will get you there in just 7 h 30 m .
On Sat, Feb 28 the slowest buses will take 8 h 46 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.
6628012
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FlixBus
FlixBus
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FlixBus
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FlixBus
6628012Travel Information
Compare bus and flight for Sofia to Istanbul
Omio recommends booking the bus as it is the most popular option from Sofia to Istanbul among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the bus with prices starting from $38. For those with little time consider booking a flight which can get you there in 4h 17m. In case you are seeking to minimise your carbon footprint the bus is your best bet as it emits only 0.5 - 1.3kg. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of $38, and a flight costs an average of $57.
Distance: 311 miles (502 km)
Compare bus with
Most popular Bus | Flight |
|---|---|
$42 Average price Cheapest | $186 Average price |
8h 1m Average total duration 7h 31m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 7h 17m Average total duration Fastest 4h 17m Onboard + 3h 0m Additional time* |
0.5 - 1.3kg CO2 emissions Lowest | 1.5 - 3.0kg CO2 emissions |
![]() Most popular bus company | ![]() Most popular airline |
Direct Options | Direct Options |
Additional time: Average total travel duration to departure point, security checks and transfers.
Sofia to Istanbul Bus Timetables
| Operator | Departure Time | Arrival Time | Duration | Departure days | Cheapest price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 11:00AM | Arrival Time 08:30PM | Duration 8h30 | Departure days Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $47 |
Operator ArdaTur | Departure Time 01:30PM | Arrival Time 10:00PM | Duration 7h30 | Departure days Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $43 |
Operator ArdaTur | Departure Time 07:00PM | Arrival Time 04:05AM | Duration 8h05 | Departure days Everyday | Cheapest price $43 |
Operator Infobus | Departure Time 10:00PM | Arrival Time 05:59AM | Duration 6h59 | Departure days Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu, Sun | Cheapest price $41 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 11:00PM | Arrival Time 08:00AM | Duration 8h00 | Departure days Everyday | Cheapest price $47 |
Operator ArdaTur | Departure Time 11:59PM | Arrival Time 09:45AM | Duration 8h46 | Departure days Everyday | Cheapest price $41 |
Live departures
Sofia to Istanbul bus times
The table below shows live departures for Sofia to Istanbul buses for today, Friday, February 27. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated bus journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
6628557 | 5:00 PM Sofia (София) | 8h05 | 1:05 AM Istanbul, Buyuk Otogar (Esenler) | 0 transfersDirect | |
FlixBus | 9:00 PM София, Централна Aвтогара 2 (Sofia, Centralna Avtogara 2) | 8h00 | 5:00 AM Istanbul, Buyuk Otogar (Esenler) | 0 transfersDirect | |
6628565 | 9:59 PM Sofia (София) | 8h46 | 6:45 AM Istanbul, Buyuk Otogar (Esenler) | 0 transfersDirect | |
| Saturday, February 28 | |||||
FlixBus | 9:00 AM София, Централна Aвтогара 2 (Sofia, Centralna Avtogara 2) | 8h30 | 5:30 PM Istanbul, Buyuk Otogar (Esenler) | 0 transfersDirect | |
0 | 11:30 AM Sofia (София) | 7h30 | 7:00 PM Istanbul, Buyuk Otogar (Esenler) | 0 transfersDirect | |
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare prices and tickets Sofia to Istanbul 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.
Feb 27
Feb 28
Mar 01
Mar 02
Mar 03
Mar 04
Mar 05
Mar 06
Mar 07
Mar 08
Mar 09
Mar 10
Mar 11
Mar 12
Mar 13
Mar 14
Mar 15
Mar 16
Mar 17
Mar 18
Mar 19
Why should you book Sofia to Istanbul buses with Omio?
Why book with Omio vs City Lines?
- Compare with other providers: On Omio, you can not only buy tickets for City Lines, but also compare tickets for the likes of ArdaTur, Infobus, FlixBus or Citylines to find the best option for your trip from Sofia to Istanbul.
- 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 City Lines with all available travel options, which are bus and flight to ensure you get the best deal for traveling from Sofia to Istanbul.
Why book with Omio over Busbud or Checkmybus?
- Official reseller: City Lines tickets can only be bought on Omio or City Lines's website as Omio is the only official third party seller for City Lines tickets. Busbud or Checkmybus do not sell City Lines tickets as they are not official sellers.
- 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.
Journey information
Overview: Bus from Sofia to Istanbul
Buses from Sofia to Istanbul run on average 5 times per day, taking around 7h 31m. Cheap bus tickets for this journey start at $38 (€30) if you book in advance.
There are 5 buses per day. The earliest bus runs at 00:20, the last at 23:30. The fastest bus covers the 311 miles (502 km) distance in 6h 59m.
Distance 311 miles (502 km) |
Average bus duration 7h 31m |
Cheapest ticket price $38 (€30) |
Buses per day 5 |
Direct buses 5 |
Fastest bus 6h 59m |
First bus 00:20 |
Last bus 23:30 |
Bus providers: City Lines, ArdaTur, Infobus, FlixBus, Citylines, Huntur, Luks Yonca from Sofia to IstanbulYou can travel by bus between Sofia to Istanbul with City Lines, ArdaTur, Infobus, FlixBus, Citylines, Huntur, Luks Yonca for as low as $38 (€30). When you search for schedules and tickets, Omio will show you the best journey
City Lines
Infobus
FlixBus
ArdaTur
Citylines
Huntur
Luks Yonca
FAQs: Bus from Sofia to Istanbul
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Sofia 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.

- City Lines
- Assistance
- Priority seating
- Accessible restrooms.
- Infobus
- Assistance
- Priority seating
- Transport for wheelchairs and mobility aids.
- ArdaTur
- Passengers with disabilities receive discounts and priority seating, and folding wheelchairs are transported free of charge with advance registration.
- Hagia Sophia, a historic architectural marvel that served as a church and mosque, now a museum
- Topkapi Palace, the opulent former residence of Ottoman sultans with extensive collections of artifacts
- Blue Mosque, an iconic mosque known for its stunning blue tiles and six minarets
- Basilica Cistern, an ancient underground water reservoir featuring impressive columns and atmospheric lighting
- Galata Tower, a medieval stone tower offering panoramic views of Istanbul.
- Grand Bazaar, one of the world's largest and oldest covered markets offering a wide range of goods
- Bosphorus Cruise, a scenic boat tour offering views of Istanbul's skyline and historic landmarks
- Spice Bazaar, a vibrant market filled with exotic spices, sweets, and local delicacies
- Turkish Bath, experience a traditional hammam for relaxation and rejuvenation
- Explore Istiklal Avenue, a bustling street known for shopping, dining, and entertainment.
- 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.
- ArdaTur
- Cancellation policies vary by ticket class, individual trips, or promotions, with refunds ranging from 50% to 100% depending on the time before departure, and no refunds for cancellations less than 24 hours prior.
- 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).
- ArdaTur
- One piece of hand luggage up to 15 kg and two pieces of checked luggage up to 35 kg each are included.
- City Lines
- 10€ per additional bag up to 25 kg.
- Infobus
- 10€ per additional bag.
- ArdaTur
- Additional baggage or cargo is accepted for transport if there is free space and for a separate charge.
- 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.
popular bus stations
Popular bus stations from Sofia to Istanbul
- 00:00-23:59
- Free Wi-Fi
- Cafeteria Serdika (in the station)
- Bistro Bulgaria (0.2 km)
- Sofia Grill House (0.5 km).
- Available outside the main entrance.
- Elevators, ramps
- Available in the station.
- Bus: 213, 305, 404 Metro: M1, M2 Train: Sofia Central Station
- 06:00-22:00
- Free Wi-Fi
- Available outside the main entrance.
- Elevators, ramps
- Available in the station.
- Bus: 213, 305, 404 Metro: M2 Train: Sofia Central Station
- 06:00-23:00
- Free Wi-Fi
- Cafeteria Terminal (in the station)
- Kebab Express (0.2 km)
- Simit Sarayı (0.3 km).
- Available outside the main entrance.
- Elevators, ramps
- Available in the station.
- Metro: M1A Bus: 83O, 91E, 97G
Most popular bus connections from Sofia
More options for your journey from Sofia to Istanbul
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