- Must visit
Topkapı Palace Museum
Former Ottoman imperial palace with treasury, courtyards, and sacred relics; one of the city’s essential historical museum visits.
2,000+ travel companies
2,000+ travel companies
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
4.942K ratings
Google Play
4.6136K reviews
The cheapest and fastest buses from Stara Zagora to Istanbul
Showing times and prices for Jun 21
Cheapest price
$53
Average price
$56
Fastest journey
8 h 20 m
Average duration
8 h 50 m
Buses per day
2
Distance
317 km
Cheap tickets
The best way to find a cheap bus ticket from Stara Zagora to Istanbul is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid traveling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Stara Zagora to Istanbul will cost around $56 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $53.
Fast buses
Of the 2 buses that leave Stara Zagora for Istanbul on Sun, Jun 21, 2 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.
On Sun, Jun 21 the direct buses cover the 317 km distance in an average of 8 h 50 m but if you time it right, some buses will get you there in just 8 h 20 m .
On Sun, Jun 21 the slowest buses will take 9 h 20 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.
11:40 PM9h20Stara Zagora9:00 AMIstanbul$531One-way0 transfers- 12:40 AM8h20Stara Zagora9:00 AMIstanbul$581One-way0 transfers
- 12:40 AM8h20Stara Zagora9:00 AMIstanbul$581One-way0 transfers
- 11:40 PM9h20Stara Zagora9:00 AMIstanbul$531One-way0 transfers
Travel Information
Compare bus for Stara Zagora to Istanbul
Omio recommends booking the bus as it is the most popular option from Stara Zagora to Istanbul among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the bus with prices starting from $50. For those with little time consider booking a bus which can get you there in 7h 31m. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of $50, and a bus costs an average of $50.
Distance: 196 miles (317 km)
Compare bus with
Most popular Bus | Driving |
|---|---|
$54 Average price Cheapest | $77 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
8h 1m Average total duration Fastest 7h 31m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 4h 42m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
 Most popular bus company | Your own car or car rental |
Direct Options | Direct Options |
The cheapest way to travel from Stara Zagora to Istanbul is a bus with an average price of $54 (€45).
The fastest way to travel from Stara Zagora to Istanbul is by bus with an average journey time of 7h 31m.
Yes, you can take a bus between Stara Zagora and Istanbul.
We recommend using the bus as it is the most popular way to get from Stara Zagora to Istanbul 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 $54 (€45) compared to roughly $77 (€63) in fuel and tolls — a saving of about $23 (€19). The journey takes 7h 31m versus 4h 42m 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 City Lines, Infobus, Huntur.
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.
Stara Zagora to Istanbul Bus Timetables
| Operator | Departure Time | Arrival Time | Duration | Departure days | Cheapest price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Operator Infobus | Departure Time 12:40AM | Arrival Time 09:00AM | Duration 8h20 | Departure days Mon, Wed, Thu, Fri, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $50 |
Operator Infobus | Departure Time 01:40AM | Arrival Time 09:00AM | Duration 7h20 | Departure days Sun | Cheapest price $54 |
Operator BG Razpisanie | Departure Time 03:10PM | Arrival Time 11:45PM | Duration 8h35 | Departure days Tue | Cheapest price $0.00 |
Operator Infobus | Departure Time 11:40PM | Arrival Time 09:00AM | Duration 9h20 | Departure days Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $53 |
Live departures
Stara Zagora to Istanbul bus times
The table below shows live departures for Stara Zagora to Istanbul buses for today, Friday, June 19. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated bus journeys.
Last updated at
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 11:40 PM Stara Zagora | 9h20 | 9:00 AM Istanbul | 0 transfersDirect | |
| Saturday, June 20 | |||||
| 12:40 AM Stara Zagora | 8h20 | 9:00 AM Istanbul | 0 transfersDirect | |
This is the last bus of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare prices and tickets Stara Zagora to Istanbul by bus
Compare bus 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.
Sat
Jun 20
Jun 20
Sun
Jun 21
Jun 21
Mon
Jun 22
Jun 22
Tue
Jun 23
Jun 23
Wed
Jun 24
Jun 24
Thu
Jun 25
Jun 25
Fri
Jun 26
Jun 26
Why should you book Stara Zagora to Istanbul buses with Omio?
City Lines as well as Infobus, Huntur, BG Razpisanie and more offer buses services from Stara Zagora to Istanbul.
Omio is the only official third party seller for City Lines tickets.
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 Infobus, Huntur or BG Razpisanie to find the best option for your trip from Stara Zagora 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.
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.
Journey information
Overview: Bus from Stara Zagora to Istanbul
Bulgaria
Turkey
Buses from Stara Zagora to Istanbul run on average 1 times per day, taking around 7h 31m. Cheap bus tickets for this journey start at $50 (€41) if you book in advance.
There are 1 buses per day. The earliest bus runs at 02:40, the last at 22:45. The fastest bus covers the 196 miles (317 km) distance in 7h 20m.
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 196 miles (317 km) |
Average bus duration 7h 31m |
Cheapest ticket price $50 (€41) |
Buses per day 1 |
Direct buses 1 |
Fastest bus 7h 20m |
First bus 2:40 AM |
Last bus 10:45 PM |
Cheapest Month May |
Cheapest Day Sun |
High Season Apr - Jun |
Low Season Jan - Mar |
Busiest Day Sat |
Least Busy Day Mon |
Best time to book 3 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: City Lines, Infobus, Huntur, BG Razpisanie from Stara Zagora to IstanbulYou can travel by bus between Stara Zagora to Istanbul with City Lines, Infobus, Huntur, BG Razpisanie for as low as $50 (€41). 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
7h 45m
Cheapest Price
$42 (€34)
City Lines frequency
1 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 20m
Cheapest Price
$50 (€41)
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.
Huntur
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Duration
7h 45m
Cheapest Price
$29 (€24)
Huntur frequency
2 a day
BG Razpisanie
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Duration
8h 35m
BG Razpisanie frequency
1 a day
Complete guide to Istanbul
Things to do in Istanbul
Discover the best of Istanbul — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Istanbul trip today.
- Recommended
İstanbul Archaeological Museums
Major complex of archaeology museums with artifacts from Anatolia, Mesopotamia, and the ancient Near East.
- Recommended
İstanbul Modern
Turkey’s leading modern and contemporary art museum, known for strong exhibitions and a Bosphorus-facing setting.
- Must visit
Sultanahmet Square
Historic heart of old Istanbul, linking Hagia Sophia, the Blue Mosque, and major Byzantine and Ottoman sites.
- Must visit
İstiklal Avenue
Bustling pedestrian avenue lined with historic buildings, shops, galleries, and the nostalgic tram.
- Recommended
Galataport
Redeveloped waterfront promenade with Bosphorus views, public art, and strong social-media popularity.
- Vegetarian
- Vegan
Simit
Ring-shaped bread coated with sesame seeds, sold by street vendors and bakeries across Istanbul. It is a classic breakfast and snack food closely associated with daily life in the city.
Balık Ekmek
A famous Istanbul street food of grilled fish served in bread, especially associated with the Eminönü waterfront. It is valued for its simple, fresh Bosphorus flavor.
- Vegetarian
- Vegan
- Gluten-free
Kuru Fasulye
Slow-cooked white bean stew, often served with rice and pickles. It is a comforting staple in traditional Istanbul lokantas and can be made simply or with meat.
Karaköy Lokantası
Respected modern lokanta serving polished Turkish home-style cooking, meze, and seasonal dishes. Stylish but grounded in tradition.
Hamdi Restaurant
Well-known restaurant in Eminönü famous for kebabs, lahmacun, and views over the Golden Horn. Established, lively, and popular with both locals and visitors.
Kanaat Lokantası
Long-running Üsküdar lokanta known for hearty everyday Turkish dishes, soups, stews, and classic desserts. Casual, authentic, and very local in feel.
Turkish Lira
Moderate for most tourists. Street food and transit are good value, while hotels and upscale dining in central areas cost more.
Average meal costs
- Budget
- TRY 150-300 for street food or a simple meal.
- Mid-range
- TRY 500-1,000 per person at a casual restaurant.
- Fine dining
- TRY 1,500+ per person at upscale restaurants.
- Coffee
- TRY 80-180 for a coffee.
Tipping culture
Around 5-10% in casual restaurants and 10% in nicer places if service is not included. Round up taxis. Small tips are appreciated for hotel staff and delivery.
Istanbul Senin
Get the appOfficial public transport app
Prices
- Single ticket
- 17.70 TRY
- Day pass
- None
To the city center
İstanbul Havalimanı (Tayakadın Terminal Cad. No:1), Istanbul -> Sirkeci Station, Istanbul
- Distance
- 41 km
- Travel time
- 55 min
- Use an Istanbulkart or its digital equivalent in the Istanbul Senin app for Metro, tram, ferry, and bus travel across the city.
- Card payment on board is not standard on buses and trams, so load credit to an Istanbulkart before traveling.
FAQs: Bus from Stara Zagora to Istanbul
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Stara Zagora 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.
Cheap bus tickets from Stara Zagora to Istanbul can start from as little as $50 (€41) when you book in advance. The average bus ticket price for Stara Zagora to Istanbul is $54 (€45) ; 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 Stara Zagora to Istanbul is 7h 20m to travel the 196 miles (317 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 Stara Zagora to Istanbul leaves at 2:40 AM. Plan your trip with the Journey Planner from Omio.
The latest bus from Stara Zagora to Istanbul leaves at 10:45 PM.
Yes, there are 1 direct buses a day from Stara Zagora to Istanbul with City Lines, Infobus, Huntur. Schedules can vary on holidays or weekends with fewer direct buses.
When taking a bus from Stara Zagora to Istanbul, you can count on City Lines, Infobus, Huntur, BG Razpisanie for the best way to get you to Istanbul. You can also check all possible bus companies who offer a service between Stara Zagora and Istanbul and compare the amenities they offer before buying a bus ticket.
A trip to Istanbul from Stara Zagora is worth doing but not as a day trip with a journey time of 7h 20m each way. Check with Omio app the best way to travel.
The cheapest month for a bus from Stara Zagora to Istanbul is May.
Yes, you can take a bus between Stara Zagora and Istanbul.
Yes, there are bathrooms on board the bus from Stara Zagora to Istanbul for bus company City Lines, Infobus.
Yes, the following accessibility options are available when taking the bus from Stara Zagora to Istanbul:
- City Lines
- Assistance
- Priority seating
- Accessible restrooms.
- Infobus
- Assistance
- Priority seating
- Transport for wheelchairs and mobility aids.
Some of the most interesting sights to explore in Istanbul are:
- 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.
The best things to do in Istanbul include:
- 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.
Whether you can cancel your bus ticket from Stara Zagora to Istanbul 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.
Yes, bikes are allowed on board the bus with bus company 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 Stara Zagora to Istanbul.
Yes, the following luggage options are included when booking a bus ticket from Stara Zagora to Istanbul:
- 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).
Yes, the following additional luggage options are available when booking a bus ticket from Stara Zagora to Istanbul:
- City Lines
- 10€ per additional bag up to 25 kg.
- Infobus
- 10€ per additional bag.
Yes, you can bring your pet on the bus from Stara Zagora to Istanbul. 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.
You can reserve your seat on the bus from Stara Zagora to Istanbul with the following bus company: City Lines, Infobus
Yes, there are USB plugs on board the bus from Stara Zagora to Istanbul with the following bus company: City Lines, Infobus.
Yes, there is Wifi on board the bus from Stara Zagora to Istanbul with the following bus company: City Lines, Infobus.
Istanbul is outside the Schengen Area. Travelers departing from Stara Zagora 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 Stara Zagora to Istanbul 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.
In Istanbul, travelers should be cautious of pickpocketing, especially in crowded areas like public transportation and popular tourist spots. Common scams include overpriced taxi rides without a meter, unofficial tour guides offering expensive or fake services, and street vendors selling counterfeit goods. It's advisable to use official taxis or ride-hailing apps, agree on prices beforehand, and stay vigilant in busy areas to avoid these issues.
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 Stara Zagora to Istanbul
Stara Zagora
Istanbul
The major bus station for departures in Stara Zagora is Stara Zaragora. Find all the information you need to know about services, amenities and connections at Stara Zaragora for your trip from Stara Zagora to Istanbul.
Stara Zaragora
information
Stara Zagora, Bul’var Slavyanski (OMV) (Стара Загора, Бульвар Славянски (ОМВ))
information
The major bus station for arrivals in Istanbul is Istanbul, Büyük Otogari (Esenler). Find all the information you need to know about services, amenities and connections at Istanbul, Büyük Otogari (Esenler) for your trip to Istanbul from Stara Zagora.
Istanbul, Büyük Otogari (Esenler)
Amenities at bus station
WifiParkingDiningATMTaxisAccessibilityWCTicket Officeinformation
Ticket Office Hours
- 06:00-23:00
Distance to city center
5 km
Car connection
O-3 OtoyoluWifi
- Free Wi-Fi
Dining
- Cafeteria Terminal (in the station)
- Kebab Express (0.2 km)
- Simit Sarayı (0.3 km).
Taxis
- Available outside the main entrance
Accessibility
- Elevators, ramps
WC
- Available in the station
Public transit options for Istanbul, Büyük Otogari (Esenler)
- Metro: M1A Bus: 83O, 91E, 97G
Most popular bus connections from Stara Zagora
More options for your journey from Stara Zagora to Istanbul
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need
Most popular buses to and from Istanbul and Stara Zagora
Most popular bus connections to Istanbul
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.
