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The cheapest and fastest buses from Thessaloniki to Istanbul
Showing times and prices for Feb 28
Cheapest price
$65
Average price
$66
Fastest journey
7 h 45 m
Average duration
8 h 5 m
Buses per day
6
Distance
507 km
Cheap tickets
The best way to find a cheap bus ticket from Thessaloniki to Istanbul is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid traveling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Thessaloniki to Istanbul will cost around $66 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $65.
Fast buses
Of the 6 buses that leave Thessaloniki 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 507 km distance in an average of 8 h 5 m but if you time it right, some buses will get you there in just 7 h 45 m .
On Sat, Feb 28 the slowest buses will take 8 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.
662981607:00PM8h15
Thessaloniki (Θεσσαλονίκη)04:15AMIstanbul, Buyuk Otogar (Esenler)
$651One-way
0 transfers
008:45AM8h05
Thessaloniki (Θεσσαλονίκη)05:50PMIstanbul, Buyuk Otogar (Esenler)
$651One-way
0 transfers
662803311:59PM8h01
Thessaloniki (Θεσσαλονίκη)09:00AMIstanbul, Buyuk Otogar (Esenler)
$651One-way
0 transfers
662861312:15AM7h45
Thessaloniki (Θεσσαλονίκη)09:00AMIstanbul, Buyuk Otogar (Esenler)
$651One-way
0 transfers
008:30AM8h20
Thessaloniki (Θεσσαλονίκη)05:50PMIstanbul, Buyuk Otogar (Esenler)
$651One-way
0 transfers
662861312:15AM7h45
Thessaloniki (Θεσσαλονίκη)09:00AMIstanbul, Buyuk Otogar (Esenler)
$651One-way
0 transfers
662803311:59PM8h01
Thessaloniki (Θεσσαλονίκη)09:00AMIstanbul, Buyuk Otogar (Esenler)
$651One-way
0 transfers
008:45AM8h05
Thessaloniki (Θεσσαλονίκη)05:50PMIstanbul, Buyuk Otogar (Esenler)
$651One-way
0 transfers
662981607:00PM8h15
Thessaloniki (Θεσσαλονίκη)04:15AMIstanbul, Buyuk Otogar (Esenler)
$651One-way
0 transfers
008:30AM8h20
Thessaloniki (Θεσσαλονίκη)05:50PMIstanbul, Buyuk Otogar (Esenler)
$651One-way
0 transfers
Travel Information
Compare bus and flight for Thessaloniki to Istanbul
Omio recommends booking the bus as it is the most popular option from Thessaloniki to Istanbul among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the bus with prices starting from $44. For those with little time consider booking a flight which can get you there in 2h 8m. 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 $44, and a flight costs an average of $73.
Distance: 315 miles (507 km)
Compare bus with
Most popular Bus | Flight |
|---|---|
$57 Average price Cheapest | $181 Average price |
10h 28m Average total duration 9h 58m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 5h 8m Average total duration Fastest 2h 8m 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.
Thessaloniki to Istanbul Bus Timetables
| Operator | Departure Time | Arrival Time | Duration | Departure days | Cheapest price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Operator ArdaTur | Departure Time 12:15AM | Arrival Time 09:00AM | Duration 7h45 | Departure days Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $59 |
Operator ArdaTur | Departure Time 08:30AM | Arrival Time 05:50PM | Duration 8h20 | Departure days Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $59 |
Operator ArdaTur | Departure Time 08:45AM | Arrival Time 05:50PM | Duration 8h05 | Departure days Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $59 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 05:30PM | Arrival Time 08:00AM | Duration 13h30 | Departure days Mon, Thu, Fri, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $59 |
Operator ArdaTur | Departure Time 07:00PM | Arrival Time 04:15AM | Duration 8h15 | Departure days Mon, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $65 |
Operator ArdaTur | Departure Time 11:59PM | Arrival Time 09:00AM | Duration 8h01 | Departure days Everyday | Cheapest price $59 |
Live departures
Thessaloniki to Istanbul bus times
The table below shows live departures for Thessaloniki to Istanbul buses for today, Friday, February 27. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated bus journeys.
Last updated at 11:17 AM
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 FlixBus · FlixBus | 3:30 PM Thessaloniki, Monastiriou - KTEL (Θεσσαλονίκη, Μοναστηρίου - ΚΤΕΛ) | 13h30 | 5:00 AM Istanbul, Buyuk Otogar (Esenler) | 1 transfer | |
| 6628613 | 9:59 PM Thessaloniki (Θεσσαλονίκη) | 8h01 | 6:00 AM Istanbul, Buyuk Otogar (Esenler) | 0 transfersDirect | |
| 6628613 | 10:15 PM Thessaloniki (Θεσσαλονίκη) | 7h45 | 6:00 AM Istanbul, Buyuk Otogar (Esenler) | 0 transfersDirect | |
| Saturday, February 28 | |||||
| 0 | 6:30 AM Thessaloniki (Θεσσαλονίκη) | 8h20 | 2:50 PM Istanbul, Buyuk Otogar (Esenler) | 0 transfersDirect | |
| 0 | 6:45 AM Thessaloniki (Θεσσαλονίκη) | 8h05 | 2:50 PM Istanbul, Buyuk Otogar (Esenler) | 0 transfersDirect | |
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare prices and tickets Thessaloniki 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.
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Why should you book Thessaloniki to Istanbul buses with Omio?
ArdaTur as well as Infobus, FlixBus, Simeonidis Tours and more offer buses services from Thessaloniki to Istanbul.
Omio is the only official third party seller for ArdaTur tickets.
Why book with Omio vs ArdaTur?
- Compare with other providers: On Omio, you can not only buy tickets for ArdaTur, but also compare tickets for the likes of Infobus, FlixBus or Simeonidis Tours to find the best option for your trip from Thessaloniki 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 ArdaTur with all available travel options, which are bus and flight to ensure you get the best deal for traveling from Thessaloniki to Istanbul.
Journey information
Overview: Bus from Thessaloniki to Istanbul
Greece
Turkey
Buses from Thessaloniki to Istanbul run on average 3 times per day, taking around 9h 58m. Cheap bus tickets for this journey start at $44 (€35) if you book in advance.
There are 2 buses per day. The earliest bus runs at 00:15, the last at 23:05. The fastest bus covers the 315 miles (507 km) distance in 7h 45m.
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 315 miles (507 km) |
Average bus duration 9h 58m |
Cheapest ticket price $44 (€35) |
Buses per day 3 |
Direct buses 2 |
Fastest bus 7h 45m |
First bus 00:15 |
Last bus 23:05 |
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: ArdaTur, Infobus, FlixBus, Simeonidis Tours from Thessaloniki to IstanbulYou can travel by bus between Thessaloniki to Istanbul with ArdaTur, Infobus, FlixBus, Simeonidis Tours for as low as $44 (€35). When you search for schedules and tickets, Omio will show you the best journey
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
9h 0m
Cheapest Price
$44 (€35)
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.
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
13h 30m
Cheapest Price
$53 (€42)
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.
ArdaTur
About
ArdaTur is a bus company based in Haskovo, Bulgaria, established in 1991. It offers extensive bus services across seven countries, including Bulgaria, Greece, Turkey, Austria, the Czech Republic, Hungary, and Germany. ArdaTur operates over 233 daily departures, primarily from major cities like Istanbul, Sofia, and Thessaloniki, providing both intercity and regional routes. The company emphasizes passenger comfort with amenities such as Wi-Fi, restrooms, individual monitors, and complimentary food and drinks on international lines. ArdaTur maintains a modern fleet of over 80 luxury buses and has its own garage and service facility to ensure vehicle reliability and safety.
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Duration
7h 45m
Cheapest Price
$40 (€32)
ArdaTur frequency
1 a day
Luggage included
One piece of hand luggage up to 15 kg and two pieces of checked luggage up to 35 kg each are included.
Additional luggage
Additional baggage or cargo is accepted for transport if there is free space and for a separate charge.
Cancellation Policy
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.
Refund
If the trip is delayed through the fault of the carrier, 100% of the ticket value and compensation for direct costs to the place of departure will be refunded with supporting documents.
Amenities on board the bus
Wifi
Seat reservation
Seat reservations are possible when buying a ticket or at Arda Tur offices up to 24 hours before departure during weak periods and 72 hours during busy periods.
Toilets
Accessibility
Passengers with disabilities receive discounts and priority seating, and folding wheelchairs are transported free of charge with advance registration.
Bikes
Only foldable bikes are allowed.
Simeonidis Tours
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Duration
10h 0m
Cheapest Price
$68 (€54)
Simeonidis Tours frequency
1 a day
FAQs: Bus from Thessaloniki to Istanbul
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Thessaloniki 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 Thessaloniki to Istanbul can start from as little as $44 (€35) when you book in advance. The average bus ticket price for Thessaloniki to Istanbul is $57 (€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 Thessaloniki to Istanbul is 7h 45m to travel the 315 miles (507 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 Thessaloniki to Istanbul leaves at 12:15 AM. Plan your trip with the Journey Planner from Omio.
The latest bus from Thessaloniki to Istanbul leaves at 11:05 PM.
Yes, there are 2 direct buses a day from Thessaloniki to Istanbul with ArdaTur, Simeonidis Tours. Schedules can vary on holidays or weekends with fewer direct buses.
When taking a bus from Thessaloniki to Istanbul, you can count on ArdaTur, Infobus, FlixBus, Simeonidis Tours for the best way to get you to Istanbul. You can also check all possible bus companies who offer a service between Thessaloniki and Istanbul and compare the amenities they offer before buying a bus ticket.
When departing from Thessaloniki , you have various bus station options to start your journey from including Thessaloniki (Θεσσαλονίκη), Thessaloniki, Monastiriou - KTEL (Θεσσαλονίκη, Μοναστηρίου - ΚΤΕΛ), Thessaloniki, Central Bus Station Makedonia . When arriving in Istanbul , you can end your journey in bus stations like Istanbul, Buyuk Otogar (Esenler) .Passengers board the bus most frequently from Thessaloniki (Θεσσαλονίκη), which is located around 0 away from the city centre, and they get off the bus at Istanbul, Buyuk Otogar (Esenler), located 5 away from the city centre.
A trip to Istanbul from Thessaloniki is worth doing but not as a day trip with a journey time of 7h 45m each way. Check with Omio app the best way to travel.
The cheapest month for a bus from Thessaloniki to Istanbul is March.
It's helpful to compare your options as there are 2 ways to travel between Thessaloniki and Istanbul including taking a bus and flight.
Yes, the following accessibility options are available when taking the bus from Thessaloniki to Istanbul:
- 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.
- FlixBus
- Assistance
- Priority boarding
- Wheelchair-accessible buses.
Yes, there are bathrooms on board the bus from Thessaloniki to Istanbul for bus company ArdaTur, Infobus, FlixBus.
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 Thessaloniki to Istanbul depends on the bus companies:
- 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.
- 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 ArdaTur, Infobus, FlixBus.
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 Thessaloniki to Istanbul.
Yes, the following luggage options are included when booking a bus ticket from Thessaloniki to Istanbul:
- 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.
- 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 Thessaloniki to Istanbul:
- Infobus
- 10€ per additional bag.
- ArdaTur
- Additional baggage or cargo is accepted for transport if there is free space and for a separate charge.
- FlixBus
- Additional luggage can be purchased for a fee.
Yes, you can bring your pet on the bus from Thessaloniki to Istanbul. The following conditions apply:
- 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 Thessaloniki to Istanbul with the following bus company: ArdaTur, Infobus, FlixBus
Yes, there are USB plugs on board the bus from Thessaloniki to Istanbul with the following bus company: Infobus, FlixBus.
Yes, there is Wifi on board the bus from Thessaloniki to Istanbul with the following bus company: ArdaTur, Infobus, FlixBus.
popular bus stations
Popular bus stations from Thessaloniki to Istanbul
Thessaloniki
Istanbul
The major bus station for departures in Thessaloniki is Thessaloniki (Θεσσαλονίκη). Find all the information you need to know about services, amenities and connections at Thessaloniki (Θεσσαλονίκη) for your trip from Thessaloniki to Istanbul.
Thessaloniki (Θεσσαλονίκη)
information
Thessaloniki, Monastiriou - KTEL (Θεσσαλονίκη, Μοναστηρίου - ΚΤΕΛ)
Amenities at bus station
WifiParkingATMTaxisAccessibilityWCTicket Officeinformation
Ticket Office Hours
- 06:00-22:00
Distance to city center
1 km
Car connection
MonastiriouWifi
- Free Wi-Fi
Taxis
- Available outside the station.
Accessibility
- Elevators, ramps
WC
- Available in the station.
Public transit options for Thessaloniki, Monastiriou - KTEL (Θεσσαλονίκη, Μοναστηρίου - ΚΤΕΛ)
- Bus: 8, 12, 31 Train: Thessaloniki Railway Station
Thessaloniki, Ktel «Makedonía» (Θεσσαλονίκη, Κτελ «Μακεδονία»)
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 Thessaloniki.
Istanbul, Büyük Otogari (Esenler)
Amenities at bus station
WifiParkingDiningATMTaxisAccessibilityWCTicket Officeinformation
Ticket Office Hours
- 06:00-23:00
Distance to city center
5 kmCar 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 Thessaloniki
More options for your journey from Thessaloniki to Istanbul
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need
Most popular buses to and from Istanbul and Thessaloniki
Most popular bus connections to Istanbul
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