- Must visit
Istanbul Modern
Leading contemporary art museum on the Bosphorus with strong Turkish and international exhibitions in a landmark waterfront building.





Cheapest price
$55
Average price
$57
Fastest journey
9h 1m
Average duration
10h 2m
Buses per day
5
Distance
503 km
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 $53. For those with little time consider booking a flight which can get you there in 2h 5m. 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 $53, and a flight costs an average of $89.
Distance: 315 miles (507 km)
Most popular Bus | Flight | Driving |
|---|---|---|
$60 Average price Cheapest | $184 Average price | $166 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
10h 30m Average total duration 10h 0m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 5h 5m Average total duration Fastest 2h 5m Onboard + 3h 0m Additional time* | 7h 1m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
0.5 - 1.3kg CO2 emissions Lowest | 1.5 - 3.0kg CO2 emissions | - CO2 emissions |
![]() Most popular bus company | ![]() Most popular airline | Your own car or car rental |
Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options |
Additional time: Average total travel duration to departure point, security checks and transfers.
This is compared to other travel options from Thessaloniki to Istanbul:
A bus is $124 (€102) less than a flight for this route with tickets for a flight from Thessaloniki to Istanbul costing on average $184 (€151).
Other travel options to Istanbul take longer:
Bus takes on average 10h 0m.
Tickets start at around $60 (€49) compared to roughly $166 (€137) in fuel and tolls — a saving of about $106 (€88). The journey takes 10h 0m versus 7h 1m 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 ArdaTur, Infobus, Simeonidis Tours.
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.
| Operator | Departure Time | Arrival Time | Duration | Departure days | Cheapest price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Operator ArdaTur | Departure Time 12:15AM | Arrival Time 09:00AM | Duration 8h45 | Departure days Mon, Wed, Thu, Fri, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $55 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 01:05AM | Arrival Time 07:30PM | Duration 18h25 | Departure days Mon, Tue, Fri, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $65 |
Operator ArdaTur | Departure Time 08:30AM | Arrival Time 05:50PM | Duration 9h20 | Departure days Mon, Tue, Thu | Cheapest price $55 |
Operator ArdaTur | Departure Time 08:45AM | Arrival Time 05:50PM | Duration 9h05 | Departure days Mon, Tue, Thu | Cheapest price $55 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 05:30PM | Arrival Time 07:00AM | Duration 13h30 | Departure days Everyday | Cheapest price $63 |
Operator ArdaTur | Departure Time 07:00PM | Arrival Time 04:15AM | Duration 9h15 | Departure days Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $55 |
Operator ArdaTur | Departure Time 11:59PM | Arrival Time 09:00AM | Duration 9h01 | Departure days Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $55 |
The table below shows live departures for Thessaloniki to Istanbul buses for today, Tuesday, July 14. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated bus journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
7066492 | 8:30 AM Thessaloniki (Θεσσαλονίκη) | 9h20 | 5:50 PM Istanbul, Buyuk Otogar (Esenler) | 0 transfersDirect | |
7066492 | 8:45 AM Thessaloniki (Θεσσαλονίκη) | 9h05 | 5:50 PM Istanbul, Buyuk Otogar (Esenler) | 0 transfersDirect | |
FlixBus · FlixBus | 5:30 PM Thessaloniki, Monastiriou - KTEL (Θεσσαλονίκη, Μοναστηρίου - ΚΤΕΛ) | 13h30 | 7:00 AM Istanbul, Buyuk Otogar (Esenler) | 1 transfer | |
7236707 | 7:00 PM Thessaloniki (Θεσσαλονίκη) | 9h15 | 4:15 AM Istanbul, Buyuk Otogar (Esenler) | 0 transfersDirect | |
7233436 | 11:59 PM Thessaloniki (Θεσσαλονίκη) | 9h01 | 9:00 AM Istanbul, Buyuk Otogar (Esenler) | 0 transfersDirect | |
7233436 | 12:15 AM Thessaloniki (Θεσσαλονίκη) | 8h45 | 9:00 AM Istanbul, Buyuk Otogar (Esenler) | 0 transfersDirect | |
This is the last bus of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
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.
Buses from Thessaloniki to Istanbul run on average 4 times per day, taking around 10h 0m. Cheap bus tickets for this journey start at $53 (€44) if you book in advance.
There are 3 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.
Distance 315 miles (507 km) |
Average bus duration 10h 0m |
Cheapest ticket price $53 (€44) |
Buses per day 4 |
Direct buses 3 |
Fastest bus 7h 45m |
First bus 12:15 AM |
Last bus 11:05 PM |
Cheapest Month Sep |
Cheapest Day Tue |
High Season Jul - Sep |
Low Season Jan - Mar |
Busiest Day Tue |
Least Busy Day Sun |
Best time to book 14 days |
Discover the best of Istanbul — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Istanbul trip today.
Leading contemporary art museum on the Bosphorus with strong Turkish and international exhibitions in a landmark waterfront building.
Major archaeology museum complex displaying masterpieces from ancient Anatolia, Mesopotamia, and the classical world.
Restored church-museum famed for exceptional Byzantine mosaics and frescoes that rival the city’s most celebrated monuments.
Historic square between Hagia Sophia and the Blue Mosque, ideal for walking among Istanbul’s greatest imperial monuments.
Lively pedestrian avenue lined with historic passages, shops, consulates, and culture venues in the heart of Beyoğlu.
Historic uphill quarter around the tower with narrow lanes, old facades, and photogenic walks toward Karaköy.
Grilled minced lamb kebab from southeastern Turkey, served with vegetables and lavash. A staple in Istanbul kebab houses and a classic local favorite.
Rice pilaf, currants, pine nuts, and herbs stuffed into mussel shells. A famous Istanbul street food, especially along waterfront districts.
Layers of thin dough with pistachios or walnuts and syrup. An Ottoman dessert strongly associated with Istanbul's historic sweet shops.
Historic Sultanahmet restaurant known for refined Ottoman dishes and elegant service in a classic setting near major sights.
Beloved meyhane in Beyoğlu serving classic meze, rakı, and seasonal seafood in a lively, traditional tavern environment.
Established Bosphorus fish restaurant known for fresh seafood, meze, and water views. A polished choice for a classic Istanbul dinner.
Moderate for major city breaks: dining and transit are reasonable, but central hotels and tourist areas cost more than many nearby Turkish destinations.
Restaurants: 5-10% if service not included. Cafes: round up or leave small change. Taxis: round up the fare; larger tips are optional.
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.

Most Thessaloniki to Istanbul buses use the Thessaloniki (Θεσσαλονίκη) to Istanbul, Büyük Otogari (Esenler) station pair. Use this guide to compare Thessaloniki and Istanbul bus stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like bus station facilities and services.
Thessaloniki, Monastiriou - KTEL (Θεσσαλονίκη, Μοναστηρίου - ΚΤΕΛ) is 1 km from Thessaloniki city centre. Public transport options include:
Thessaloniki, Monastiriou - KTEL (Θεσσαλονίκη, Μοναστηρίου - ΚΤΕΛ) has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, and Ticket Office.
Free Wi-Fi. ATMs are located inside the station.
Ticket office support is available at Thessaloniki, Monastiriou - KTEL (Θεσσαλονίκη, Μοναστηρίου - ΚΤΕΛ).
Available at Thessaloniki, Monastiriou - KTEL (Θεσσαλονίκη, Μοναστηρίου - ΚΤΕΛ): Parking, Taxis, WC.
Accessibility facilities are available at Thessaloniki, Monastiriou - KTEL (Θεσσαλονίκη, Μοναστηρίου - ΚΤΕΛ): Elevators, ramps.
Istanbul, Büyük Otogari (Esenler) is 5 km from Istanbul city centre. Public transport options include:
Istanbul, Büyük Otogari (Esenler) has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, and Ticket Office.
Food options include: Cafeteria Terminal (in the station), Kebab Express (0.2 km), Simit Sarayı (0.3 km).
Free Wi-Fi. ATMs are located near the main entrance and throughout the station.
Ticket office support is available at Istanbul, Büyük Otogari (Esenler).
Available at Istanbul, Büyük Otogari (Esenler): Parking, Taxis, WC.
Accessibility facilities are available at Istanbul, Büyük Otogari (Esenler): Elevators, ramps.
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need