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

Cheapest price
$129
Average price
$129
Fastest journey
22h 10m
Average duration
22h 10m
Buses per day
1
Distance
1166 km
Omio recommends booking the flight as it is the most popular option from Zagreb to Istanbul among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the bus with prices starting from $76. For those with little time consider booking a flight which can get you there in 2h 53m. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of $76, and a flight costs an average of $74.
Distance: 729 miles (1174 km)
| Bus | Most popular Flight | Driving |
|---|---|---|
$100 Average price Cheapest | $171 Average price | $301 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
21h 26m Average total duration 20h 56m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 5h 53m Average total duration Fastest 2h 53m Onboard + 3h 0m Additional time* | 13h 46m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
![]() Most popular bus company | ![]() Most popular airline | Your own car or car rental |
Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options |
This is compared to other travel options from Zagreb to Istanbul:
A bus is $70 (€58) less than a flight for this route with tickets for a flight from Zagreb to Istanbul costing on average $171 (€140).
Other travel options to Istanbul take longer:
Bus takes on average 20h 56m.
You'll arrive about {timeSavings} sooner ({durationInMinutes} by bus vs {drivingDurationInMinutes} by car) and save roughly {savingsAmount} compared to fuel and tolls ({cheapestPrice} vs {drivingPriceInCents}). You also skip the drive itself — no traffic stress, no parking, and you can use the time to work, nap, or catch up on a series with the onboard Wi-Fi.
Direct coaches are operated by {directProviders}.
Driving is still worth considering if you're travelling with bulky luggage, need flexibility on departure times, or plan to stop along the way.
| Operator | Departure Time | Arrival Time | Duration | Departure days | Cheapest price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 06:45AM | Arrival Time 07:00AM | Duration 23h15 | Departure days Everyday | Cheapest price $93 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 10:50AM | Arrival Time 11:25AM | Duration 23h35 | Departure days Everyday | Cheapest price $99 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 08:20PM | Arrival Time 07:30PM | Duration 22h10 | Departure days Everyday | Cheapest price $93 |
The table below shows live departures for Zagreb to Istanbul buses for today, Friday, July 17. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated bus journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
FlixBus · FlixBus | 8:20 PM Zagreb, Bus Station | 22h10 | 7:30 PM Istanbul, Buyuk Otogar (Esenler) | 1 transfer | |
| Saturday, July 18 | |||||
FlixBus · FlixBus | 6:45 AM Zagreb, Bus Station | 23h15 | 7:00 AM Istanbul, Buyuk Otogar (Esenler) | 1 transfer | |
FlixBus · FlixBus | 10:50 AM Zagreb, Bus Station | 23h35 | 11:25 AM Istanbul, Buyuk Otogar (Esenler) | 1 transfer | |
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 Zagreb to Istanbul run on average 1 times per day, taking around 20h 56m. Cheap bus tickets for this journey start at $76 (€62) but you can travel from only $74 (€61) by flight.
The earliest bus runs at 05:45, the last at 23:00. The fastest bus covers the 729 miles (1174 km) distance in 22h 10m.
Distance 729 miles (1174 km) |
Average bus duration 20h 56m |
Cheapest ticket price $76 (€62) |
Buses per day 1 |
Fastest bus 22h 10m |
First bus 5:45 AM |
Last bus 11:00 PM |
Cheapest Month Mar |
Cheapest Day Mon |
High Season Jul - Sep |
Low Season Jan - Mar |
Busiest Day Mon |
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 Zagreb 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 Zagreb to Istanbul buses use the Zagreb, Autobusni Kolodvor to Istanbul, Büyük Otogari (Esenler) station pair. Use this guide to compare Zagreb and Istanbul bus stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like bus station facilities and services.
Zagreb, Autobusni Kolodvor is 1 km from Zagreb city centre. Public transport options include:
Zagreb, Autobusni Kolodvor has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, and Ticket Office.
Food options include: Cafeteria Zagreb (in the station), Bakery Delight (in the station), Fast Food Corner (in the station).
Free Wi-Fi. ATMs are located inside the station near the main entrance.
Ticket office support is available at Zagreb, Autobusni Kolodvor.
Available at Zagreb, Autobusni Kolodvor: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Accessibility facilities are available at Zagreb, Autobusni Kolodvor: 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