- Must visit
National Archaeological Museum
Bulgaria’s leading archaeological museum, housed in a former mosque and displaying Thracian, Roman, and medieval treasures.
Flights from Istanbul Airport to Sofia depart on average 15 times per day, taking around 1h 52m. Cheap flight tickets for this journey start at S$65 but you can travel from only S$53 by bus.
There are 4 flights per day. The earliest flight runs at 04:30, the last at 17:50. The fastest flight covers the 295 miles (475 km) distance in 1h 15m. September is the cheapest month to fly.
Distance 295 miles (475 km) |
Average flight duration 1h 52m |
Cheapest ticket price S$65 |
Flights per day 15 |
Direct flights 4 |
Fastest flight 1h 15m |
First flight 4:30 AM |
Last flight 5:50 PM |
Cheapest Month Sep |
Cheapest Day Fri |
High Season Jan - Mar |
Low Season Jul - Sep |
Busiest Day Fri |
Least Busy Day Thu |
Cheapest price
S$93
Average price
S$450
Fastest journey
1 h 15 m
Average duration
2 h 8 m
Flights per day
10
Distance
475 km
The best way to find a cheap flight ticket from Istanbul Airport to Sofia is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid traveling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Istanbul Airport to Sofia will cost around S$450 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only S$93.
Of the 10 flights that leave Istanbul Airport for Sofia onSat, Aug 15, 4 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.
On Sat, Aug 15 the direct flights cover the 475 km distance in an average of 2 h 8 m but if you time it right, some flights will get you there in just 1 h 15 m .
On Sat, Aug 15 the longest flights will take 5 h 25 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.
PC271
TK1031
TK1029
TK1027
PC2028 · PC5543
TK1031
TK1027
PC271
TK1029
PC2000 · PC5543Omio recommends booking the bus as it is the most popular option from Istanbul Airport to Sofia among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the bus with prices starting from S$53. For those with little time consider booking a flight which can get you there in 1h 52m. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of S$53, and a flight costs an average of S$65.
Distance: 295 miles (475 km)
| Flight | Most popular Bus | Driving |
|---|---|---|
S$149 Average price | S$60 Average price Cheapest | S$137 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
4h 52m Average total duration Fastest 1h 52m Onboard + 3h 0m Additional time* | 9h 49m Average total duration 9h 19m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 5h 8m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
![]() Most popular airline | ![]() Most popular bus company | Your own car or car rental |
Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options |
This is compared to other travel options from Istanbul Airport to Sofia:
A bus is S$89 less than a flight for this route with tickets for a flight from Istanbul Airport to Sofia costing on average S$149.
Other travel options to Sofia take longer:
Bus takes on average 9h 19m.
The table below shows live departures for Istanbul Airport to Sofia flights for today, Friday, August 14. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated flight journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
TK1027 | 7:30 AM Istanbul Airport | 1h15 | 8:45 AM Sofia Airport | 0 transfersDirect | |
AZ7031+ AZ7178 | 7:40 AM Istanbul Airport | 28h30 | 12:10 PM Sofia Airport | 1 transfer | |
AZ7061+ AZ7178 | 9:05 AM Istanbul Sabiha Gokcen International Airport | 27h05 | 12:10 PM Sofia Airport | 1 transfer | |
RO262 · RO291 | 10:15 AM Istanbul Airport | 23h20 | 9:35 AM Sofia Airport | 1 transfer | |
TK1127 | 10:30 AM Istanbul Airport | 1h15 | 11:45 AM Sofia Airport | 0 transfersDirect | |
PC271 | 11:00 AM Istanbul Sabiha Gokcen International Airport | 1h20 | 12:20 PM Sofia Airport | 0 transfersDirect | |
AZ7049+ AZ7178 | 12:00 PM Istanbul Sabiha Gokcen International Airport | 24h10 | 12:10 PM Sofia Airport | 1 transfer | |
AZ7035+ AZ7178 | 12:20 PM Istanbul Airport | 23h50 | 12:10 PM Sofia Airport | 1 transfer | |
RO9162 · RO291 | 1:15 PM Istanbul Airport | 20h20 | 9:35 AM Sofia Airport | 1 transfer | |
TK1031 | 1:45 PM Istanbul Airport | 1h15 | 3:00 PM Sofia Airport | 0 transfersDirect | |
AZ7033+ AZ7178 | 4:45 PM Istanbul Airport | 19h25 | 12:10 PM Sofia Airport | 1 transfer | |
TK1029 | 6:55 PM Istanbul Airport | 1h25 | 8:20 PM Sofia Airport | 0 transfersDirect | |
RO9160 · RO291 | 6:55 PM Istanbul Airport | 14h40 | 9:35 AM Sofia Airport | 1 transfer | |
PC2022 · PC5543 | 8:00 PM Istanbul Sabiha Gokcen International Airport | 15h10 | 11:10 AM Sofia Airport | 1 transfer | |
PC2024 · PC5543 | 8:50 PM Istanbul Sabiha Gokcen International Airport | 14h20 | 11:10 AM Sofia Airport | 1 transfer | |
A3995 · A3980 | 8:55 PM Istanbul Airport | 13h10 | 10:05 AM Sofia Airport | 1 transfer | |
PC2026 · PC5543 | 9:50 PM Istanbul Sabiha Gokcen International Airport | 13h20 | 11:10 AM Sofia Airport | 1 transfer | |
AZ7029+ AZ7178 | 9:55 PM Istanbul Airport | 14h15 | 12:10 PM Sofia Airport | 1 transfer | |
PC4748 · PC5543 | 10:40 PM Istanbul Sabiha Gokcen International Airport | 12h30 | 11:10 AM Sofia Airport | 1 transfer | |
RO266 · RO291 | 11:25 PM Istanbul Airport | 10h10 | 9:35 AM Sofia Airport | 1 transfer | |
PC2028 · PC5543 | 12:10 AM Istanbul Sabiha Gokcen International Airport | 11h00 | 11:10 AM Sofia Airport | 1 transfer | |
A33163+ A3980 | 1:40 AM Istanbul Airport | 8h25 | 10:05 AM Sofia Airport | 1 transfer | |
LH1743 · LH1706 | 3:45 AM Istanbul Airport | 19h30 | 11:15 PM Sofia Airport | 1 transfer | |
LH1743+ LH4158 | 3:45 AM Istanbul Airport | 14h55 | 6:40 PM Sofia Airport | 1 transfer | |
LH1743 · LH1702 | 3:45 AM Istanbul Airport | 8h25 | 12:10 PM Sofia Airport | 1 transfer | |
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.
Discover the best of Sofia — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Sofia trip today.
Bulgaria’s leading archaeological museum, housed in a former mosque and displaying Thracian, Roman, and medieval treasures.
A major branch of the National Gallery featuring Bulgarian and international art in a large modern exhibition space.
This museum traces Sofia’s past from antiquity to modern times, with standout displays in the restored Central Mineral Baths.
Sofia’s iconic pedestrian boulevard lined with historic buildings, churches, shops, and constant city life.
A long Roman-era pedestrian zone with ruins, fountains, and metro access, ideal for understanding ancient Serdica.
A vast landscaped park with lakes, sports facilities, and quiet paths, favored by locals for walks and relaxation.
Shopska salad mixes tomatoes, cucumbers, peppers, onion, and sirene cheese. It is a Bulgarian staple and a classic start to meals across Sofia.
Tarator is a cold yogurt soup with cucumber, dill, garlic, and walnuts. It is especially traditional in summer and widely loved in Bulgarian homes.
Banitsa is a flaky pastry filled most often with eggs and sirene cheese. It is a beloved breakfast and a symbol of Bulgarian home cooking and holidays.
Upscale venue focused on modern Balkan and Bulgarian tasting menus, polished service, and a contemporary fine dining setting.
Refined Bulgarian restaurant in a historic house, known for seasonal local cuisine, regional wines, and an elegant but warm atmosphere.
Traditional Bulgarian tavern with folk style decor, grilled meats, salads, and classic dishes in a lively, old Sofia setting.
Budget-friendly for Europe. Hotels, meals, and public transport usually cost less than in major EU capitals, making Sofia good value for tourists.
Restaurants: 5-10% if service is good. 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 Istanbul Airport to Sofia by flight. 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 flight, the cheapest option, or tips for making the most of your visit at Sofia, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.

Most Istanbul Airport to Sofia flights use the Istanbul Airport to Sofia Airport airport pair. Use this guide to compare Istanbul Airport and Sofia airports on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like airport facilities and services.
Istanbul Airport is 32 km from Istanbul city centre. Public transport options include:
Istanbul Airport has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Shopping, Parking, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Shower, Lounge, and Lost and Found Office.
Free Wi-Fi available throughout the airport for two hours. ATMs are located throughout the airport, offering services from various banks.
Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Istanbul Airport: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Accessibility facilities are available at Istanbul Airport: Elevators, ramps.
Sofia Airport is 6 km from Sofia city centre. Public transport options include:
Sofia Airport has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Shopping, Parking, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Shower, Lounge, and Lost and Found Office.
Free Wi-Fi available throughout the airport. ATMs are located in both terminals.
Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Sofia Airport: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Accessibility facilities are available at Sofia Airport: Ramps, toilets.
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need