- Must visit
National Museum of History
Bulgaria’s largest museum, covering Thracian, medieval, and modern history in a substantial collection outside the city center.
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 $50 (€41) but you can travel from only $41 (€34) 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 $50 (€41) |
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
$108
Average price
$384
Fastest journey
1 h 15 m
Average duration
2 h 2 m
Flights per day
14
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 $384 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $108.
Of the 14 flights that leave Istanbul Airport for Sofia onTue, Jun 30, 4 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.
On Tue, Jun 30 the direct flights cover the 475 km distance in an average of 2 h 2 m but if you time it right, some flights will get you there in just 1 h 15 m .
On Tue, Jun 30 the longest flights will take 5 h 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
TK1027
TK1031
LH1743 · LH1702
LH1743+
LH4158
TK1027
TK1031
PC271
TK1029
RO9164 · RO291Omio 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 $41. 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 $41, and a flight costs an average of $50.
Distance: 295 miles (475 km)
| Flight | Most popular Bus | Driving |
|---|---|---|
$115 Average price | $46 Average price Cheapest | $106 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 $69 (€57) less than a flight for this route with tickets for a flight from Istanbul Airport to Sofia costing on average $115 (€95).
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 tomorrow, Tuesday, June 30. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated flight journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
A3980+ A33163 | 1:40 AM Istanbul Airport | 8h25 | 10:05 AM Sofia Airport | 1 transfer | |
LH1743 · LH1702 | 3:45 AM Istanbul Airport | 8h25 | 12:10 PM 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 | |
RO9164 · RO291 | 6:55 AM Istanbul Airport | 5h00 | 11:55 AM Sofia Airport | 1 transfer | |
TK1027 | 7:30 AM Istanbul Airport | 1h15 | 8:45 AM Sofia Airport | 0 transfersDirect | |
RO262 · RO291 | 10:15 AM Istanbul Airport | 24h45 | 11:00 AM Sofia Airport | 1 transfer | |
PC271 | 11:25 AM Istanbul Sabiha Gokcen International Airport | 1h20 | 12:45 PM Sofia Airport | 0 transfersDirect | |
RO9162 · RO291 | 1:20 PM Istanbul Airport | 21h40 | 11:00 AM Sofia Airport | 1 transfer | |
TK1031 | 1:45 PM Istanbul Airport | 1h15 | 3:00 PM Sofia Airport | 0 transfersDirect | |
RO9160 · RO291 | 6:55 PM Istanbul Airport | 16h05 | 11:00 AM Sofia Airport | 1 transfer | |
TK1029 | 7:00 PM Istanbul Airport | 1h20 | 8:20 PM Sofia Airport | 0 transfersDirect | |
A3995 · A3980 | 8:55 PM Istanbul Airport | 13h10 | 10:05 AM Sofia Airport | 1 transfer | |
RO266 · RO291 | 11:15 PM Istanbul Airport | 11h45 | 11:00 AM Sofia Airport | 1 transfer | |
This is the last flight 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.
Discover the best of Sofia — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Sofia trip today.
Bulgaria’s largest museum, covering Thracian, medieval, and modern history in a substantial collection outside the city center.
Set in a former Ottoman mosque, this museum presents some of Bulgaria’s most important archaeological finds from prehistory to the Middle Ages.
A contemporary art museum in a converted arsenal building, known for changing exhibitions by Bulgarian and international artists.
Sofia’s best-known pedestrian boulevard, lined with shops and city views toward Vitosha Mountain, especially lively in the evening.
The monumental central area around the ancient Serdica remains and socialist-era buildings, popular for architecture and photography.
A central green space beside the National Theatre, ideal for people-watching, short walks, and classic Sofia atmosphere.
A classic Bulgarian salad of tomatoes, cucumbers, peppers, onions, and grated sirene cheese. It is one of the country’s most iconic dishes and a staple in Sofia restaurants.
A beloved pastry made with layers of filo dough, eggs, and white brined cheese. It is a traditional breakfast and snack found in bakeries across Sofia.
A cold summer soup made with yogurt, cucumber, dill, garlic, and walnuts. It is refreshing, distinctly Bulgarian, and commonly served in Sofia during warm weather.
A well-known Sofia favorite for gourmet burgers and craft beer, included for a casual modern option with consistently good reputation and lively vibe.
A popular, well-established restaurant on Vitosha Boulevard known for a broad Bulgarian and European menu, polished service, and lively central atmosphere.
A stylish central restaurant focused on Bulgarian cuisine and wine, combining traditional recipes with a more refined presentation.
Affordable for most visitors. Meals, transit, and coffee are cheap; central hotels cost more in peak season.
About 10% in restaurants if service is good; check if a service charge is added. Round up for taxis. Small tips are appreciated in cafes, bars, and for hotel staff.
Official public transport app
Sofia Airport Terminal 2, Sofia -> Serdika, Sofia
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