What are the most exciting events happening in Istanbul?

The best events to attend in Istanbul include: Istanbul Film Festival, an annual event showcasing international and Turkish films Istanbul Music Festival, a celebration of classical music featuring renowned artists Istanbul Biennial, a contemporary art exhibition held every two years with global participation Istanbul Tulip Festival, a month-long festival celebrating the city's tulip heritage with colorful displays throughout parks.

What are the best holidays to spend in Istanbul?

The best holidays to experience in Istanbul include: Republic Day, national pride and celebrations on October 29 Eid al-Fitr, festive atmosphere marking the end of Ramadan with family gatherings in April or May Eid al-Adha, significant religious holiday with communal prayers and feasts in June or July New Year's Eve, lively celebrations welcoming the new year with fireworks and parties on December 31.

Your bookings

Sofia Airport (SOF) to Istanbul flight with Turkish Airlines

Scan to get our free app

Use our app to get live travel updates and book mobile tickets for trains, buses, flights, and ferries.

App Store

4.9

42K ratings

Google Play

4.6

136K reviews

Journey information

Overview: Sofia Airport (SOF) to Istanbul flight

Bulgaria

Turkey

Flights from Sofia Airport (SOF) to Istanbul depart on average 13 times per day, taking around 4h 26m. Cheap flight tickets for this journey start at $54 (€46) but you can travel from only $43 (€36) by bus.

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

Cheapest alternative travel mode

Bus from $43 (€36)

Distance

307 miles (495 km)

Average flight duration

4h 26m

Cheapest ticket price

$54 (€46)

Flights per day

Direct flights

Airlines

Fastest flight

1h 15m

Cheapest month to travel

December

First flight

02:00

Last flight

19:40

Price information

Cheapest alternative travel mode

Bus from $43 (€36)

The cheapest and fastest flights from Sofia Airport (SOF) to Istanbul

Showing times and prices for May 19

Cheapest price

$69

Average price

$148

Fastest journey

1 h 15 m

Average duration

9 h 56 m

Flights per day

Distance

495 km

Cheap tickets

The best way to find a cheap flight ticket from Sofia Airport (SOF) to Istanbul is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid traveling at rush hour.

The average ticket from Sofia Airport (SOF) to Istanbul will cost around $148 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $69.

Fast flights

Of the 5 flights that leave Sofia Airport (SOF) for Istanbul onMon, May 19, 5 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.

On Mon, May 19 the direct flights cover the 495 km distance in an average of 9 h 56 m but if you time it right, some flights will get you there in just 1 h 15 m .

On Mon, May 19 the longest flights will take 23 h 10 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.

11:30AM1h15

Sofia Airport (SOF)

12:45PMIstanbul

$691One-way

0 transfers

07:30AM1h15

Sofia Airport (SOF)

08:45AMIstanbul

$1071One-way

0 transfers

03:00AM22h25

Sofia Airport (SOF)

01:25AMIstanbul

$1481One-way

0 transfers

02:00PM23h10

Sofia Airport (SOF)

01:10PMIstanbul

$1481One-way

0 transfers

07:40PM1h35

Sofia Airport (SOF)

09:15PMIstanbul

$2661One-way

0 transfers

Travel Information

Compare bus and flight for Sofia Airport (SOF) to Istanbul

Omio recommends booking the bus as it is the most popular option from Sofia Airport (SOF) to Istanbul among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the bus with prices starting from €36. For those with little time consider booking a flight which can get you there in 4h 26m.

Compare flight with

Flight	Most popular Bus
€102 Average price	€36 Average price Cheapest
7h 26m Average duration Fastest 4h 26m Onboard + 3h 0m Additional time*	9h 46m Average duration 9h 16m Onboard + 30m Additional time*
Direct Options	Direct Options

Live departures

Sofia Airport (SOF) to Istanbul flight times

Showing flights for today, Sunday, May 18

Last updated at 4:10 PM

Provider	Departs	Duration	Arrives	Transfers
GQ681 · GQ670	5:20 PM Sofia Airport (SOF)	12h10	5:30 AM Istanbul Airport (IST)	1 transfer
TK1030	6:15 PM Sofia Airport (SOF)	1h30	7:45 PM Istanbul Airport (IST)	0 transfersDirect
This is the last flight of the day.

Find all the dates and times for this journey

Compare prices and tickets Sofia Airport (SOF) to Istanbul by bus or flight

Mon
May 19

Tue
May 20

Wed
May 21

Thu
May 22

Fri
May 23

Sat
May 24

Sun
May 25

More than 1,000 travel companies trust us to sell their tickets all in one place.

Airlines: Turkish Airlines, Pegasus Airlines and Aegean Airlines flights from Sofia Airport (SOF) to Istanbul

Buy your official Turkish Airlines, Pegasus Airlines and Aegean Airlines flight tickets between Sofia Airport (SOF) and Istanbul from $36 (€30) with Omio. Find flight times and tickets for over 1000 travel companies to compare and book the most popular journey.

Turkish Airlines is Turkey’s leading airline and you can choose between EcoFly, ExtraFly, PrimeFly, Business Ticket for your next flight between Sofia Airport (SOF) and Istanbul.

Turkish Airlines from Sofia Airport (SOF) to Istanbul flight information:

Average Duration: 1 h 30 min
Cheapest Price: $156

Discover Sofia Airport (SOF) to Istanbul Flights

Explore the convenient and frequent flights from Sofia Airport (SOF) to Istanbul, often landing at the bustling New Istanbul Airport (IST) or the centrally located Sabiha Gökçen International Airport (SAW). Sofia Airport, situated in Bulgaria, offers seamless travel connections to these vibrant destinations in Turkey. Opting for a Sofia Airport (SOF) to Istanbul flight not only opens doors to cultural exploration but also assures impressive service from reputable airlines that connect these regional hubs. Both Bulgarian and Turkish airports maximize accessibility and provide a welcoming gateway between these two countries, making Sofia Airport (SOF) to Istanbul flights a popular choice for travelers looking to experience the dynamic contrast between the historical ambiance of Sofia and the bustling energy of Istanbul.

Find Cheap Sofia Airport (SOF) to Istanbul Flight Tickets

Planning a trip from Sofia Airport (SOF) to Istanbul? You will be pleased to find competitive prices for flight tickets on this popular route. The cheapest ticket price you can expect is $54 (€46), offering you a fantastic deal. On average, the cost of a flight ticket is around $122 (€102), reflecting a variety of available options and airlines. For travelers looking to optimize both convenience and cost, consider booking your flight in November, traditionally one of the most budget-friendly months with favorable travel conditions.

Sofia Airport (SOF) to Istanbul Flights with Turkish Airlines, Pegasus Airlines, and Aegean Airlines

When it comes to flights from Sofia Airport (SOF) to Istanbul, travelers have a variety of choices with reputable airlines like Turkish Airlines, Pegasus Airlines, and Aegean Airlines offering regular services. Turkish Airlines, known for its premium experience, offers Business and Economy classes that cater to different passenger needs with amenities ranging from gourmet meals to in-flight entertainment. Pegasus Airlines is a popular choice for those seeking budget-friendly travel while still enjoying comfortable seating and complimentary refreshments in Economy class. Aegean Airlines, an esteemed member of the Star Alliance, provides seamless travel with exceptional services in both Economy and Business class, ensuring a comfortable journey towards the vibrant city of Istanbul. Each airline offers reliable connections, enhancing the travel experience between these two iconic cities.

Sofia Airport (SOF) to Istanbul Direct Flights

For travelers seeking efficient air travel between Bulgaria and Turkey, direct flights from Sofia Airport (SOF) to Istanbul offer a convenient and time-saving option. Operated by several reputable airlines, these direct and non-stop flights ensure you reach your destination without the hassle of layovers. With approximately 5 direct flights operating daily from Sofia to Istanbul, you can enjoy flexibility and choose a schedule that best fits your travel plans. Embrace the ease of traveling from Sofia to Istanbul with these frequent flight options that combine comfort and speed.

FAQs: Sofia Airport (SOF) to Istanbul Flight

FAQs: Take a flight from Sofia Airport (SOF) to Istanbul hassle-free. Whether you want fast, cheap or something entirely different, our travel experts have collected everything you need to know so you can find the best option from Sofia Airport (SOF) to Istanbul.

Cheap plane tickets from Sofia Airport (SOF) to Istanbul can start from as little as $54 (€46) when you book in advance. The average flight ticket price for Sofia Airport (SOF) to Istanbul is $122 (€102); however, prices vary depending on the time of day and class and they tend to be more expensive on the day.

On average the Sofia Airport (SOF) to Istanbul flight time is 1 h 15 min covering the 307 mile (495 km) long route, but the journey time can vary depending on specific dates or if traveling on weekends and holidays.

The earliest flight from Sofia Airport (SOF) to Istanbul leaves at 2: 00AM. Plan your trip with the Journey Planner from Omio.

The latest flight from Sofia Airport (SOF) to Istanbul leaves at 7: 40PM.

There are 13 flights a day from Sofia Airport (SOF) to Istanbul which require at least one change with Turkish Airlines, Pegasus Airlines or Aegean Airlines. Schedules can vary on holidays or weekends with fewer flights.

When taking a flight from Sofia Airport (SOF) to Istanbul, you can count on Turkish Airlines, Pegasus Airlines or Aegean Airlines for the best way to get you to Istanbul. You can also check all possible airlines who offer a service from Sofia Airport (SOF) to Istanbul and compare the amenities they offer before buying a plane ticket.

The cheapest month to travel from Sofia Airport (SOF) to Istanbul by plane is December.

You have options as you can travel from Sofia Airport (SOF) to Istanbul 2 different ways: bus or flight.

Istanbul is outside the Schengen Area. Travelers departing from Sofia Airport (SOF) will need a valid passport and may require a visa depending on their nationality. Entry and visa requirements can be subject to change. For the latest information, check with your destination's embassy or consulate.

The best events to attend in Istanbul include:

Istanbul Film Festival, an annual event showcasing international and Turkish films
Istanbul Music Festival, a celebration of classical music featuring renowned artists
Istanbul Biennial, a contemporary art exhibition held every two years with global participation
Istanbul Tulip Festival, a month-long festival celebrating the city's tulip heritage with colorful displays throughout parks.

The best holidays to experience in Istanbul include:

Republic Day, national pride and celebrations on October 29
Eid al-Fitr, festive atmosphere marking the end of Ramadan with family gatherings in April or May
Eid al-Adha, significant religious holiday with communal prayers and feasts in June or July
New Year's Eve, lively celebrations welcoming the new year with fireworks and parties on December 31.

The best seasons to visit Istanbul are Spring or Fall. The best weather to explore Istanbul is during April-June or September-November.

For international flights we recommend to arrive 2.5 to 3 hours before departure. Please check the website of your departure airport if in doubt. Some airports may offer booking time slots for security checks or offer additional information on when to get there based on time of day.

Most airlines permit carry-on bags that fit within specific dimensions (e. G. 22 x 14 x 9 inches or 56 x 36 x 23 cm), including handles and wheels. Bags must fit in the overhead bin or under the seat in front of you.

Many airlines impose weight limits, commonly ranging between 7 kg (15 lbs) and 12 kg (26 lbs).
Typically, passengers are allowed one carry-on bag and one personal item (for example a purse, laptop bag, or backpack). Personal items must fit under the seat in front of you.
Budget Airlines (like Ryanair or Wizz Air) have stricter size and weight limits, often requiring fees for larger carry-ons. Full-Service Airlines have more lenient policies, sometimes including more spacious dimensions or higher weight limits depending on your ticket class.

The list of items prohibited on an airplane varies by country and airline, but in general, the following items are not allowed in carry-on or checked baggage: Weapons and self-defence items, sharp objects, flammable materials, explosives, toxic substances, or liquids over 100ml (except for medications and baby essentials). In checked baggage, firearms (without authorization), explosives, large lithium batteries, and hazardous chemicals are prohibited. Electronic cigarettes must be in carry-on bags, while alcohol and dry ice have restrictions. Always check with your airline for specific regulations.

popular airports

Popular airports from Sofia Airport (SOF) to Istanbul

Sofia

Istanbul

The major airport for departures in Sofia is Sofia Airport. Find all the information you need to know about services, amenities and connections at Sofia Airport for your trip from Sofia to Istanbul.

Sofia Airport (SOF) Wifi