Sofia to Istanbul Flights

Cheap plane tickets from Sofia to Istanbul can start from as little as $46 (€40) when you book in advance. The average flight ticket price for Sofia to Istanbul is $221 (€190); 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 to Istanbul flight travel time is 1 h 15 min   for the 311 mile (502 km) long trip, but the duration can vary if you travel on weekends and holidays.

The earliest flight from Sofia to Istanbul leaves at 7: 30AM. Plan your trip with the Journey Planner   from Omio.

The latest flight from Sofia to Istanbul leaves at 8: 45PM.

Yes, there are 3 direct flights a day from Sofia to Istanbul with Turkish Airlines or Pegasus Airlines. Schedules can vary on holidays or weekends with fewer direct flights.

Take the Sofia to Istanbul flight with Turkish Airlines, Pegasus Airlines, Aegean Airlines or Air Serbia. However, it's always good to check out all possible airlines for the journey between Sofia and Istanbul as there might be differences in the amenities they offer.

Flights from Sofia to Istanbul generally leave from Sofia Airport and arrive in Istanbul Airport.

Sofia Airport is 12.2 km away from Sofia city centre and Istanbul Airport is 44.4 km from Istanbul city centre.

The cheapest month for a flight from Sofia to Istanbul is August.

You have options as you can travel between Sofia and Istanbul 2 different ways: bus or flight.

Istanbul is outside the Schengen Area. Travelers departing from Sofia 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.

There is a time difference of 1 h between Sofia and Istanbul in winter.

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.