- Must visit
Istanbul Modern
Leading contemporary art museum on the Bosphorus with strong Turkish and international exhibitions in a landmark waterfront building.
Flights from Sofia to Istanbul depart on average 15 times per day, taking around 4h 15m. Cheap flight tickets for this journey start at $61 (€50) but you can travel from only $37 (€30) by bus.
There are 4 flights per day. The earliest flight runs at 00:05, the last at 23:55. The fastest flight covers the 311 miles (502 km) distance in 1h 15m. January is the cheapest month to fly.
Distance 311 miles (502 km) |
Average flight duration 4h 15m |
Cheapest ticket price $61 (€50) |
Flights per day 15 |
Direct flights 4 |
Fastest flight 1h 15m |
First flight 12:05 AM |
Last flight 11:55 PM |
Cheapest Month Jan |
Cheapest Day Sun |
High Season Jul - Sep |
Low Season Oct - Dec |
Busiest Day Thu |
Least Busy Day Sat |
Best time to book 63 days |
Cheapest price
$120
Average price
$723
Fastest journey
1 h 15 m
Average duration
2 h 29 m
Flights per day
16
Distance
502 km
The best way to find a cheap flight ticket from Sofia 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 to Istanbul will cost around $723 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $120.
Of the 16 flights that leave Sofia for Istanbul onSat, Jul 18, 4 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.
On Sat, Jul 18 the direct flights cover the 502 km distance in an average of 2 h 29 m but if you time it right, some flights will get you there in just 1 h 15 m .
On Sat, Jul 18 the longest flights will take 6 h 40 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.
PC272
TK1030
TK1032
TK1028
RO292 · RO261
PC272
TK1032
TK1028
TK1030
LH1742+
LH4159Omio recommends booking the bus as it is the most popular option from Sofia to Istanbul among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the bus with prices starting from $37. For those with little time consider booking a flight which can get you there in 4h 15m. In case you are seeking to minimise your carbon footprint the bus is your best bet as it emits only 0.5 - 1.3kg. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of $37, and a flight costs an average of $61.
Distance: 311 miles (502 km)
| Flight | Most popular Bus | Driving |
|---|---|---|
$166 Average price | $40 Average price Cheapest | $109 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
7h 15m Average total duration Fastest 4h 15m Onboard + 3h 0m Additional time* | 7h 17m Average total duration 6h 47m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 6h 1m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
1.5 - 3.0kg CO2 emissions | 0.5 - 1.3kg CO2 emissions Lowest | - CO2 emissions |
![]() Most popular airline | ![]() Most popular bus company | Your own car or car rental |
Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options |
Additional time: Average total travel duration to departure point, security checks and transfers.
This is compared to other travel options from Sofia to Istanbul:
A bus is $126 (€103) less than a flight for this route with tickets for a flight from Sofia to Istanbul costing on average $166 (€136).
Other travel options to Istanbul take longer:
Bus takes on average 6h 47m.
The table below shows live departures for Sofia to Istanbul flights for today, Friday, July 17. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated flight journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
TK1030 | 9:10 PM Sofia Airport | 1h30 | 10:40 PM Istanbul Airport | 0 transfersDirect | |
| Saturday, July 18 | |||||
LH1707 · LH1742 | 6:10 AM Sofia Airport | 19h55 | 2:05 AM Istanbul Airport | 1 transfer | |
AZ7050+ AZ7177 | 7:00 AM Sofia Airport | 11h20 | 6:20 PM Istanbul Sabiha Gokcen International Airport | 1 transfer | |
AZ7034+ AZ7177 | 7:00 AM Sofia Airport | 16h35 | 11:35 PM Istanbul Airport | 1 transfer | |
AZ7032+ AZ7177 | 7:00 AM Sofia Airport | 7h40 | 2:40 PM Istanbul Airport | 1 transfer | |
AZ7036+ AZ7177 | 7:00 AM Sofia Airport | 12h15 | 7:15 PM Istanbul Airport | 1 transfer | |
AZ7030+ AZ7177 | 7:00 AM Sofia Airport | 27h45 | 10:45 AM Istanbul Airport | 1 transfer | |
AZ7060+ AZ7177 | 7:00 AM Sofia Airport | 8h25 | 3:25 PM Istanbul Sabiha Gokcen International Airport | 1 transfer | |
TK1028 | 9:35 AM Sofia Airport | 1h30 | 11:05 AM Istanbul Airport | 0 transfersDirect | |
RO292 · RO261 | 10:05 AM Sofia Airport | 23h20 | 9:25 AM Istanbul Airport | 1 transfer | |
RO292 · RO9165 | 10:05 AM Sofia Airport | 7h20 | 5:25 PM Istanbul Airport | 1 transfer | |
RO292 · RO265 | 10:05 AM Sofia Airport | 12h20 | 10:25 PM Istanbul Airport | 1 transfer | |
RO292 · RO9161 | 10:05 AM Sofia Airport | 25h05 | 11:10 AM Istanbul Airport | 1 transfer | |
PC272 | 1:30 PM Sofia Airport | 1h15 | 2:45 PM Istanbul Sabiha Gokcen International Airport | 0 transfersDirect | |
TK1032 | 3:50 PM Sofia Airport | 1h30 | 5:20 PM Istanbul Airport | 0 transfersDirect | |
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 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 Sofia to Istanbul 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 Istanbul, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.

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