- Must visit
Istanbul Modern
Türkiye’s leading museum of modern and contemporary art on the Karaköy waterfront, known for major Turkish and international exhibitions.
Flights from Sofia to Istanbul depart on average 15 times per day, taking around 4h 15m. Cheap flight tickets for this journey start at $62 (€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 $62 (€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
$112
Average price
$430
Fastest journey
1 h 15 m
Average duration
2 h 26 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 $430 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $112.
Of the 16 flights that leave Sofia for Istanbul onWed, Jun 03, 4 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.
On Wed, Jun 03 the direct flights cover the 502 km distance in an average of 2 h 26 m but if you time it right, some flights will get you there in just 1 h 15 m .
On Wed, Jun 03 the longest flights will take 6 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.
PC272
TK1032
TK1030
TK1028
LH1707 · LH1742
PC272
TK1032
TK1030
TK1028
A3981+
A33152Omio 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 $62.
Distance: 311 miles (502 km)
| Flight | Most popular Bus | Driving |
|---|---|---|
$169 Average price | $41 Average price Cheapest | $111 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 $128 (€103) less than a flight for this route with tickets for a flight from Sofia to Istanbul costing on average $169 (€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, Tuesday, June 2. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated flight journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
TK1032 | 3:50 PM Sofia Airport | 1h30 | 5:20 PM Istanbul Airport | 0 transfersDirect | |
A33162+ A31151 | 4:25 PM Sofia Airport | 13h00 | 5:25 AM Istanbul Airport | 1 transfer | |
LH4159+ LH1742 | 7:25 PM Sofia Airport | 6h40 | 2:05 AM Istanbul Airport | 1 transfer | |
TK1030 | 9:05 PM Sofia Airport | 1h30 | 10:35 PM Istanbul Airport | 0 transfersDirect | |
| Wednesday, June 3 | |||||
LH1707 · LH1742 | 6:10 AM Sofia Airport | 19h55 | 2:05 AM Istanbul Airport | 1 transfer | |
TK1028 | 9:35 AM Sofia Airport | 1h30 | 11:05 AM Istanbul Airport | 0 transfersDirect | |
RO292 · RO265 | 10:05 AM Sofia Airport | 12h20 | 10:25 PM Istanbul Airport | 1 transfer | |
RO292 · RO9165 | 10:05 AM Sofia Airport | 7h20 | 5:25 PM Istanbul Airport | 1 transfer | |
RO292 · RO9161 | 10:05 AM Sofia Airport | 25h00 | 11:05 AM Istanbul Airport | 1 transfer | |
RO292 · RO263 | 10:05 AM Sofia Airport | 7h35 | 5:40 PM Istanbul Airport | 1 transfer | |
RO292 · RO261 | 10:05 AM Sofia Airport | 23h20 | 9:25 AM Istanbul Airport | 1 transfer | |
A3981 · A3994 | 10:55 AM Sofia Airport | 9h00 | 7:55 PM Istanbul Airport | 1 transfer | |
A3981+ A33152 | 10:55 AM Sofia Airport | 6h25 | 5:20 PM Istanbul Airport | 1 transfer | |
A3981+ A33150 | 10:55 AM Sofia Airport | 12h40 | 11:35 PM Istanbul Airport | 1 transfer | |
LH1703 · LH1742 | 12:55 PM Sofia Airport | 13h10 | 2:05 AM Istanbul Airport | 1 transfer | |
PC272 | 1:45 PM Sofia Airport | 1h15 | 3:00 PM Istanbul Sabiha Gokcen International Airport | 0 transfersDirect | |
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 Istanbul — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Istanbul trip today.
Türkiye’s leading museum of modern and contemporary art on the Karaköy waterfront, known for major Turkish and international exhibitions.
The former Ottoman imperial palace with treasury, courtyards, and imperial collections that reveal centuries of court life.
A major complex of archaeology museums near Gülhane, famous for classical antiquities and artifacts from ancient civilizations.
The historic heart of old Istanbul, surrounded by major monuments and ideal for first-time visitors exploring on foot.
The city’s best-known pedestrian avenue, lined with historic buildings, shops, passages, galleries, and constant urban energy.
A fashionable Bosphorus promenade in Karaköy that has become highly popular for strolling, views, and contemporary city atmosphere.
A ring-shaped bread crusted with sesame seeds, widely eaten in Istanbul for breakfast or as a street snack with tea and cheese.
A classic Istanbul street food of grilled fish served in bread with salad and onion, especially associated with the Eminönü waterfront.
A traditional Turkish stew of white beans, often cooked with butter or meat and commonly served with rice in Istanbul lokantas.
One of Istanbul's best-known fine dining restaurants, blending Turkish ingredients with modern technique and offering panoramic city views.
A stylish, established lokanta serving refined Turkish home-style dishes and meze, popular for both lunch and evening dining.
Well-known terrace restaurant near Eminönü, famous for kebabs, pistachio specialties, and sweeping views over the Golden Horn.
Moderate for tourists: local food and transit are affordable, while hotels and upscale dining in central areas cost more.
Around 5-10% in casual restaurants and 10% in nicer places. Round up taxis. Small tips for hotel staff are appreciated; not expected for fast food.
Official public transport app
Istanbul Airport, Istanbul -> Taksim Square, Istanbul
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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