4.9
4.6The cheapest and fastest coaches from Sofia to Istanbul
Cheapest price on 30 Sept
46S$
Average ticket price on 30 Sept
53S$
Fastest journey on 30 Sept
8 h
Average journey duration on 30 Sept
8 h 18 m
Buses on 30 Sept
7
Distance
502 km
The best way to find a cheap coach ticket from Sofia to Istanbul is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid travelling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Sofia to Istanbul will cost around 53S$ if you buy it on the day, but you can find cheap coach tickets today for only 46S$.
On Wed, 30 Sept, we found 7 buses from Sofia to Istanbul, including 7 direct services.
These direct buses cover the 502 km distance in an average of 8 h 18 m but if you time it right, some buses will get you there in just 8 h .
The slowest buses will take 8 h 30 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.
011:59 PM10h16Sofia10:15 AMIstanbul46 S$1One-way0 changes- 747737110:30 AM8h00Sofia6:30 PMIstanbul49 S$1One-way0 changes
- 07:00 PM9h05Sofia4:05 AMIstanbul51 S$1One-way0 changes
- 75317388:30 AM8h30Sofia5:00 PMIstanbul51 S$1One-way0 changes
- 68512441:30 PM8h30Sofia10:00 PMIstanbul57 S$1One-way0 changes
FlixBus11:00 PM8h00София, Централна Aвтогара 2 (Sofia, Centralna Avtogara 2)7:00 AMIstanbul, Buyuk Otogar (Esenler)59 S$1One-way0 changes- 747737110:30 AM8h00Sofia6:30 PMIstanbul49 S$1One-way0 changes
- FlixBus11:00 AM8h30София, Централна Aвтогара 2 (Sofia, Centralna Avtogara 2)7:30 PMIstanbul, Buyuk Otogar (Esenler)59 S$1One-way0 changes
- 68512441:30 PM8h30Sofia10:00 PMIstanbul57 S$1One-way0 changes
- 75317388:30 AM8h30Sofia5:00 PMIstanbul51 S$1One-way0 changes
Live departures
Sofia to Istanbul bus times
The table below shows live departures for Sofia to Istanbul coaches for today, Tuesday, 29 September. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated coach journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Changes | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 7339315 | 8:30 AM Sofia | 8h30 | 5:00 PM Istanbul | 0 changesdirect | |
| 7560685 | 10:30 AM Sofia | 8h00 | 6:30 PM Istanbul | 0 changesdirect | |
| FlixBus | 11:00 AM София, Централна Aвтогара 2 (Sofia, Centralna Avtogara 2) | 8h30 | 7:30 PM Istanbul, Buyuk Otogar (Esenler) | 0 changesdirect | |
| 7575887 | 1:30 PM Sofia | 8h30 | 10:00 PM Istanbul | 0 changesdirect | |
| 7575898 | 7:00 PM Sofia | 9h05 | 4:05 AM Istanbul | 0 changesdirect | |
| FlixBus | 11:00 PM София, Централна Aвтогара 2 (Sofia, Centralna Avtogara 2) | 8h00 | 7:00 AM Istanbul, Buyuk Otogar (Esenler) | 0 changesdirect | |
| 7575905 | 11:59 PM Sofia | 10h16 | 10:15 AM Istanbul | 0 changesdirect | |
This is the last bus of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare prices and tickets Sofia to Istanbul by coach or flight
Compare coach 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.
29 Sept
30 Sept
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Why should you book Sofia to Istanbul coaches with Omio?
Why book with Omio vs Infobus?
- Compare with other providers: On Omio, you can not only buy tickets for Infobus, but also compare tickets for the likes of FlixBus, ArdaTur or Mybus Sofia to find the best option for your trip from Sofia to Istanbul.
- Designed for International Travelers: Omio is in your language including 24/7 customer service and offers multiple payment options, including PayPal, credit cards, and bank transfer, in your preferred currency.
- Compare all your options: Omio allows you to compare Infobus with all available travel options, which are bus and flight to ensure you get the best deal for traveling from Sofia to Istanbul.
Why book with Omio over Busbud or Checkmybus?
- Official reseller: Infobus tickets can only be bought on Omio or Infobus's website as Omio is the only official third party seller for Infobus tickets. Busbud or Checkmybus do not sell Infobus tickets as they are not official sellers.
- Multiple modes of transport: Omio allows you to compare travel options including bus and flight to find the ideal travel option from Sofia to Istanbul.
Journey information
Overview: Bus from Sofia to Istanbul
Bulgaria
Turkey
Buses from Sofia to Istanbul run on average 6 times per day, taking around 8h 27m. Cheap bus tickets for this journey start at 43S$ if you book in advance.
There are 6 coaches per day. The earliest coach runs at 00:20, the last at 23:30. The fastest coach covers the 502 km distance in 6h 59m.
Distance 502 km |
Average bus duration 8h 27m |
Cheapest ticket price 43S$ |
Buses per day 6 |
Direct buses 6 |
Fastest bus 6h 59m |
First bus 12:20 AM |
Last bus 11:30 PM |
Cheapest Month Jan |
Cheapest Day Tue |
High Season Jul - Sept |
Low Season Oct - Dec |
Busiest Day Thu |
Least Busy Day Tue |
Best time to book 91 days |
Bus providers: ArdaTur, FlixBus, Infobus, Mybus Sofia from Sofia to IstanbulYou can travel by bus between Sofia to Istanbul with ArdaTur, FlixBus, Infobus, Mybus Sofia for as low as 43S$. When you search for schedules and tickets, Omio will show you the best journey
FlixBus
Infobus
ArdaTur
Mybus Sofia
FAQs: Sofia to Istanbul coach
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Sofia to Istanbul by coach. 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 coach, the cheapest option, or tips for making the most of your visit at Istanbul, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.
- Infobus
- Assistance
- Priority seating
- Transport for wheelchairs and mobility aids.
- FlixBus
- Assistance
- Priority boarding
- Wheelchair-accessible buses.
- Infobus
- You can cancel your ticket up to 24 hours before departure for a partial refund. Cancellations within 24 hours may incur a fee.
- FlixBus
- You can cancel your ticket up to 15 minutes before departure and receive a voucher for future travel. Refund requests for delays over 120 minutes are possible.
- Infobus
- One carry-on bag up to 5kg (40x20x25) and one checked bag up to 20kg (50x30x80).
- FlixBus
- One carry-on bag up to 7kg (42x30x18 cm) and one checked bag up to 20kg (80x50x30 cm).
- Infobus
- 10€ per additional bag.
- FlixBus
- Additional luggage can be purchased for a fee.
- Infobus
- Small pets allowed in carriers
- larger pets may require a separate ticket.
- FlixBus
- Small pets in carriers allowed
- guide dogs travel for free.
popular bus stations
Important Stations and Airports in Sofia and Istanbul
Most Sofia to Istanbul buses use the Sofia (София) to Istanbul, Büyük Otogari (Esenler) station pair. Use this guide to compare Sofia and Istanbul bus stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like bus station facilities and services.
Which Sofia station do buses to Istanbul leave from?
Getting to Sofia (София) from Sofia city centre
Sofia (София) bus station facilities and services
Sofia (София) has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Shower and Ticket Office.
Food and drink
Food options include: Small cafes available nearby.
Wi-Fi and ATMs
Wi-Fi is available at Sofia (София). ATMs are aTM machines available onsite.
Tickets and information
Ticket office support is available at Sofia (София).
Parking, taxis and toilets
Available at Sofia (София): Parking, Taxis, WC.
Accessibility
Accessibility facilities are available at Sofia (София): Facilities are accessible for passengers with reduced mobility.
Getting to София, Централна Aвтогара 2 (Sofia, Centralna Avtogara 2) from Sofia city centre
Getting to Sofia, Sofia International Airport (T1) (София, Летище София (T1)) from Sofia city centre
Which Istanbul station do buses from Sofia arrive at?
Getting to Istanbul, Büyük Otogari (Esenler) from Istanbul city centre
Istanbul, Büyük Otogari (Esenler) is 5 km from Istanbul city centre. Public transport options include:
Istanbul, Büyük Otogari (Esenler) bus station facilities and services
Istanbul, Büyük Otogari (Esenler) has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC and Ticket Office.
Food and drink
Food options include: Cafeteria Terminal (in the station), Kebab Express (0.2 km), Simit Sarayı (0.3 km).
Wi-Fi and ATMs
Free Wi-Fi. ATMs are located near the main entrance and throughout the station.
Tickets and information
Ticket office support is available at Istanbul, Büyük Otogari (Esenler).
Parking, taxis and toilets
Available at Istanbul, Büyük Otogari (Esenler): Parking, Taxis, WC.
Accessibility
Accessibility facilities are available at Istanbul, Büyük Otogari (Esenler): Elevators, ramps.
Most popular bus connections from Sofia
More options for your journey from Sofia to Istanbul
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need
Most popular buses to and from Istanbul and Sofia
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