The cheapest and fastest coaches from Sofia to Istanbul
- Cheapest price on 14 Nov
- $36
- Average ticket price on 14 Nov
- $41
- Fastest journey on 14 Nov
- 7 h
- Average journey duration on 14 Nov
- 7 h 37 m
- Buses on 14 Nov
- 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 $41 if you buy it on the day, but you can find cheap coach tickets today for only $36.
On Sat, 14 Nov, we found 7 buses from Sofia to Istanbul, including 7 direct services.
These direct buses cover the 502 km distance in an average of 7 h 37 m but if you time it right, some buses will get you there in just 7 h .
The slowest buses will take 8 h 5 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 PM 9h16 Sofia 10:15 AM Istanbul $36 1 One-way 0 changes
010:30 AM 7h00 Sofia 6:30 PM Istanbul $38 1 One-way 0 changes
07:00 PM 8h05 Sofia 4:05 AM Istanbul $39 1 One-way 0 changes
08:30 AM 7h30 Sofia 5:00 PM Istanbul $39 1 One-way 0 changes
01:30 PM 7h30 Sofia 10:00 PM Istanbul $44 1 One-way 0 changes
010:30 AM 7h00 Sofia 6:30 PM Istanbul $38 1 One-way 0 changes
08:30 AM 7h30 Sofia 5:00 PM Istanbul $39 1 One-way 0 changes
01:30 PM 7h30 Sofia 10:00 PM Istanbul $44 1 One-way 0 changes
FlixBus11:00 PM 8h00 София, Централна Aвтогара 2 (Sofia, Centralna Avtogara 2) 8:00 AM Istanbul, Buyuk Otogar (Esenler) $45 1 One-way 0 changes
07:00 PM 8h05 Sofia 4:05 AM Istanbul $39 1 One-way 0 changes
Journey information
Overview: Bus from Sofia to Istanbul
Buses from Sofia to Istanbul run on average 6 times per day, taking around 8h 31m. Cheap bus tickets for this journey start at $33 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 31m |
Cheapest ticket price $33 |
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 |
Frequently asked questions about your Sofia to Istanbul trip
Use these quick route answers to check fares, travel time, departure options, and direct services before booking from Sofia to Istanbul.
Live departures
Sofia to Istanbul bus times
The table below shows live departures for Sofia to Istanbul coaches for today, Friday, 13 November. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated coach journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Changes | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
FlixBus | 11:00 AM София, Централна Aвтогара 2 (Sofia, Centralna Avtogara 2) | 8h30 | 8:30 PM Istanbul, Buyuk Otogar (Esenler) | 0 changesdirect | |
7767329 | 1:30 PM Sofia | 7h30 | 10:00 PM Istanbul | 0 changesdirect | |
7738636 | 7:00 PM Sofia | 8h05 | 4:05 AM Istanbul | 0 changesdirect | |
FlixBus | 11:00 PM София, Централна Aвтогара 2 (Sofia, Centralna Avtogara 2) | 8h00 | 8:00 AM Istanbul, Buyuk Otogar (Esenler) | 0 changesdirect | |
7767076 | 11:59 PM Sofia | 9h16 | 10:15 AM Istanbul | 0 changesdirect | |
0 | 8:30 AM Sofia | 7h30 | 5:00 PM Istanbul | 0 changesdirect | |
This is the last bus of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Why should you book Sofia to Istanbul coaches with Omio?
Why book with Omio vs FlixBus?
- Compare with other providers: On Omio, you can not only buy tickets for FlixBus, but also compare tickets for the likes of ArdaTur, Infobus 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 FlixBus 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 Wanderu, Trainline or Busbud?
- 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.
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 $33. When you search for schedules and tickets, Omio will show you the best journey
FlixBus
Infobus
ArdaTur
Mybus Sofia
Companies, tickets, and onboard amenities between Sofia and Istanbul
Review the details behind your booking, from operators and ticket rules to luggage, onboard amenities, accessibility, and route-specific travel policies.
- 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.
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.

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.
Bus stations for Sofia to Istanbul
Check bus stations information for Sofia and Istanbul, including where buses depart and arrive on this route.
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
