VIP Arda Tur35.14 kg CO₂
23:59Central Bus Station
8h 51m
08:50Esenler Otogarı
direct
Sofia to Istanbul Bus
Recent searches
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- Lowest price from $32.96
- Average duration 9h 5m
- Connections per day 33
- Distance 502 km
- CO₂ per person 45 kg
bus from Sofia to Istanbul
The journey from Sofia to Istanbul is about 502 km. On average a bus trip takes 9h 5m with 33 connections per day.
| Lowest price | $32.96 |
|---|---|
| Trip duration | 9h 5m |
| Connections per day | 33 |
| Lowest price | $32.96 |
| Highest price | $47.22 |
| First departure | 09:00 AM |
| Last departure | 11:59 PM |
| Distance | 502 km |
| Departure | Sofia |
| Arrival | Istanbul |
| Travel operator | Arda-Tur (Арда-Тур), Arda Tur New Arda-Tur (Арда-Тур), Arda Tur New, Huntur, Citylines, Infobus, Metro Bulgaria, FlixBus, Lüks Yonca Turizm, Panorama Trans, Flixbus, Metro Turizm, Arda Tur |
Quick and easy travel from Sofia to Istanbul with Virail
Virail's search tool will provide you with the options you need when you want to go from Sofia to Istanbul. All you need to do is enter the dates of your planned journey, and let us take care of everything else. Our engine does the hard work, searching through thousands of routes offered by our trusted travel partners to show you options for traveling by train, bus, plane, or carpool. You can filter the results to suit your needs. There are a number of filtering options, including price, one-way or round trip, departure or arrival time, duration of journey, or number of connections. Soon you'll find the best choice for your journey. When you're ready, Virail will transfer you to the provider's website to complete the booking. No matter where you're going, get there with Virail.
How much do bus tickets from Sofia to Istanbul cost?
On average, a bus ticket from Sofia to Istanbul will cost you ≈ $37.96 (BGN 66.35). However, there may be cheaper alternatives available. Virail will show you the lowest prices available for your chosen travel dates, which could be as little as ≈ $32.96 (BGN 57.60). If you are trying to stick to a budget, there are several ways you can seek out lower ticket prices. For example, if your travel dates are flexible, you might find that some days of the week are cheaper than others. Traveling during peak season will usually cost more, so avoid that if you want to save money. Even the time of day can affect the price of tickets sometimes. You can also look for an indirect route, which may be cheaper than a direct connection. Often, the cheapest bus tickets can be found by booking well in advance. However, be mindful that many companies do not offer refunds or exchanges on their cheapest tickets.
Unfortunately, no price was found for your trip from Sofia to Istanbul. Selecting a new departure or arrival city, without dramatically changing your itinerary could help you find price results.
The prices for bus tickets from Sofia to Istanbul vary depending on a range of factors including how far in advance you're booking, your travel dates, and the type of transport you want to use. On certain routes, there may be different classes available, which will also affect the price. The average bus ticket price is approximately ≈ $37.96 (BGN 66.35). For the lowest prices, it is usually best to book as far in advance as possible and look out for low-cost options, such as non-refundable tickets or traveling outside of peak hours. Be aware that some providers do not offer refunds or changes on their lower priced tickets, so it is advised to check before completing your transaction.
How long does it take to get from Sofia to Istanbul by bus?
The average journey time is 9h 5m. This is how long it takes to cross the 502 km from Sofia to Istanbul. When planning your journey, remember that delays are a possibility. Some unplanned events could cause your journey from Sofia to Istanbul to take longer than 9h 5m. The journey between Sofia and Istanbul runs for about 502 km and usually takes approximately 9h 5m. However, this figure is an average and will vary according to a number of factors. Depending on the method of transport that you choose, you might be able to arrive in less time. The shortest time in which you can complete this journey is 7h 5m. If you are trying to get from Sofia to Istanbul as quickly as possible, look for express routes or non-stopping services. Direct routes are not always the fastest way to travel. At times, you may even find a quicker route that involves a connection in another city.
When do departures from Sofia to Istanbul leave?
If you want to set off early, take the first departure of the day from Sofia to Istanbul, which usually leaves at 09:00 AM. The last scheduled departure of the day is normally at 11:59 PM. These timetables may vary depending on the day of the week, or at different times of year. If you want to set off early, take the first departure of the day from Sofia to Istanbul, which usually leaves at 09:00 AM. The last scheduled departure of the night is normally at 11:59 PM. These timetables may vary depending on the day of the week, or at different times of year.
How many journeys from Sofia to Istanbul are there every day?
The exact number of journeys from Sofia to Istanbul can vary from day to day. Some services may only run on particular days of the week, while others might be seasonal. In general, an average of 33 departures leave each day. These are run by a number of different transport providers, including . On particularly busy days, there can be up to departures. You can usually expect there to be more connections on weekdays. Many providers run fewer journeys on weekends or public holidays. As a traveler, you may prefer to take a direct route from Sofia to Istanbul. However, you will find more options available to you if you are willing to take a connecting route. These pass through one or more different cities, and you'll have to change along the way. Not all travelers feel comfortable making multiple connections, but if you are, then you will enjoy greater flexibility when making your booking. The exact number of daily departures from Sofia to Istanbul varies, but in general, you can expect to find 33 direct connections with no changes leaving each day. Travelers who are happy to take an indirect route will find, on average, 0 journeys with one change or more. Unfortunately, no connection was found for your trip from Sofia to Istanbul. Selecting a new departure or arrival city, without dramatically changing your itinerary could help you find connections.
$32.56
VIP Arda Tur35.14 kg CO₂
19:00Central Bus Station
9h
04:00Esenler Otogarı
direct
Panorama Trans35.14 kg CO₂
22:00Serdika
8h
06:00Esenler Otogarı
direct
Panorama Trans35.14 kg CO₂
22:00Serdika
8h
06:00Esenler Otogarı
direct
FlixBus35.14 kg CO₂
23:00Sofia, Central Bus Station
8h 30m
07:30Istanbul, Büyük Otogari
direct
Citylines35.14 kg CO₂
22:30Sofia, Central Bus Station
8h 30m
07:00Istanbul, Büyük Otogari
direct
Next departures from Sofia to Istanbul
Sample times and fares for the coming days — book to confirm availability and price.
Arda Tur $34.33
00:20 Sofia Airport Terminal 1
08:50 Istanbul, Büyük Otogari
Infobus $24.13
09:00 Serdika
18:00 Istanbul Esenler Otogari, Esenler Otogarı, İstanbul
City Lines $42.17
09:00 Sofia, Central Bus Station
18:00 Istanbul, Büyük Otogari
$22.77
09:00 Serdika
18:00 Esenler Otogarı
City Lines $40.83
09:00 Sofia, Central Bus Station
18:00 Istanbul Bus Station
FlixBus $37.75
11:00 Sofia, Central Bus Station
19:30 Istanbul, Büyük Otogari
FlixBus $18.74
11:00 Serdika
19:30 Esenler Otogarı
Metro Turizm $869.65
12:00 Sofya
21:00 İstanbul Avrupa
Infobus $24.13
12:00 Serdika
21:00 Istanbul Esenler Otogari, Esenler Otogarı, İstanbul
$22.77
12:00 Serdika
21:00 Esenler Otogarı
City Lines $40.83
12:00 Sofia, Central Bus Station
21:00 Istanbul Bus Station
$743.78
13:30 Sofya
22:45 İstanbul Avrupa
Arda Tur $34.33
13:30 Sofia, Central Bus Station
23:45 Istanbul, Büyük Otogari
Arda Tur $18.41
13:30 Serdika
22:00 Istanbul, Büyük Otogari
Metro Turizm $869.65
17:00 Sofya
02:00 İstanbul Avrupa
Infobus $24.13
17:00 Serdika
02:00 Istanbul Esenler Otogari, Esenler Otogarı, İstanbul
$22.77
17:00 Serdika
02:00 Esenler Otogarı
City Lines $42.17
17:00 Sofia, Central Bus Station
02:00 Istanbul, Büyük Otogari
City Lines $40.83
17:00 Sofia, Central Bus Station
02:00 Istanbul Bus Station
Arda Tur $34.33
19:00 Sofia, Central Bus Station
05:15 Istanbul, Büyük Otogari
Arda Tur $18.41
19:00 Serdika
04:05 Istanbul, Büyük Otogari
$743.78
19:00 Sofya
04:00 İstanbul Avrupa
$755.22
22:00 Sofya
06:00 İstanbul Avrupa
$17.51
22:00 Serdika
06:00 Esenler Otogarı
$772.39
22:00 Sofya
05:05 İstanbul Avrupa
Huntur $35.13
22:30 Sofia, Central Bus Station
07:00 Istanbul, Büyük Otogari
Infobus $20.31
22:30 Sofia Central Bus Station
07:00 Esenler Otogarı
Huntur $18.99
22:30 Sofia Central Bus Station
07:00 Esenler Otogarı
Huntur $743.78
22:30 Sofya
07:24 İstanbul Avrupa
City Lines $35.13
22:30 Sofia, Central Bus Station
07:00 Istanbul, Büyük Otogari
City Lines $34.01
22:30 Sofia, Central Bus Station
07:00 Istanbul, Büyük Otogari
FlixBus $37.75
23:00 Sofia, Central Bus Station
07:00 Istanbul, Büyük Otogari
Metro Turizm $869.65
23:00 Sofya
07:30 İstanbul Avrupa
FlixBus $18.74
23:00 Serdika
07:00 Esenler Otogarı
Arda Tur $18.41
23:59 Serdika
09:45 Istanbul, Büyük Otogari
$743.78
23:59 Sofya
08:55 İstanbul Avrupa
Arda Tur $34.33
23:59 Sofia, Central Bus Station
08:50 Istanbul, Büyük Otogari
Arda Tur $34.33
00:20 Sofia Airport Terminal 1
08:50 Istanbul, Büyük Otogari
Infobus $24.13
09:00 Serdika
18:00 Istanbul Esenler Otogari, Esenler Otogarı, İstanbul
City Lines $42.17
09:00 Sofia, Central Bus Station
18:00 Istanbul, Büyük Otogari
$22.77
09:00 Serdika
18:00 Esenler Otogarı
City Lines $40.83
09:00 Sofia, Central Bus Station
18:00 Istanbul Bus Station
FlixBus $37.75
11:00 Sofia, Central Bus Station
19:30 Istanbul, Büyük Otogari
FlixBus $18.74
11:00 Serdika
19:30 Esenler Otogarı
Metro Turizm $869.65
12:00 Sofya
21:00 İstanbul Avrupa
Infobus $24.13
12:00 Serdika
21:00 Istanbul Esenler Otogari, Esenler Otogarı, İstanbul
$22.77
12:00 Serdika
21:00 Esenler Otogarı
City Lines $40.83
12:00 Sofia, Central Bus Station
21:00 Istanbul Bus Station
$743.78
13:30 Sofya
22:45 İstanbul Avrupa
Arda Tur $34.33
13:30 Sofia, Central Bus Station
23:45 Istanbul, Büyük Otogari
Arda Tur $18.41
13:30 Serdika
22:00 Istanbul, Büyük Otogari
Metro Turizm $869.65
17:00 Sofya
02:00 İstanbul Avrupa
Infobus $24.13
17:00 Serdika
02:00 Istanbul Esenler Otogari, Esenler Otogarı, İstanbul
$22.77
17:00 Serdika
02:00 Esenler Otogarı
City Lines $42.17
17:00 Sofia, Central Bus Station
02:00 Istanbul, Büyük Otogari
City Lines $40.83
17:00 Sofia, Central Bus Station
02:00 Istanbul Bus Station
Arda Tur $34.33
19:00 Sofia, Central Bus Station
05:15 Istanbul, Büyük Otogari
Arda Tur $18.41
19:00 Serdika
04:05 Istanbul, Büyük Otogari
$743.78
19:00 Sofya
04:00 İstanbul Avrupa
$755.22
22:00 Sofya
06:00 İstanbul Avrupa
$17.51
22:00 Serdika
06:00 Esenler Otogarı
$772.39
22:00 Sofya
05:05 İstanbul Avrupa
Huntur $35.13
22:30 Sofia, Central Bus Station
07:00 Istanbul, Büyük Otogari
Infobus $20.31
22:30 Sofia Central Bus Station
07:00 Esenler Otogarı
Huntur $18.99
22:30 Sofia Central Bus Station
07:00 Esenler Otogarı
Huntur $743.78
22:30 Sofya
07:24 İstanbul Avrupa
City Lines $35.13
22:30 Sofia, Central Bus Station
07:00 Istanbul, Büyük Otogari
City Lines $34.01
22:30 Sofia, Central Bus Station
07:00 Istanbul, Büyük Otogari
FlixBus $37.75
23:00 Sofia, Central Bus Station
07:00 Istanbul, Büyük Otogari
Metro Turizm $869.65
23:00 Sofya
07:30 İstanbul Avrupa
FlixBus $18.74
23:00 Serdika
07:00 Esenler Otogarı
Arda Tur $18.41
23:59 Serdika
09:45 Istanbul, Büyük Otogari
$743.78
23:59 Sofya
08:55 İstanbul Avrupa
Arda Tur $34.33
23:59 Sofia, Central Bus Station
08:50 Istanbul, Büyük Otogari
Arda Tur $34.33
00:20 Sofia Airport Terminal 1
08:50 Istanbul, Büyük Otogari
Infobus $24.13
09:00 Serdika
18:00 Istanbul Esenler Otogari, Esenler Otogarı, İstanbul
City Lines $42.17
09:00 Sofia, Central Bus Station
18:00 Istanbul, Büyük Otogari
$22.77
09:00 Serdika
18:00 Esenler Otogarı
City Lines $40.83
09:00 Sofia, Central Bus Station
18:00 Istanbul Bus Station
FlixBus $37.75
11:00 Sofia, Central Bus Station
19:30 Istanbul, Büyük Otogari
FlixBus $18.74
11:00 Serdika
19:30 Esenler Otogarı
Metro Turizm $869.65
12:00 Sofya
21:00 İstanbul Avrupa
Infobus $24.13
12:00 Serdika
21:00 Istanbul Esenler Otogari, Esenler Otogarı, İstanbul
$22.77
12:00 Serdika
21:00 Esenler Otogarı
City Lines $40.83
12:00 Sofia, Central Bus Station
21:00 Istanbul Bus Station
$743.78
13:30 Sofya
22:45 İstanbul Avrupa
Arda Tur $34.33
13:30 Sofia, Central Bus Station
23:45 Istanbul, Büyük Otogari
Arda Tur $18.41
13:30 Serdika
22:00 Istanbul, Büyük Otogari
Metro Turizm $869.65
17:00 Sofya
02:00 İstanbul Avrupa
Infobus $24.13
17:00 Serdika
02:00 Istanbul Esenler Otogari, Esenler Otogarı, İstanbul
$22.77
17:00 Serdika
02:00 Esenler Otogarı
City Lines $42.17
17:00 Sofia, Central Bus Station
02:00 Istanbul, Büyük Otogari
City Lines $40.83
17:00 Sofia, Central Bus Station
02:00 Istanbul Bus Station
Arda Tur $34.33
19:00 Sofia, Central Bus Station
05:15 Istanbul, Büyük Otogari
Arda Tur $18.41
19:00 Serdika
04:05 Istanbul, Büyük Otogari
$743.78
19:00 Sofya
04:00 İstanbul Avrupa
$755.22
22:00 Sofya
06:00 İstanbul Avrupa
$17.51
22:00 Serdika
06:00 Esenler Otogarı
$772.39
22:00 Sofya
05:05 İstanbul Avrupa
Huntur $35.13
22:30 Sofia, Central Bus Station
07:00 Istanbul, Büyük Otogari
Infobus $20.31
22:30 Sofia Central Bus Station
07:00 Esenler Otogarı
Huntur $18.99
22:30 Sofia Central Bus Station
07:00 Esenler Otogarı
Huntur $743.78
22:30 Sofya
07:24 İstanbul Avrupa
City Lines $35.13
22:30 Sofia, Central Bus Station
07:00 Istanbul, Büyük Otogari
City Lines $34.01
22:30 Sofia, Central Bus Station
07:00 Istanbul, Büyük Otogari
FlixBus $37.75
23:00 Sofia, Central Bus Station
07:00 Istanbul, Büyük Otogari
Metro Turizm $869.65
23:00 Sofya
07:30 İstanbul Avrupa
FlixBus $18.74
23:00 Serdika
07:00 Esenler Otogarı
Arda Tur $18.41
23:59 Serdika
09:45 Istanbul, Büyük Otogari
$743.78
23:59 Sofya
08:55 İstanbul Avrupa
Arda Tur $34.33
23:59 Sofia, Central Bus Station
08:50 Istanbul, Büyük Otogari
Carriers on this route
Learn more about carriers on this route.
Arda Tur is a Turkish bus company that operates intercity and international bus services. The company was founded in 1998 and has since grown to become one of the leading bus operators in Turkey. Arda Tur operates a modern fleet of buses that are equipped with air conditioning, comfortable seats, and onboard entertainment systems. The company's routes cover major cities in Turkey, as well as international destinations in Europe and the Middle East. Arda Tur is known for its reliable service, affordable fares, and commitment to passenger safety. The company also offers online booking and ticketing services, making it easy for passengers to plan their journeys.
FlixBus, a long-distance bus company, operates in both Europe and the United States. Founded in 2013, it has grown to become one of the largest bus operators in Europe, connecting over 2,500 destinations in 30 countries. Originating in Germany, FlixBus has expanded quickly to neighboring countries including France, Italy, Denmark, the Netherlands, and Croatia, while also offering regular services to Norway, Spain, and England. With affordable fares and comfortable amenities such as free Wi-Fi, power outlets, and onboard toilets, FlixBus provides a convenient and enjoyable travel experience.
Metro Turizm is a Turkish bus company that provides intercity transportation services across Turkey. The company was founded in 1992 and has since grown to become one of the largest bus operators in the country. Metro Turizm operates a fleet of modern buses equipped with air conditioning, Wi-Fi, and comfortable seating. The company offers a range of ticket options, including standard, luxury, and sleeper seats. Metro Turizm also provides online booking services, making it easy for passengers to plan their travel and purchase tickets in advance. The company is committed to providing safe, reliable, and affordable transportation services to its customers.
Facility description
Learn more about the services available on board each carrier on this route.
Facilities Description
Luggage
Each passenger can bring one carry-on bag (up to 25lbs/11kg) and one stored bag (up to 50lbs/23kg) for free on FlixBus. Excess baggage up to 50lbs (23kg) is accepted for a fee, with limited space available, so booking in advance is recommended.
Accessibility
FlixBus offers boarding assistance with a hydraulic lift for travelers with reduced mobility. Contact the bus company in advance to confirm availability and assistance.
Food and drink
Snacks and drinks are available for purchase from the bus drivers during your trip.
Power sockets
Power outlets are available near seats to keep your devices charged throughout your journey.
Bicycle
Bikes are allowed with restrictions: 3 per bus with a cover, 5 with a carrier, but no electric bikes.
Wi-Fi
FlixBus offers free Wi-Fi on all its buses.
Entertainment portal
Enjoy movies, e-books, audiobooks, music, and games through FlixBus's online entertainment portal.
Food and drink
Complimentary refreshments are offered on Metro Turizm buses.
Luggage
Passengers must obtain a baggage claim ticket and ensure their seat number is correct on Metro Turizm buses. Each piece of luggage requires a separate ticket. Responsibility fortagged luggage and valuables lies with the passenger. Liability for lost baggage is limited to the ticket price. Each seat allows up to 30 kg of luggage, with excess weight incurring an additional fee. Dangerous items are prohibited.
Bicycle
Bicycles are limited to 20 kg, and each bus can carry 1-2 bicycles on Metro Turizm buses.
Power sockets
All Metro Turizm buses are equipped with electrical outlets or USB chargers.
Wi-Fi
The Wi-Fi password on Metro Turizm buses is the reference number on the ticket. For example, if the bus license plate is 48 LB 593, the password is metro593. Additionally, each seat is equipped with an individual entertainment system for passenger enjoyment during transfers.
Accessibility
Metro Turizm offers a 30% discount for passengers with disabilities. The company operates routes between Istanbul, Ankara, Izmir, Adana, Antalya, Eskisehir, Konya, Mersin, Agri, Afyon, Batman, and many other cities.
CO₂ emissions by mode
train 35.14kg
bus 37.65kg
flight 100.4kg
carpool 80.32kg
FAQ
A bus ticket from Sofia to Istanbul costs ≈ $37.96 (BGN 66.35). Prices vary by how far ahead you book and the time of day. Tickets start from ≈ $32.96 (BGN 57.60).
The cheapest ticket from Sofia to Istanbul costs ≈ $32.96 (BGN 57.60). Book as early as possible and avoid peak times.
Sofia and Istanbul are 502 km apart.
The journey from Sofia to Istanbul takes about 9h 5m on average. The fastest option takes 7h 5m.
This route is served by 12 operators: Arda-Tur (Арда-Тур), Arda Tur New, Huntur, Citylines, Infobus, Metro Bulgaria, FlixBus, Lüks Yonca Turizm, Panorama Trans, Flixbus, Metro Turizm and Arda Tur.
There are about 33 connections per day from Sofia to Istanbul.
The first bus from Sofia to Istanbul leaves at 09:00 AM. Check times on your travel date.
The last bus from Sofia to Istanbul leaves at 11:59 PM. Check times on your travel date.
We recommend booking as early as possible. The bus we found costs ≈ $32.96 (BGN 57.60) but prices can change.
There are about 33 direct connections from Sofia to Istanbul.
The shortest bus journey between Sofia and Istanbul takes 7h 5m.
Yes, there is a direct bus between Sofia and Istanbul.
The bus journey from Sofia to Istanbul generates 45 kg of CO₂.