Buses from Sofia to Istanbul

Buses from Sofia to Istanbul

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Sofia to Istanbul Bus Schedule

Sofia to Istanbul Bus Schedule
Transport NameRoute TimePrice
FlixBus Economy 00:45 - 09:45BGN 46.76
Wizz Air Economy 05:35 - 19:15BGN 244.50
Wizz Air Economy 06:15 - 17:25BGN 298.49
Turkish Airlines Economy #TK102809:25 - 10:50BGN 333.04
Tarom Economy 10:05 - 18:15BGN 332.67
Vip Arda Tur Standard 2X2 13:30 - 02:30BGN 67.10
Turkish Airlines Economy #TK103215:25 - 17:50BGN 279.38
Turkish Airlines Economy #TK103216:00 - 18:25BGN 272.62
Wizz Air Economy 19:50 - 23:45BGN 440.03
Turkish Airlines Economy #TK103021:10 - 22:35BGN 333.04
Vip Arda Tur Standard 2X2 23:59 - 12:59BGN 68.21

Transportation from Sofia to Istanbul

Facts about the bus from Sofia to Istanbul

Cheapest Bus$37
Fastest Bus9h
Earliest Bus1:30 PM
Latest Bus10:30 PM
Daily Bus Routes5
Distance544 kilometers
Bus CompaniesAlpar Turizm, Huntur, Luks Yonca Turizm, Vip Arda Tur

How to get from Sofia to Istanbul by Bus

Taking a bus to get from Sofia to Istanbul is a safe, comfortable and less expensive alternative for traveling this route. To popular destinations, bus companies operate multiple trips per day, often round the clock at 30-60 minute intervals. To less traveled destinations, there may be only 1 scheduled trip a day. The most common bus types are non-air-conditioned, air-conditioned, and premium buses.

It is best to reserve your tickets at least a few days ahead of your travel date. Check our list of bus companies available for online booking offering Sofia to Istanbul tickets. When traveling on weekends and holidays it is recommended to reserve tickets much earlier due to higher numbers of travelers, both vacation-makers and urban workers returning home to their provincial home.

How far is it from Sofia to Istanbul?

Traveling by bus, the distance from Sofia to Istanbul depends on the route taken. Most bus companies travel via expressways or tollways. This may not necessarily be the shortest route but it is the fastest one as normally there is less traffic and no traffic lights.

To get to certain island destinations which are not connected to the mainland by a bridge, buses board large car ferries. Passengers are usually asked to get off the bus, but there is no need to take your luggage from the bus. The travel distance from port to port is added to the total distance.

How long does it take to get from Sofia to Istanbul by Bus?

The estimate travel time from Sofia to Istanbul is about 9h. Note that traveling by bus is slower compared to driving your own car or getting a taxi. Depending on the departure time congestion between Sofia and Istanbul may differ greatly There is usually more traffic between morning until afternoon during weekdays than during weekends.

Another important factor that may affect travel time is the type of bus. Premium or VIP buses are usually faster as they use motorways and call to fewer bus stations (if any) en route. Buses normally make short 10-30-minute breaks after a few hours of continuous travel to allow passengers use bathrooms, stock up on munchies and let bus attendants and the driver have rest.

Some premium buses have onboard toilets and the second driver. Nevertheless, usually they still make en route stops for a quick lunch or fuel refill.

How much does it cost to get from Sofia to Istanbul by Bus?

The ticket price from Sofia to Istanbul can vary depending on the type of buses you choose. For a less expensive ticket consider non-air-conditioned or ordinary buses. Premium or luxury buses are more expensive but you can expect more comfort and some additional services like phone charging ports, personal entertainment system screens and toilets.

Sofia to Istanbul timetable

To help you plan your trip, here is the Sofia to Istanbul timetable of bus departure and arrival times.

Best Rated Companies for this Route

Bus companies differ a lot in quality and service they provide. When choosing a bus company for you travels, do some basic research before you buy your tickets.

Safety is one of the most important aspects to consider. We also recommend you checking reviews on overall service quality of the bus companies serving this route.

Our service only partners with reliable and trustworthy bus companies. We do our best to provide your a choice of the best operators available on each route.