There are 5 ways to get from Greece–Turkey border to Istanbul by bus, night train, car, or train
Select an option below to see step-by-step directions and to compare ticket prices and travel times in Rome2Rio's travel planner.
Bus
best- Take the bus from Vama Kapikule to Istanbulbus
4h 27m₺700–1,200Night train, train
cheapest- Take the nighttrain from Kapikule to Çerkezköynighttrain Bosphor Express
- Take the train from Cerkezkoy to Istanbul(Halkali)train Re / ...
6h 16m₺257–427Night train
- Take the nighttrain from Kapikule to Halkalinighttrain Bosphor Express
5h 32m₺259–387Drive 254.3 km
- Drive from Greece–Turkey border to Istanbulcar 254.3 km
2h 27m₺2,622–3,788Bus via Vama Kapikule
- Take the bus from Vama Kapikule to Istanbul Büyük Otogaribus
5h 49m₺1,000–1,300
Comparing Your Travel Options
The cheapest way to get from Greece–Turkey border to Istanbul is to night train which costs 250 ₺ - 390 ₺ and takes 5h 32m.
The fastest way to get from Greece–Turkey border to Istanbul is to drive which takes 2h 27m and costs 2.600 ₺ - 3.800 ₺.
Yes, there is a direct bus departing from Vama Kapikule and arriving at Istanbul. Services depart once a week, and operate Tuesday. The journey takes approximately 4h 17m.
No, there is no direct train from Greece–Turkey border to Istanbul. However, there are services departing from Kapikule and arriving at Yenikapi via Halkali. The journey, including transfers, takes approximately 5h 32m.
The distance between Greece–Turkey border and Istanbul is 253 km. The road distance is 254.3 km.
The best way to get from Greece–Turkey border to Istanbul without a car is to bus which takes 4h 27m and costs 700 ₺ - 1.200 ₺.
The bus from Vama Kapikule to Istanbul takes 4h 17m including transfers and departs once a week.
Greece–Turkey border to Istanbul bus services, operated by Chisinau Bus Station, depart from Vama Kapikule station.
Greece–Turkey border to Istanbul train services, operated by Bulgarian Railways (BDZh), depart from Kapikule station.
Greece–Turkey border to Istanbul bus services, operated by Chisinau Bus Station, arrive at Istanbul station.
What companies run services between Greece–Turkey border, Bulgaria and Istanbul, Turkey?
Chisinau Bus Station operates a bus from Vama Kapikule to Istanbul once a week. Tickets cost ₺700–1,200 and the journey takes 4h 17m. Alternatively, Bulgarian Railways (BDZh) operates a vehicle from Kapikule to Halkali twice a week. Tickets cost ₺190–300 and the journey takes 4h 37m.
- Phone
- +359 2 931 11 11
- [email protected]
- Website
- Bulgarian Railways (BDZh)
Night train from Kapikule to Halkali
- Ave. Duration
- 4h 37m
- Frequency
- Twice a week
- Estimated price
- ₺190–300
- Website
- Bulgarian Railways (BDZh)
- 2nd Class
- ₺190–270
- 1st Class
- ₺230–300
Night train from Kapikule to Çerkezköy
- Ave. Duration
- 2h 35m
- Frequency
- Twice a week
- Estimated price
- ₺140–240
- Website
- Bulgarian Railways (BDZh)
- 2nd Class
- ₺140–200
- 1st Class
- ₺180–240
Train from Cerkezkoy to Istanbul(Halkali)
- Ave. Duration
- 1h 43m
- Frequency
- Twice daily
- Estimated price
- ₺80–150
- Website
- Bulgarian Railways (BDZh)
- 2nd Class
- ₺80–120
- 1st Class
- ₺120–150
- Phone
- +373 22 542-185
- [email protected]
- Website
- autogara.md
Bus from Vama Kapikule to Istanbul
- Ave. Duration
- 4h 17m
- Frequency
- Once a week
- Estimated price
- ₺700–1,200
- Schedules at
- autogara.md
Want to know more about travelling around the world?
Rome2Rio's Travel Guide series provide vital information for the global traveller. Read our range of informative guides on popular transport routes and companies - including How to get from London City Airport into central London, Travel Insider: Top Japan travel tips by Beatrix Holland, and Getting to Rome from the airport - to help you get the most out of your next trip.
Booking & Getting There
Greece–Turkey border to Istanbul train services, operated by Bulgarian Railways (BDZh), arrive at Halkali station.
Yes, the driving distance between Greece–Turkey border to Istanbul is 254 km. It takes approximately 2h 27m to drive from Greece–Turkey border to Istanbul.
There are 4293+ hotels available in Istanbul.








