Rome2Rio

How to get fromIstanbul to Rila Monasteryby plane, taxi, bus, or car

Find Transport to Rila Monastery

See all options

There are 6 ways to get from Istanbul to Rila Monastery by plane, taxi, bus, or car

Select an option below to see step-by-step directions and to compare ticket prices and travel times in Rome2Rio's travel planner.

  1. Fly Istanbul to Sofia Airport, taxi

    best
    1. Fly from Istanbul (IST) to Sofia Airport (SOF)plane plane IST - SOF
    2. Take the taxi from Sofia Airport (SOF) to Rila Monasterytaxi taxi
    6h 9m
    $192–392

  2. Bus

    cheapest
    1. Take the bus from Istanbul to Blagoevgradbus bus
    10h 17m
    $59–77

  3. Drive  613.9 km

    1. Drive from Istanbul to Rila Monasterycar car 613.9 km
    6h 57m
    $97–140

  4. Fly Istanbul Sabiha Gökçen International Airport to Sofia Airport, taxi

    1. Fly from Istanbul Sabiha Gökçen International Airport (SAW) to Sofia Airport (SOF)plane plane SAW - SOF
    2. Take the taxi from Sofia Airport (SOF) to Rila Monasterytaxi taxi
    6h 29m
    $222–482

  5. Fly Istanbul Sabiha Gökçen International Airport to Skopje International Airport, drive

    1. Fly from Istanbul Sabiha Gökçen International Airport (SAW) to Skopje International Airport (SKP)plane plane SAW - SKP
    2. Drive from Skopje-Airport-SKP to Rila Monasterycar car
    7h 47m
    $87–307

  6. Fly Istanbul to Skopje International Airport, drive

    1. Fly from Istanbul (IST) to Skopje International Airport (SKP)plane plane IST - SKP
    2. Drive from Skopje-Airport-SKP to Rila Monasterycar car
    7h 32m
    $142–267

Istanbul (IST) to Sofia Airport (SOF) flights

Calendar23Weekly Planes
Duration1h 18mAverage Duration
Ticket$79Cheapest Price
See schedules

Comparing Your Travel Options

Map of how to get from Istanbul to Rila Monastery.ExpandLaunch map view
  • Distance: 628.6 km
  • Duration: 6h 9m

What companies run services between Istanbul, Turkey and Rila Monastery, Bulgaria?

Alpar Turizm operates a bus from Istanbul to Blagoevgrad once daily. Tickets cost $30–45 and the journey takes 9h 30m.

Airlines
Bus operators
Other operators

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 Florence to Rome, How to get from Heathrow Airport into central London, and The beginner’s guide to the 2018 World Nomad Games - to help you get the most out of your next trip.

Booking & Getting There