There are 4 ways to get from Sofia to Istanbul by plane, bus, train 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.
Sofia to Istanbul by bus
Questions & Answers
The cheapest way to get from Sofia to Istanbul is to train which costs $14 - $29 and takes 12h 27m.
The fastest way to get from Sofia to Istanbul is to fly which takes 4h 8m and costs $180 - $380.
Yes, there is a direct bus departing from Sofia Serdica Knyaginya Maria Luiza and arriving at Istanbul Esenler Otogari. Services depart four times a day, and operate every day. The journey takes approximately 9h.
No, there is no direct train from Sofia to Istanbul. However, there are services departing from Sofia and arriving at Yenikapi via Halkali. The journey, including transfers, takes approximately 12h 27m.
The distance between Sofia and Istanbul is 518 km. The road distance is 546.4 km.
The best way to get from Sofia to Istanbul without a car is to bus which takes 9h and costs $35 - $70.
It takes approximately 4h 8m to get from Sofia to Istanbul, including transfers.
Sofia to Istanbul bus services, operated by Citylines, depart from Sofia Serdica Knyaginya Maria Luiza station.
Sofia to Istanbul train services, operated by Bulgarian Railways (BDZh), depart from Sofia station.
The best way to get from Sofia to Istanbul is to fly which takes 4h 8m and costs $180 - $380. Alternatively, you can bus, which costs $35 - $70 and takes 9h, you could also train, which costs $14 - $29 and takes 12h 27m.
- Distance: 518.5 km
- Duration: 4h 8m
What companies run services between Sofia, Bulgaria and Istanbul, Turkey?
Turkish Airlines, Tarom and two other airlines fly from Sofia to Istanbul Esenler Otogar 4 times a day. Alternatively, Citylines operates a bus from Sofia Serdica Knyaginya Maria Luiza to Istanbul Esenler Otogari 3 times a day. Tickets cost 1.000 ₺ - 1.100 ₺ and the journey takes 9h. Two other operators also service this route.
- Website
- turkishairlines.com
Flights from Sofia to Istanbul
- Ave. Duration
- 1h 33m
- When
- Every day
- Estimated price
- 4.500 ₺ - 13.000 ₺
- Website
- tarom.ro
Flights from Sofia to Istanbul via Bucharest Otopeni
- Ave. Duration
- 3h 25m
- When
- Thursday and Friday
- Estimated price
- 4.500 ₺ - 13.000 ₺
- Website
- en.aegeanair.com
Flights from Sofia to Istanbul via Athens
- Ave. Duration
- 3h 45m
- When
- Tuesday, Thursday and Friday
- Estimated price
- 4.700 ₺ - 19.000 ₺
- Phone
- +35929311111
- Website
- bdz.bg
Train from Sofia to Halkali
- Ave. Duration
- 11h 49m
- Frequency
- Once daily
- Estimated price
- 400 ₺ - 850 ₺
- Website
- https://www.bdz.bg/en
- 2nd Class
- 400 ₺ - 600 ₺
- 1st Class
- 600 ₺ - 850 ₺
- Phone
- +3590885700870
- support@citylines.eu
- Website
- citylines.eu
Bus from Sofia Serdica Knyaginya Maria Luiza to Istanbul Esenler Otogari
- Ave. Duration
- 9h
- Frequency
- 3 times a day
- Estimated price
- 1.000 ₺ - 1.100 ₺
- Schedules at
- citylines.eu
One of Europe’s leading bus companies, Flixbus serves 2000+ destinations in 29 countries, including Germany, France, Italy, Austria, the Netherlands and Croatia and into Scandinavia and eastern Europe, as well as some US cities. Coaches have toilets, free WiFi and power outlets, plus snacks and drinks for purchase on board. Flixbus is a good choice for the budget-conscious traveller; purchase tickets in advance for the cheapest fares (note: there is no option to reserve a seat in advance).
Rome2Rio's guide to FlixBus
Contact Details
- Phone
- +49 30 300 137 300
- service@flixbus.com
- Website
- flixbus.de
Bus from Sofia to İstanbul Esenler bus station
- Ave. Duration
- 9h
- Frequency
- Twice daily
- Estimated price
- 1.500 ₺ - 2.200 ₺
- Website
- https://www.flixbus.co.uk
Frequently asked questions
- Phone
- +90 212 658 00 61
- info@huntur.com.tr
- Website
- huntur.com.tr
Bus from Sofia Serdica Bus Station to Istanbul Büyük Otogari
- Ave. Duration
- 8h 30m
- Frequency
- Twice a week
- Estimated price
- 1.200 ₺ - 1.500 ₺
- Website
- https://www.huntur.com.tr/
Want to know more about travelling around Turkey
Rome2Rio's Travel Guide series provide vital information for the global traveller. Filled with useful and timely travel information, the guides answer all the hard questions - such as 'How do I buy a ticket?', 'Should I book online before I travel? ', 'How much should I expect to pay?', 'Do the trains and buses have Wifi?' - to help you get the most out of your next trip.
More Questions & Answers
Sofia to Istanbul bus services, operated by Citylines, arrive at Istanbul Esenler Otogari station.
Sofia to Istanbul train services, operated by Bulgarian Railways (BDZh), arrive at Halkali station.
Yes, the driving distance between Sofia to Istanbul is 546 km. It takes approximately 5h 12m to drive from Sofia to Istanbul.
Book your Sofia to Istanbul bus tickets online with Omio, Distribusion and FlixBus.
There are 6550+ hotels available in Istanbul. Prices start at 2.348 ₺ per night.