What is the cheapest way to get from Sofia to Istanbul?

The cheapest way to get from Sofia to Istanbul is to bus which costs 750 ₺ - 1.900 ₺ and takes 8h.

What is the fastest way to get from Sofia to Istanbul?

The fastest way to get from Sofia to Istanbul is to drive which takes 4h 56m and costs 4.100 ₺ - 6.500 ₺.

Is there a direct bus between Sofia and Istanbul?

Yes, there is a direct bus departing from Sofia and arriving at İstanbul Esenler bus station station. Services depart every four hours, and operate every day. The journey takes approximately 8h.

Is there a direct train between Sofia and Istanbul?

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.

How far is it from Sofia to Istanbul?

The distance between Sofia and Istanbul is 555 km. The road distance is 546.4 km.

How do I travel from Sofia to Istanbul without a car?

The best way to get from Sofia to Istanbul without a car is to bus which takes 8h and costs 750 ₺ - 1.900 ₺.

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

The bus from Sofia to İstanbul Esenler bus station takes 8h including transfers and departs every four hours.

Where do I catch the Sofia to Istanbul bus from?

Sofia to Istanbul bus services, operated by Kamil Koç, depart from Sofia station.

Where do I catch the Sofia to Istanbul train from?

Sofia to Istanbul train services, operated by Turkish Railways (TCDD), depart from Sofia station.

Train or bus from Sofia to Istanbul?

The best way to get from Sofia to Istanbul is to bus which takes 8h and costs 750 ₺ - 1.900 ₺. Alternatively, you can train, which costs 750 ₺ - 4.300 ₺ and takes 12h 27m.

Where does the Sofia to Istanbul bus arrive?

Sofia to Istanbul bus services, operated by Kamil Koç, arrive at İstanbul Esenler bus station.

Where does the Sofia to Istanbul train arrive?

Sofia to Istanbul train services, operated by Turkish Railways (TCDD), arrive at Halkalı station.

Can I drive from Sofia to Istanbul?

Yes, the driving distance between Sofia to Istanbul is 546 km. It takes approximately 4h 56m to drive from Sofia to Istanbul.

How do I get a bus ticket from Sofia to Istanbul?

Book your Sofia to Istanbul bus tickets online with Omio, Distribusion and FlixBus.

Where can I stay near Istanbul?

There are 4432+ hotels available in Istanbul.

Sofia to Istanbul - 5 ways to travel via train, bus, car, plane, and Metro

How to get fromSofia to Istanbul

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There are 5 ways to get from Sofia to Istanbul by bus, train, car, or plane

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
1. Take the bus from Sofia to İstanbul Esenler bus stationbus FlixBus N1999
8h
₺750–1,900
Train
1. Take the train from Sofia to Halkalıtrain
12h 27m
₺783–4,216
Drive 546.4 km
1. Drive from Sofia to Istanbulcar 546.4 km
4h 56m
₺4,193–6,056
Fly to Istanbul, Metro
1. Fly from Sofia Airport (SOF) to Istanbul (IST)plane SOF - IST
2. Take the train from Gayrettepe to Veznecilertrain
4h 58m
₺4,695–12,504
Fly to Istanbul Sabiha Gökçen International Airport, Metro
1. Fly from Sofia Airport (SOF) to Istanbul Sabiha Gökçen International Airport (SAW)plane SOF - SAW
2. Take the train from Sabiha Gokcen Airport to Ayrılık Çeşmesitrain
5h
₺6,383–15,100

Sofia to Istanbul by bus

91Weekly Buses

8hAverage Duration

₺750Cheapest Price

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Questions & Answers

Map of how to get from Sofia to Istanbul.

Launch map view

Distance: 554.6 km
Duration: 8h

What companies run services between Sofia, Bulgaria and Istanbul, Turkey?

Kamil Koç operates a bus from Sofia to İstanbul Esenler bus station 4 times a day. Tickets cost ₺750–1,100 and the journey takes 8h. Five other operators also service this route. Alternatively, Turkish Railways (TCDD) operates a train from Sofia to Halkalı once daily. Tickets cost ₺750–4,171 and the journey takes 11h 49m.

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