| Duration | 7h 48m |
| Distance | 546.7 km |
| Average price | 1.300 ₺ |
| Frequency | 6/day |
Trip overview
The average bus between Sofia and Istanbul takes 7h 48m and the fastest bus takes 6h. The bus service runs several times per day from Sofia to Istanbul. The journey time may be longer on weekends and holidays; use the search form on this page to search for a specific travel date.
Sofia to Istanbul bus times
Buses run every four hours between Sofia and Istanbul.
The service departs Sofia at 22:00 at night, which arrives into Istanbul at 05:00.
All services run direct with no transfers required, and take on average 7h 48m.
The schedules shown below are for the next available departures.
Departing Monday, November 24, 2025
Departing Tuesday, November 25, 2025
Departing Wednesday, November 26, 2025
Frequently asked questions
Want to know about travelling from Sofia to Istanbul? We have put together a list of the most frequently asked questions from our users such as: What is the cheapest mode of transport?, What is the quickest option?, How much do tickets usually cost? and many more.
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 five times a day, and operate every day. The journey takes approximately 8h.
More details
How far is it from Sofia to Istanbul?
The distance between Sofia and Istanbul is 516 km. The road distance is 546.7 km.
Get driving directions
Where do I catch the Sofia to Istanbul bus from?
Sofia to Istanbul bus services, operated by Kamil Koc, depart from Sofia station.
More details
Where does the Sofia to Istanbul bus arrive?
Sofia to Istanbul bus services, operated by Kamil Koc, arrive at İstanbul Esenler bus station.
More details
How do I get a bus ticket from Sofia to Istanbul?
Book your Sofia to Istanbul bus tickets online with Omio and Distribusion.
Search and book
Where can I stay near Istanbul?
There are 4548+ hotels available in Istanbul.
More detailsWhat companies run services between Sofia and Istanbul?
Kamil Koc 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.
Bus operators
Kamil Koc
Ave. Duration
8h
Frequency
4 times a day
Estimated price
750 ₺ - 1.100 ₺
- Phone
- 444 0 562
- kamilkoc@kamilkoc.com.tr
- Website
- flixbus.com.tr
Bus from Sofia to İstanbul Esenler bus station
- Ave. Duration
- 8h
- Frequency
- 4 times a day
- Estimated price
- 750 ₺ - 1.100 ₺
- Schedules at
- flixbus.com.tr
Citylines
Ave. Duration
8h
Frequency
3 times a day
Estimated price
1.500 ₺ - 2.100 ₺
- Phone
- +359 0885700870
- support@citylines.eu
- Website
- citylines.eu
Bus from Sofia Serdica Bus Station to Istanbul Büyük Otogari
- Ave. Duration
- 8h
- Frequency
- 3 times a day
- Estimated price
- 1.500 ₺ - 2.100 ₺
- Website
- https://citylines.eu/
Arda Tur
Ave. Duration
7h 51m
Frequency
Once daily
Estimated price
1.500 ₺ - 2.100 ₺
- Phone
- +359 700 20 544
- Website
- ardatur.bg
Bus from Sofia Serdica Bus Station to Istanbul Esenler Otogari
- Ave. Duration
- 7h 51m
- Frequency
- Once daily
- Estimated price
- 1.500 ₺ - 2.100 ₺
- Website
- https://ardatur.bg/en/
Luks Yonca
Ave. Duration
7h
Frequency
Once daily
Estimated price
1.200 ₺
- Phone
- 0545 792 30 02
- info@luksyonca.com.tr
- Website
- luksyonca.com.tr
Bus from Sofia to Istanbul Esenler
- Ave. Duration
- 7h
- Frequency
- Once daily
- Estimated price
- 1.200 ₺
- Schedules at
- polazak.rs
Alpar Turizm
Ave. Duration
7h
Frequency
Once daily
Estimated price
1.200 ₺ - 1.800 ₺
- Phone
- +90 212 658 18 51
- info@alparturizm.com.tr
- Website
- alparturizm.com.tr
Bus from Sofia to Istanbul
- Ave. Duration
- 7h
- Frequency
- Once daily
- Estimated price
- 1.200 ₺ - 1.800 ₺
- Website
- https://www.alparturizm.com.tr/en/
Huntur
Ave. Duration
7h 30m
Frequency
Once daily
Estimated price
1.200 ₺ - 1.500 ₺
- 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
- 7h 30m
- Frequency
- Once daily
- Estimated price
- 1.200 ₺ - 1.500 ₺
- Website
- https://www.huntur.com.tr/
Metro Turizm
Ave. Duration
10h 19m
Frequency
Once daily
Estimated price
750 ₺ - 1.900 ₺
- Phone
- 0850 222 34 55
- Website
- metroturizm.com.tr
Bus from Sofia to Bayrampaşa
- Ave. Duration
- 10h 19m
- Frequency
- Once daily
- Estimated price
- 750 ₺ - 1.900 ₺
- Website
- https://www.metroturizm.com.tr/en
- Standard
- 750 ₺ - 900 ₺
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