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

The cheapest way to get from Bulgaria to Istanbul is to bus via Istanbul Esenler which costs 1.226 ₺ and takes 8h 3m.

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

The fastest way to get from Bulgaria to Istanbul is to drive which takes 4h 57m and costs 3.700 ₺ - 5.500 ₺.

Is there a direct bus between Bulgaria and Istanbul?

Yes, there is a direct bus departing from Sofia Serdica Bus Station station and arriving at Istanbul Büyük Otogari. Services depart five times a day, and operate every day. The journey takes approximately 8h.

Is there a direct train between Bulgaria and Istanbul?

No, there is no direct train from Bulgaria to Istanbul. However, there are services departing from Serdika and arriving at Yenikapi via Sofia and Halkali. The journey, including transfers, takes approximately 13h 37m.

How far is it from Bulgaria to Istanbul?

The distance between Bulgaria and Istanbul is 576 km. The road distance is 546.4 km.

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

The best way to get from Bulgaria to Istanbul without a car is to bus which takes 8h and costs 1.000 ₺ - 1.700 ₺.

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

The bus from Sofia Serdica Bus Station to Istanbul Büyük Otogari takes 8h including transfers and departs five times a day.

Where do I catch the Bulgaria to Istanbul bus from?

Bulgaria to Istanbul bus services, operated by Citylines, depart from Sofia Serdica Bus Station.

Where do I catch the Bulgaria to Istanbul train from?

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

Train or bus from Bulgaria to Istanbul?

The best way to get from Bulgaria to Istanbul is to bus which takes 8h and costs 1.000 ₺ - 1.700 ₺. Alternatively, you can train, which costs 700 ₺ - 3.900 ₺ and takes 13h 37m.

Where does the Bulgaria to Istanbul bus arrive?

Bulgaria to Istanbul bus services, operated by Citylines, arrive at Istanbul Büyük Otogari station.

What is the time difference between Bulgaria and Istanbul?

Istanbul is 1h ahead of Bulgaria. It is currently 1:28 PM in Bulgaria and 2:28 PM in Istanbul.

Where does the Bulgaria to Istanbul train arrive?

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

Can I drive from Bulgaria to Istanbul?

Yes, the driving distance between Bulgaria to Istanbul is 546 km. It takes approximately 4h 57m to drive from Bulgaria to Istanbul.

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

Book your Bulgaria to Istanbul bus tickets online with Omio and Distribusion.

Where can I stay near Istanbul?

There are 4467+ hotels available in Istanbul.

Bulgaria to Istanbul - 8 ways to travel via train, bus, car, plane, and Metro

There are 8 ways to get from Bulgaria 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 Serdica Bus Station to Istanbul Büyük Otogaribus Citylines 40 / ...
8h
₺1,000–1,700
Train
cheapest
1. Take the train from Sofia to Halkalıtrain
13h 37m
₺702–3,871
Drive 546.4 km
1. Drive from Sofia to Istanbulcar 546.4 km
4h 57m
₺3,709–5,358
Fly Sofia Airport 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 26m
Bus via Istanbul Esenler
1. Take the bus from Sofia to Istanbul Esenlerbus
8h 3m
₺1,226
Bus via Serdika
1. Take the bus from Sofia to İstanbul Esenler bus stationbus FlixBus N1999
9h 3m
₺776–1,826
Fly Sofia Airport to Istanbul, bus
1. Fly from Sofia Airport (SOF) to Istanbul (IST)plane SOF - IST
2. Take the bus from Istanbul Airport Bus to Istanbul Otogaribus
6h 6m
₺3,856–9,306
Fly Varna Airport to Istanbul, bus
1. Fly from Varna Airport (VAR) to Istanbul (IST)plane VAR - IST
2. Take the bus from Istanbul Airport Bus to Istanbul Otogaribus
5h 24m
₺9,484–19,511

Bulgaria to Istanbul by bus

35Weekly Buses

8hAverage Duration

₺1,000Cheapest Price

See schedules

Questions & Answers

Map of how to get from Bulgaria to Istanbul.

Launch map view

Distance: 576.4 km
Duration: 8h

What companies run services between Bulgaria and Istanbul, Turkey?

Citylines operates a bus from Sofia Serdica Bus Station to Istanbul Büyük Otogari 3 times a day. Tickets cost ₺1,600–2,200 and the journey takes 8h. Two other operators also service this route. Alternatively, Turkish Railways (TCDD) operates a train from Sofia to Halkalı once daily. Tickets cost ₺650–3,741 and the journey takes 11h 49m.

Airlines