What is the cheapest way to get from Istanbul (State) to Bulgaria?

The cheapest way to get from Istanbul (State) to Bulgaria is to train which costs $15 - $25 and takes 15h 19m.

What is the fastest way to get from Istanbul (State) to Bulgaria?

The fastest way to get from Istanbul (State) to Bulgaria is to drive which takes 4h 57m and costs $85 - $130.

Is there a direct bus between Istanbul (State) and Bulgaria?

No, there is no direct bus from Istanbul (State) to Bulgaria. However, there are services departing from Yenikapı Sahil and arriving at Sofia via Istanbul Esenler. The journey, including transfers, takes approximately 8h 34m.

Is there a direct train between Istanbul (State) and Bulgaria?

No, there is no direct train from Istanbul (State) to Bulgaria. However, there are services departing from Yenikapi and arriving at Serdika via Halkalı and Central Station. The journey, including transfers, takes approximately 15h 19m.

How far is it from Istanbul (State) to Bulgaria?

The distance between Istanbul (State) and Bulgaria is 523 km. The road distance is 546.7 km.

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

The best way to get from Istanbul (State) to Bulgaria without a car is to bus which takes 8h 34m and costs $29.

How long does it take to get from Istanbul (State) to Bulgaria?

It takes approximately 4h 45m to get from Istanbul (State) to Bulgaria, including transfers.

Where do I catch the Istanbul (State) to Bulgaria bus from?

Istanbul (State) to Bulgaria bus services, operated by Luks Yonca, depart from Istanbul Esenler station.

Where do I catch the Istanbul (State) to Bulgaria train from?

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

Train or bus from Istanbul (State) to Bulgaria?

The best way to get from Istanbul (State) to Bulgaria is to bus which takes 8h 34m and costs $29. Alternatively, you can train, which costs $15 - $25 and takes 15h 19m.

Where does the Istanbul (State) to Bulgaria bus arrive?

Istanbul (State) to Bulgaria bus services, operated by Luks Yonca, arrive at Sofia station.

What is the time difference between Istanbul (State) and Bulgaria?

Bulgaria is 1h behind Istanbul (State). It is currently 1:47 AM in Istanbul (State) and 12:47 AM in Bulgaria.

Where does the Istanbul (State) to Bulgaria train arrive?

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

Can I drive from Istanbul (State) to Bulgaria?

Yes, the driving distance between Istanbul (State) to Bulgaria is 547 km. It takes approximately 4h 57m to drive from Istanbul (State) to Bulgaria.

Where can I stay near Bulgaria?

There are 2147+ hotels available in Bulgaria.

Istanbul (State) to Bulgaria - 7 ways to travel via train, Metro, plane

There are 7 ways to get from Istanbul (State) to Bulgaria by train, plane, 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.

Metro to Istanbul, fly to Sofia Airport
best
1. Take the train from Vezneciler to Gayrettepetrain
2. Fly from Istanbul (IST) to Sofia Airport (SOF)plane IST - SOF
4h 45m
Train
cheapest
1. Take the train from Halkalı to Sofiatrain
15h 19m
$16–25
Bus
1. Take the bus from Istanbul Esenler to Sofiabus
8h 34m
$29
Drive 546.7 km
1. Drive from Istanbul to Sofiacar 546.7 km
4h 57m
$87–125
Metro to Istanbul Sabiha Gökçen International Airport, fly to Sofia Airport
1. Take the train from Huzurevi to Sabiha Gokcen Airporttrain
2. Fly from Istanbul Sabiha Gökçen International Airport (SAW) to Sofia Airport (SOF)plane SAW - SOF
4h 28m
Metro to Istanbul, fly to Varna Airport
1. Take the train from Vezneciler to Gayrettepetrain
2. Fly from Istanbul (IST) to Varna Airport (VAR)plane IST - VAR
5h 4m
Bus via Esenler Otogar
1. Take the bus from İstanbul Esenler bus station to Sofiabus N1999
9h 51m
$43–72

Istanbul (IST) to Sofia Airport (SOF) flights

22Weekly Planes

1h 16mAverage Duration

$78Cheapest Price

See schedules

Questions & Answers

Map of how to get from Istanbul (State) to Bulgaria.

Launch map view

Distance: 523.1 km
Duration: 4h 45m

What companies run services between Istanbul (State), Turkey and Bulgaria?

Luks Yonca operates a bus from Istanbul Esenler to Sofia once daily. Tickets cost $28 and the journey takes 7h 30m. Alternatively, Turkish Railways (TCDD) operates a train from Halkalı to Sofia once daily. Tickets cost $14–23 and the journey takes 13h 40m.

Airlines

Train operators

Bus operators

Want to know more about travelling around Bulgaria

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.