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How to get fromIstanbul to Bulgariaby bus, train, car, or plane

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There are 8 ways to get from Istanbul to Bulgaria 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.

  1. Bus via Haskovo

    best
    1. Take the bus from Istanbul to Haskovobus bus
    2. Take the bus from Haskovo Central Bus Station to Sofia Central Bus Stationbus bus Group Plus 1705 / ...
    8h 7m
    $34–51

  2. Train

    cheapest
    1. Take the train from Halkalı to Sofiatrain train
    15h 19m
    $17–24

  3. Drive 546.7 km

    1. Drive from Istanbul to Sofiacar car 546.7 km
    4h 55m
    $87–125

  4. Metro to Istanbul, fly to Sofia Airport

    1. Take the train from Vezneciler to Gayrettepetrain train
    2. Fly from Istanbul (IST) to Sofia Airport (SOF)plane plane IST - SOF
    5h 2m
    $103–253

  5. Bus

    1. Take the bus from Istanbul Büyük Otogari to Sofia Serdica Bus Stationbus bus Citylines 19 / ...
    9h
    $26–40

  6. Bus #2

    1. Take the bus from Istanbul Esenler Otogari to Sofia Airport Terminal 2 Bus Stationbus bus Arda-Tur
    9h 19m
    $50–75

  7. Metro to Istanbul, fly to Varna Airport

    1. Take the train from Vezneciler to Gayrettepetrain train
    2. Fly from Istanbul (IST) to Varna Airport (VAR)plane plane IST - VAR
    5h 4m
    $217–502

  8. Metro to Istanbul Sabiha Gökçen International Airport, fly to Sofia Airport

    1. Take the train from Ayrılık Çeşmesi to Sabiha Gokcen Airporttrain train
    2. Fly from Istanbul Sabiha Gökçen International Airport (SAW) to Sofia Airport (SOF)plane plane SAW - SOF
    5h 22m
    $123–293

Istanbul to Bulgaria by bus

Calendar56Weekly Buses
Duration9hAverage Duration
Ticket$26Cheapest Price
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Questions & Answers

Map of how to get from Istanbul to Bulgaria.ExpandLaunch map view
  • Distance: 568.2 km
  • Duration: 8h 7m

What companies run services between Istanbul, Turkey and Bulgaria?

You can take a bus from Istanbul to Serdika via Haskovo Central Bus Station, Sofia Central Bus Station, and Central Station in around 8h 7m. Alternatively, Turkish Railways (TCDD) operates a train from Halkalı to Sofia once daily. Tickets cost $15–21 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.

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