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How to get fromIstanbul to Rila Monasteryby bus, train, taxi, car, or plane

Find Transport to Rila Monastery

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There are 8 ways to get from Istanbul to Rila Monastery by bus, train, taxi, 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

    best
    1. Take the bus from Istanbul to Blagoevgradbus bus
    12h 33m
    $46–62

  2. Bus via Sofia

    cheapest
    1. Take the bus from Istanbul Büyük Otogari to Sofia Serdica Bus Stationbus bus Citylines 19 / ...
    2. Take the bus from Sofia Vasil Levski Monument to Rila Monasterybus bus Traventuria 44
    13h 37m
    $40–56

  3. Train, taxi

    1. Take the train from Halkalı to Pazardjiktrain train
    2. Take the train from Pazardjik to Kostenetstrain train Ic / ...
    3. Take the taxi from Kostenets to Rila Monasterytaxi taxi
    16h 15m
    $64–82

  4. Drive 613.9 km

    1. Drive from Istanbul to Rila Monasterycar car 613.9 km
    6h 57m
    $97–140

  5. Fly Istanbul to Sofia Airport, bus

    1. Fly from Istanbul (IST) to Sofia Airport (SOF)plane plane IST - SOF
    2. Take the bus from Sofia Vasil Levski Monument to Rila Monasterybus bus
    9h 28m
    $128–274

  6. Fly Istanbul Sabiha Gökçen International Airport to Skopje International Airport, drive

    1. Fly from Istanbul Sabiha Gökçen International Airport (SAW) to Skopje International Airport (SKP)plane plane SAW - SKP
    2. Drive from Skopje-Airport-SKP to Rila Monasterycar car
    7h 52m
    $87–317

  7. Fly Istanbul to Skopje International Airport, drive

    1. Fly from Istanbul (IST) to Skopje International Airport (SKP)plane plane IST - SKP
    2. Drive from Skopje-Airport-SKP to Rila Monasterycar car
    7h 37m
    $162–367

  8. Fly Istanbul Sabiha Gökçen International Airport to Sofia Airport, bus

    1. Fly from Istanbul Sabiha Gökçen International Airport (SAW) to Sofia Airport (SOF)plane plane SAW - SOF
    2. Take the bus from Sofia Vasil Levski Monument to Rila Monasterybus bus
    9h 48m
    $148–324

Istanbul to Rila Monastery by bus, foot, and train

Calendar7Weekly Services
Duration13h 37mAverage Duration
Ticket$40Cheapest Price
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Questions & Answers

Map of how to get from Istanbul to Rila Monastery.ExpandLaunch map view
  • Distance: 697.4 km
  • Duration: 12h 33m

What companies run services between Istanbul, Turkey and Rila Monastery, Bulgaria?

Alpar Turizm operates a bus from Istanbul to Blagoevgrad once daily. Tickets cost $30–45 and the journey takes 9h 30m.

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