Buses from Istanbul to Sofia
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Journey Information
There are 2 intercity buses per day from Istanbul to Sofia. Traveling by bus from Istanbul to Sofia usually takes around 9 hours, but some buses might arrive slightly earlier or later than scheduled depending on traffic conditions.
| Distance | 314 mi (505 km) |
| Shortest duration | 9h 0m |
| Cheapest price | $33.27 |
| Trips per day | 2 |
| Most frequent service | Citylines |
| Bus lines | 2 |
How much is a bus ticket from Istanbul to Sofia?
$34.44 is the average price of a bus ticket from Istanbul to Sofia. Taking a bus is an affordable way to make this trip. It’s easy to find a bus ticket at this price or lower when you use Wanderu to book your trip online in advance of your travel date.
Monthly average prices
What bus companies travel from Istanbul to Sofia?
There are two bus lines that have daily service from Istanbul to Sofia that you can search and book on Wanderu. However, each company only runs one bus per day.
| Bus | Daily Trips | Avg. Time | Avg. Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Citylines | 1 | 9h 0m | $35.15 |
| Huntur Turizm | 1 | 9h 0m | $33.80 |
Citylines
Book Citylines from Istanbul to Sofia from $35. There are 1 Citylines schedules from Istanbul to Sofia and you can expect on average to pay for a Citylines ticket to Sofia. In Istanbul, Citylines departs to Sofia from Esenler Otogarı Otoparkı and no other station. In Sofia, Citylines arrives at Central Bus Station and no other station.
An average trip on Citylines from Istanbul to Sofia takes 9 hours and 0 minutes .
On weekends, Citylines offers 1 trip per day and you could expect to pay for a weekend getaway trip to Sofia.
Huntur Turizm
Book Huntur Turizm from Istanbul to Sofia from $33. There are 1 Huntur Turizm schedules from Istanbul to Sofia and you can expect on average to pay for a Huntur Turizm ticket to Sofia. In Istanbul, Huntur Turizm departs to Sofia from Esenler Otogarı Otoparkı and no other station. In Sofia, Huntur Turizm arrives at Serdica Bus Station and no other station.
An average trip on Huntur Turizm from Istanbul to Sofia takes 9 hours and 0 minutes .
On weekends, Huntur Turizm offers 1 trip per day and you could expect to pay for a weekend getaway trip to Sofia.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it safe to travel by bus from Istanbul to Sofia during the COVID-19 pandemic?
Our bus partners have implemented several different policies to keep you safe during the COVID-19 pandemic. From limiting vehicle capacity to enhancing cleaning protocols and upgrading air filters, bus carriers are committed to maintaining a safe environment. For details on what each company is doing to ensure their fleet remains safe for travel, click here.
In addition, federal law requires all bus passengers to wear a face covering for the entire duration of the trip. Please make sure you are wearing a face mask or you may not be allowed to board the bus.
Please visit our COVID-19 Travel Guide for more information on all carrier policies and the latest travel advisories issued by every U.S. state, Canadian province, and European country.
How long is the bus ride?
The bus takes an average of 9 hours to cover the 505 kilometers from Istanbul to Sofia. It’s definitely on the longer side, so plan to get comfortable for a long road trip. Keep in mind that your actual bus may arrive earlier or later than scheduled, depending on whether there is more or less traffic than usual.
What is the busiest day of the week to travel by bus?
Saturday is usually the day when buses are busiest, as many travelers take the bus to enjoy the weekend in Sofia. If you are planning to travel on a Saturday, you should make sure to book tickets well in advance as they may sell out.
On the other hand, Wednesday is typically the least busy day for bus travel on this route. If you're looking for some extra space on the bus, traveling mid-week is your best bet.
When do the earliest and latest buses leave Istanbul?
The first bus leaves at 6:00pm and the last bus leaves at 6:00pm. To see the times for all buses from Istanbul to Sofia, enter your specific travel dates in the search bar.
How many buses are there each day?
City Information
Sofia
Image credit: Pixabay
Image credit: Unsplash
Image credit: Unsplash
The Bulgarian capital of Sofia lies in the Sofia Valley at the foot of Vitosha mountain. Known for its vast history stretching over seven millennia, Sofia is one of Europe's oldest cities, making for a metropolis where long-standing traditions meet modern entertainment.
Sofia's most iconic and popular tourist destination is the St. Alexander Nevski Cathedral. Completed in 1912 and built as a memorial to the 200,000 Russian soldiers who died in the Russo-Turkish Liberation War, the cathedral's crypt is open to visitors and has a vast collection of religious icons.
Because of Sofia's fascinatingly long history, it is no surprise that the city is filled with various historic sites and era-defining buildings. The Rotunda Church of St. George is one such place and is said to be the oldest building in Sofia. This ruin dates back to the 4th century, and the fact alone that it has remained mostly unscathed since then is reason enough to visit.
Sofia has also developed a vibrant contemporary scene, with many festivals and events taking place annually, including the internationally prominent Sofia Independent Film Festival and the GuitArt Festival.
Sofia can be easily reached by air via its conveniently located international airport, as well as by rail from various cities in nearby countries, including Istanbul, Belgrade and Bucharest. Various international and national bus services also offer daily transportation to the city. The vast majority of them operate out of the Sofia Central Bus Station.
Station Information
Where does the bus leave from in Istanbul?
Departure stations
Most buses depart from the main station in Istanbul.
All bus stations in Istanbul:
Esenler Otogarı Otoparkı
Where does the bus arrive in Sofia?
Arrival stations
These are the two stations where buses may stop when they arrive in Sofia.
Bus stations in Sofia:
Central Bus Station
Serdica Bus Station
Need a return trip from Sofia to Istanbul?
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