Lowest Prices
We partner with the top coach & train carriers to bring you the best deals.
Best Travel Options
We help you find & compare the best buses & trains in one place.
Quick & Easy Booking
Book trips quickly with a simple, hassle-free checkout – online & on our app.
Fast Customer Support
We don’t monkey around. We respond within minutes to help you out.
Journey Information
There are 8 intercity coaches per day from Sofia to Istanbul. Traveling by coach from Sofia to Istanbul usually takes around 9 hours and 17 minutes, but the fastest Huntur Turizm coach can make the trip in 7 hours and 30 minutes.
| Distance | 314 mi (505 km) |
| Shortest duration | 7h 30m |
| Cheapest price | €30.71 |
| Trips per day | 8 |
| Most frequent service | Citylines |
| Coach lines | 3 |
Price trends for coaches from Sofia to Istanbul
Monthly average prices
Prices as travel date approaches
What coach companies travel from Sofia to Istanbul?
There are 3 bus lines from Sofia to Istanbul available for you to search and compare on Wanderu. With 4 daily trips, Citylines usually has the most buses running on any given day. Here are some time and price comparisons for all the available options:
| Coach | Daily Trips | Avg. Time | Avg. Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Arda Tur | 3 | 10h 3m | €31.10 |
| Citylines | 4 | 8h 53m | €41.03 |
| Huntur Turizm | 1 | 8h 27m | €39.00 |
Arda Tur is a Bulgarian intercity coach company serving a large number of cities in Bulgaria as well as destinations across Europe, like Czech Republic, Austria, and Germany. Onboard, you’ll find extra legroom, air conditioning, restrooms, complimentary WiFi and power outlets. There are also snacks and drinks available for purchase as well.
Citylines, a prominent Bulgarian bus company based in Sofia, offers an extensive network of routes connecting cities within Bulgaria and beyond, operating numerous daily trips. The company's services extend to countries such as Greece, Turkey, Montenegro, and Germany, providing convenient travel options for passengers. One of Citylines' popular routes is the 12-hour journey from Sofia to Athens, which runs twice daily, and passengers can enjoy amenities such as air conditioning, onboard restrooms, and Wi-Fi connectivity for a comfortable and convenient travel experience.
Huntur Turizm is a prominent Turkish bus company based in Istanbul, specializing in passenger transportation since 1969. It has established itself as one of the leading companies in the country, offering bus journeys to notable destinations such as Razgrad, Rousse, Kubrat, and Haskova. On-board amenities include movie screenings, Wi-Fi connectivity, and beverage services.
Frequently Asked Questions
The coach takes an average of 9 hours and 17 minutes to cover the 314 miles from Sofia to Istanbul. However, the fastest coach only takes 7 hours and 30 minutes. It’s definitely on the longer side, so plan to get comfortable for a long road trip. Keep in mind that your actual coach may arrive earlier or later than scheduled, depending on whether there is more or less traffic than usual.
"With many people traveling in the middle of the week, Wednesday is the busiest day of the week for coach travel. If you are planning to travel on a Wednesday, you should make sure to book tickets well in advance as they may sell out.
On the other hand, Saturday is typically the least busy day for coach travel on this route. If you’re looking for a little extra space, a Saturday ticket is the way to go."
The first coach leaves at 09:00 and the last coach leaves at 22:00. To see the times for all coaches from Sofia to Istanbul, enter your specific travel dates in the search bar.
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 coach 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 coach leave from in Sofia?
Main departure station: Central Train Station
Coaches to Istanbul leave from 5 stations in Sofia.
All coach stations in Sofia:
Central Train Station
Sofia Bus Station Serdika
Central Bus Station
Airport Arrivals Terminal 2
Serdica Bus Station
Where does the coach arrive in Istanbul?
Main arrival station: Istanbul Esenler Otogari
These are the two stations where coaches may stop when they arrive in Istanbul.
Coach stations in Istanbul:
Istanbul Esenler Otogari
Esenler Otogarı Otoparkı
Get around town with Moovit
Need a return trip from Istanbul to Sofia?
Search Coach Tickets
Wanderu is the simplest way to book coach and train travel.
With just a quick search on Wanderu, you can compare coach and train schedules and prices from hundreds of travel companies in one convenient place to find the trip that works best for you. Wanderu’s simple checkout process makes it easy to book cheap coach and train tickets hassle-free and with no additional fees. Most importantly, as Wanderu is an official partner of all leading coach and train companies, we always have the best coach and train deals out there.
Book coaches and trains on the go with the Wanderu app.
Download our app and snag the best travel deals across North America & Europe.Learn more