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Journey Information
There are 10 intercity buses per day from Plovdiv to Istanbul. Traveling by bus from Plovdiv to Istanbul usually takes around 8 hours and 57 minutes, but the fastest Citylines bus can make the trip in 6 hours and 30 minutes.
| Distance | 232 mi (374 km) |
| Shortest duration | 6h 30m |
| Cheapest price | $28.68 |
| Trips per day | 7 |
| Most frequent service | Citylines |
| Bus lines | 3 |
Buses from Plovdiv to Istanbul
- Arda Tur: 3 daily buses from $30
- Citylines: 7 daily buses from $29
- Huntur Turizm: 1 daily buses from $29
What bus companies travel from Plovdiv to Istanbul?
There are 3 bus lines from Plovdiv to Istanbul available for you to search and compare on Wanderu. With 7 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:
| Bus | Daily Trips | Avg. Time | Avg. Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Arda Tur | 3 | 8h 5m | $30.14 |
| Citylines | 7 | 9h 32m | $40.09 |
| Huntur Turizm | 1 | 6h 30m | $31.86 |
Arda Tur is a Bulgarian intercity bus 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 bus takes an average of 8 hours and 57 minutes to cover the 232 miles from Plovdiv to Istanbul. However, the fastest bus only takes 6 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 bus may arrive earlier or later than scheduled, depending on whether there is more or less traffic than usual.
Tuesday is usually the day of the week when buses are busiest. If you are planning to travel on a Tuesday, you should make sure to book tickets well in advance as they may sell out.
On the other hand, Friday is typically the least busy day for bus travel on this route. If you’re looking for a little extra space, a Friday ticket is the way to go.
The first bus leaves at 12:00am and the last bus leaves at 9:00pm. To see the times for all buses from Plovdiv to Istanbul, enter your specific travel dates in the search bar.
City Information
Station Information
Where does the bus leave from in Plovdiv?
Main departure station: Bus Station South
Buses to Istanbul leave from 3 stations in Plovdiv.
All bus stations in Plovdiv:
Bus Station South
Bul. Hristo Botev 47
Plovdiv Central Train Station Bus Stop
Where does the bus arrive in Istanbul?
Main arrival station: Istanbul Esenler Otogari
These are the two stations where buses may stop when they arrive in Istanbul.
All bus stations in Istanbul:
Istanbul Esenler Otogari
Esenler Otogarı Otoparkı
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