Buses from Sofia to Istanbul
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Journey Information
There are 2 intercity buses per day from Sofia to Istanbul. Traveling by bus from Sofia to Istanbul usually takes around 8 hours and 30 minutes, but some buses might arrive slightly earlier or later than scheduled depending on traffic conditions.
| Distance | 314 mi (505 km) |
| Shortest duration | 8h 30m |
| Cheapest price | $25.95 |
| Trips per day | 2 |
| Most frequent service | Citylines |
| Bus lines | 2 |
How much is a bus ticket from Sofia to Istanbul?
$26.74 is the average price of a bus ticket from Sofia to Istanbul. 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 Sofia to Istanbul?
There are two bus lines that have daily service from Sofia to Istanbul that you can compare and book on Wanderu. However, each company only runs one bus per day.
| Bus | Daily Trips | Avg. Time | Avg. Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Citylines | 1 | 8h 30m | $27.43 |
| Huntur Turizm | 1 | 8h 30m | $26.34 |
Citylines
Book Citylines from Sofia to Istanbul from $27. Typically there is one Citylines schedule per day from Sofia to Istanbul and you can expect on average to pay for a Citylines ticket to Istanbul. In Sofia, Citylines departs to Istanbul from Central Bus Station . In Istanbul, Citylines arrives at Esenler Otogarı Otoparkı .
An average trip on Citylines from Sofia to Istanbul takes 8 hours and 30 minutes .
On weekends, Citylines offers 1 trip per day and you could expect to pay for a one way ticket for your weekend getaway trip to Istanbul.
Huntur Turizm
Book Huntur Turizm from Sofia to Istanbul from $26. Typically there is one Huntur Turizm schedule per day from Sofia to Istanbul and you can expect on average to pay for a Huntur Turizm ticket to Istanbul. In Sofia, Huntur Turizm departs to Istanbul from Serdica Bus Station . In Istanbul, Huntur Turizm arrives at Esenler Otogarı Otoparkı .
An average trip on Huntur Turizm from Sofia to Istanbul takes 8 hours and 30 minutes .
On weekends, Huntur Turizm offers 1 trip per day and you could expect to pay for a one way ticket for your weekend getaway trip to Istanbul.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it safe to travel by bus from Sofia to Istanbul 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.
Although masks are no longer required on public transportation, we stand behind CDC guidelines that encourage passengers to wear a mask over their nose and mouth while on the bus or in stations.
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 from Sofia to Istanbul?
The bus takes an average of 8 hours and 30 minutes to cover the 314 miles from Sofia to Istanbul. 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?
With many people traveling in the middle of the week, Wednesday is the busiest day of the week for bus 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, 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.
When do the earliest and latest buses leave Sofia?
The first bus leaves at 10:00pm and the last bus leaves at 10:00pm. To see the times for all buses from Sofia to Istanbul, enter your specific travel dates in the search bar.
How many bus departures serve Istanbul 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 Sofia?
Main departure station: Central Bus Station
Sofia has two bus stations with service to Istanbul.
All bus stations in Sofia:
Central Bus Station
Serdica Bus Station
Where does the bus arrive in Istanbul?
Main arrival station: Esenler Otogarı Otoparkı
All buses from Sofia arrive at one main station in Istanbul.
All bus stations in Istanbul:
Esenler Otogarı Otoparkı
Need a return trip from Istanbul to Sofia?
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