Cheap bus tickets from Istanbul to Sofia
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Bus from Istanbul to Sofia: Journey Information
There are 10 intercity buses per day from Istanbul to Sofia. Traveling by bus from Istanbul to Sofia usually takes around 8 hours and 38 minutes, but the fastest Arda Tur bus can make the trip in 7 hours and 35 minutes.
| Distance | 314 mi (505 km) |
| Shortest duration | 7h 35m |
| Cheapest price | $29.56 |
| Trips per day | 10 |
| Most frequent service | Arda Tur |
| Bus lines | 3 |
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Istanbul to Sofia Bus Schedule
There are several bus options that can take you from Istanbul to Sofia:
- Arda Tur: 5 daily buses from $36
- Citylines: 4 daily buses from $30
- Huntur Turizm: 1 daily bus from $34
How much is a bus ticket from Istanbul to Sofia?
Bus tickets for a trip from Istanbul to Sofia cost $40.15 on average. Tickets cheaper than $40.15 are an excellent bargain. If you book your trip ahead of time using Wanderu, you can easily find bus tickets at or below this price.
Average bus ticket prices from Istanbul to Sofia by travel date
If you're planning to travel by bus from Istanbul to Sofia in the next month, the average ticket price is expected to range from $37 to $42. The cheapest bus tickets available in the next few weeks are for trips departing on September 16, 2026. If you’re looking to travel to Sofia this week, bus tickets are available starting at $39.
Average bus ticket prices from Istanbul to Sofia by month
Traveling from Istanbul to Sofia by bus will cost you about the same throughout the year. In general, bus ticket prices for this route are fairly consistent, so expect to pay around $41 whenever you decide to travel.
Prices as travel date approaches
Most bus companies charge higher ticket prices closer to the date of travel, so it’s a good idea to buy your bus tickets as early as possible. If you're looking for cheap bus tickets, booking in advance is the way to go.
What bus companies travel from Istanbul to Sofia?
There are multiple buses that travel from Istanbul to Sofia, including Arda Tur, Citylines, Huntur Turizm. Here is what you should know about the 3 most popular bus lines:
| BUS | Daily Trips | Avg. Time | Avg. Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Arda Tur | 5 | 8h 30m | $36.86 |
| Citylines | 4 | 8h 45m | $46.23 |
| Huntur Turizm | 1 | 9h | $34.56 |
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 about traveling by bus from Istanbul to Sofia
There are 10 scheduled buses that travel from Istanbul to Sofia every day, so you have a decent number of options to choose from. Furthermore, all of these are direct buses which you can take the entire route from Istanbul to Sofia without transferring.
TRIPS PER DAY
10
DIRECT TRIPS
10
The bus takes an average of 8 hours and 38 minutes to cover the 314 miles from Istanbul to Sofia. However, the fastest bus only takes 7 hours and 35 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.
DISTANCE (MI)
314
DISTANCE (KM)
505
The first bus leaves at 9:00am and the last bus leaves at 11:59pm. To see the times for all buses from Istanbul to Sofia, enter your specific travel dates in the search bar.
EARLIEST BUS
9:00am
LATEST BUS
11:59pm
Sunday tends to be the busiest day for buses, as many passengers take the bus to Sofia at the end of the week. If you are planning to travel on a Sunday, 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.
MOST CROWDED
Sunday
LEAST CROWDED
Wednesday
City Information
Sofia
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?
Main departure station: Esenler Otogarı Otoparkı
Istanbul has two bus stations with service to Sofia.
All bus stations in Istanbul:
- Esenler Otogarı Otoparkı
- Istanbul Esenler Otogari
Where does the bus arrive in Sofia?
Main arrival station: Serdica Bus Station
Buses arrive in Sofia at 3 stations, depending on which bus line you are traveling with.
All bus stations in Sofia:
- Serdica Bus Station
- Sofia Bus Station Serdika
- Airport Arrivals Terminal 2
Need a return trip from Sofia to Istanbul?
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