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Bus Sofia - Istanbul prices from $25.82
Sofia to Istanbul by bus
The journey from Sofia to Istanbul by bus is 312.27 mi and takes 9 hr 10 min. There are 15 connections per day, with the first departure at 8:30 AM and the last at 11:59 PM. It is possible to travel from Sofia to Istanbul by bus for as little as $25.82 or as much as $44.31. The best price for this journey is $25.82.
| Lowest Price | $25.82 |
| Journey Duration | 9 hr 10 min |
| Connection per Day | 15 |
| Lowest Price | $25.82 |
| Highest Price | $44.31 |
| First Departure | 8:30 AM |
| Last Departure | 11:59 PM |
| Distance | 312.27 mi |
| Departure | Sofia |
| Arrival | Istanbul |
| Carriers | FlixBus, Kâmil KoçMore |
Sofia to Istanbul Bus Times
Quick and easy travel from Sofia to Istanbul with Virail
Do you know the best way to get from Sofia to Istanbul? No? Don't worry, Virail knows. Our search tool uses data from thousands of travel providers to show you all the available routes for your chosen travel dates. Whether you want to travel by train, bus, plane, or carpool, we can help. Filter your results to suit your personal needs: decide whether you want a one-way or round trip ticket, look for a direct journey or one with connections, and choose the time of day that you prefer to travel. Take a look at all the information and find the transport option that's right for you. When you've selected your ideal journey, Virail will transfer you to the website of your chosen travel provider, where you can complete your booking. Your adventure is waiting - let Virail help you today.
How much does it cost to get from Sofia to Istanbul by bus?
The prices for bus tickets from Sofia to Istanbul vary depending on a range of factors including how far in advance you're booking, your travel dates, and the type of transport you want to use. On certain routes, there may be different classes available, which will also affect the price. Booked in advance, the cheapest bus tickets from Sofia to Istanbul will cost $25.82. The average bus ticket price is approximately $34.45. For the lowest prices, it is usually best to book as far in advance as possible and look out for low-cost options, such as non-refundable tickets or traveling outside of peak hours. Be aware that some providers do not offer refunds or changes on their lower priced tickets, so it is advised to check before completing your transaction.
Unfortunately, no price was found for your trip from Sofia to Istanbul. Selecting a new departure or arrival city, without dramatically changing your itinerary could help you find price results.
On average, you can expect to spend around $34.45 for your bus ticket. Virail will help you find a journey that fits your budget. You can expect prices to vary between different travel providers and methods of transport; often, faster journeys will cost more than slower routes. If your travel dates are flexible, you might be able to find cheaper bus tickets, as prices may fluctuate a little from day to day. You may also find lower prices by booking at certain times of day, avoiding rush hour traffic. Another tip for travelers on a tight budget is to look for connecting journeys. Sometimes it can be cheaper to make a change or two along the way, rather than traveling on a direct route from Sofia to Istanbul.
How long does it take to get from Sofia to Istanbul by bus?
The journey between Sofia and Istanbul by bus is approximately 312.27 mi. It will take you more or less 9 hr 10 min to complete this journey. This average figure does not take into account any delays that might arise on your route in exceptional circumstances. If you are planning to make a connection or operating on a tight schedule, give yourself plenty of time. The journey between Sofia and Istanbul runs for about 312.27 mi and usually takes approximately 9 hr 10 min. However, this figure is an average and will vary according to a number of factors. Depending on the method of transport that you choose, you might be able to arrive in less time. The shortest time in which you can complete this journey is 8 hr 0 min. If you are trying to get from Sofia to Istanbul as quickly as possible, look for express routes or non-stopping services. Direct routes are not always the fastest way to travel. At times, you may even find a quicker route that involves a connection in another city.
At what time of the day can I travel from Sofia to Istanbul?
In general, the first departure of the day will leave Sofia at 8:30 AM, and the last departure will leave at 11:59 PM. However, it is important to remember that this is general information, and these journey times are not necessarily available every day. Timetables for each provider on the route from Sofia to Istanbul can change from day to day or month to month. In particular, many providers offer different schedules on weekdays and weekends. Public holidays, local events, and seasonal timetables can also cause schedules to change. If you prefer to travel at night, you will usually find the first departure from Sofia to Istanbul leaving at 8:30 AM. Although things may change depending on the day, in general the last departure of the night leaves at 11:59 PM.If you have some flexibility over the day on which you travel, you might find more options available to you. For example, some providers may only run early morning routes on weekdays, when people are traveling to work. You will often find fewer options available on weekends or public holidays.
How many times a day do departures from Sofia leave for Istanbul?
You will be able to travel from Sofia to Istanbul using companies such as . Combined, these providers offer an average of 15 journeys each day. This average figure may not necessarily reflect your chosen travel dates. On certain days of the week, there may be more or less journeys available. At the busiest times, there will be up to departures available in a single day. You can choose to travel from Sofia to Istanbul using both direct and indirect routes. These options will help you find a journey that suits your budget, your time frame, and the circumstances of your trip. There are, on average, 15 direct connections from Sofia to Istanbul each day. Indirect connections add more possibilities, giving you extra flexibility when traveling. In an average day, you will find 0 journeys with at least one change. These figures may vary at certain times of year, and some routes might not run every day of the week. Unfortunately, no connection was found for your trip from Sofia to Istanbul. Selecting a new departure or arrival city, without dramatically changing your itinerary could help you find connections.
Compare prices and tickets from Sofia to Istanbul
Book in advance and save
If you're looking for the best deal for your trip from Sofia to Istanbul, booking train tickets in advance is a great way to save money, but keep in mind that advance tickets are usually not available until 3 months before your travel date.
Stay flexible with your travel time and explore off-peak journeys
Planning your trips around off-peak travel times not only means that you'll be able to avoid the crowds, but can also end up saving you money. Being flexible with your schedule and considering alternative routes or times will significantly impact the amount of money you spend on getting from Sofia to Istanbul.
Always check special offers
Checking on the latest deals can help save a lot of money, making it worth taking the time to browse and compare prices. So make sure you get the best deal on your ticket and take advantage of special fares for children, youth and seniors as well as discounts for groups.
Unlock the potential of slower trains or connecting trains
If you're planning a trip with some flexible time, why not opt for the scenic route? Taking slower trains or connecting trains that make more stops may save you money on your ticket – definitely worth considering if it fits in your schedule.
Virail Pro Tip ✌: Booking 10 days in advance save 10% on average
Price as departure date approaches
Bus companies may charge higher ticket prices as the date of departure approaches. Prices in the next days can range from around $29.59 to $36.55 but may be subject to change. Our advice is to book as early as possible to potentially save up to 19% on your trip!
Best time to book cheap bus tickets from Sofia to Istanbul
The cheapest Sofia - Istanbul bus tickets can be found for as low as $20.33 if you’re lucky, or $30.24 on average. The most expensive ticket can cost as much as $37.73.
Find the best day to travel to Istanbul by bus
When travelling to Istanbul by bus, if you want to avoid crowds you can check how frequently our customers are travelling in the next 30-days using the graph below. On average, the peak hours to travel are between 6:30am and 9am in the morning, or between 4pm and 7pm in the evening. Please keep this in mind when travelling to your point of departure as you may need some extra time to arrive, particularly in big cities!
Carriers on this route
Find out more about the carriers on this route.
Arda Tur is a Turkish bus company that operates intercity and international bus services. The company was founded in 1998 and has since grown to become one of the leading bus operators in Turkey. Arda Tur operates a modern fleet of buses that are equipped with air conditioning, comfortable seats, and onboard entertainment systems. The company's routes cover major cities in Turkey, as well as international destinations in Europe and the Middle East. Arda Tur is known for its reliable service, affordable fares, and commitment to passenger safety. The company also offers online booking and ticketing services, making it easy for passengers to plan their journeys.
FlixBus, a long-distance bus company, operates in both Europe and the United States. Founded in 2013, it has grown to become one of the largest bus operators in Europe, connecting over 2,500 destinations in 30 countries. Originating in Germany, FlixBus has expanded quickly to neighboring countries including France, Italy, Denmark, the Netherlands, and Croatia, while also offering regular services to Norway, Spain, and England. With affordable fares and comfortable amenities such as free Wi-Fi, power outlets, and onboard toilets, FlixBus provides a convenient and enjoyable travel experience.
| Facilities | FlixBus | City Lines | Arda Tur | Huntur |
|---|---|---|---|---|
 WiFi |  |  | | |
 Power sockets | | | | |
 Luggage | | | | |
 Food and drink | | | | |
 Air conditioning | | | | |
 Bicycle | | | | |
Sofia to Istanbul CO2 Emissions by Bus
Anything we can improve?