Sofia Airport to Istanbul bus with ArdaTur

Fri, Nov 07
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ArdaTur
Infobus
FlixBus
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1,000+ travel companies
ArdaTur
Infobus
FlixBus
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1,000+ travel companies
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The cheapest and fastest buses from Sofia Airport to Istanbul

Showing times and prices for Nov 07

Cheapest price

$39

Average price

$39

Fastest journey

8 h 30 m

Average duration

9 h 13 m

Buses per day

2

Distance

495 km

Cheap tickets

The best way to find a cheap bus ticket from Sofia Airport to Istanbul is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid traveling at rush hour.

The average ticket from Sofia Airport to Istanbul will cost around $39 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $39.

Fast buses

Of the 2 buses that leave Sofia Airport for Istanbul on Fri, Nov 07, 2 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.

On Fri, Nov 07 the direct buses cover the 495 km distance in an average of 9 h 13 m but if you time it right, some buses will get you there in just 8 h 30 m .

On Fri, Nov 07 the slowest buses will take 9 h 55 m and usually involve a change or two along the way, but you might be able to save a few pennies if you’re on a budget.

Arda Tur
12:20AM8h30
Sofia Airport Arrivals Terminal 2
08:50AMIstanbul
$391One-way
0 transfers
Arda Tur
07:20PM9h55
Sofia Airport Arrivals Terminal 2
05:15AMIstanbul
$391One-way
0 transfers

Travel Information

Compare bus and flight for Sofia Airport to Istanbul

Omio recommends booking the bus as it is the most popular option from Sofia Airport to Istanbul among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the bus with prices starting from €32. For those with little time consider booking a flight which can get you there in 2h 2m. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of €32, and a flight costs an average of €46.

Distance: 307 miles (495 km)

Compare bus with

Most popular
Bus
Flight

€32

Average price

Cheapest

€82

Average price

9h 20m

Average total duration

8h 50m

Onboard

+

30m

Additional time*

5h 2m

Average total duration

Fastest

2h 2m

Onboard

+

3h 0m

Additional time*

ArdaTur

Most popular bus company

Pegasus Airlines

Most popular airline

Direct Options

Direct Options

Sofia Airport to Istanbul Bus Timetables

OperatorDeparture TimeArrival TimeDurationDeparture daysCheapest price
Operator
Ardatur
Departure Time
12:20AM
Arrival Time
09:45AM
Duration
8h25
Departure days
Sat
Cheapest price
$43

Live departures

Sofia Airport to Istanbul bus times

The table below shows live departures for Sofia Airport to Istanbul buses for tomorrow, Friday, November 7. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated bus journeys.

Last updated at 8:59 PM
ProviderDepartsDurationArrivesTransfers
Tickets
fi_busses_ardatur12:20 AM Sofia Airport Arrivals Terminal 2
8h30
8:50 AM Istanbul0 transfersDirect
fi_busses_ardatur7:20 PM Sofia Airport Arrivals Terminal 2
9h55
5:15 AM Istanbul0 transfersDirect

This is the last bus of the day.

Find all the dates and times for this journey

Compare prices and tickets Sofia Airport to Istanbul by bus or flight

Compare bus and flight prices over the next three weeks. See the best deals at a glance, find the lowest fares, and choose the option that fits your budget.

Fri
Nov 07
Sat
Nov 08
Sun
Nov 09
Mon
Nov 10
Tue
Nov 11
Wed
Nov 12
Thu
Nov 13

Journey information

Overview: Bus from Sofia Airport to Istanbul

BulgariaBulgaria
TurkeyTurkey
Icon of bus

Buses from Sofia Airport to Istanbul run on average 1 times per day, taking around 8h 50m. Cheap bus tickets for this journey start at $39 (€32) if you book in advance.

There are 1 buses per day. The earliest bus runs at 00:20, the last at 19:20. The fastest bus covers the 307 miles (495 km) distance in 8h 30m.

Fares are the lowest economy prices found on Omio. Early booking often means lower prices. Prices change daily and are subject to availability. Discount cards, coach trips, and booking fees are not included.
Price information
Distance
307 miles (495 km)
Average bus duration
8h 50m
Cheapest ticket price
$39 (€32)
Buses per day
1
Direct buses
1
Fastest bus
8h 30m
First bus
00:20
Last bus
19:20
Fares are the lowest economy prices found on Omio. Early booking often means lower prices. Prices change daily and are subject to availability. Discount cards, coach trips, and booking fees are not included.
Price information

Bus providers: ArdaTur, Infobus, FlixBus from Sofia Airport to IstanbulYou can travel by bus between Sofia Airport to Istanbul with ArdaTur, Infobus, FlixBus for as low as $39 (€32). When you search for schedules and tickets, Omio will show you the best journey

Infobus

About
Infobus is an international IT company that operates as an online service for finding and purchasing bus, train, and plane tickets, rather than being a bus company itself. Established in 2002, Infobus acts as an intermediary between passengers and various transport carriers, particularly helping smaller bus companies offer online booking services. They utilize their own "BusSystem" to manage routes and ticket sales globally. Infobus covers over 30 countries and 300 cities, offering a wide range of routes and daily departures. While amenities can vary by carrier, Infobus aims to provide affordable and convenient travel with features like online booking, 24/7 support, and prompt notifications.
Learn more about Infobus
Luggage & cancellation policy
Luggage included
One carry-on bag up to 5kg (40x20x25) and one checked bag up to 20kg (50x30x80).
Additional luggage
10€ per additional bag.
Cancellation Policy
You can cancel your ticket up to 24 hours before departure for a partial refund. Cancellations within 24 hours may incur a fee.
Amenities on board the bus
Wifi
Food sold onboard
Seat reservation
Toilets
USB plugs
Accessibility
Assistance; Priority seating; Transport for wheelchairs and mobility aids.
Bikes
Bikes are allowed; may require prior reservation and an additional fee.
Pets
Small pets allowed in carriers; larger pets may require a separate ticket.

FlixBus

About
FlixBus is one of Europe’s leading low-cost bus companies, founded in Germany and now offering long-distance services across Europe and the United States. In addition to its extensive daytime network, FlixBus also operates overnight buses on select European routes. Standard amenities include free Wi-Fi, power outlets to charge devices, extra legroom, luggage space, and onboard toilets, with snacks and drinks available for purchase. FlixBus offers a single Standard ticket type for all routes, which includes one carry-on bag and one checked bag per passenger. Additional fees apply for extra luggage and for reserving specific seats, such as Extra Seats, Table Seats, or Panorama Seats. This combination of affordability, comfort, and wide coverage makes FlixBus a popular choice for budget-conscious travelers.
Learn more about FlixBus
Luggage & cancellation policy
Luggage included
One carry-on bag up to 7kg (42x30x18 cm) and one checked bag up to 20kg (80x50x30 cm).
Additional luggage
Additional luggage can be purchased for a fee.
Cancellation Policy
You can cancel your ticket up to 15 minutes before departure and receive a voucher for future travel. Refund requests for delays over 120 minutes are possible.
Amenities on board the bus
Wifi
Food sold onboard
Seat reservation
Toilets
USB plugs
Accessibility
Assistance; Priority boarding; Wheelchair-accessible buses.
Bikes
Bikes are allowed for a fee; must be booked.
Pets
Small pets in carriers allowed; guide dogs travel for free.

ArdaTur

About
ArdaTur is a bus company based in Haskovo, Bulgaria, established in 1991. It offers extensive bus services across seven countries, including Bulgaria, Greece, Turkey, Austria, the Czech Republic, Hungary, and Germany. ArdaTur operates over 233 daily departures, primarily from major cities like Istanbul, Sofia, and Thessaloniki, providing both intercity and regional routes. The company emphasizes passenger comfort with amenities such as Wi-Fi, restrooms, individual monitors, and complimentary food and drinks on international lines. ArdaTur maintains a modern fleet of over 80 luxury buses and has its own garage and service facility to ensure vehicle reliability and safety.
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Duration
8h 30m
Cheapest Price
$39 (€32)
ArdaTur frequency
3 a day
Luggage included
One piece of hand luggage up to 15 kg and two pieces of checked luggage up to 35 kg each are included.
Additional luggage
Additional baggage or cargo is accepted for transport if there is free space and for a separate charge.
Cancellation Policy
Cancellation policies vary by ticket class, individual trips, or promotions, with refunds ranging from 50% to 100% depending on the time before departure, and no refunds for cancellations less than 24 hours prior.
Refund
If the trip is delayed through the fault of the carrier, 100% of the ticket value and compensation for direct costs to the place of departure will be refunded with supporting documents.
Amenities on board the bus
Wifi
Seat reservation
Seat reservations are possible when buying a ticket or at Arda Tur offices up to 24 hours before departure during weak periods and 72 hours during busy periods.
Toilets
Accessibility
Passengers with disabilities receive discounts and priority seating, and folding wheelchairs are transported free of charge with advance registration.
Bikes
Only foldable bikes are allowed.

FAQs: Bus from Sofia Airport to Istanbul

Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Sofia Airport to Istanbul by bus. From journey times and ticket prices to direct connections, first and last departures, and even whether the route is scenic, our FAQs cover everything you need to plan your trip. Whether you’re looking for the fastest bus, the cheapest option, or tips for making the most of your visit at Istanbul, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.

FAQs
Cheap bus tickets from Sofia Airport (SOF) to Istanbul can start from as little as $44 (€36) when you book in advance. The average bus ticket price for Sofia Airport (SOF) to Istanbul is $44 (€36); however, prices vary depending on the time of day and class and they tend to be more expensive on the day.
The bus time from Sofia Airport (SOF) to Istanbul is on average 8 h 30 min   for the 307 mile (495 km) long journey, but the time it takes to go between Sofia Airport (SOF) and Istanbul by bus can vary depending on specific dates or if traveling on weekends and holidays.
The first bus from Sofia Airport (SOF) to Istanbul leaves at 12: 20AM. Plan your trip with the Journey Planner   from Omio.
The last bus from Sofia Airport (SOF) to Istanbul leaves at 7: 20PM.
Yes, it is possible to travel from Sofia Airport (SOF) to Istanbul without having to change trains with Arda Tur. There are 4 direct buses from Sofia Airport (SOF) to Istanbul each day. There may be fewer direct services available on weekends or holidays.
For the best Sofia Airport (SOF) to Istanbul bus to purchase, you can travel safely and comfortably with Arda Tur, Infobus or FlixBus. However, it's always good to check all possible bus companies with services from Sofia Airport (SOF) to Istanbul to compare what amenities they may offer.
It's helpful to compare your options as there are 2 ways to travel between Sofia Airport (SOF) and Istanbul including taking a bus or flight.
Yes, the following accessibility options are available when taking the bus from Sofia Airport (SOF) to Istanbul:
  • Infobus
    • Assistance
    • Priority seating
    • Transport for wheelchairs and mobility aids.
  • FlixBus
    • Assistance
    • Priority boarding
    • Wheelchair-accessible buses.
Yes, there are bathrooms on board the bus from Sofia Airport (SOF) to Istanbul for bus companies Infobus and FlixBus.
Some of the most interesting sights to explore in Istanbul are:
  • Hagia Sophia, a historic architectural marvel that served as a church and mosque, now a museum
  • Topkapi Palace, the opulent former residence of Ottoman sultans with extensive collections of artifacts
  • Blue Mosque, an iconic mosque known for its stunning blue tiles and six minarets
  • Basilica Cistern, an ancient underground water reservoir featuring impressive columns and atmospheric lighting
  • Galata Tower, a medieval stone tower offering panoramic views of Istanbul.
The best things to do in Istanbul include:
  • Grand Bazaar, one of the world's largest and oldest covered markets offering a wide range of goods
  • Bosphorus Cruise, a scenic boat tour offering views of Istanbul's skyline and historic landmarks
  • Spice Bazaar, a vibrant market filled with exotic spices, sweets, and local delicacies
  • Turkish Bath, experience a traditional hammam for relaxation and rejuvenation
  • Explore Istiklal Avenue, a bustling street known for shopping, dining, and entertainment.
Yes, bikes are allowed on board the bus with bus providers Infobus and FlixBus.
Whether you can cancel your bus ticket from Sofia Airport (SOF) to Istanbul depends on the bus companies:
  • Infobus
    • You can cancel your ticket up to 24 hours before departure for a partial refund. Cancellations within 24 hours may incur a fee.
  • FlixBus
    • You can cancel your ticket up to 15 minutes before departure and receive a voucher for future travel. Refund requests for delays over 120 minutes are possible.

To find the cheapest bus tickets for your trip from Sofia Airport (SOF) to Istanbul, follow these tips:

  • Book in advance: Tickets are often cheaper when booked early.
  • Be flexible with dates and times: Traveling during off-peak hours or on weekdays can help you save money.
  • Use our search filters: Sort results by price to quickly identify the most affordable options.
  • Look for special deals or discounts: Check for promotions or discounts available on our website and app.

    • Start your search now and compare ticket prices to find the best deal!

    Yes, there is food available to purchase on board the bus from Sofia Airport (SOF) to Istanbul.
    Yes, the following luggage options are included when booking a bus ticket from Sofia Airport (SOF) to Istanbul:
    • Infobus
      • One carry-on bag up to 5kg (40x20x25) and one checked bag up to 20kg (50x30x80).
    • FlixBus
      • One carry-on bag up to 7kg (42x30x18 cm) and one checked bag up to 20kg (80x50x30 cm).
    Yes, the following additional luggage options are available when booking a bus ticket from Sofia Airport (SOF) to Istanbul:
    • Infobus
      • 10€ per additional bag.
    • FlixBus
      • Additional luggage can be purchased for a fee.
    Yes, you can bring your pet on the bus from Sofia Airport (SOF) to Istanbul. The following conditions apply:
    • Infobus
      • Small pets allowed in carriers
      • Larger pets may require a separate ticket.
    • FlixBus
      • Small pets in carriers allowed
      • Guide dogs travel for free.
    You can reserve your seat on the bus from Sofia Airport (SOF) to Istanbul with the following bus companies: Infobus and FlixBus
    Yes, there are USB plugs on board the bus from Sofia Airport (SOF) to Istanbul with the following bus companies: Infobus and FlixBus.
    Yes, there is Wifi on board the bus from Sofia Airport (SOF) to Istanbul with the following bus companies: Infobus and FlixBus.

    popular bus stations

    Popular bus stations from Sofia Airport to Istanbul

    Sofia
    Istanbul
    Istanbul, Büyük Otogari (Esenler)WifiParkingDiningATMTaxisAccessibilityWCTicket Office
    Amenities at bus station
    WifiWifi
    ParkingParking
    DiningDining
    ATMATM
    TaxisTaxis
    AccessibilityAccessibility
    WCWC
    Ticket OfficeTicket Office
    information
    address
    Address
    Istanbul Buyuk Otogari, Esenler, Istanbul, Turkey
    ticketOfficeHours
    Ticket Office Hours
    • 06:00-23:00
    ticketOfficeHours
    Distance to city center
    5 km
    carConnection
    Car connection
    O-3 Otoyolu
    Wifi
    Wifi
    • Free Wi-Fi
    Dining
    Dining
    • Cafeteria Terminal (in the station)
    • Kebab Express (0.2 km)
    • Simit Sarayı (0.3 km).
    Taxis
    Taxis
    • Available outside the main entrance.
    Accessibility
    Accessibility
    • Elevators, ramps
    WC
    WC
    • Available in the station.
    Public transit options for Istanbul, Büyük Otogari (Esenler)
    • Metro: M1A Bus: 83O, 91E, 97G
    Istanbul, Esenler Otogarı (Metro Bulgaria)
    information

    Most popular bus connections from Sofia Airport

    Bus Sofia Airport - Plovdiv

    More options for your journey from Sofia Airport to Istanbul

    Here are some other resources that might have the information you need

    Return journeys for buses from Istanbul to Sofia Airport
    Flights from Sofia Airport to Istanbul
    Tickets and more information for coaches to Sofia Airport
    Tickets and more information for coaches to Istanbul
    HomeBusesBus tickets to IstanbulSofia Airport to Istanbul bus

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