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Bus Sofia - Istanbul prices from £21.27
Sofia to Istanbul by bus
The journey from Sofia to Istanbul by bus is 312.27 mi and takes 9 hrs 10 mins. There are 15 connections per day, with the first departure at 08:30 and the last at 23:59. It is possible to travel from Sofia to Istanbul by bus for as little as £21.27 or as much as £36.49. The best price for this journey is £21.27.
| Lowest Price | £21.27 |
| Journey Duration | 9 hrs 10 mins |
| Connection per Day | 15 |
| Lowest Price | £21.27 |
| Highest Price | £36.49 |
| First Departure | 08:30 |
| Last Departure | 23:59 |
| Distance | 312.27 mi |
| Departure | Sofia |
| Arrival | Istanbul |
| Carriers | FlixBus, Kâmil KoçMore |
Sofia to Istanbul Bus Times
Traveling from Sofia to Istanbul with Virail
Planning to travel from Sofia to Istanbul? Sometimes it can be hard to know where to start - but that's where Virail comes in. Our powerful search engine will explore all the options available for your trip, combing through more than 2000 transport companies all over the globe. All you have to do is enter your travel dates. In an instant, we'll show you a thorough list of possible routes, with all the information you need to make your decision. Choose from buses, trains, and more, connecting or direct, one-way or round trip - whatever you prefer. When you see your results, select your chosen option and Virail will redirect you to the provider's website, where you can complete your booking. Let us do the legwork for you, and you can just sit back and enjoy your trip.
How can I find the cheapest bus tickets to get from Sofia to Istanbul?
When you're traveling from Sofia to Istanbul, you can expect to pay an average of approximately £28.38. You might be able to find prices as low as £21.27, but it all depends on how you travel. Some forms of transport are cheaper than others, and prices will vary according to time of day, day of the week, season, and other factors. For the cheapest bus tickets, make your reservation well in advance. If you can, travel at an off-peak time, as bus ticket prices will often be reduced. You might also be able to save money by booking a connecting journey, rather than a direct route. Be sure to check the conditions of the ticket before booking, as sometimes cheaper bus tickets cannot be changed or refunded. Use Virail to check your options before booking, to ensure that you find the lowest price for your journey.
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.
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. The average bus ticket price is approximately £28.38. 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.
How long does it take to get from Sofia to Istanbul by bus?
The distance between Sofia to Istanbul is approximately 312.27 mi. In general, it will take you about 9 hrs 10 mins to complete the journey between the two cities. However, it is important to remember that journey times may vary according to a number of factors, including seasonal weather conditions, local events or diversions, and the type of terrain that must be crossed. Keep this in mind if you are intending to make a later connection, and always plan accordingly. The journey between Sofia and Istanbul runs for about 312.27 mi and usually takes approximately 9 hrs 10 mins. 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 hrs 0 mins. 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.
What time are the departures from Sofia to Istanbul?
If you want to set off early, take the first departure of the day from Sofia to Istanbul, which usually leaves at 08:30. The last scheduled departure of the day is normally at 23:59. These timetables may vary depending on the day of the week, or at different times of year. In general, the first departure of the night will leave Sofia at 08:30, and the last departure will leave at 23:59. 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.
How many times a day do departures from Sofia leave for Istanbul?
If you want to get from Sofia to Istanbul, you can travel with providers such as . You will find a maximum number of departures per day. On average, there are 15 departures per day. Book in advance to make sure that your journey will run smoothly and you depart at a time that suits you best. When you travel, you can look for direct journeys or other routes which offer connections and changes. On average, there are 15 direct journeys between Sofia and Istanbul. If you don't mind changing along the way, you may find more options available to you. There are usually 0 journeys with at least one change. These numbers may vary depending on the time of year or day of the week. Some travelers prefer direct routes, particularly if they are carrying heavy suitcases or concerned about missing a connection. Others enjoy the flexibility offered by connecting journeys. Whatever you prefer, Virail can help you find the right options to suit you. 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 £24.37 to £30.10 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 £16.75 if you’re lucky, or £24.91 on average. The most expensive ticket can cost as much as £31.07.
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
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