How much is the bus ticket from Sofia to Istanbul Europe?

The cheapest bus tickets from Sofia to Istanbul Europe start from $36. The average price for this route is around $43. Busbud recommends that you book your tickets in advance for a better chance to get the lowest possible price.

How long is the bus ride from Sofia to Istanbul Europe?

The average bus trip duration from Sofia to Istanbul Europe is 8h 5m, covering a distance of 309 miles (498 km). The quickest bus can get you there in 7h and is operated by Alpar Turizm .

Which bus companies service the Sofia to Istanbul Europe route?

Several major bus companies operate on this route with 10 buses available per day, including services from Arda Tur , Infobus , FlixBus , Metro Bulgaria , Huntur , Alpar Turizm , Panorama Trans , VIP Arda Tur .

What is the earliest and latest departure time for the bus from Sofia to Istanbul Europe?

The earliest bus departs from Sofia to Istanbul Europe at 9:00am. And the latest bus departs at 11:59pm.

What are the CO₂ emissions for the bus trip from Sofia to Istanbul Europe?

A bus trip from Sofia to Istanbul Europe generates an estimated 12 kg of CO₂, making it a highly eco-friendly travel option and recommended mode of travel by Busbud.

What is the best bus company from Sofia to Istanbul Europe?

According to Busbud customers, the highest-rated bus company on this route is Infobus , with an average rating of 3.9 out of 5 stars based on 490 reviews.

Which bus company has the best Wi-Fi from Sofia to Istanbul Europe?

Based on reviews on Busbud, the bus company Infobus has the best Wi-Fi rating with a score of 3.8.

Which bus company has the most timely service from Sofia to Istanbul Europe?

According to Busbud traveller reviews, the most timely bus company on this route is Panorama Trans , with a punctuality rating of 5.0 out of 5 stars.

Which bus company has the cleanest buses from Sofia to Istanbul Europe?

According to Busbud traveller reviews, the bus company with the cleanest buses on this route is Panorama Trans , with a cleanliness rating of 5.0 out of 5 stars.

Bus Sofia to Istanbul Europe from $36 | Refundable Tickets

Next bus departures

Next departures for Sofia to Istanbul Europe on November 29
Vehicle type	Departure time	Departure location	Trip duration	Arrival time	Arrival location	Recommended
Bus	10:00pm	Serdika	7h	6:00am	Esenler Otogarı	CheapestFastest
Bus	1:30pm	Serdika	7h 30m	10:00pm	Esenler Otogar, Istanbul	No tags
Bus	5:00pm	Serdika	8h	2:00am	Esenler Otogarı	No tags
Bus	5:00pm	Serdika	8h	2:00am	Esenler Otogarı	No tags
Bus	10:30pm	Serdika	8h 30m	8:00am	Esenler Otogarı	No tags

Last refresh of the prices: Today at 11:46 AM EET.

Get from Sofia to Istanbul Europe

This route is served by bus only

The journey takes about 8 hours 5 minutes and with fares starting at just $36, it presents an excellent value for a comfortable ride.

10bus per day

8h 5mAverage Duration

309 milesDistance

12kgCO₂ emissions

Where are the popular stops in Sofia and Istanbul Europe?

Stops in Sofia

A
Serdika
bulevard "Knyaginya Maria Luiza" 108, 1202 Sofia, Bulgaria
Visit page
B
Sofia Airport
Visit page
C
bul. Kniaz Aleksandar Dondukov 2
bul. Kniaz Aleksandar Dondukov 2, 1000 Sofia, Bulgaria
D
Central Bus Station - Sofia
bulevard "Knyaginya Maria Luiza" 100, 1202 Tsentralna, Sofia, Bulgaria
E
Central Bus Station
bulevard "Knyaginya Maria Luiza" 100, 1202 Tsentralna, Sofia, Bulgaria
Visit page
F
Knyaginya Maria Luiza
bulevard "Knyaginya Maria Luiza" 65, 1202 Sofia Center, Sofia, Bulgaria

Stops in Istanbul Europe

A
İstanbul
Altıntepsi, O-3, 34220 , Esenler/İstanbul, , Turkey
B
Esenler Otogarı
Esenler Otogarı, 34035 Bayrampaşa / İstanbul, Turkey
Visit page
C
Alibeyköy Cep Otogarı
Güzeltepe, Alibeyköy Cep Otogarı İstanbul, Türkiye, 34060 Eyüp, Turkey
Visit page
D
Büyükçekmece
Fatih Mahallesi, Rıza Küçükoğlupaşa Cd., 34500 Büyükçekmece/İstanbul, Turkey
Visit page
E
Atakent
Atakent Mahallesi, Kamelya Sk. No:59, 34307 Küçükçekmece/İstanbul, Turkey
F
Harem
Üsküdar Harem Sahil Yolu, 34668 Üsküdar/Harem/İstanbul, , Turkey

Compare bus companies

Arda Tur

3/5257 reviews

Staff3.9

Timeliness3.4

Cleanliness4.3

Wifi1.6

According to user reports, there have been positive opinions about the comfort of the service offered. However, it's worth mentioning that there have been reports of problems such as getting stuck in Macachin and not stopping at the correct station. Additionally, customers mention that they need to clean toilets where they garage in Haskovo and upgrade the toilets at break locations. Furthermore, some users express dissatisfaction with delays and frequent stops during the trip which caused them almost missing their flights.

Arda Tur Sofia Istanbul Europe recent customer reviews

The bus arrived with a 2:20 hours delay and I almost loose my flight to another city, besides the driver stopped every 45 minutes at restaurants o gas stations to eat (everyone) and I think it’s unnecessary to make so many stops, it only makes the trip longer

Susan E.

August 5, 2022

Водитель ничего не сообщал, сколько времени стоянка и вообще было много малопонятных остановок и подолгу.

Svetlana K.

June 25, 2022

Need to clean toilets where they garage in haskovo. The place they give break also need upgrade toilets .

Battal D.

April 20, 2022

Infobus

4/5490 reviews

Staff4.6

Timeliness4.4

Cleanliness4.8

Wifi3.8

FlixBus

3.5/511,472 reviews

Staff4.2

Timeliness3.9

Cleanliness4.1

Wifi2.7

Flixbus is a European bus operator that offers intercity and bus travel in over 38 countries. Known for their easy-to-spot lime green buses and for offering affordable transportation between cities in Europe and the Americas, Flixbus is a good option for those looking for an affordable, reliable bus company. In their buses, you'll find free WiFi, bathrooms, and power outlets. You can also pay extra to choose your seat and get extra legroom, or even buy a snack or drink onboard directly from the driver. You can reschedule your ticket for a small fee, which varies from $1 to $5, depending on how close you are to the departure date.

Metro Bulgaria

3/513 reviews

Staff4

Timeliness1.8

Cleanliness5

Wifi3.4

Huntur

4/518 reviews

Staff4

Timeliness3.4

Cleanliness3

Wifi2

According to user reports, the service has been praised for its punctuality. However, there have also been complaints about discomfort and unsanitary conditions. It is unclear whether users would use or recommend the service again.

Huntur Sofia Istanbul Europe recent customer reviews

Исках да седна сам защото имаше празни седалки но те не ми дадоха Boş koltuklar olduğu için tek başıma oturmak istedim ama izin vermediler.

Tsvetoslav L.

May 15, 2022

Ood timekeeping but uncomfortable and unsanitary. Would it use again, or recommend

Michelle G.

April 15, 2022

I recomend, we were just in time.

Maria T.

July 10, 2022

Alpar Turizm

3.5/548 reviews

Staff4

Timeliness3.8

Cleanliness4.4

Wifi2.3

Based on 48 reviews, the company was rated 3.3 stars on Busbud. Travelers were especially satisfied with the ticket access and the departure location but often complained with the wifi. Alpar Turizm ticket prices on this trip start at $36

Alpar Turizm Sofia Istanbul Europe recent customer reviews

The drivers were talking so loud together, not letting the passengers have a good rest or sleep. Also they stopped to pick up two or three passengers additionally on the way. But the rest was fine and the bus was clean.

Arnika S.

July 20, 2024

The bus left at the customs crossing, and did not wait until I finished the inspection, and after ten minutes when I finished, the bus was leaving

Feras D.

June 6, 2023

Panorama Trans

3.5/53 reviews

Staff5

Timeliness5

Cleanliness5

Based on 3 reviews, the company was rated 3.6 stars on Busbud. Travelers were especially satisfied with the staff and the timeliness but often complained with the departure location. Panorama Trans ticket prices on this trip start at $36

Panorama Trans Sofia Istanbul Europe recent customer reviews

There was a lot of leg room, the seat was comfy and it reclined. The only downside was the long wait at both borders

Cathy D.

April 15, 2024

Very nice services!

Vasilisa B.

April 24, 2025

VIP Arda Tur

3/5130 reviews

Staff3.4

Timeliness3.3

Cleanliness4

Wifi1.6

According to customer reviews, the bus service is generally on time and comfortable. However, some customers have reported issues with downgraded buses that were old and uncomfortable. These incidents resulted in dissatisfaction as they did not receive what they paid for. It's worth noting that a few reviewers mentioned poor amenities such as no wifi, TV or toilet on board the bus."

VIP Arda Tur Sofia Istanbul Europe recent customer reviews

I started out on a clean comfortable VIP Arda Tour bus but they stopped a few hours later and they insisted that we changed to another bus which was old and uncomfortable and other people were already seated in our assigned seats. The bus got flagged at the border and an extensive search done for hours. Other buses just came and went. I was unhappy that they downgraded the bus so we didn't get what we paid for

Shrijayanti P.

October 7, 2022

It was my first time but it was good

Georgieva D.

April 4, 2023

Bus was on time and comfortable.

Albin S.

February 28, 2023

TR bus companies: FlixBus, BlaBlaCar Bus, ALSA, Greyhound, Intercape, Trenitalia, Sindbad

Frequently asked questions about traveling from Sofia to Istanbul Europe by bus

Please note that schedules, routes, or operator details shown here may be updated or vary at the time of your trip.

How much is the bus ticket from Sofia to Istanbul Europe?
The cheapest bus tickets from Sofia to Istanbul Europe start from $36. The average price for this route is around $43. Busbud recommends that you book your tickets in advance for a better chance to get the lowest possible price.
How long is the bus ride from Sofia to Istanbul Europe?
The average bus trip duration from Sofia to Istanbul Europe is 8h 5m, covering a distance of 309 miles (498 km). The quickest bus can get you there in 7h and is operated by Alpar Turizm.
Which bus companies service the Sofia to Istanbul Europe route?
Several major bus companies operate on this route with 10 buses available per day, including services from Arda Tur, Infobus, FlixBus, Metro Bulgaria, Huntur, Alpar Turizm, Panorama Trans, VIP Arda Tur.
What is the earliest and latest departure time for the bus from Sofia to Istanbul Europe?
The earliest bus departs from Sofia to Istanbul Europe at 9:00am. And the latest bus departs at 11:59pm.
What are the CO₂ emissions for the bus trip from Sofia to Istanbul Europe?
A bus trip from Sofia to Istanbul Europe generates an estimated 12 kg of CO₂, making it a highly eco-friendly travel option and recommended mode of travel by Busbud.
What is the best bus company from Sofia to Istanbul Europe?
According to Busbud customers, the highest-rated bus company on this route is Infobus, with an average rating of 3.9 out of 5 stars based on 490 reviews.
Which bus company has the best Wi-Fi from Sofia to Istanbul Europe?
Based on reviews on Busbud, the bus company Infobus has the best Wi-Fi rating with a score of 3.8.
Which bus company has the most timely service from Sofia to Istanbul Europe?
According to Busbud traveller reviews, the most timely bus company on this route is Panorama Trans, with a punctuality rating of 5.0 out of 5 stars.
Which bus company has the cleanest buses from Sofia to Istanbul Europe?
According to Busbud traveller reviews, the bus company with the cleanest buses on this route is Panorama Trans, with a cleanliness rating of 5.0 out of 5 stars.

Find cheapest prices for buses

Price is for a one-way ticket for one passenger and based on past searches.

Best price found

11/27

$36

11/28

$36

Today

$36

11/30

$36

12/01

$36

12/02

$36

12/03

$36

12/04

$36

The cheapest trip from Sofia to Istanbul Europe was searched and found on Dec 1, 2025 with a price of $36

To save money and be sure you have the best seat, it's a good idea to buy your bus tickets from Sofia to Istanbul Europe, as early as possible.

You can expect to pay from $36 to $51 for a bus ticket from Sofia to Istanbul Europe based on the last 2 days. You can expect to find the cheapest price for the trip at $36 which is on 2025-12-01.

Usually Infobus will charge you higher prices for tickets closer to the departure date. To find the best prices, you should be flexible on your date of travel.