1map logoGo to main page

Izmir to Istanbul from $9: 8 ways by bus, train, flight or car

Compare Travel Options and Prices

from
Izmir, Turkey
to
Istanbul, Turkey

How to Get from Izmir to Istanbul: Cheapest, Fastest and Best Way

1Map provides directions to cities, towns, landmarks, attractions, and addresses worldwide, offering thousands of multi-modal routes to easily get you from point A to point B.

$9 by busBest price
205.1 milesDistance
2h Fastest

Compare Train, Bus, Flight, and Driving Options

Get detailed, step-by-step directions below for your trip from Izmir to Istanbul with 1Map travel planner. Easily compare ticket prices, explore various transport options, and find the best routes for a seamless and cost-effective travel experience.

Company
various
Plane
Average Duration
2h 
Estimated price
$77-154
Recommended
Company
Kamil Koc, Metro Turizm
Bus
Average Duration
7h  45m
Estimated price
$9-21
Cheapest
route map
Distance: 205.1 miles
Duration: 2h

See more options

Pricing table
Company
various
Train
Drive
Average Duration
9h  24m
Estimated price
$11-18
Company
Turkish Railways (TCDD)
Train
Average Duration
13h  33m
Estimated price
$14-23
Company
BlaBlaCar
Rideshare
Average Duration
8h  35m
Estimated price
$15-15
Company
various
Bus
Average Duration
8h  26m
Estimated price
$17-32
Company
various
Plane
Train
Average Duration
2h  40m
Estimated price
$44-138
Company
various
Drive
Average Duration
4h  34m
Estimated price
$55-85

Compare prices for your selected dates

TypeMo 06/01Tu 07/01We 08/01Th 09/01Fr 10/01Sa 11/01Su 12/01
Bus $34 $30 $34 $33 $33 $33 $33
Fly $43 $43 $45 $46 $43 $47 $53
Browse car rentalsExplore flights

Traveling From Izmir to Istanbul

Traveling from Izmir to Istanbul offers a fascinating contrast between Izmir’s laid-back coastal vibe and Istanbul’s vibrant urban energy.

Best Neighbourhoods in Istanbul

Istanbul boasts diverse neighborhoods, each offering a unique charm and experience.

Karaköy
• Trendy cafes and art galleries abound.
• Stunning views of the Bosphorus waterfront.
Beyoğlu
• Lively Istiklal Avenue is a shopper's paradise.
• Rich history with beautiful architecture throughout.
Sultanahmet
• Home to iconic landmarks like Hagia Sophia.
• A blend of ancient culture and modern life.

Best Times To Visit Istanbul's Attractions

Timing your visit can greatly enhance your experience at Istanbul's popular sites.

Hagia Sophia
Early morning or late afternoon visits offer quieter moments to appreciate this architectural marvel.
Topkapi Palace
Weekdays, especially in the early hours, help you avoid weekend crowds.
Grand Bazaar
Visit during weekdays before noon for a more relaxed shopping experience.

Istanbul Weather: What to Expect Year-Round

Istanbul experiences a diverse climate with hot summers and mild winters, making spring (April to June) and fall (September to November) the most pleasant times to explore the city. Weather can significantly influence your travel plans, so packing accordingly ensures a comfortable experience.

Dining Recommendation in Istanbul

Try the iconic Iskender kebab at a local eatery like Kebapçı İskender for a true taste of Istanbul’s rich culinary heritage. This dish, featuring spiced lamb drizzled with melted butter and served over thinly sliced pita, offers a flavor explosion that contrasts with the lighter, olive oil-based dishes typical of Izmir.

Izmir - Istanbul operators

Explore transport companies operating between Izmir and Istanbul, with prices starting at . These companies offer competitive pricing, flexible schedules, and comfortable travel experiences.

Plane Show flights
Website
turkishairlines.com

Plane from Izmir (ADB) to Istanbul (IST)

Average Duration
2h
Estimated price
$77-154

Plane from Izmir (ADB) to Sabiha Gokcen (SAW)

Average Duration
2h 40m
Estimated price
$44-138
Website
flypgs.com

Plane from Izmir (ADB) to Istanbul (IST)

Average Duration
1h 15m
Estimated price
$35-140

Plane from Izmir (ADB) to Sabiha Gokcen (SAW)

Average Duration
1h 10m
Estimated price
$35-140
Bus Show bus routes
Contact phone
+90 224 294 55 62
Website
flixbus.com.tr

Bus from Izmir bus station to Istanbul Esenler bus station

Average Duration
7h 45m
Estimated price
$14-20

Bus from Izmir to Istanbul Samandira Tesis

Average Duration
8h 26m
Estimated price
$17-32
Contact phone
0850 222 34 55
Website
metroturizm.com.tr

Bus from Izmir to Istanbul Esenler bus station

Average Duration
8h
Estimated price
$9-21

Bus from Izmir to Istanbul Samandira Tesis

Average Duration
7h 18m
Estimated price
$9-20
Train Show train routes
Contact phone
+90 444 8 233
Website
tcddtasimacilik.gov.tr

Train from Izmir (Basmane) to Söğütlüçeşme, Istanbul

Average Duration
13h 33m
Estimated price
$14-23

Train from Izmir (Basmane) to Bandırma Şehir

Average Duration
5h 44m
Estimated price
$4-7

Train from Ayrilikcesme to Yenikapi

Average Duration
14m
Estimated price
$1-3
Ferry
Website
ido.com.tr

Ferry from Bandırma to Yenikapı

Average Duration
2h 40m
Estimated price
$6-11
all-pages.other Show other routes
Contact phone
+3 318 576 2228
Website
blablacar.com

Other from İzmir to İstanbul

Average Duration
8h 35m
Estimated price
$15-15

Izmir to Istanbul: Overview of Bus, Train, Flight, and Car Trips

Traveling between Izmir and Istanbul offers a variety of convenient options to suit your preferences, schedule, and budget. Whether you prioritize affordability, speed, or comfort, you’re sure to find the perfect way to travel without compromising on quality or convenience.

🚗 Embark on a scenic road trip from İzmir to Istanbul covering a distance of 481.2 km. Enjoy a leisurely drive through picturesque landscapes that Turkey has to offer. 💰 Save money on transportation with prices ranging from €51 to €78 for the journey by car. Explore budget-friendly options such as Blablacar's carpooling service for convenient rideshares between İzmir and Istanbul. 👥 Consider carpooling via Blablacar as a hassle-free alternative, especially if you don't have a driver's license or prefer to avoid public transport.
Average price
€51 - €78
🚆 Although there is no direct train from İzmir to Istanbul, you can enjoy a scenic journey with services departing from Izmir and arriving at Yenikapi via Eskişehir and Söğütlüçeşme. 🌉 The total journey time, including transfers, is approximately 13 hours and 33 minutes. Turkish Railways operate the İzmir to Istanbul train services, offering a comfortable and convenient way to travel between these two vibrant cities. 💰 Tickets for the train between Izmir and Istanbul range from €13 to €21, making it an affordable option for those looking to explore Turkey by rail.
Departure Point
Izmir(Basmane) station
Arrival Point
Istanbul Söğütlüçeşme station
Useful tips for train travellers
• Onboard services vary by operator. For instance, the TCDD Taşımacılık trains usually offer a catering cart with snacks and beverages including tea, coffee, and soft drinks. Be sure to check if meals are available depending on the time of your journey; they may include options like sandwiches or traditional Turkish pastries.
• The Izmir-Istanbul route is serviced primarily by TCDD Taşımacılık, offering First Class (more spacious with larger seats), Business Class, and Economy (standard seating). First Class includes complimentary snacks, while Business Class often features more legroom and a more comprehensive menu available for purchase. Consider booking First Class for added comfort on this journey.
• Multiple operators service this route, including: TCDD Taşımacılık (tcddtasimacilik.gov.tr) and İZBAN (izban.com.tr). It's advisable to book your tickets in advance through their websites to secure the best seats.
🛫 Experience a quick and convenient flight from Izmir Airport to Istanbul Airport in just 1 hour and 15 minutes with options from Pegasus Airlines and Turkish Airlines. ✈️ Explore the skies for 2 hours as you journey from Izmir to Istanbul by plane, soaking in the breathtaking aerial views of Turkey along the way. 🌇 Enjoy the flexibility of flight prices ranging from €71 to €142, making it accessible for travelers of all budgets to connect between these two vibrant Turkish cities.
Departure Point
Izmir Airport
Arrival Point
Istanbul Airport
Useful tips for plane travellers
• Book your flight with Turkish Airlines or Pegasus Airlines for the best experience; they both offer regular flights from Izmir Airport (ADB) to Istanbul Airport (IST) with prices ranging from €€69 to €€138.
• Upon arrival at Istanbul Airport (IST), be prepared for a well-organized but bustling experience; follow the signs to the baggage claim and then head to the Havaist bus service located in the arrivals area for a straightforward and economical route to the city center.
• Expect taxi fares from Istanbul Airport to the city center to be around 300-400 Turkish Lira (approximately €10-€14), so consider using ride-hailing apps like BiTaksi or Uber for convenience and to avoid any language barrier.
🚌 The journey from Izmir to Istanbul by bus takes approximately 7 hours and 45 minutes. The service is operated by Kamil Koc and departs every four hours, providing convenient travel options for passengers. 💸 Ticket prices for the Izmir to Istanbul bus route range from €8 to €19, making it a budget-friendly choice for those looking to explore different parts of Turkey.
Departure Point
Izmir bus station
Arrival Point
İstanbul Esenler bus station

Frequently asked questions

Find out more about the route from Izmir to Istanbul.

Or choose the category:
The distance between Izmir and Istanbul is approximately 329.9 km. Depending on the mode of transportation, typical travel times can vary. It takes approximately 3 hours to reach Istanbul from Izmir by plane, 4 hours and 27 minutes by car, and 7 hours and 30 minutes by bus. For those preferring a longer journey, the train option takes 13 hours and 40 minutes, while combining bus and train will take around 6 hours and 38 minutes.
The most cost-effective option for traveling from Izmir to Istanbul is by taking a bus and then a train, which costs around €9-€14. This option takes approximately 6 hours and 38 minutes, making it quite time-efficient as well. However, if time is a priority, the quickest option would be to fly, which takes around 3 hours but is more expensive, costing between €41-€110.
The prices for a train ticket from Izmir to Istanbul can range from €11 to €16. On the other hand, the prices for a bus ticket from Istanbul to Izmir can vary between €17 to €25.
To travel from Izmir to Istanbul without using public transportation, you can consider using Blablacar's carpooling service for rideshare options. This is a convenient option if you don't have a driver's license or want to avoid public transport. The driving distance between Izmir and Istanbul is approximately 473.1 km, and it takes around 4 hours and 27 minutes to drive. The prices for carpooling services range from €50 to €73.
The best way to travel from Izmir to Istanbul without a car is by taking a combination of bus and train. This option takes approximately 6 hours and 38 minutes and costs around €9-€14. Another convenient option is to fly, which takes around 3 hours and costs between €41-€110. If you prefer a more budget-friendly option, you can take a bus, which takes around 7 hours and 30 minutes and costs €17-€25, or a train which takes 13 hours and 40 minutes and costs €10-€16.
Yes, there is a direct bus link between Izmir and Istanbul. The bus service operated by MetroTurizm offers hourly departures from Izmir and arrives at Istanbul Otogari. The journey usually takes around 7 hours and 30 minutes. However, there is no direct train connection between the two cities, with transfers and a journey time of approximately 13 hours and 40 minutes.
The flight from Izmir to Istanbul typically takes 1 hour and 15 minutes. The prices for this flight can vary between €43 and €105.
There are a wide range of accommodation options near Istanbul. With over 1596 hotels available, travelers can find something to suit their budget and preferences. Prices start at €22, making it possible to find affordable accommodations.