Trip to Istanbul

Find the perfect accommodation on booking.com

Great location and deals for every budget.

Avg. duration3h
Distance606 km
Avg. price$ 28
Train trips6 found

Trains from Sofia to Istanbul

🚂 Starting from Sofia you can take a train to Istanbul although there is no direct route. The journey involves transfers and takes approximately 12 hours and 27 minutes. 💰 The prices for the train between Sofia and Istanbul typically range from €13 to €27, providing an affordable and convenient way to travel between these two vibrant cities. With a distance of 505 km, the journey is a mix of comfort and adventure, perfect for those looking to explore the region by rail.

Where to stay in Istanbul

There are over 4053 hotels to stay in Istanbul. Prices range from $6 per night.

Find accommodation
  • There is no direct train service from Sofia to Istanbul. However, you can take a train operated by Bulgarian Railways from Sofia to Halkali, with a transfer at Halkali station, which takes approximately 12 hours and 27 minutes. The prices for this train journey range from €13 to €27. Alternatively, you can take a bus from Sofia to Istanbul with a travel time of about 10 hours and 53 minutes, covering a distance of 505 km. The bus service operated by Arda Tur departs from Central Bus Station in Sofia and arrives at Istanbul Bus Station.
  • The fastest way to travel between Sofia and Istanbul is by taking a combination of a train and a bus. The train journey operated by Bulgarian Railways from Sofia to Halkali with a transfer takes approximately 12 hours and 27 minutes. From Halkali, you can then take a bus towards Bursa, operated by Arda Tur, which takes about 7 hours and 10 minutes to reach Istanbul Bus Station, making the total travel time around 10 hours and 53 minutes.
  • Trains traveling from Sofia to Istanbul depart from Sofia station. This station is the point of origin for the train services operated by Bulgarian Railways that will take you towards Istanbul. Ensure you arrive at Sofia station on time to board the train bound for your journey to Istanbul.
  • There are indirect train services between Sofia and Istanbul. Passengers can board a train at Sofia station that will take them to Halkali station in Istanbul, with a transfer along the way. The journey typically lasts around 12 hours and 27 minutes, including the transfers. Prices for these train services between Sofia and Istanbul range from €13 to €27.
  • The train service from Sofia to Istanbul operated by Bulgarian Railways, arrives at Halkali station in Istanbul. Halkali station is a major railway hub in Istanbul, located on the European side of the city. From Halkali station, passengers can easily access other parts of Istanbul using public transportation options such as buses or taxis.
  • The first train of the day to travel from Sofia to Istanbul operated by Bulgarian Railways, departs from Sofia station. As there is no direct train, the first leg of the journey involves departing from Sofia and making a transfer at Halkali station, ultimately arriving at Yenikapi in Istanbul. The total travel time for this journey, including transfers, is approximately 12 hours and 27 minutes. The prices for the train between Sofia and Istanbul vary from €13 to €27.
  • There are no direct train trips available each day between Sofia and Istanbul. Travelers taking the train from Sofia to Istanbul will need to transfer at Halkali station before reaching their final destination at Yenikapi in Istanbul. The journey, including transfers, takes approximately 12 hours and 27 minutes. The train services between Sofia and Istanbul are operated by Bulgarian Railways with prices ranging from €13 to €27.
  • There is no direct train connection between Sofia and Istanbul. Travelers can take a train from Sofia that will require a transfer at Halkali station before reaching Yenikapi station in Istanbul. The journey, including transfers, typically takes around 12 hours and 27 minutes. Bulgarian Railways operates these train services, providing a convenient option for traveling between the two cities.
  • The cost of a train ticket from Sofia to Istanbul typically ranges from €13 to €27. This price variation may depend on factors such as the class of service, time of booking, and availability of discounts or promotions. Travelers can choose the fare that best suits their budget and preferences when planning their journey between Sofia and Istanbul by train.

Will you be returning to Sofia by train?

If you are looking for the return train journey, check out trains from Istanbul to Sofia

See schedule