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Budapest, Budapest to Istanbul, Istanbul Province from $70: 7 ways by bus, train, flight or car

Compare Travel Options and Prices

from
Budapest, Hungary
to
Istanbul, Turkey

How to Get from Budapest 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.

$70 by busBest price
1073 kmDistance
3h 4m Fastest

Compare Train, Bus, Flight, and Driving Options

Get detailed, step-by-step directions below for your trip from Budapest 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
3h  4m
Estimated price
$110-353
Recommended
Company
various
Bus
Average Duration
23h  15m
Estimated price
$70-87
Cheapest
route map
Distance: 1073 km
Duration: 3h 4m

See more options

Pricing table
Company
various
Bus
Average Duration
23h  10m
Estimated price
$80-96
Company
various
Bus
Average Duration
26h  56m
Estimated price
$81-119
Company
various
Train
Train
Average Duration
31h  1m
Estimated price
$84-114
Company
various
Plane
Train
Average Duration
3h  43m
Estimated price
$102-397
Company
N/A
Drive
Average Duration
12h  39m
Estimated price
$230-340

Compare prices for your selected dates

TypeMo 06/01Tu 07/01We 08/01Th 09/01Fr 10/01Sa 11/01Su 12/01
Fly $59 $42 $49 $45 $51 $45 $51
Browse car rentalsExplore flights

Traveling From Budapest to Istanbul

The journey from Budapest to Istanbul offers a rich tapestry of experiences, with Budapest's charming thermal baths and Danube River vistas contrasting strikingly with Istanbul's vibrant bazaars and historic mosques.

Best Neighbourhoods in Istanbul

Istanbul boasts diverse neighborhoods, each offering distinct experiences and charm.

Karaköy
• Trendy cafes and art galleries abound.
• Scenic waterfront views enhance the vibe.
Sultanahmet
• Home to major historical sites like Hagia Sophia.
• Walkable area with ancient architecture everywhere.
Balat
• Colorful streets perfect for photography and exploration.
• Rich in culture with traditional pastry shops.

Best Times To Visit Istanbul's Attractions

Optimize your experience in Istanbul by timing your visits to popular attractions.

Hagia Sophia
Visit early in the morning or late afternoon for fewer crowds and better light.
Topkapi Palace
Weekdays are ideal; arrive right at opening time to enjoy tranquility.
Grand Bazaar
Visit on weekdays for a quieter shopping experience, avoiding peak weekend crowds.

Istanbul Weather: What to Expect Year-Round

Istanbul experiences a mix of Mediterranean and continental climates, with hot summers and mild, wet winters. The best times to visit are in spring and fall, when the weather is pleasant and crowds are smaller, enhancing your travel experience.

Dining Recommendation in Istanbul

Try the traditional dish of testy kebabs at Zubeyir Ocakbasi, where charcoal-grilled meats showcase bold flavors and local spices. This lively atmosphere and emphasis on fresh, high-quality ingredients offer a delicious departure from Budapest’s hearty stews and pastries.

Budapest - Istanbul operators

Explore transport companies operating between Budapest 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 Budapest (BUD) to Istanbul (IST)

Average Duration
2h 11m
Estimated price
$140-550

Plane from Budapest (BUD) to Sabiha Gokcen (SAW)

Average Duration
2h 5m
Estimated price
$90-300
Website
flypgs.com

Plane from Budapest (BUD) to Sabiha Gokcen (SAW)

Average Duration
2h 1m
Estimated price
$70-390
Website
wizzair.com

Plane from Budapest (BUD) to Istanbul (IST)

Average Duration
2h 17m
Estimated price
$50-300
Website
airserbia.com

Plane from Budapest (BUD) to Istanbul (IST) via Belgrade

Average Duration
4h 25m
Estimated price
$110-500
Train Show train routes
Contact phone
+90 444 8 233
Website
tcddtasimacilik.gov.tr

Train from Ayrilikcesme to Yenikapi

Average Duration
14m
Estimated price
$1-3
Contact phone
0219521
Website
cfrcalatori.ro

Train from Budapest-Keleti to Videle

Average Duration
15h 30m
Estimated price
$65-80
Contact phone
+35929311111
Website
bdz.bg

Train from Videle to Halkali

Average Duration
13h 53m
Estimated price
$14-35
Bus Show bus routes
Contact phone
+49 30 300 137 300
Website
flixbus.de

Bus from Budapest Népliget bus station to Novi Sad MAS

Average Duration
4h 45m
Estimated price
$25-35
Contact phone
+381 11 7620255
Website
fudeks.rs

Bus from Budapest Népliget to Novi Sad

Average Duration
4h 45m
Estimated price
$15-26
Contact phone
+3590885700870
Website
citylines.eu

Bus from Novi Sad Central Bus Station to Istanbul Hotel Montenegro

Average Duration
16h 15m
Estimated price
$50-60
Contact phone
+359 2 8120810
Website
karat-s.com

Bus from Budapest Nepliget to Burgas Bus Station South

Average Duration
18h 40m
Estimated price
$65-95
Contact phone
056 844 966
Website
mbus-bg.com

Bus from Burgas to Malko Tarnovo

Average Duration
1h 30m
Estimated price
$4-9
Contact phone
05952/ 36 35
Website
strandja.bg

Bus from Burgas to Malko Tŭrnovo

Average Duration
2h
Estimated price
$0-0
Contact phone
+4-0241-831.491
Website
transevren.ro

Bus from Malko Tarnovo to Istanbul - Aksaray

Average Duration
4h 6m
Estimated price
$11-14

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

Traveling between Budapest 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 an exciting road trip from Budapest to Istanbul, covering a distance of 825 miles. Allow around 12 hours and 39 minutes for this scenic drive through diverse landscapes. 💰 Discover budget-friendly options for traveling from Budapest to Istanbul by car, with prices ranging from €212 to €314. Enjoy the freedom of the open road and the flexibility to explore at your own pace.
Average price
€212 - €314
🚂 Embark on a scenic train journey from Budapest to Istanbul! While there is no direct route, the trip involves transfers at Videle and Halkali, making for an approximately 31-hour adventure. 💰 Ticket prices for this train ride usually range from €77 to €105, providing an affordable and convenient way to explore the diverse destinations between Budapest and Istanbul. Immerse yourself in the beauty of this cross-country journey and create lasting memories along the rails.
Departure Point
Budapest-Keleti station
Arrival Point
Halkali station
Useful tips for train travellers
• Onboard the train from Budapest to Istanbul, you can enjoy dining options provided by the train operator. Typically, catering services include a restaurant car serving a variety of hot and cold meals, snacks, and beverages. Limited food options may also be available for purchase directly from the train attendants. It's recommended to check the specific operator's menu ahead of your trip, especially for dietary preferences.
• The train service from Budapest to Istanbul offers various seating options. You can choose from First Class, Business Class, and Economy seats. First Class provides spacious seating with more legroom and additional amenities, while Business Class offers comfort with dedicated services and better food. Economy seating is more budget-friendly but still comfortable for longer journeys. Make sure to book your preferred class in advance, as these compartments can fill up quickly.
• Multiple operators service the Budapest to Istanbul route, including: 1. Turkish State Railways (TCDD) - tcdd.gov.tr 2. MAV-START - mavcsoport.hu Visit their websites for real-time schedules, ticket prices, and travel updates.
🛫 Traveling from Budapest to Istanbul by plane is a convenient and efficient option. The quickest direct flight between the two cities takes approximately 2 hours and 10 minutes. 🛄 Airlines such as Wizz Air, Air Serbia, and Turkish Airlines provide flights from Budapest Airport to Istanbul Airport, giving travelers a range of options to choose from. The total travel time by plane from Budapest to Istanbul is around 3 hours and 4 minutes. 💸 Prices for flights between Istanbul and Budapest can vary, typically ranging from €101 to €326.
Departure Point
Budapest Airport
Arrival Point
Istanbul Airport
🚌 There is no direct bus from Budapest to Istanbul, but travelers can take a journey with transfers that takes approximately 23 hours and 15 minutes. The services are operated by FlixBus and Citylines. 🌍 Route 1 covers a distance of 1,630 km with 2 transfers in Zagreb and Plovdiv before reaching Istanbul. The journey includes stops in cities like Sofia and Munich with a total travel time of 1 day and 14 hours. 🎫 Route 2 involves 4 transfers in cities such as Zagreb, Plovdiv, Burgas, and Varna before reaching Istanbul. The journey covers a distance of 1,853 km and takes approximately 1 day and 14 hours to complete.
Departure Point
Budapest Népliget bus station
Arrival Point
Istanbul Hotel Montenegro station