1map logoGo to main page

Bucharest, Bucharest region to Istanbul, Istanbul Province from $16: 7 ways by bus, train, flight or car

Compare Travel Options and Prices

from
Bucharest, Romania
to
Istanbul, Turkey

How to Get from Bucharest 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.

$16 by trainBest price
455.7 kmDistance
8h 39m Fastest

Compare Train, Bus, Flight, and Driving Options

Get detailed, step-by-step directions below for your trip from Bucharest 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
Bus
Plane
Average Duration
4h  38m
Estimated price
$0-0
Recommended
Company
Bulgarian Railways (BDZh)
Train
Average Duration
16h  33m
Estimated price
$16-40
Cheapest
route map
Distance: 455.7 km
Duration: 8h 39m

See more options

Pricing table
Company
various
Bus
Plane
Train
Average Duration
5h  38m
Estimated price
$0-0
Company
Bulgarian Railways (BDZh)
Train
Average Duration
18h  32m
Estimated price
$18-43
Company
FlixBus
Bus
Average Duration
12h  22m
Estimated price
$50-75
Company
various
Bus
Average Duration
15h  10m
Estimated price
$54-61
Company
various
Drive
Average Duration
8h  39m
Estimated price
$100-150

Compare prices for your selected dates

TypeMo 06/01Tu 07/01We 08/01Th 09/01Fr 10/01Sa 11/01Su 12/01
Bus $40 $39 $39 $39 $39 $39 $39
Fly $62 $61 $69 $68 $70 $68 $61
Browse car rentalsExplore flights

Traveling From Bucharest to Istanbul

Your journey from Bucharest to Istanbul reveals the rich contrast between Romania’s vibrant yet relaxed atmosphere and Turkey’s bustling, dynamic city life.

Best Neighborhoods in Istanbul

Istanbul's neighborhoods each offer a distinct blend of culture and charm.

Karaköy
• Trendy cafes and street art abound.
• Close to the historic Galata Tower.
Beyoğlu
• Bustling shops and nightlife options.
• Famous Istiklal Avenue runs through it.
Sultanahmet
• Home to iconic sites like the Blue Mosque.
• Rich history with stunning architecture.

Best Times To Visit Istanbul's Attractions

Navigating Istanbul's major attractions can be a breeze with good timing.

Hagia Sophia
Visit early in the morning to experience its grandeur with fewer tourists.
Topkapi Palace
Late afternoon visits often result in smaller crowds and a serene atmosphere.
Grand Bazaar
Weekdays are ideal for exploring the shops without overwhelming crowds.

Istanbul Weather: What to Expect Year-Round

Istanbul experiences a diverse climate with warm summers and mild, rainy winters, making it a city you can enjoy throughout the year. Understanding the weather patterns helps you plan your visit, as spring and fall offer the most comfortable conditions for exploration.

Dining in Istanbul: A Culinary Adventure

Try the iconic döner kebab at a local eatery like Zübeyir Ocakbaşı, where the smoky aroma and perfectly seasoned meats elevate your dining experience beyond what you might find in Bucharest. The vibrant atmosphere, accompanied by fresh ingredients and bold Turkish flavors, offers a lively contrast that will leave your taste buds delighted.

Bucharest - Istanbul operators

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

Bus Show bus routes
Contact phone
+49 30 300 137 300
Website
https://www.flixbus.co.uk

Bus from Bucharest to İstanbul Esenler bus station

Average Duration
11h 10m
Estimated price
50-75
Website
https://pegasusbg.com/

Bus from Bucharest Horoscop Hotel to Razgrad Central Bus Station

Average Duration
2h 40m
Estimated price
20-24
Contact phone
+3590885700870
Website
citylines.eu

Bus from Razgrad Central Bus Station to Istanbul Büyük Otogari

Average Duration
11h 30m
Estimated price
34-38
Train Show train routes
Contact phone
+35929311111
Website
https://www.bdz.bg/en

Train from Gara Bucureşti Nord to Halkali

Average Duration
14h 44m
Estimated price
15-35

Train from Bucureşti to Halkali

Average Duration
16h 44m
Estimated price
17-40
Plane Show flights
Website
tarom.ro

Plane from Bucharest Otopeni (OTP) to Istanbul (IST)

Average Duration
1h 27m
Estimated price
95-360
Website
turkishairlines.com

Plane from Bucharest Otopeni (OTP) to Istanbul (IST)

Average Duration
1h 27m
Estimated price
95-360
Website
flypgs.com

Plane from Bucharest Otopeni (OTP) to Sabiha Gokcen (SAW)

Average Duration
1h 25m
Estimated price
60-300

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

Traveling between Bucharest 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 picturesque road trip from Bucharest to Istanbul, covering a distance of 397 miles in approximately 8 hours and 39 minutes. Enjoy the changing landscapes as you drive through Romania and Turkey, immersing yourself in the beauty of Eastern Europe. 💸 The prices for this journey range from €92 to €138, offering flexibility for travelers with different budgets. Whether you prefer a budget-friendly road trip or a more luxurious drive, the cost of traveling by car from Bucharest to Istanbul allows for various options to suit your needs.
Average price
€92 - €138
🚂 Starting from Bucharest travelers can embark on a scenic train journey to Istanbul. Despite no direct route, the trip involves transfers at Gara Bucureşti Nord and Halkali, with a total travel time of approximately 16 hours and 33 minutes. 💰 With ticket prices ranging from €15 to €35, this train journey from Bucharest to Istanbul provides an affordable and convenient way for travelers to experience the beauty of the landscapes and cultures of both Romania and Turkey. Enjoy the charm of train travel while exploring the stunning regions between these two dynamic destinations.
Departure Point
Gara Bucureşti Nord station
Arrival Point
Halkali station
Useful tips for train travellers
• Onboard catering services for the Bucharest to Istanbul train are provided by a restaurant car that serves a selection of local Romanian and Turkish dishes. Additionally, snack carts may come around offering beverages and light snacks. It's advisable to check the menu and potentially order ahead if you have specific dietary preferences.
• The train offers multiple seating options including Economy Class, Business Class, and First Class. Economy Class features standard seating with basic amenities; Business Class provides more spacious seating and a quieter environment with some complimentary refreshments; First Class offers the most luxurious experience with extra legroom, privacy, and premium meal options.
• This route is serviced by multiple operators, namely CFR Calatori (Romania) and TCDD Taşımacılık AŞ (Turkey). You can find more information and schedules on their respective websites: CFR Calatori - cfrcalatori.ro and TCDD Taşımacılık - tcddtasimacilik.gov.tr
🛫 Flying from Bucharest Otopeni Airport to Istanbul Airport is a convenient option, with a direct flight taking just 1 hour and 15 minutes. Both Tarom and Turkish Airlines provide flights for this route, offering travelers a choice of airlines.
Departure Point
Bucharest Otopeni Airport
Arrival Point
Istanbul Airport
Useful tips for plane travellers
• Check the specific baggage policies of Tarom and Turkish Airlines before your flight, as they may differ for carry-on and checked luggage, especially for short flights like this one.
• Upon arriving at Istanbul Airport (IST), follow the clear signage towards the passport control and baggage claim; also, consider using the airport's free Wi-Fi to access helpful navigation tools provided by the airport's app.
• Expect to pay around 300-400 TRY for a taxi from Istanbul Airport to the city center; alternatively, you can use Havaist shuttle buses for a more budget-friendly option at approximately 50-100 TRY, which will provide fixed routes to major areas in the city.
🚌 If you're traveling from Bucharest to Istanbul by bus, be prepared for a journey with a duration of approximately 15 hours and 10 minutes, including transfers. There are no direct bus services available, but you can catch a bus at Bucharest Horoscop Hotel and transfer at Razgrad Central Bus Station before arriving at Istanbul Büyük Otogari. 🌍 The bus services on this route are operated by PEGASUS GROUP Ltd. and Citylines. The buses depart from Bucharest Horoscop Hotel and arrive at Istanbul Büyük Otogari. The total travel time to reach Istanbul from Bucharest is around 12 hours and 22 minutes. Keep in mind that the prices for a bus ticket between Istanbul and Bucharest can range from €46 to €69.
Departure Point
Bucharest Horoscop Hotel station
Arrival Point
Istanbul Büyük Otogari station
Useful tips for bus travellers
• When planning your trip, be sure to check the schedules for both PEGASUS GROUP Ltd. and Citylines, as there are no direct services and timing can vary; their websites are PEGASUS GROUP Ltd. and Citylines for up-to-date information on departures.
• Expect to make a transfer at Razgrad Central Bus Station; research nearby amenities, such as food options or restrooms, and consider grabbing snacks to keep you comfortable during the long journey.
• Upon arrival at Istanbul Büyük Otogari, navigate the terminal by following the signs to the ‘Metro’ line, which connects you to the city center, but check the Istanbul transit app for live updates and potential delays.

Frequently asked questions

Find out more about the route from Bucharest to Istanbul.

Or choose the category:
The distance between Bucharest and Istanbul is 283 miles or 393.4 miles by road. By train, it takes approximately 21 hours and 33 minutes to reach Istanbul from Bucharest. Another option is taking a bus and then flying, which takes around 4 hours and 39 minutes. If traveling by car, it takes approximately 8 hours and 36 minutes to reach Bucharest from Istanbul. Lastly, taking a bus from Istanbul to Bucharest takes approximately 14 hours and 41 minutes.
The most cost-effective option for traveling from Bucharest to Istanbul is to take the night train, which costs around €15-€37. However, this option is also the longest, with a travel time of 21 hours and 33 minutes. If time is of the essence, the quickest option is to drive, which takes approximately 8 hours and 36 minutes but comes with a higher cost of around €92-€137. Ultimately, the choice between cost-effectiveness and time efficiency depends on the traveler's priorities and budget.
The prices for traveling from Bucharest to Istanbul by train range from €15 to €33. On the other hand, the prices for a bus journey from Istanbul to Bucharest vary from €34 to €49. It is important to note that these prices can fluctuate depending on various factors such as the time of travel, season, and availability. It is recommended to check with the respective transportation providers for the most accurate and up-to-date prices.
To travel from Bucharest to Istanbul without public transportation, you can drive the distance of 393 miles which takes around 8 hours and 36 minutes. The driving route offers the flexibility to stop at various places along the way and enjoy the scenery. The estimated cost for this journey by car ranges from €92 to €137, depending on factors such as fuel prices and tolls.
To travel from Bucharest to Istanbul without a car, the best option is to take a combination of train and bus. The journey takes approximately 13 hours and 53 minutes and the cost can range from €27 to €55. There are no direct flights between the two cities, so this is the most convenient and affordable way to travel without a car.
There is no direct train from Bucharest to Istanbul. However, there are train services available with transfers that take approximately 21 hours and 33 minutes. The train journey involves departing from Piata Unirii station in Bucharest, transferring at Gara Bucureşti Nord and Halkali stations, before arriving at Yenikapi station in Istanbul. Similarly, there is no direct bus from Bucharest to Istanbul, but buses with transfers are available and the journey takes about 15 hours and 30 minutes.
The flight between Bucharest and Istanbul typically takes around 1 hour and 15 minutes. This is the quickest and most convenient way to travel between the two cities. The cost of the flight can vary depending on the airline and the time of booking, but it is generally affordable and competitive with other modes of transportation.
There are over 1596 hotels available in Istanbul, ranging in prices starting at €22. Some popular areas to consider staying in Istanbul include Sultanahmet, Taksim, and Beyoglu, which offer a variety of accommodations to suit different budgets and preferences. It is recommended to research and book a hotel in advance to ensure availability and secure a good deal.

Trips from Bucharest