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Istanbul, Istanbul Province to Sofia, Sofia City Province from $14: 5 ways by bus, train, flight or car

Compare Travel Options and Prices

from
Istanbul, Turkey
to
Sofia, Bulgaria

How to Get from Istanbul to Sofia: 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.

$14 by trainBest price
506.5 kmDistance
1h 53m Fastest

Compare Train, Bus, Flight, and Driving Options

Get detailed, step-by-step directions below for your trip from Istanbul to Sofia 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
Turkish Airlines
Plane
Average Duration
1h  53m
Estimated price
$175-380
Recommended
Company
various
Train
Train
Average Duration
11h  56m
Estimated price
$14-28
Cheapest
route map
Distance: 506.5 km
Duration: 1h 53m

See more options

Pricing table
Company
various
Train
Train
Average Duration
11h  58m
Estimated price
$14-29
Company
Citylines
Bus
Average Duration
9h 
Estimated price
$15-45
Company
various
Drive
Average Duration
5h  11m
Estimated price
$85-130

Compare prices for your selected dates

TypeMo 06/01Tu 07/01We 08/01Th 09/01Fr 10/01Sa 11/01Su 12/01
Bus $30 $30 $30 $30 $30 $30 $30
Fly $62 $102 $63 $129 $93 $149 $136
Browse car rentalsExplore flights

Traveling From Istanbul to Sofia

Traveling from Istanbul to Sofia offers you an intriguing contrast between the vibrant, bustling energy of Turkey's largest city and the serene, historical charm of Bulgaria's capital.

Best Neighbourhoods in Sofia

Sofia boasts diverse neighborhoods, each offering distinct experiences.

Vitosha Boulevard
• Lively avenue filled with shops and cafes
• Great views of Vitosha Mountain
Bozhurishte
• Picturesque streets with colorful architecture
• Peaceful atmosphere, perfect for relaxation
Lozenets
• Trendy vibe with contemporary restaurants
• Close to parks for outdoor activities

Best Times To Visit Sofia's Attractions

Planning your visits to Sofia's attractions at the right time can enhance your experience.

Alexander Nevsky Cathedral
Visit early in the morning to enjoy tranquility and stunning light.
Vitosha Boulevard
Explore during weekday afternoons for a less crowded atmosphere.
Boyana Church
Go during late spring for beautiful weather and fewer tourists.

Sofia Weather: What to Expect Year-Round

Sofia experiences a continental climate with hot summers and cold winters, making spring and early fall the most comfortable times to explore. Weather conditions can significantly influence your travel plans, so consider seasonal variations to find the best fit for your activities.

Dining Recommendation in Sofia

Try traditional Bulgarian banitsa, a flaky pastry filled with cheese and eggs, at one of Sofia's local bakeries, like Made in Home. This dish showcases a simplicity and earthiness that contrasts with Istanbul's vibrant spice-rich cuisine, allowing you to savor the rich flavors of local ingredients in a cozy, welcoming atmosphere.

Istanbul - Sofia operators

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

Plane Show flights
Website
turkishairlines.com

Plane from Istanbul (IST) to Sofia (SOF)

Average Duration
1h 18m
Estimated price
$140-390
Bus Show bus routes
Contact phone
+3590885700870
Website
citylines.eu

Bus from Istanbul Büyük Otogari to Sofia Central Bus Station

Average Duration
9h
Estimated price
$30-34
Contact phone
0850 222 34 55
Website
metroturizm.com.tr

Bus from Istanbul Otogari to Sofia

Average Duration
9h 30m
Estimated price
$16-35
Contact phone
+90 224 294 55 62
Website
flixbus.com.tr

Bus from Istanbul Esenler bus station to Sofia

Average Duration
9h
Estimated price
$15-21
Contact phone
+49 30 300 137 300
Website
flixbus.co.uk

Bus from Istanbul Esenler bus station to Sofia

Average Duration
9h
Estimated price
$45-70
Contact phone
+90 212 658 18 51
Website
alparturizm.com.tr

Bus from Istanbul to Sofia

Average Duration
9h
Estimated price
$25-40
Contact phone
+90 212 658 00 61
Website
huntur.com.tr

Bus from Istanbul Büyük Otogari to Sofia Serdica Bus Station

Average Duration
9h
Estimated price
$35-45
Train Show train routes
Contact phone
+35929311111
Website
bdz.bg

Train from Halkali to Svilengrad

Average Duration
4h 40m
Estimated price
$6-12

Train from Svilengrad to Poduyane

Average Duration
4h 44m
Estimated price
$6-13

Train from Halkali to Dimitrovgrad

Average Duration
5h 45m
Estimated price
$7-15

Train from Dimitrovgrad to Sofia

Average Duration
3h 41m
Estimated price
$5-11

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

Traveling between Istanbul and Sofia 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 Istanbul to Sofia spanning a distance of 342 miles. Enjoy the scenic journey through diverse landscapes and charming towns along the way. 💰 Explore a range of budget options for the road trip, with prices to travel from Istanbul to Sofia by car typically ranging from €78 to €120. Plan your expenses efficiently for a cost-effective and enjoyable travel experience. 🏰 Arrive in Sofia after approximately 5 hours and 11 minutes of driving time, where you can immerse yourself in the rich culture, history, and beauty that this vibrant city has to offer. Make the most of your adventure from Istanbul to Sofia by car.
Average price
€78 - €120
🚂 Traveling by train from Istanbul to Sofia involves a journey with a total duration of approximately 11 hours and 56 minutes. While there is no direct train between these two cities, passengers will need to make transfers at Halkali and Svilengrad before reaching their final destination at Poduyane station. 💰 Ticket prices for the Istanbul to Sofia train range from €13 to €26, making this mode of transportation an affordable and convenient option for those looking to explore the cultural and historical treasures of both Turkey and Bulgaria. With its comfortable seating and ample amenities, the train ride offers a relaxed way to travel between these two dynamic destinations.
Departure Point
Halkali station
Arrival Point
Poduyane station
Useful tips for train travellers
• On your train trip from Istanbul to Sofia, catering services are provided by TCDD Taşımacılık. They offer a selection of snacks and beverages, including tea, coffee, soft drinks, and sandwiches. It’s advisable to check the onboard menu display as offerings can vary depending on the train service.
• The train service on the Istanbul to Sofia route offers various seating options: First Class, which provides more spacious seating and comfortable amenities; and Economy Class, which is more budget-friendly but still offers decent comfort. Ensure to book the tickets in advance as First Class seats tend to sell out quickly, especially during peak seasons.
• There are multiple operators providing train services from Istanbul to Sofia, including TCDD Taşımacılık (TCDD) and Bulgarian State Railways (BDZ). You can visit their websites for schedules and bookings: TCDD - tcdd.gov.tr, BDZ - bdz.bg Additionally, check trip planning resources such as Trainline at thetrainline.com
🛫 Flying from Istanbul to Sofia is quick and convenient with a direct flight taking only 1 hour and 15 minutes. Turkish Airlines provides flights from Istanbul Airport to Sofia Airport. 🌍 The journey between Istanbul and Sofia by plane typically takes around 1 hour and 53 minutes. This efficient travel option allows you to easily explore both cities. 💸 Flight prices for the Istanbul to Sofia route can range from €161 to €351, offering a variety of options to suit different budgets. Consider booking in advance for the best deals on flights between these two vibrant destinations.
Departure Point
Istanbul Airport
Arrival Point
Sofia Airport
Useful tips for plane travellers
• Book your Turkish Airlines flight in advance to secure the best fare, and be sure to check their flight schedule on their official website at turkishairlines.com, as prices can fluctuate significantly closer to the departure date.
• Upon arrival at Sofia Airport, be prepared to go through a relatively quick passport control process; however, keep in mind that it can get busy during peak hours, so allow extra time for any delays and consider using the automatic gates if eligible.
• Expect to pay around 20-30 Bulgarian Lev (approximately €10-15) for a taxi from Sofia Airport to the city center, and make sure to use verified taxi services like OK Supertrans, which you can find at the airport's designated taxi area; further details can be found on their website at oksupertrans.com
🚌 **Traveling from Istanbul to Sofia by bus is a convenient option**, with buses departing every four hours from Istanbul Büyük Otogari and arriving at Sofia Central Bus Station. The journey takes approximately 9 hours. 🌍 **The distance between Istanbul and Sofia is 501 km**, with buses operated by Citylines making the trip smoothly. Prices for the bus ticket can range from €14 to €42, providing travelers with affordable transportation between the two cities.
Departure Point
Istanbul Büyük Otogari station
Arrival Point
Sofia Central Bus Station

Trips from Istanbul