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Travelers have generally positive opinions about the service, mentioning good prices and clean, comfortable buses. However, some customers suggest that staff should provide more information during the journey and address issues such as lack of toilets on certain buses. There were also complaints about delays and unhelpful drivers in a few reviews.
We booked a direct bus from Istanbul to Sofia and were NOT informed about a layover in the middle of the night, not online, not at the servicedesk and not by the Busdriver. Ended up just past the border in a random place and had to find a new bus ourselves, no help from the driver who just told us to get out and that we should have gotten out earlier.
I liked the service at Istanbul, all great. But there was no coffee like on other buses. But the worst was: I was settled in my seat, things were out of my bag etc, then at some Bulgarian town where we stopped I had to quickly pack everything up and move to another bus! Why was I not told we had to change buses there? It was such a rush and I kept thinking I had left something on the first bus: maybe I have. Then, on the second bus, there was no arranged seating so after my careful seat booking I had to sit elsewhere. Noone stored my bags, I had to open the door myself. Plus the driver, obviously expecting international passengers from the first bus, couldn't explain things to people who didn't understand Bulgarian. One guy from Turkey was angrily told he couldn't sit where was sitting, he looked confused. Then, this driver seemed to think he was a racist g car driver and often had to slam on his brakes for various things, like a queue of traffic ahead. I was so glad to get off this bus.
Enjoy: wide and comfortable seat. Don't enjoy: Driver smoke too much and make the cabin smoky. Driver sometime don't pay attention while driving. He almost cause some accidents.
According to multiple reviews, the service provided by this bus company is not recommended due to a lack of organization. However, some customers mentioned that the buses were spacious and comfortable with good wifi connection. On the other hand, there were complaints about difficulties in crossing borders and excessive noise during nighttime journeys which affected sleep quality. Additionally, one customer expressed dissatisfaction with their experience as they had to take alternative buses and incurred extra time and expenses due to delays or missed connections.
The bus drivers seemed to not know where the bus station in Plovdiv was. After wandering around for a while they found it. We thought we would arrive at around 8pm but we didn't arrive till almost midnight.
The Bus didn't even came ,I had to take another bus , I was to late for the other bus I bocked to Germany , even there I had to Bock other Bus... So too much time and too much money, that how much it costed me
Service was super, crossing the boarder nearly impossible. In the night, it was very loud in the bus so that sleeping wasn't able.
Flixbus is a European bus operator that offers intercity and bus travel in over 38 countries. Known for their easy-to-spot lime green buses and for offering affordable transportation between cities in Europe and the Americas, Flixbus is a good option for those looking for an affordable, reliable bus company. In their buses, you'll find free WiFi, bathrooms, and power outlets. You can also pay extra to choose your seat and get extra legroom, or even buy a snack or drink onboard directly from the driver. You can reschedule your ticket for a small fee, which varies from $1 to $5, depending on how close you are to the departure date.
Based on 413 reviews, the company was rated 3.9 stars on Busbud. Travelers were especially satisfied with the cleanliness and the staff but often complained with the power outlets. Infobus ticket prices on this trip start at $40.00
Based on 16 reviews, the company was rated 4 stars on Busbud. Travelers were especially satisfied with the staff and the departure location but often complained with the wifi. Huntur ticket prices on this trip start at $37.00
Very good
Busbud helps you find a bus from Istanbul to Sofia. Get the best fare and schedule, book a round trip ticket or find buses with WiFi and electrical outlets.
We make it our job to connect you with the most dependable bus companies that cover bus service from Istanbul to Sofia.
Discover how much the bus trip from Istanbul to Sofia will cost you. Use our filters and sorting features to find the cheapest bus tickets or luxury buses.
| Daily Departures | 11 |
| Earliest and Latest Bus Departures | 3:50AM - 11:59PM |
| Minimum Price | $28 |
| Average Ticket Price | $34 |
| Minimum Trip Duration | 7h25m |
| Average Bus Trip Duration | 9h |
| Distance | 309 miles (497 km) |
| Bus Companies on This Route | VIP Arda Tur, Arda Tur, FlixBus, Infobus, Huntur |
Esenler Otogarı, 34035 Bayrampaşa / İstanbul, Turkey
Esenler OtogarıGüzeltepe, Alibeyköy Cep Otogarı İstanbul, Türkiye, 34060 Eyüp, Turkey
Alibeyköy OtogarıAltıntepsi, O-3, 34220 , Esenler/İstanbul, , Turkey
İstanbulFatih Mahallesi, Rıza Küçükoğlupaşa Cd., 34500 Büyükçekmece/İstanbul, Turkey
BüyükçekmeceAvcılar Belediyesi Cihangir Mahallesi Yolcu Aktarma İstasyonu, 34310 Avcılar/İstanbul
AvcılarAltıntepsi, Esenler Otogarı No:25, 34035 Bayrampaşa/İstanbul, Türkiye
Esenler Otogarbulevard "Knyaginya Maria Luiza" 108, 1202 Sofia, Bulgaria
Serdikabulevard "Knyaginya Maria Luiza" 100, 1202 Tsentralna, Sofia, Bulgaria
Central Bus Stationbulevard "Knyaginya Maria Luiza" 100, 1202 Tsentralna, Sofia, Bulgaria
Central Bus Station - Sofiabulevard "Knyaginya Maria Luiza" 65, 1202 Sofia Center, Sofia, Bulgaria
Knyaginya Maria LuizaE80 9086, 1331 Sofia, Bulgaria
Lukoil
Taking the bus is the best way to travel to Sofia without flying. The bus trip is an affordable, safe and convenient way to travel between the two cities. Alternatively, you can also use carpooling services.
The average travel time from Istanbul Europe to Sofia is about 9h, although the fastest bus will take 7h 25m, on average. This is the time it takes to travel the 312 miles (503 km) that separate the two cities.
Istanbul Europe and Sofia are 312 miles (503 km) apart.
About 11 buses travel this route daily, provided by VIP Arda Tur, Arda Tur and FlixBus. The number of buses from Istanbul Europe to Sofia can differ depending on the day of the week. Simplify your trip from Istanbul Europe to Sofia by checking the schedules and selecting the bus that fits your travel style and budget on Busbud.
The bus service operates from 3:50 AM for the initial departure and runs until 11:59 PM for the final departure.
Most of the buses traveling from Istanbul Europe to Sofia leave from Esenler Otogarı and arrive at Serdika. These are the most popular departure and arrival locations on this route, but you can find others that could fit better into your travel plans.
The cheapest way to travel this route is by bus. The lowest price for the bus on this route is $28.
The bus ticket costs $34 on average. In the last 30 days, the prices ranged from $28 to $54, so it's good to do your research before booking.
Once in Sofia, you can start exploring the city and discover its surroundings. The top sights and things to do are Statue of Slaveikovs, Russian Church of St Nicholas, Rotunda of St George, Ivan Vazov National Theater and Ethnographic Museum.
Price is for a one-way ticket for one passenger and based on past searches.
To save money and be sure you have the best seat, it's a good idea to buy your bus tickets from Istanbul Europe to Sofia, as early as possible.
You can expect to pay from $28 to $52 for a bus ticket from Istanbul Europe to Sofia based on the last 3 days. You can expect to find the cheapest price for the trip at $28 which is on 2024-04-28.
Make friends with the driver. They usually know a lot about your destination and may even recommend which side of the bus to sit on to get the best views on the road between Istanbul Europe and Sofia!
From miles long of beauteous natural landscapes to impressive man-crafted sights, you're bound to be in for a visual treat on your bus trip from Istanbul Europe to Sofia.
Buses have one of the smallest carbon footprints of motorized transport modes. A bus going from Istanbul Europe to Sofia will emit less CO2 than a car or an airplane.
Create your own real life musical score by curating a personalized bus travel playlist - the perfect accompaniment to your bus ride from Istanbul Europe to Sofia.
It takes 27 hours to go by bus from Lima to Cusco, one of the craziest bus trips on the world. This route is used daily by locals and backpackers.
The Superbus, created by a Dutch engineer is the world's fastest bus with 250 km/h. Too bad it's only a prototype for now.
Did you know there are on average 4,400 intercity bus departures every day in the US only? This number has been growing for 9 years in a row, yay!
Busbud helps you easily search, compare and book intercity bus tickets on a worldwide scale with our comprehensive list of bus routes and schedules. With several language and currency options available, Busbud seeks to cater to international bus travelers no matter where they are in the world. With Busbud, you can buy tickets with confidence. We ensure that you make the most out of your bus trip by partnering up with reliable bus companies from all around the world such as Greyhound, Eurolines, ALSA, OUIBUS (BlaBlaBus), National Express and many others.
