Cheap Flights from Sofia to Istanbul Starting at $52
Helping travelers to find the best flight offers
Cheapest flights from Sofia to Istanbul
Find the best fares and schedules from Sofia to Istanbul fast — we search over 700 airlines, 50+ agencies and more than 5 top booking systems to bring you the most competitive prices and flexible conditions. Whether you want the quickest connection or the cheapest option, our friendly search makes booking your Bulgaria–Turkey trip simple and stress-free.
Remember that on average the ideal time to book flights is 2 months before departure!
Fly direct from Sofia to Istanbul for the quickest, most convenient way to bridge these neighboring capitals — you’ll be in the city and ready to explore in under two hours. While connections can sometimes lower the fare, a nonstop flight saves valuable time and offers a more comfortable, hassle-free trip; book now to secure the best seats and schedules.
Schedule of direct flights from Sofia to Istanbul
A direct flight is the easiest way to get to your destination. The following airlines operate non-stop flights from Sofia to Istanbul:
Sofia airports overview
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Istanbul airports overview
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Frequently asked questions (FAQ)
Answers to questions about the route that travelers are most interested in.
Special offers and sales on air tickets from Sofia to Istanbul
We keep tight track on airlines' pre-holidays sales and other special offers occurences all the time to let you save maximum amount of funds while traveling to your family or just going out on vacation.
Alternative routes
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Cheapest one way flight
$52
Pegasus Airlines
Direct flight
1h 15m
12/19/2025
The cheapest one-way flight from Sofia to Istanbul departs on 12/19/2025, is operated by Pegasus Airlines and costs $52
Cheapest round trip flight
$86
Pegasus Airlines
Direct flight
2h 35m
11/29/2025
The cheapest roundtrip flight from Sofia to Istanbul departs on 11/29/2025, is operated by Pegasus Airlines and costs $86
The fastest flight
1h 15m
Fastest flight from Sofia to Istanbul takes 1h 15m
Direct flights
Every day
There are direct flights on this route 7 days a week: Su, Mo, Tu, We, Th, Fr, and Sa
Earliest flight
9:25 AM
Latest flight
9:40 PM
Average flight duration
1h 19m
Direct flights count
32
Distance
486km
Timezone difference
1h
The distance between Sofia and Istanbul is 486km (301 miles). The average flight duration is 1h 19m. There are 32 direct flights from Sofia to Istanbul. The time difference between Sofia and Istanbul is 1h. Flights from Sofia begin at 9:25 AM. The latest flight from Sofia departs at 9:40 PM
December 2025
Lowest price
on average:
$56
August 2026
Highest price
on average:
$82
Avg Price
More than 4 airlines operate flights from Sofia to Istanbul, including Pegasus Airlines, Wizz Air, Ryanair, and Aegean Airlines. This is a popular route, so passengers can choose tickets based on budget and preferences. Ticket prices start from $52, and our service lets you instantly compare all options. The variety of offers simplifies planning: you can choose budget fares or more comfortable options with baggage included or extra services. We help you find the best deals so your trip is cost-efficient.
Sofia Airport (SOF) is Bulgaria’s main international gateway and typically serves a mix of full-service carriers, low-cost airlines and regional operators, making it a practical choice for both business and leisure travelers. Located about 10–15 km east of the city center, transfer options include metro (around 20–30 minutes, modest fares), buses or private taxis (20–40 minutes depending on traffic, taxi fares vary), and airport shuttles to major hotels. The airport usually offers a compact terminal with standard amenities and a range of dining and shopping options; pros are quick immigration and good low-cost connections, while cons can include peak-time queues and occasional crowding during holiday periods.
Istanbul is served by two main airports with distinct roles. Istanbul Airport (IST) is the large international hub on the European side, typically handling long-haul and full-service carriers and serving as a transit focal point; it sits roughly 35–50 km from the historic city center, with airport bus lines and taxis taking about 40–60 minutes depending on traffic and costing roughly moderate fares relative to local standards. Sabiha Gökçen (SAW) is a budget- and low-cost-oriented airport on the Asian side, usually favored for cheaper carriers and regional flights; it lies about 40–55 km from central Istanbul, reachable by shuttle services, buses, and taxis in around 50–90 minutes and often at lower out-of-pocket transfer costs. Pros: IST offers extensive facilities and connections, while SAW can be easier for budget fares; cons: both can involve long commutes and variable traffic-related transfer times.
We couldn't find any special offers for flights from Sofia to Istanbul
How much is the cheapest flight ticket from Sofia to Istanbul?
The cheapest flight ticket from Sofia to Istanbul according to data for the last 48 hours costs $52
When is the best time to buy air tickets on the route Sofia — Istanbul?
Often the best time to buy tickets from Sofia to Istanbul is 2 months before departure.
When is the cheapest time of year to fly from Sofia to Istanbul?
Based on statistics over the past years, the lowest prices for flights from Sofia to Istanbul can be found flying in these months: December, February, November.
How long does it take to fly from Sofia to Istanbul?
The fastest flights from Sofia to Istanbul start from 1 hour 15 minutes in the air.
Which airline can fly direct from Sofia to Istanbul?
The following airlines operate direct flights on the route Sofia — Istanbul: Pegasus Airlines
The cost of a one-way flight from Sofia to Istanbul ranges from $56 (December 2025) to $82 (August 2026). On average, the ticket price is about $59–$114.
