5 Places to Enjoy Art in Plovdiv’s Old Town
June 30, 2026
Only around 420 km (260 miles) separate Plovdiv from one of the world’s most fascinating cities. Whether you’re planning a weekend getaway, a shopping trip, or simply want to experience the magic of Istanbul, getting there is surprisingly easy.
The two best options are the direct bus and the overnight international train. Each has its own advantages, and the right choice depends on your travel style.
Here’s everything you need to know.
Travelling by Bus – The Fastest and Most Popular Option
For most travellers, the bus is by far the easiest way to reach Istanbul.
There are more than a dozen departures every day, with buses leaving throughout the day and night. Most journeys take between six and eight hours, depending on border traffic.
One of the biggest advantages is flexibility. Whether you’re an early bird or prefer travelling overnight, you’ll easily find a departure that suits your schedule.
Where do buses leave from?
All international buses depart from Yug (South) Bus Station, located next to Plovdiv Central Railway Station.
The station is easy to reach by taxi, public transport, or even on foot—it’s about a 15-20 minute walk from Plovdiv’s Main Street.
Which companies operate the route?
Several companies run daily services between Plovdiv and Istanbul, including:
During the summer season, additional departures are sometimes added to meet increased demand.
How much does it cost?
Ticket prices generally range between €24 and €33, depending on the operator, departure time, and season.
Booking online is recommended, especially during weekends, public holidays, and the busy summer months.
Where will you arrive?
Most buses terminate at Esenler Bus Terminal, Istanbul’s largest coach station.
From there, you can easily continue to:
- Sultanahmet
- Taksim Square
- Galata
- Istanbul Airport
- Sabiha Gökçen Airport
using Istanbul’s excellent metro network.
Some services continue to the Asian side of Istanbul, stopping at terminals such as Dudullu or Samandıra, which can be convenient if your accommodation is located there.
Travelling by Train – A Relaxing Overnight Adventure
If you’re looking for a slower but more memorable journey, the international overnight train is a fantastic alternative.
The train runs daily between Sofia and Halkalı (Istanbul) and makes a scheduled stop in Plovdiv, so there’s no need to travel to Sofia first.
Timetable
Plovdiv → Istanbul (Halkalı)
- Departure: 21:57
- Arrival: 09:56 the following morning
Istanbul (Halkalı) → Plovdiv
- Departure: 20:00
- Arrival: 08:10 the following morning
As these are international services, it’s always worth checking the latest timetable before travelling, as railway works may occasionally result in schedule changes.
Sleeping on the train
Unlike daytime trains, this international service is designed for overnight travel.
Passengers can choose between:
- regular seats;
- couchette compartments with bunk beds;
- comfortable sleeper cabins.
If you’re travelling during the summer, reserving your couchette or sleeper in advance is highly recommended.
Buying tickets
International tickets can be purchased directly from BDZ international ticket offices, including Plovdiv Railway Station.
Reservations are generally available up to two months before departure.
Border crossing
During the night, the train crosses the Bulgarian–Turkish border, stopping at Svilengrad, Kapıkule, and Edirne.
Border and passport checks take place while travelling, so make sure your passport is easily accessible before going to sleep.
Bus vs Train
| Bus | Train |
|---|---|
| Faster | Slower |
| More departures every day | One departure daily |
| Cheapest option | More comfortable overnight |
| Direct arrival at Esenler Bus Station | Arrival at Halkalı railway station |
| Ideal for most tourists | Perfect for railway lovers |
Which Option Do We Recommend?
If you’re visiting Istanbul for the first time, we’d usually recommend travelling by bus.
It is faster, offers many departures throughout the day, and takes you directly to one of Istanbul’s main transport hubs.
The train, on the other hand, is an experience in itself. Falling asleep in Plovdiv and waking up in Istanbul is something every railway enthusiast should try at least once. With sleeper cabins available and no need to worry about driving or airports, it offers a relaxed and nostalgic way to travel between the two cities.
A Few Useful Tips
- Bring a valid passport or other travel document.
- Border checks can sometimes take longer during summer holidays and public holidays.
- Keep some Turkish lira or a bank card handy for small purchases after arrival.
- Consider buying an Istanbulkart as soon as you reach the city – it makes travelling by metro, tram, bus and ferry much easier.
Whether you choose the convenience of the bus or the charm of the overnight train, travelling from Plovdiv to Istanbul is straightforward and affordable.
In just one journey, you’ll go from Europe’s oldest continuously inhabited city to one of the world’s greatest metropolises – where East meets West, ancient history blends with modern life, and every street has a story to tell.
Photo: Pixabay
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