How to find cheap flights from Istanbul to Bulgaria
$214 is currently the cheapest price for a return flight from Istanbul to Bulgaria.
You'll be travelling from Istanbul into Sofia in Sofia with that fare.
$99 is the lowest price for a one-way trip.
Open to going wherever the best deals are? Enter 'Bulgaria' in the 'To' field to find the lowest fares for different cities.
Bulgaria is home to four international airports.
Choose 'Add nearby airports' to widen your search and compare prices across all airports close to both your departure and destination cities.
Book sooner, pay less. Fares are more likely to go up as your departure date gets closer, not drop.
Easily track fare changes by creating a Price Alert. If you haven't already, download the Skyscanner app to get notifications as they happen.
Best time to fly from Istanbul to Bulgaria
If you're trying to spend less, August is typically the cheapest month to catch a flight from Istanbul to Bulgaria.
Tuesdays and Wednesdays are often the most affordable days to fly in general, with prices dipping during midweek when it's quieter.
Peak travel season in Bulgaria runs through January, November and December. January is the most popular month and a good time to visit if you want to experience things at their liveliest.
April, June and September are quieter months. April sees the lowest overall travel demand and is a good choice if you'd rather skip the crowds.
Flights from Istanbul to Bulgaria: what to expect
You can choose from Istanbul Airport (IST) or Istanbul Sabiha Airport (SAW) when planning your departure from Istanbul.
Around two airports throughout Bulgaria can be reached on a nonstop flight from Istanbul.
Roughly 35 direct flights link Istanbul with destinations around Bulgaria every week.
The leading airlines flying this route include Turkish Airlines and Pegasus Airlines.
When it comes to the most popular routes from Istanbul to Bulgaria, Sofia and Varna are firm favourites for many travellers.
Varna is the quickest destination to reach at around 1 hour, while Sofia has the longest flight time at roughly 1 hour 15 minutes.
The average journey on this route comes in at around 1 hour 15 minutes.
Popular places to visit in Bulgaria
Sofia
A popular destination for Istanbul to Bulgaria flights, Sofia takes the top spot on any well-planned itinerary. From Boyana Church and National Museum of History to Cathedral of the Dormition, the attractions just keep coming.
Flying into Sofia usually means you'll be landing at Sofia Airport (SOF).
Browse the lineup of hotels in Sofia and round out your trip with a stay that suits your plans.
Varna
Sahara beach, Museum of Natural History and Sea Garden offer a solid introduction to the highlights in this Varna Province city.
Land at Varna Airport (VAR) and go straight from arrivals to discovering the sights.
After your plane ticket is locked in, you can focus on finding the right stay among the hotels in Varna.
Burgas
Well-known sights to tick off while you're in this part of Burgas Province include The Sea Garden, St. Anastasia Isle and Ostrov Sveta Anastasiya.
You can arrive in the city through its main airport, Bourgas Airport (BOJ).
From brief visits to extended stays, hotels in Burgas cater to all types of budgets and travel styles.
Visiting Bulgaria for the first time? Here's what you need to know
Entry rules can vary depending on your passport, travel plans and length of stay, so check before you go. Airlines and official embassy sites will have the most up-to-date advice on visas or any other documentation you may need.
You'll be using the euro (EUR) for your daily spending. Credit and debit cards are widely accepted in most places.
The population of Bulgaria is estimated at around 6.7 million. Sofia is the capital.
Time is consistent across this destination, with only one standard time zone operating on UTC+2.
For a warmer trip to Bulgaria, consider August.
Conditions are often coolest around January.
November is usually the driest month, while May is the wettest.
Baba Marta Day, the Sofia International Film Festival and Bulgarian Day of Liberation are some of the headline events here. Think about booking your Istanbul to Bulgaria flight around moments like these for a travel experience beyond the ordinary.
Complete your trip with hotels and a car rental
A cheap flight from Istanbul to Bulgaria gets you there. Your next move is planning the stay. Discover the best prices and exclusive rates for hotels in Bulgaria. For the freedom to get around at your own pace, also check out the range of car rental options in Bulgaria.
