Istanbul (IST) → Sofia (SOF)
About Istanbul to Sofia Flights
Discover the best flights from Istanbul to Sofia, covering 469 km in approximately 1h 5m. Istanbul (IST) to Sofia (SOF) is one of the busy short-haul routes connecting Turkey and Bulgaria. With 7 major airlines operating this route including direct flights, travelers have plenty of options to choose from. Whether you're traveling for business or leisure, our comprehensive guide helps you find the best deals, understand seasonal price variations, and choose the right airline for your journey from Istanbul to Sofia.
12-Month Price History
Flight prices from Istanbul to Sofia vary significantly throughout the year. February typically offers the best deals with average prices around $192, while August sees the highest prices, averaging $313. Savvy travelers can save up to 39% by choosing their travel dates wisely.
Best Time to Fly
Cheapest Month
February
Save up to 40% on average
Most Expensive
August
Peak season pricing
Book in Advance
110 days
For best prices
Booking Tips
For the best prices on Istanbul to Sofia flights, we recommend booking 114 days in advance. International flights typically see price increases as the departure date approaches, so early booking is advisable. Tuesday and Wednesday departures often offer the lowest fares, while Friday and Sunday flights tend to be more expensive due to business and leisure travel demand. Consider flying early morning or late evening for additional savings, as these off-peak times usually have lower demand.
Airlines Serving This Route
| Airline | Economy | Business | First |
|---|---|---|---|
United Airlines UA | $310 | $1240 | $1900 |
Bulgaria Air FB | $310 | $1180 | $1770 |
Air France AF | $340 | $1120 | $1860 |
Turkish Airlines TK | $340 | $1110 | $1770 |
American Airlines AA | $380 | $1280 | $1980 |
Delta Air Lines DL | $390 | $1200 | $1710 |
British Airways BA | $400 | $1260 | $1750 |
United Airlines
UA
Economy
$310
Business
$1240
First
$1900
Bulgaria Air
FB
Economy
$310
Business
$1180
First
$1770
Air France
AF
Economy
$340
Business
$1120
First
$1860
Turkish Airlines
TK
Economy
$340
Business
$1110
First
$1770
American Airlines
AA
Economy
$380
Business
$1280
First
$1980
Delta Air Lines
DL
Economy
$390
Business
$1200
First
$1710
British Airways
BA
Economy
$400
Business
$1260
First
$1750
Prices shown are estimates based on historical data. Actual prices may vary based on dates, availability, and current promotions.
Alternative Flight Options
Istanbul → Skopje
Istanbul (IST) to Skopje International (SKP)
Distance: 597 km
Average price: $246
Istanbul → Pristina
Istanbul (IST) to Pristina International (PRN)
Distance: 654 km
Average price: $258
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Frequently Asked Questions
How long is the flight from Istanbul to Sofia?
The flight time from Istanbul (IST) to Sofia (SOF) is approximately 1 hours and 5 minutes. This duration is for direct flights and may vary depending on aircraft type, weather conditions, and air traffic.
What is the distance between Istanbul and Sofia?
The aerial distance between Istanbul and Sofia is 469 kilometers (291 miles). This is the straight-line distance, which is used to calculate flight times.
Which airlines fly from Istanbul to Sofia?
Several airlines operate flights between Istanbul and Sofia, including Turkish Airlines, Bulgaria Air, American Airlines and 4 more airlines. Direct flights are available on this route.
What is the cheapest month to fly from Istanbul to Sofia?
Based on historical data, February typically offers the lowest airfares for flights from Istanbul to Sofia. However, prices can vary based on holidays, events, and airline promotions. We recommend checking our price calendar for the most up-to-date information.
How far in advance should I book my flight to Sofia?
For the best prices on Istanbul to Sofia flights, we recommend booking 144 days in advance. International flights generally require earlier booking than domestic routes.
Do I need a visa to travel from Istanbul to Sofia?
Visa requirements depend on your nationality and the purpose of your visit. Citizens of Turkey traveling to Bulgaria should check the latest visa requirements. Visit our partner site visarequirements.io for detailed visa information.
What is the time difference between Istanbul and Sofia?
Istanbul operates on Europe/Istanbul time zone, while Sofia is in the Europe/Sofia time zone. For current time differences and to plan your schedule, visit our partner site timezig.com for accurate timezone conversions.