Sofia (SOF) → Istanbul (IST)
About Sofia to Istanbul Flights
Discover the best flights from Sofia to Istanbul, covering 469 km in approximately 1h 5m. Sofia (SOF) to Istanbul (IST) is one of the busy short-haul routes connecting Bulgaria and Turkey. 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 Sofia to Istanbul.
12-Month Price History
Flight prices from Sofia to Istanbul vary significantly throughout the year. February typically offers the best deals with average prices around $193, while July sees the highest prices, averaging $323. Savvy travelers can save up to 40% by choosing their travel dates wisely.
Best Time to Fly
Cheapest Month
February
Save up to 40% on average
Most Expensive
July
Peak season pricing
Book in Advance
146 days
For best prices
Booking Tips
For the best prices on Sofia to Istanbul flights, we recommend booking 83 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
American Airlines AA | $260 | $1040 | $1740 |
Air France AF | $280 | $1150 | $1770 |
British Airways BA | $300 | $1280 | $1970 |
United Airlines UA | $320 | $950 | $1470 |
Bulgaria Air FB | $320 | $980 | $1410 |
Delta Air Lines DL | $330 | $940 | $1860 |
Turkish Airlines TK | $340 | $1170 | $1590 |
American Airlines
AA
Economy
$260
Business
$1040
First
$1740
Air France
AF
Economy
$280
Business
$1150
First
$1770
British Airways
BA
Economy
$300
Business
$1280
First
$1970
United Airlines
UA
Economy
$320
Business
$950
First
$1470
Bulgaria Air
FB
Economy
$320
Business
$980
First
$1410
Delta Air Lines
DL
Economy
$330
Business
$940
First
$1860
Turkish Airlines
TK
Economy
$340
Business
$1170
First
$1590
Prices shown are estimates based on historical data. Actual prices may vary based on dates, availability, and current promotions.
Alternative Flight Options
Skopje → Istanbul
Skopje International (SKP) to Istanbul (IST)
Distance: 597 km
Average price: $246
Pristina → Istanbul
Pristina International (PRN) to Istanbul (IST)
Distance: 654 km
Average price: $258
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Frequently Asked Questions
How long is the flight from Sofia to Istanbul?
The flight time from Sofia (SOF) to Istanbul (IST) 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 Sofia and Istanbul?
The aerial distance between Sofia and Istanbul is 469 kilometers (291 miles). This is the straight-line distance, which is used to calculate flight times.
Which airlines fly from Sofia to Istanbul?
Several airlines operate flights between Sofia and Istanbul, 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 Sofia to Istanbul?
Based on historical data, February typically offers the lowest airfares for flights from Sofia to Istanbul. 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 Istanbul?
For the best prices on Sofia to Istanbul flights, we recommend booking 111 days in advance. International flights generally require earlier booking than domestic routes.
Do I need a visa to travel from Sofia to Istanbul?
Visa requirements depend on your nationality and the purpose of your visit. Citizens of Bulgaria traveling to Turkey should check the latest visa requirements. Visit our partner site visarequirements.io for detailed visa information.
What is the time difference between Sofia and Istanbul?
Sofia operates on Europe/Sofia time zone, while Istanbul is in the Europe/Istanbul time zone. For current time differences and to plan your schedule, visit our partner site timezig.com for accurate timezone conversions.