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$97 Cheap Flights from Sofia (SOF) to Istanbul (IST)

View $97 flight on Wed, Dec 9, 2026Opens in a new window

Popular airlines from Sofia Airport (SOF) to Istanbul Airport (IST)

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Cheap Flights from Sofia to Istanbul (SOF-IST)

Prices were available within the past 7 days and start at $97 for one-way flights and $190 for round trip, for the period specified. Prices and availability are subject to change. Additional terms apply.

Lufthansa
Tue, Jun 1 - Tue, Jun 8
SOF
Sofia
IST
Istanbul
$190 Roundtrip, found 21 hours ago
$190
Roundtrip
found 21 hours ago
Select Lufthansa flight, departing Tue, Jun 1 from Sofia to Istanbul, returning Tue, Jun 8, priced at $190 found 21 hours ago
Turkish Airlines
Tue, Sep 15 - Wed, Oct 14
SOF
Sofia
IST
Istanbul
$201 Roundtrip, found 1 day ago
$201
Roundtrip
found 1 day ago
Select Turkish Airlines flight, departing Tue, Sep 15 from Sofia to Istanbul, returning Wed, Oct 14, priced at $201 found 1 day ago
LOT-Polish Airlines
Tue, Jun 1 - Tue, Jun 8
SOF
Sofia
IST
Istanbul
$205 Roundtrip, found 21 hours ago
$205
Roundtrip
found 21 hours ago
Select LOT-Polish Airlines flight, departing Tue, Jun 1 from Sofia to Istanbul, returning Tue, Jun 8, priced at $205 found 21 hours ago
Air Serbia
Tue, Oct 6 - Wed, Oct 14
SOF
Sofia
IST
Istanbul
$243 Roundtrip, found 14 hours ago
$243
Roundtrip
found 14 hours ago
Select Air Serbia flight, departing Tue, Oct 6 from Sofia to Istanbul, returning Wed, Oct 14, priced at $243 found 14 hours ago
Aegean
Tue, Oct 6 - Wed, Oct 14
SOF
Sofia
IST
Istanbul
$279 Roundtrip, found 14 hours ago
$279
Roundtrip
found 14 hours ago
Select Aegean flight, departing Tue, Oct 6 from Sofia to Istanbul, returning Wed, Oct 14, priced at $279 found 14 hours ago
Tarom-Romanian Air Transport
Sat, Apr 10 - Sun, Apr 11
SOF
Sofia
IST
Istanbul
$307 Roundtrip, found 21 hours ago
$307
Roundtrip
found 21 hours ago
Select Tarom-Romanian Air Transport flight, departing Sat, Apr 10 from Sofia to Istanbul, returning Sun, Apr 11, priced at $307 found 21 hours ago
SKY express
Fri, Sep 11 - Sun, Sep 20
SOF
Sofia
IST
Istanbul
$311 Roundtrip, found 21 hours ago
$311
Roundtrip
found 21 hours ago
Select SKY express flight, departing Fri, Sep 11 from Sofia to Istanbul, returning Sun, Sep 20, priced at $311 found 21 hours ago

Alternative airports near Istanbul

Prices were available within the past 7 days. Prices and availability are subject to change.

Select flight to Istanbul Airport IST. Cheapest option available. Average driving time to city center is 41 minutes. Flights from $207
IST
Istanbul Airport
Cheapest
Average driving time to city center41 min
Flights from $207

Find the cheapest month to fly from Sofia (SOF) to Istanbul (IST)

June is typically the cheapest month to fly

From $96 - $239 per traveler.

What you need to know for your flight from Sofia to Istanbul

Sofia (SOF) to Istanbul (IST) at a glance

Travel between Sofia (SOF) and Istanbul (IST) on this popular international short-haul route, with a range of airlines to choose from. Compare options from full-service carriers to find the best flight that matches your budget, schedule, and travel preferences while you plan your exploration of Istanbul's renowned attractions and neighborhoods. Here, you'll find all the essential details for flights departing from Sofia Airport (SOF) to Istanbul Airport (IST).

  • Fastest flight duration: around 1h 30m non-stop
  • Route distance: roughly 300 miles (485 km)
  • Flights per week: around 7 departures on average
  • Typical fares (one-way): economy tickets often range from $105–$325, depending on seasonality and how far ahead you book

Flights from Sofia Airport (SOF) to Istanbul Airport (IST)

Based on the latest traveler bookings, here are the top airlines favored for non-stop flights from Sofia to Istanbul. These options allow you to tailor your journey by balancing price, travel time, and cabin class, ensuring you find the ideal itinerary for your needs.

  • Turkish Airlines: As a premier full-service airline, Turkish Airlines provides non-stop flights with one-way fares generally falling between $105 and $450. This carrier is responsible for about 99% of the flights on this route, with a total travel duration of 1 hour and 30 minutes.

Travelers have the option to enhance their journey from Sofia to Istanbul with an upgrade. Turkish Airlines provides business class service on this route.

How to find the best prices for flights from Sofia (SOF) to Istanbul (IST)

Getting some of the best deals on flights from Sofia to Istanbul is all about timing and flexibility. Here are some key tips to help you save:

  1. Best times to book and fly: cheaper fares are usually available when booking 2-8 weeks in advance, which aligns with when most travelers make their reservations. Afternoon departures between 12pm and 6pm often provide lower prices and are the most popular flight times. Additionally, flying on Friday tends to be cheaper, even though Saturday is the busiest travel day.
  2. Set up price alerts: stay updated on price changes by using Expedia's Price Tracker. Receive alerts when fares drop for your selected route.
  3. Bundle and save: bundle your flight and hotel to save on Expedia, or unlock a hotel deal after booking your flight.*
  4. Compare flight options: use Expedia's search tool to compare airlines, routes, direct vs. non-direct flights, and flight times. You can also sort by price to find the most affordable options.
  5. Stay flexible with dates: being open to different travel days can sometimes help you find better prices on flights and hotels.
  6. Think about luggage: nowadays, it's important to check the airline's baggage policies to find the best value. That may be paying for an additional carry-on bag or booking a ticket with checked luggage included. Either way, double-check your allowance before confirming your booking to avoid excess baggage fees at the airport.

*Members only. Savings vary and are not available on all bundles. Select hotels.

Arriving at Istanbul Airport from Sofia Airport

Istanbul welcomes travelers from Sofia with a range of transport options based on price, convenience, and proximity. Istanbul city center is approximately a 20-minute drive (covering about 16 miles) from Istanbul Airport, depending on traffic. Here's how to reach Istanbul efficiently:

  • Hotel transfer: Transfers offer a convenient way to reach your hotel in Istanbul, with private rides that can be arranged in advance.
  • Car rental: Renting a car from Istanbul Airport is a great option if you plan to explore and sightsee beyond the city. Browse cheap car rentals at Istanbul Airport on Expedia.
  • Taxi/ride-hailing: Taxis and ride-hailing services may be available from designated pickup areas outside the terminal, check locally on arrival.

Frequently asked questions

How much does a flight from Sofia (SOF) to Istanbul (IST) cost?
You can find cheap one-way flights from $97 and cheap return flights from $190 Sofia (SOF) to Istanbul (IST) with Expedia. One-way flights typically cost between $53 and $860, and return flights often range between $198 and $1764. Flight prices vary based on the month and day of the week you want to travel, as well as the airline and how far in advance you book your ticket. Filter your search on Expedia by "Price (lowest to highest)" to see the cheapest fares first, and use the Price Tracking tool to receive alerts when Sofia (SOF) to Istanbul (IST) ticket fares go up or down.*Typical price ranges based on flights available on Expedia in the last year. Prices include multi-airline options.
What is the cheapest month to fly from Sofia (SOF) to Istanbul (IST)?
The cheapest month to fly from SOF to IST is June when demand is low. Traveling in off-peak or shoulder months is usually a good way to secure cheap tickets, just remember to avoid flying during holidays if you're able to. Use the calendar view in your search to see which months have low fares on this route.
Which airlines fly direct from Sofia (SOF) to Istanbul (IST)?
Turkish Airlines offers around 22 weekly direct flights from SOF to IST.
What is the cheapest airline that flies from Sofia (SOF) to Istanbul (IST)?
Sky Express is one of the cheapest airlines offering connecting flights from Sofia (SOF) to Istanbul (IST), with round-trip tickets starting from around $305. Use Expedia's search tool to compare the prices and schedules of airlines that fly this route to find the best option for your plans and budget.*Prices based on flights available on Expedia in the last year.
How do I find cheap flights from Sofia (SOF) to Istanbul (IST)?
To find a cheap flight from Sofia (SOF) to Istanbul (IST), be flexible with your dates. Traveling outside of peak vacation months and booking a mid-week flight can help you save. Early morning and late night flights are often more affordable, too. Expedia allows you to compare flight times, airlines and routes all in one place to find low fares. You can also set up Price Tracking and receive alerts when fares go up or down.
What is the best airline to fly with from Sofia (SOF) to Istanbul (IST)?
The best airline to fly with from Sofia (SOF) to Istanbul (IST) will differ from traveler to traveler. If you like to fly early, Turkish Airlines offers early morning flights. If price is the most important factor, Pegasus Airlines typically offers the lowest fares. Lufthansa offers the most daily flights from SOF to IST, which is great if flexibility is what you value most. The best carrier for this journey could also be the one you have a loyalty membership with, as flying with that airline or another airline within the same alliance could help you collect points or enjoy lounge access.
What is the best time to fly from Sofia (SOF) to Istanbul (IST)?
The best time to fly is usually mid-week (Tuesday or Wednesday) and during early morning hours as flights tend to be cheaper, less crowded, and generally more on-time. Avoid major holidays and peak vacation seasons for smoother travel. Combining off-peak days and hours often gives the best combination of cost, comfort, and convenience.
How many flights per day from Sofia (SOF) to Istanbul (IST)?
You can find approximately 3 nonstop flights per day from (SOF) to Istanbul Airport (IST). For more options, look at flights that include layovers.
What is the earliest flight from Sofia (SOF) to Istanbul (IST)?
The earliest flight from Sofia (SOF) to Istanbul (IST) typically departs at around 5:00 AM, operated by Air Serbia. This service operates year-round, making it convenient for travelers looking to start their day early in Istanbul. To compare early flights on Expedia, select the "Early Morning" and "Morning" filters in your search.
What are the most popular departure times for flights from Sofia (SOF) to Istanbul (IST)?
The most popular departure times for flights from Sofia (SOF) to Istanbul (IST) are in the evening, from 6pm to 9pm. About 23% of passengers prefer this time window. Airlines such as LOT Polish Airlines and Lufthansa operate flights during this period, making it a convenient option for those looking to travel after a day of activities.
How long does it take to fly from Sofia (SOF) to Istanbul (IST)?
A nonstop flight from SOF to IST typically takes around 1 hour 30 minutes, covering approximately 292 miles. Connecting flights on this route usually add 7 hours 30 minutes to your travel time. Keep in mind that actual flight times can vary due to wind patterns, weather, and air traffic.
Can you fly business or first class from Sofia (SOF) to Istanbul (IST)?
Business class is available on flights from SOF to IST. Airlines that offer business class service on this route include:

  • LOT Polish Airlines
  • Turkish Airlines
  • Aegean
  • Lufthansa
  • Bulgaria Air
  • British Airways
  • Tarom
  • Air Baltic

How much is a business class flight from Sofia (SOF) to Istanbul (IST)?
A direct, return business class ticket from Sofia (SOF) to Istanbul (IST) typically costs between $1,047 - $1,436. A non-stop, one-way business class flight is usually around $615 - $685. Prices often fluctuate based on seasonality and how early you book. You may also be able to find a cheaper business class journey between Sofia (SOF) to Istanbul (IST) if you opt for a connecting flight.*Prices based on flights available on Expedia in the last year.
How do I earn miles on a Sofia (SOF) to Istanbul (IST) flight with Expedia?
It's easy to earn miles on a Sofia (SOF) to Istanbul (IST) flight when you book with Expedia. Before you confirm your booking, simply select your frequent flyer program and enter your program number. As a member of One Key™, you can also earn OneKeyCash™* on top of your airline miles when you book with Expedia.*Excludes taxes and fees. OneKeyCash is not redeemable for cash and can only be used on Expedia and other participating brands.
What airports do you fly into for Istanbul from SOF (SOF)?
From SOF (SOF), you can fly into Istanbul Airport (IST) and Sabiha Gokcen Intl. (SAW) in Istanbul. Some flights may connect through major hubs like Franz Josef Strauss Intl. (MUC), Frederic Chopin (WAW), Eleftherios Venizelos (ATH) before reaching Istanbul. Compare routes and airports on Expedia to find the best flight options for your travel plans.
Is it cheaper to buy a plane ticket from Sofia (SOF) to Istanbul (IST) at the last minute?
Typically, booking a last minute flight from Sofia (SOF) to Istanbul (IST) will be more expensive than booking in advance. As the departure date approaches, there are usually fewer seats available which can drive up the cost. However, if there's some wiggle room with your travel dates and times, you could bag a cheap last-minute fare.
Is it cheaper to book a Sofia (SOF) to Istanbul (IST) flight and hotel package?
Securing a Sofia (SOF) to Istanbul (IST) Istanbul Vacation Packages is usually cheaper than booking separately. With Expedia, you can enjoy the ease of organizing your travels all in one place. Select from our extensive range of stays and then add flights, activities and car rentals to your booking. Bundle everything together, and you could save hundreds of dollars.
Can I cancel or change the date of my flight from Sofia (SOF) to Istanbul (IST)?
If you booked your Sofia (SOF) to Istanbul (IST) flight within the last 24 hours, you may be able to modify or cancel it without any fees. Depending on the airline and the type of ticket you have, additional charges may apply for changes beyond this timeframe. Airline policies and contact information can be found in your itinerary or confirmation email. Or, head to our Customer Service portal if you'd like more information.

Travel information

Origin airport
Sofia
Destination airport
Istanbul
Airlines serving
Aegean, Air Serbia, LOT-Polish Airlines, Lufthansa, SKY express, Tarom-Romanian Air Transport, Turkish Airlines
Roundtrip price
$190
Distance
291 mi
Average flight time
1 hour 30 mins

Book with confidence

Sofia to Istanbul Flights

The cheapest times to fly from Sofia to Istanbul

On average, Thursday can be the cheapest time to fly, according to data from the Airlines Reporting Corporation (ARC), one of the world's biggest databases for global airline sales. The data reveals that you could save up to 16% by flying on a Thursday—the cheapest day to travel on average—instead of a Sunday—the most expensive. Some of the most affordable flights from Sofia to Istanbul are during the month of June. You can find some of the cheapest flights from Sofia to Istanbul with Expedia's search tool and vast selection of airlines.

 

The best time to book a flight from Sofia to Istanbul

Sunday is one of the best days to book for cheap flights from Sofia to Istanbul: Tickets reserved on a Sunday cost between 6% and 13% less than those reserved on a Friday, according to ARC data. The data also suggests booking early can also lead to cheaper airfares. You could save 24% by buying your tickets for domestic flights at least a month in advance and 10% by booking international flights 2 months in advance.

 

How to find cheap round-trip tickets from Sofia to Istanbul

Being flexible with your dates and using Expedia's Price Drop Protection and Price Tracking features are some of the best ways of finding a cheap ticket from Sofia to Istanbul in 2026. You can also book with separate airlines for your outbound and return journeys, from $97 one-way. Expedia also offers Price Drop Protection, so if the cost of your airfare goes down after booking, you'll receive a credit for the difference*. This is available for a small fee, and is free to One Key Gold and Platinum tier members.

 

Expedia's Price Tracking feature means you can stay on top of airfares without manually checking every day. It sends you automated price alerts for cheap Sofia to Istanbul flights and uses historical data to indicate when the best time to book is. Download Expedia's free app to activate this handy tool in a few easy taps.

 

You could also save big by booking one of Expedia's vacation packages. Bundling together your Sofia to Istanbul airfare with your accommodations and car rental is often cheaper than booking everything separately. There’s also One Key, Expedia's generous rewards program. Join for free and you could earn One Key cash on most bookings to save on future adventures.

 

*Terms apply.

 

Disclaimer: ARC The statistics are based on average round-trip ticket prices between January and August 2023. The percentages you see are averages.

 

Sofia to Istanbul Flights

*Flight schedules are subject to change.

*Available to One Key members.

 

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