Travelling from Istanbul to Sofia Airport (SOF): what you need to know
There are a couple of main airports you can start your trip from in Istanbul. Check out your options leaving from Istanbul Ataturk Airport (IST) or Sabiha Gokcen International Airport (SAW) when reserving your flight from Istanbul to Sofia Airport (SOF).
The average time for a direct flight from Istanbul to Sofia Airport is 1 hour 18 minutes.
Sofia Airport is located in Sofia. The city operates in the UTC+2 timezone and is 1 hour behind Istanbul.
The most popular route is from Istanbul Ataturk Airport (IST) to Sofia Airport (SOF), with 88 direct services every week. If you'd like to head off as soon as possible, the earliest flight from IST to SOF is the 07:15 Turkish Airlines option. If you have other commitments or plans on your day of travel, the final departure is at 20:30 with Turkish Airlines.
Your flight from Istanbul to SOF won't wait if you're late, so get to the airport with time to spare. Arrive up to one hour in advance for domestic flights and two hours ahead when you're travelling internationally.
Flying during a peak month like August? School holidays and other popular periods can mean longer queues at check-in and security. Play things extra safe and arrive up to four hours before international flights and two hours before a domestic departure.
Airports in Istanbul
Istanbul Ataturk Airport (IST)
You can jump on a direct flight from Istanbul to Sofia Airport (SOF) out of Istanbul Ataturk Airport (IST).
When jetting out of IST, you can catch a direct flight from Istanbul to Sofia Airport with Turkish Airlines.
Think about adding a stopover to potentially save money on your flight from Istanbul to SOF. Simply deselect 'Direct flights only' when searching for departures from Istanbul Ataturk Airport (IST). Take a break from travelling at one of these popular options:
Izmir Adnan Menderes Airport (ADB)
Budapest Ferenc Liszt International Airport (BUD)
Eleftherios Venizelos International Airport (ATH)
IST is around 48 kilometres from central Istanbul. To help you work out how to get there, use Google Maps. This essential traveller tool will give you the quickest route and your public transport options.
Booked an early flight from Istanbul to Sofia Airport? Avoid rushing to the terminal (and get some extra shut-eye) by choosing one of these hotels near Istanbul Ataturk Airport:
Sabiha Gokcen International Airport (SAW)
Searching for more options for a direct flight from Istanbul to Sofia Airport (SOF)? Browse the fares jetting out of Sabiha Gokcen International Airport (SAW).
From SAW, direct flights from Istanbul to SOF are available with Pegasus Airlines.
Visit friends or family or just take a moment to refresh yourself with a stopover. If you'd like to break up your flight from Istanbul to Sofia Airport, here's where you can stop when taking off from Sabiha Gokcen International Airport:
Izmir Adnan Menderes Airport (ADB)
Antalya Airport (AYT)
Vienna International Airport (VIE)
On public transport, you can travel from central Istanbul to SAW in about 1 hour and 30 minutes. The terminal is roughly 48 kilometres away, and making the trip by car takes approximately 57 minutes.
Want to spoil yourself with an extra night away before your flight from Istanbul to SOF? Check in to a hotel near Sabiha Gokcen International Airport before your adventure officially starts. These stays are calling your name:
About Sofia Airport (SOF)
Consider booking a hotel close to SOF if you're taking a late flight from Istanbul to Sofia Airport. Settle into one of these options and avoid the hassle of a long transfer:
Getting from Sofia Airport (SOF) to central Sofia
Sofia Airport to central Sofia is around 16 minutes by car. It's approximately 11 kilometres away. See what options are available, such as cabs, car rentals or ride-sharing services.
Travelling to the centre by public transport takes about 37 minutes.
How to find the cheapest flights from Istanbul to Sofia Airport (SOF)
The lowest price we've seen for a one-way ticket from Istanbul to Sofia Airport is $75. The cheapest price for a return flight is $159. Keep in mind fares can change due to demand at the time of booking.
8 months is how far we recommend booking ahead to find flight tickets from Istanbul to SOF.
The cheapest month for tickets from Istanbul to Sofia Airport is May. Use the 'Whole month' tool to find the most affordable day to fly if you're flexible with your plans.
Log into your online account or use the app to set up a Price Alert. We'll let you know straight away if there's a better deal on this route. It's simple to do, and it'll save you the hassle of looking for flight tickets from Istanbul to SOF every day.
Make the most of the filters to find your ideal journey. To see the 'Best,' 'Fastest' or 'Cheapest' flights from Istanbul to Sofia Airport, use the 'Sort by' tool. You can also filter results by airline, departure and arrival times, and number of stops.
The best time to fly from Istanbul to Sofia Airport (SOF)
It's time to choose your dates for your flight from Istanbul to Sofia Airport. August is the most popular month to travel to Sofia. If you prefer a more peaceful vibe, go in April.
Think about the type of weather that'll work with your plans for Sofia. The warmest month is August. Lock in your flights from Istanbul to SOF sometime then and you can expect temperatures of between 14ºC and 30ºC.
Visit in January for cooler conditions. Temperatures average between -11ºC and 7ºC. However, this destination promises a good time whenever you book your cheap flights from Istanbul to Sofia Airport.
More about Sofia
Start your Sofia trip right by choosing the perfect place to stay. After booking your flight from Istanbul to Sofia Airport, check out our selection of hotels including:
One of the best ways to get a feel for Sofia is to visit its top attractions. Essential stops include National Palace of Culture, Boyana Church and City Garden.
Complete your Sofia trip with a car rental
We use the same magic that helped you find your cheap flight from Istanbul to Sofia Airport to track down your ideal ride. Check out our car rentals in Sofia and compare your options in one place. Plus you'll find all the info you need to know, from the most popular car type to the average daily price.