How to get from Istanbul Aksaray to Bucharest
Bulgaria · Cities & Metropolitan Areas · Romania · Turkey · Urban & Cultural · Aksaray · Bucharest · Istanbul
Istanbul Aksaray to Bucharest is doable by a quick flight, a long but direct coach, a classic overnight train combo via Sofia, or a private car/charter. Pick based on your time, budget, and border comfort—full steps and map links below.
At A Glance (Istanbul Aksaray to Bucharest)
| Mode | Duration | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| ✈️ Flight (IST/SAW → OTP) + City Transfer | ~1h15 flight + 30–60m airport-city | Fastest overall |
| 🏷️ Cost: ~€60–€190 one-way (season/airline) » search flights | Trip.com fares | ||
| 🚌 Direct Coach (Aksaray/Esenler → Bucharest) | ~12–16h (border-dependent) | Budget, heavy luggage |
| 🏷️ Cost: ~€40–€80 one-way (operator/season) | ||
| 🚆 Train (Istanbul → Sofia → Bucharest) | ~20–24h (1–2 changes) | Rail fans, overnight sleepers |
| 🏷️ Cost: ~€55–€110 total (classes/routes) » TCDD | BDZ | CFR Călători | ||
| 🚐 Private Car/Charter (Door-to-Door) | ~10–12h driving (stops/border) | Families, max flexibility |
| 🏷️ Cost: from ~€450–€900 per vehicle (size/time) » get quotes | ||
Which Option or Route Should You Choose?
- Fastest/Most Convenient: Fly IST/SAW→OTP, then metro/bus/taxi into central Bucharest.
- Cheapest without flying: Direct coach from Aksaray/Esenler to Bucharest—straightforward but border timing varies.
- Overnight sleeper & scenery: Train via Sofia (night section + daytime leg).
- Door-to-door privacy: Private car/charter—set your own pace and stops.
How to Book and Practical Tips
- Visas & passports: You’ll cross TR → BG → RO; carry passport and any required visas/residence permits.
- Money: Keep some TRY, BGN, and RON or a no-FX-fee card for roadside stops/transport.
- Connectivity: Download offline maps; roaming may change at each border.
- Transfers in cities: Istanbul uses Uber/BiTaksi; Bucharest uses Uber/Bolt or licensed taxis. For fixed intercity rides compare GetTransfer.
- Luggage storage: If you have time to explore before/after, stash bags via Radical Storage Istanbul or Radical Storage Bucharest.
- Stay near hubs: For late arrivals, compare hotels near IST/SAW/OTP or central Bucharest on Booking.com.
✈️ Option #1 — Flight (IST or SAW → Bucharest OTP) + City Transfer
Fastest Many daily flights Airport transfers
- Overview: Fly from Istanbul Airport (IST) or Sabiha Gökçen (SAW) to Bucharest Henri Coandă (OTP). From OTP, continue by train/bus/metro or taxi/Bolt to the center.
- How to book (with price): From ~€60–€190 each way (season/airline). Compare fares and times on Booking.com Flights or Trip.com.
- Pros: 1h+ airtime, frequent departures. Cons: Airport transfers on both ends add time/cost.
Step-by-step: Flight IST/SAW → OTP
- From Aksaray (Fatih), ride the M2 metro or tram+metro to your airport, or book Uber/BiTaksi to IST (European) or SAW (Asian).
- Compare and book tickets on Booking.com Flights or Trip.com; check in online and arrive 2–3 hours before departure.
- Land at OTP; take the Train to the City or express bus to Gara de Nord/center, or use Uber/Bolt/taxi for door-to-door.
- Head to your Bucharest accommodation (prebook on Booking.com if arriving late).
Getting to the main embarking points (IST/SAW & OTP)
- Departing Istanbul: Aksaray has easy tram/metro links; taxis/ride-hailing are abundant. Leave buffer for traffic.
- Arriving Bucharest: OTP has trains/buses to town; Bolt/Uber rank signed at arrivals.
- Locations/Trip Planner: 🔗 Google Map / 🔗 OpenStreetMap
🚌 Option #2 — Direct Coach (Aksaray/Esenler → Bucharest)
Budget Luggage-friendly Border-dependent
- Overview: International coaches/minibuses run from Istanbul to Bucharest via Bulgaria (Kapıkule–Kapitan Andreevo or Hamzabeyli–Lesovo, then Ruse–Giurgiu). Seats recline; several rest stops en route.
- How to book (with price): Expect ~€40–€80 one-way. Buy at Aksaray/Laleli agency offices or the main Esenler Otogarı. Some operators sell e-tickets; hotels/hostels can advise current departures.
- Pros: Cheapest door-to-door by land; no airport transfers. Cons: 12–16h; queues at borders can add hours.
Step-by-step: Direct Coach
- From Aksaray, walk to nearby international coach agencies or ride the metro to Esenler Otogarı for more departures.
- Compare departure times and buy your ticket (ask about included luggage and drop-off point in Bucharest).
- Arrive 30–45 minutes early; have passport/visas ready for Turkish/Bulgarian/Romanian controls.
- On arrival (Autogara area in Bucharest), use Uber/Bolt or local taxi to your hotel.
Getting to the main embarking points (Aksaray agencies / Esenler Otogarı)
- Aksaray: Many cross-border coach offices cluster around the Laleli–Aksaray corridor—easy to reach on foot or tram.
- Esenler Otogarı: Reach by metro/Marmaray + short taxi if you’re far; follow signs to your company’s bay.
- Locations/Trip Planner: 🔗 Google Map / 🔗 OpenStreetMap
🚆 Option #3 — Train via Sofia (Overnight + Daytime Leg)
Sleeper option Scenic Longer total time
- Overview: Travel Istanbul (Halkalı) → Sofia by night train, then Sofia → Bucharest (often daytime). Timetables vary seasonally; check national rail sites.
- How to book (with price): ~€55–€110 total depending on sleeper/couchette/seat. Check/verify on official sites: TCDD Taşımacılık, BDZ, and CFR Călători.
- Pros: Sleep part of the journey; classic rail experience. Cons: One or two changes; slower than flying/coach.
Step-by-step: Train via Sofia
- From Aksaray, take Marmaray/metro to Halkalı (current international departure station for many services).
- Board the night train to Sofia (passport/visa checks at TR/BG border stations—keep documents handy).
- In the morning, connect to a BDZ/CFR service for Bucharest (Gara de Nord)—reserve a seat/sleeper as needed.
- Arrive in Bucharest; use the metro/Uber/Bolt to your accommodation.
Getting to the main embarking points (Halkalı / Sofia / Gara de Nord)
- Halkalı: Reachable by Marmaray from central Istanbul; allow time to cross the city.
- Sofia Central: Restaurants/ATMs in station; check your platform early.
- Gara de Nord (Bucharest): Main hub with metro links and rideshares outside.
- Locations/Trip Planner: 🔗 Google Map / 🔗 OpenStreetMap
🚐 Option #4 — Private Car/Charter (Door-to-Door, Max Flexibility)
Door-to-door Custom stops Higher cost
- Overview: Charter a sedan/van with a professional driver for a same-day ride via Edirne–Bulgaria–Romania. Set your pace, meal stops, and hotel drop-off.
- How to book (with price): From ~€450–€900 per vehicle depending on size/date. Compare instant quotes and vehicles on GetTransfer. For city transfers on each end, local ride-hailing (Uber/BiTaksi/Bolt) works well.
- Pros: No station/airport hassle; luggage-friendly. Cons: Costly; still border-dependent.
Step-by-step: Private Car/Charter
- Request quotes with pickup Aksaray, Istanbul and drop-off in Bucharest on GetTransfer; confirm inclusions (tolls, border wait, night surcharges).
- Share passport/visa details if the company requires pre-clearance info; keep documents handy for border checks.
- Meet your driver at your door; plan 2–3 rest/meal/fuel stops and arrive in Bucharest the same day.
Getting to the main embarking points (Door-to-Door)
- Pickup: Any Istanbul address around Aksaray/Fatih or IST/SAW if you’re arriving by air.
- Drop-off: Any Bucharest hotel/apartment; drivers are familiar with central areas.
- Locations/Trip Planner: 🔗 Google Map / 🔗 OpenStreetMap
FAQ (Istanbul Aksaray to Bucharest)
What’s the quickest way door-to-door?
Flying IST/SAW→OTP is quickest; total time with transfers is often 3.5–5 hours.
How long does the bus really take?
Plan 12–16 hours. Border queues (especially at busy periods) can add 1–3 hours.
Is the train comfortable?
Yes if you reserve a sleeper/couchette on the night leg. It’s slower but can be relaxing and scenic.
Do I need a visa for Bulgaria/Romania transits?
Check your nationality’s requirements in advance; you pass Bulgaria and Romania when traveling overland.
Which area should I stay in Bucharest?
Old Town/Universitate for walkability, Victoriei/Aviatorilor for calmer neighborhoods. Compare options on Booking.com.
Can I store luggage before departure/after arrival?
Yes—use Radical Storage Istanbul or Radical Storage Bucharest near key areas.