Travelling from Istanbul Ataturk Airport (IST) to Sofia Airport (SOF): what you need to know
The average duration of a direct flight from Istanbul Ataturk Airport to Sofia Airport is 1 hour 20 minutes.
The timezone in Sofia is UTC+2, which is one hour behind Istanbul.
Take your pick of 88 weekly Istanbul Ataturk Airport to Sofia Airport flights. The 07:15 departure with Turkish Airlines is the earliest you can take. Turkish Airlines operates the last service of the day at 20:30.
For a smooth journey, turn up at the airport two hours ahead of international flights and one hour before domestic departures. This way, you can comfortably catch your IST to SOF flight.
Flying during a peak month such as April? Major public holidays and other popular periods can mean longer queues at security. Be extra cautious and get there up to four hours before an international flight and two hours before a domestic departure.
Getting to Sofia (and then exploring more of Bulgaria!) is a cinch with Turkish Airlines. This popular airline offers direct flights from Istanbul Ataturk Airport to Sofia Airport.
The airline most travellers fly with on this route is Turkish Airlines.
We make it easy to book a flight with a stopover. To see your options for tickets from Istanbul Ataturk Airport to Sofia Airport, deselect 'Direct flights only.' Then, choose a flight offering a stop long enough to tour your chosen city. Popular stopovers between IST and SOF include:
Eleftherios Venizelos International Airport
Izmir Adnan Menderes Airport
Budapest Ferenc Liszt International Airport
How to find the cheapest flights from Istanbul Ataturk Airport (IST) to Sofia Airport (SOF)
At the moment, £53 is the cheapest price we've seen for a one-way Istanbul Ataturk Airport to Sofia Airport flight. The best price for a return plane ticket is £103. Remember that fares can change due to demand at the time of booking.
Get cheap tickets from IST to SOF by booking at least six months ahead. Based on our research, that's the sweet spot for bagging a bargain.
The cheapest month for flights from Istanbul Ataturk Airport to Sofia Airport is May. Use the 'Whole month' tool to find the lowest airfares if you have a flexible travel schedule.
Spend less time searching for cheap flights from IST to SOF by setting up a Price Alert. We'll send you an email or notification on the app when fares go down.
Lock in the ideal flight for you with the help of the filters. To see the 'Best,' 'Cheapest' or 'Fastest' flights from Istanbul Ataturk Airport to Sofia Airport, use the 'Sort by' function. You can also filter results by airline, arrival and departure times, and journey duration.
Handy information about Istanbul Ataturk Airport (IST)
Central Istanbul to Istanbul Ataturk Airport is approximately 30 miles. Depending on traffic, it'll take about 50 minutes to get there if you're catching a cab, ride-sharing or driving.
The trip when using public transport takes about 1 hour 45 minutes.
Have an early flight from Istanbul Ataturk Airport to Sofia Airport? Avoid the last-minute rush to the terminal (and catch some extra z's) by choosing one of these stays close to IST:
Arriving at Sofia Airport (SOF)
The last thing you need is a long journey to your hotel if you're getting in late on an Istanbul Ataturk Airport to Sofia Airport flight. Stay at one of these accommodation options near SOF instead:
Get on the fast track to adventure by picking up a Sofia Airport rental car. Grab a set of wheels from MEX, Surprice or NU Car Rentals and explore beyond Sofia's main sights.
To lock in the lowest price, reserve your ride from Sofia Airport about one week in advance.
Getting from Sofia Airport (SOF) to central Sofia
Sofia Airport to the centre of Sofia has a drive time of about 15 minutes. It's approximately 7 miles away.
Getting there by public transport typically takes 35 minutes.
When to fly to Sofia Airport (SOF)
August is the most popular month for flights from Istanbul Ataturk Airport to Sofia Airport. To skip the crowds, head to Sofia in April.
The warmest month in Sofia is August, with temperatures ranging between 14ºC (57ºF) and 30ºC (86ºF). Lock in your flights from Istanbul Ataturk Airport to Sofia Airport in this month if this is the type of weather you like.
For cooler conditions, look for a cheap ticket from IST to SOF in January. Temperatures average between -11ºC (12ºF) and 7ºC (45ºF) then.
Explore more of Bulgaria
Sofia has loads to offer, but there are so many other parts of Bulgaria just waiting to be explored. Around 80 miles south-east of Sofia, a trip to Plovdiv will keep you busy. Don't miss top attractions like Plovdiv Old Town, Plovdiv Roman Theatre and Archaelogical Complex Nebet Tepe.
Around 240 miles east of Sofia, Varna is another favourite stop in Bulgaria. Experience the best of this destination with a visit to Park Asparuhovo - Asparuhovo sea garden, Dormition of theotokos Cathedral and Sunset viewpoint (място за гледане на Залеза).