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How to Travel from

Istanbul to Rila Monastery

by Plane, Train, Bus, Rideshare or Car

Istanbul
→
+0 →
Rila Monastery
Transport search to Rila Monastery
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Turkey Bulgaria Istanbul Rila Monastery
Istanbul
→
+0 →
Rila Monastery
Building a composite car route
Simply select points
A and B, and we will create
a convenient route for you 👍
To build a composite route, click the "Add point" button.
You can also move and delete intermediate points.
Cheapest
Best Offer!
Car
6 h 38 min
656 km.
from $36
Composite Route Car Only
Schedule

Istanbul, Turkey → Rila Monastery, Bulgaria

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Three ways to Travel from Istanbul to Rila Monastery

Composite routes from Istanbul to Rila Monastery

Cheapest
6 h 38 min
Car
656 km.
from $36
Fastest
1 h 19 min
Plane
Other
6 h 38 min
Rideshare
656 km.
from $8.56

Transport providers

Bus operators

Union Ivkoni

Phone:
07001 8282
Email:
Website:
union-ivkoni.com/
Bus from Serres to Blagoevgrad
Ave. Duration:
2h 30m
Frequency:
Once daily
Estimated price:
$7.64–$12.74

Alpar Turizm

Phone:
+90 212 658 18 51
Email:
Website:
alparturizm.com.tr/en/
Bus from Istanbul to Blagoevgrad
Ave. Duration:
10h 30m
Frequency:
Once daily
Estimated price:
$30.57–$43.31
Bus from İstanbul Esenler bus station to Sofia
Ave. Duration:
9h
Frequency:
Once daily
Estimated price:
$24.20–$38.22

Kamil Koc

Phone:
444 0 562
Email:
Website:
flixbus.com
Bus from İstanbul Esenler bus station to Sofia
Ave. Duration:
9h
Frequency:
Twice daily
Estimated price:
$15.29–$21.66

Traventuria

Phone:
+359 2 493 0191
Email:
Website:
traventuria.com/
Bus from Sofia Alexander Nevski Cathedral to Rila
Ave. Duration:
3h
Frequency:
Once daily
Estimated price:
$24.20–$33.12

Arda Tur

Phone:
0700 20 544
Website:
ardatur.bg
Bus from Istanbul Esenler Otogari to Sofia
Ave. Duration:
9h 10m
Frequency:
Once daily
Estimated price:
$35.67–$50.95

KTEL Serron

Phone:
+30 23210-22822
Email:
Website:
ktelserron.gr/
Bus from Thessaloniki Macedonia KTEL Bus Station to Serres
Ave. Duration:
1h 15m
Frequency:
Hourly
Estimated price:
$7.64–$11.46
Bus from Serres to Blagoevgrad
Ave. Duration:
1h 4m
Frequency:
On demand
Estimated price:
$11.46–$16.56

Airlines

Aegean Airlines

Website:
en.aegeanair.com/
Plane from Istanbul to International
Ave. Duration:
1h 22m
Frequency:
Every day
Estimated price:
$152.86–$522.28

Pegasus Airlines

Website:
flypgs.com/
Plane from Sabiha Gökçen International Airport to Sofia
Ave. Duration:
1h 35m
Frequency:
Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday, and Sunday
Estimated price:
$58.60–$280.25

Turkish Airlines

Website:
turkishairlines.com/
Plane from Istanbul to Sofia
Ave. Duration:
1h 20m
Frequency:
Every day
Estimated price:
$152.86–$407.64
Plane from Istanbul to International
Ave. Duration:
1h 22m
Frequency:
Every day
Estimated price:
$152.86–$522.28

Train operators

Bulgarian Railways (BDZh)

Phone:
+35929311111
Website:
bdz.bg/en
Train from Halkali to Svilengrad
Ave. Duration:
4h 40m
Frequency:
Once daily
Estimated price:
$7.01–$12.10
Train from Svilengrad to Kostenets
Ave. Duration:
3h 10m
Frequency:
Twice daily
Estimated price:
$6.24–$10.83

Questions and Answers

What is the cheapest way to get from Istanbul to Rila Monastery?

The cheapest way to get from Istanbul to Rila Monastery is to bus via Sofia which costs $33.70 - $65.22 and takes 13h 28m.

What is the fastest way to get from Istanbul to Rila Monastery?

The fastest way to get from Istanbul to Rila Monastery is to drive which takes 6h 40m and costs $97.83 - $152.17 .

Is there a direct bus between Istanbul and Rila Monastery?

No, there is no direct bus from Istanbul station to Rila Monastery. However, there are services departing from İstanbul Esenler bus station and arriving at Rila Monastery via Sofia Alexander Nevski Cathedral. The journey, including transfers, takes approximately 13h 28m.

How far is it from Istanbul to Rila Monastery?

The distance between Istanbul and Rila Monastery is 723 km. The road distance is 656.2 km.

How do I travel from Istanbul to Rila Monastery without a car?

The best way to get from Istanbul to Rila Monastery without a car is to bus which takes 11h 14m and costs $43.48 - $59.78 .

How long does it take to get from Istanbul to Rila Monastery?

It takes approximately 11h 14m to get from Istanbul to Rila Monastery, including transfers.

Where do I catch the Istanbul to Rila Monastery bus from?

Istanbul to Rila Monastery bus services, operated by Kamil Koc, depart from İstanbul Esenler bus station.

Where does the Istanbul to Rila Monastery bus arrive?

Istanbul to Rila Monastery bus services, operated by Kamil Koc, arrive at Sofia station.

What is the time difference between Istanbul and Rila Monastery?

Rila Monastery is 1h behind Istanbul. It is currently 12:25 in Istanbul and 11:25 in Rila Monastery.

Can I drive from Istanbul to Rila Monastery?

Yes, the driving distance between Istanbul to Rila Monastery is 656 km. It takes approximately 6h 40m to drive from Istanbul to Rila Monastery.

Where can I stay near Rila Monastery?

There are 277+ hotels available in Rila Monastery. Prices start at $22.26 per night.
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