Customers have praised the service for its comfortable and clean coaches, as well as smart and safe drivers. The staff is described as kind and professional. However, some users noted a language barrier with drivers who only spoke Turkish.
Arda Tur Thessaloniki Istanbul Europe recent customer reviews
I am a stranger in the country and was not taken care of at all resulting in me getting off at the wrong station. Why didn't the bus driver help? He knew I was going to Istanbul and the bus was already 2 hours late and it was Istanbul but not the right station. Four hours late is wrong!
1 out of 5 stars
Ivan K.
departure a bit late, 30 minutes, arrival 2 hours late. It is a long trip and the posted times were very optimistic.
4 out of 5 stars
Louise L.
Generally very good - comfortable clean coach, smart and safe drivers. Unfortunately they only spoke Turkish, so I didn't understand what they were saying to us!
Based on 11617 reviews, the company was rated 3.5 stars on Busbud. Travellers were especially satisfied with the ticket access and the staff but often complained with the Wi-Fi. FlixBus ticket prices on this trip start at R 875
Customers mentioned that the drivers were friendly, but some found the bus to be dirty. There were extra stops made for picking up and dropping off passengers on random highway exits. However, customs procedures went smoothly. Some customers reported missing amenities like wifi, food, and drinks despite being charged more for the trip.
Simeonidis Tours Thessaloniki Istanbul Europe recent customer reviews
Drivers were friendly. Bus was a bit dirty. We made two extra stops; one to pick someone up (on a random exit off the highway) and one to drop someone off on the side of the highway. Customs went smoothly.
4 out of 5 stars
Chris D.
The trip had to include wifi food and drink and everything was missing and i was charged more
3 out of 5 stars
Farheen F.
the bus drivers were very nice but the younger driver that replaced the main one had crosseded the red traffic light and he was in a very high speed while we were already in Turky. If there was a car crossing from the opposite green light side then definitely a disaster accident could've happend but thanks God there was not. Most of the riders were asleep, it was a bit after 03am then.
Frequently asked questions about travelling from Thessaloniki to Istanbul Europe by bus
Please note that timetables, routes, or operator details shown here may be updated or differ at the time of your trip.
How much is the bus ticket from Thessaloniki to Istanbul Europe?
The cheapest bus tickets from Thessaloniki to Istanbul Europe start at R 875. The average price for this route is around R 968. Busbud recommends booking your tickets in advance for the best chance of getting the lowest possible price.
How long is the bus journey from Thessaloniki to Istanbul Europe?
The average bus journey time from Thessaloniki to Istanbul Europe is 8h 15m, covering a distance of 504 km. The fastest bus gets you there in 7h 45m and is operated by Arda Tur.
Which bus companies service the Thessaloniki to Istanbul Europe route?
Several major bus companies operate on this route with 4 buses available per day, including services from Arda Tur, FlixBus, Simeonidis Tours.
What is the earliest and latest departure time for the bus from Thessaloniki to Istanbul Europe?
The earliest bus departs from Thessaloniki to Istanbul Europe at 00:15. And the latest bus departs at 23:59.
What are the CO₂ emissions for the bus trip from Thessaloniki to Istanbul Europe?
A bus trip from Thessaloniki to Istanbul Europe produces an estimated 13 kg of CO₂, making it a highly eco-friendly travel option and Busbud’s recommended way to travel.
What is the best bus company from Thessaloniki to Istanbul Europe?
According to Busbud customers, the highest-rated bus company on this route is Simeonidis Tours, with an average rating of 4.2 out of 5 stars based on 40 reviews.
Which bus company has the best Wi-Fi from Thessaloniki to Istanbul Europe?
Based on reviews on Busbud, the bus company FlixBus has the best Wi-Fi rating with a score of 2.7.
Which bus company offers the most punctual service from Thessaloniki to Istanbul Europe?
According to Busbud traveller reviews, the most punctual bus company on this route is Simeonidis Tours, with a punctuality rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars.
Which bus company has the cleanest buses from Thessaloniki to Istanbul Europe?
According to Busbud traveller reviews, the bus company with the cleanest buses on this route is Simeonidis Tours, with a cleanliness rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars.
Find cheapest prices for buses
Price is for a one-way ticket for one passenger and based on past searches.
Best price found
13/12
R 937
14/12
R 937
Today
R 937
16/12
R 929
17/12
R 929
18/12
R 937
19/12
R 933
20/12
R 937
The cheapest trip from Thessaloniki to Istanbul Europe was searched and found on 17 Dec 2025 with a price of R 929
To save money and be sure you have the best seat, it's a good idea to buy your bus tickets from Thessaloniki to Istanbul Europe as early as possible.
You can expect to pay from R 929 to R 1 238 for a bus ticket from Thessaloniki to Istanbul Europe based on the last 2 days. You can expect to find the cheapest price for the trip at R 929, which is on 2025-12-17.
Usually FlixBus will charge you higher prices for tickets closer to the departure date. To find the best prices, you should be flexible on your date of travel.
The cheapest trip from Thessaloniki to Istanbul Europe was searched and found on 17 Dec 2025 with a price of R 929
