Why are you taking a bus from Bucharest to Istanbul? Bucharest to Istanbul by bus? But why?

A fair question and here’s the answer: This entire journey started in the Netherlands, with a simple goal: to reach Istanbul by land, slowly and deliberately, city by city. I took a train from Amsterdam and traveled across Europe, spending a few days in each city until I arrived in Bucharest.

Originally, my plan was to take the Bucharest to Istanbul train, but I ran into an unexpected issue: the train service only resumes after June. Since I was traveling in mid-March, that option was off the table.

So I turned to the bus—and that’s how this Bucharest to Istanbul bus trip came to life.

Choosing a Bus Company: Why I Picked Lilian Over FlixBus

I’m no stranger to long-distance bus rides. I’ve even taken a bus from Istanbul to Tabriz. So I wasn’t intimidated by the idea of a cross-border bus trip.

However, when I started researching Bucharest to Istanbul bus companies, I noticed a pattern: a lot of terrible reviews. I ruled out FlixBus, which I usually use in Europe, because the negative feedback online was overwhelming.

Eventually, I found a lesser-known local operator called Lilian, which had significantly more positive reviews than negative ones. That’s the company I chose—and the focus of this review.

If you’re also planning this route, consider this your go-to Bucharest to Istanbul bus travel guide.

✨ Also read: From Europe to Turkey by Train: A 6-Country Journey

My Bucharest to Istanbul Bus Experience

An Overnight Journey in 10 Hours

The bus left around 7:00 PM and arrived at Istanbul Esenler Bus Terminal at approximately 6:00 AM. Excluding the breaks, the journey took about 9 hours—a reasonable time for international travel by bus.

Seat Comfort and Onboard Features

Rating: 7/10

To my surprise, the seats were very comfortable. Each seat had a personal entertainment screen, although the content was quite limited. For a ride of this length, though, it was good enough.

There were working power outlets, so I could charge my phone with no issues. The air conditioning functioned perfectly, and the temperature inside the bus was stable throughout the night.

Wi-Fi was available and the password was provided, but unfortunately, it didn’t work for me. If you’re planning this route, I highly recommend downloading movies, shows, or music in advance just in case.

Rest Stops and Border Crossing

Rating: 9/10

We had a few stops—just the right amount. A couple of short bathroom breaks, and one longer dinner break at a roadside stop.

The border crossing was smoother than I expected. Maybe it was because we reached the border late at night, or maybe mid-March is simply a quiet time—but our group seemed to be the only one there. That meant passport control was fast and easy.

We disembarked in Bulgaria with our luggage, walked through an X-ray and passport check, then reboarded the bus and made a quick duty-free stop (5–10 minutes) before entering Turkey. Turkish passport control was just as smooth.

Is Lilian Bus Company Reliable?

Choosing the right company is critical, especially for international bus travel.

My experience with Lilian was mostly positive. The Wi-Fi didn’t work, but I appreciated the comfortable seats, charging ports, effective air conditioning, and hassle-free border crossing.

There was also a waiting lounge before boarding, where they served tea and coffee—such a nice local touch.

Some reviews online mentioned rude drivers, reckless speeding, or no second driver, but my experience was the opposite. The staff was professional, the driving was safe, and break times were well-managed.

In my opinion, if you’re planning to travel from Bucharest to Istanbul by bus, Lilian is a solid option. Of course, service quality might vary depending on the specific vehicle or season, but in general, it met my expectations.

Have you used Lilian or another company on this route? Leave a comment below and share your experience.

Travel Tips for Bucharest to Istanbul by Bus

Here are a few practical tips to make your journey smoother:

• 🎟 Book early, especially in summer or during holidays—seats sell out quickly.
• 📲 Download entertainment offline before boarding. Wi-Fi might not work.
• 💤 Bring a neck pillow and a light shawl or jacket—essential for overnight travel.
• 🧳 You’ll need to carry your luggage during border checks, so pack smart.
• 🎧 Don’t forget your headphones and snacks for the ride.
• 🎒 Keep valuables in a small backpack and carry it with you during rest stops.

Final Thoughts: Is the Bus a Good Option?

What started as a last resort turned out to be a comfortable and practical travel option. I already prefer buses and trains over flying, and this trip reinforced why.

If you’re looking for an affordable, overland route between Romania and Turkey, the Bucharest to Istanbul bus is definitely worth considering.

I wrote this guide because I couldn’t find much up-to-date information when I was planning my trip. Hopefully, this helps you feel more prepared and confident about the journey.

Have You Ever Taken an International Bus Trip? Let me know in the comments below and feel free to ask if you have any questions about the route, the company, or anything else. Have safe travels!