Best option from Istanbul to Erzurum: Flight — both the fastest and the cheapest, about 1h 45min, from €28. Main companies selling this route on 12Go (checked on October 13, 2026): Esadas Turizm, Kamil Koc by FlixBus, Metro Turizm; main departure point: Istanbul Central Bus Station.
There are 2 ways to get from Istanbul to Erzurum
Select an option below to see the route details and compare prices. Secure booking via our partner 12go.asia.
Companies selling this route on 12Go
Offers listed on 12Go on October 13, 2026 for a departure on November 3, 2026. Timetables and prices change with the date: check them before booking.
| Company | Mode | Departs from | From | Offers |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Kamil Koc by FlixBus | Bus | Istanbul Esenler | €48 | 4 |
| Palandoken Seyahat | Bus | Istanbul Central Bus Station | €54 | 2 |
| Turgutreis Turizm | Bus | Istanbul Central Bus Station | €54 | 1 |
| Dogu Kars | Bus | Istanbul Central Bus Station | €54 | 1 |
| Esadas Turizm | Bus | Istanbul Central Bus Station | €55 | 15 |
| Metro Turizm | Bus | Istanbul Central Bus Station | €55 | 4 |
| Vangolu Turizm | Bus | Istanbul Central Bus Station | €55 | 3 |
| Karaca Ardahan | Bus | Istanbul Central Bus Station | €55 | 2 |
| Can Ardahan | Bus | Istanbul Central Bus Station | €55 | 1 |
| Patnos Itimat Turizm | Bus | Istanbul Central Bus Station | €55 | 1 |
| Pegasus Airlines | Flight | Sabiha Gokcen Airport | €39 | 3 |
| Ajet | Flight | Sabiha Gokcen Airport | €46 | 2 |
Activate an eSIM before you go: internet the moment you land, no SIM to swap, zero roaming fees.
Practical tips
Domestic flights, especially for long hauls to the east like Erzurum, can be incredibly cheap if booked several weeks or months in advance. Prices can jump significantly closer to the departure date, so secure your ticket early for the best deals.
If you opt for the bus, stick to well-known companies like Kamil Koç, Metro Turizm, or Pamukkale Turizm. They offer modern fleets, better service, and usually more reliable schedules, making a 16-hour journey as comfortable as possible.
For very long distances, an overnight flight can sometimes be a clever way to save time and accommodation costs. While the Istanbul-Erzurum route might not have many, it's a good strategy to keep in mind for other extensive journeys.
While flights are fast, remember to add at least 2-3 hours for airport check-in, security, and transfers to/from the city centers at both ends. This door-to-door calculation helps you compare accurately with bus travel.
Whether by bus or plane, having your own snacks, water, and entertainment (books, loaded movies, power bank) will significantly improve your journey comfort, especially on a long 16-hour bus ride if you choose that option.
The journey experience
When planning your trip from Istanbul to Erzurum, you're faced with a classic Turkish travel dilemma: embrace the extensive bus network or opt for a quick flight. Türkiye's coaches are legendary for comfort and value, but for destinations as far east as Erzurum, the journey time becomes a critical factor. You want to know upfront whether an overnight bus is a smart choice or if a budget flight truly saves you significant time and discomfort. Let's break down the realistic door-to-door times and costs so you can make an informed decision.
For this route, you have two clear options. The bus journey takes approximately 18h–20h and costs from €48 (typical up to €56). Major operators like Kamil Koç or Metro Turizm offer comfortable coaches, often with 2+1 seating, Wi-Fi, and snacks. Alternatively, flying is much faster: a direct flight takes about 1h45, with prices typically ranging from €28 (typical up to €39), depending on booking in advance and airline (Turkish Airlines, AnadoluJet, Pegasus). Don't forget to factor in travel time to and from airports.
Given the 18h–20h bus ride, for a route like Istanbul to Erzurum, a cheap domestic flight is almost always the superior choice for independent travellers. While coaches are excellent for shorter to medium distances, an overnight haul can be exhausting. A flight saves you a full day of travel and allows you to maximise your time exploring. Invest the little extra for the flight and you'll arrive refreshed and ready to experience Erzurum's unique charm.
Frequently asked questions — Istanbul → Erzurum
The bus is generally the cheapest option, costing around €48 (up to €56). However, domestic flights can be very competitive, sometimes dropping to similar prices if booked far in advance. Always check both options, as a budget flight might offer better value for money considering the travel time.
By bus, the journey is extensive, taking approximately 16 hours. Flights are significantly quicker, with a direct flight lasting about 2 hours. Remember to factor in airport transfers (1-2 hours each side) for flights to get a true door-to-door time, which still makes flying much faster overall.
For a route as long as Istanbul to Erzurum, flying is highly recommended. The 16-hour bus journey is very long, especially overnight, and a cheap domestic flight (2 hours) saves you significant time and discomfort. While coaches are excellent, this distance often justifies the slightly higher cost for a flight.
Several major Turkish bus companies operate on this route. The most reliable and popular choices include Kamil Koç, Metro Turizm, and Öz Diyarbakır Seyahat. These operators offer comfortable services, often with modern amenities and scheduled rest stops.
You can book bus tickets online via the operators' websites (e.g., kamilkoc.com.tr) or through platforms like obilet.com. For flights, check airline websites directly (Turkish Airlines, AnadoluJet, Pegasus) or use flight aggregators. Booking in advance is key, especially for flights.
Why visit Erzurum?
- ✓ Skiing and snowboarding at Palandöken Mountain, one of Turkey's premier winter sports resorts
- ✓ Exploring the historic Çifte Minareli Medrese, a Seljuk-era theological school with twin minarets
- ✓ Visiting the Yakutiye Medrese, an impressive 14th-century madrasa now housing an ethnographic museum
- ✓ Discovering the Aziziye and Mecidiye bastions, Ottoman fortifications offering panoramic city views
- ✓ Savoring local delicacies like Cağ Kebabı and Kadayıf Dolması in traditional Erzurum restaurants
When to visit Erzurum?
CONTINENTAL SUBARCTIC ARIDE
December to March — Perfect for winter sports enthusiasts with abundant snow and clear, cold weather.
What to do in Erzurum?
Local experiences, must-see sights and activities selected for you
How long to visit Erzurum?
For an independent traveler, 2-3 days are ideal to explore Erzurum's main historical sites like the Çifte Minareli Medrese and the Ulu Cami. If you're interested in winter sports or extended trekking in the Palandöken mountains, plan for 5-7 days. Don't rush; take your time to savor the local cuisine and discover hidden gems.
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