Bus From ISTANBUL to SOFIA Bulgaria 🇧🇬 | Is It Worth It???

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  • čas přidán 13. 10. 2021
  • First of all. We're going back a few weeks here. I'm already vaccinated!
    This video is to show if taking the bus from Istanbul, Turkey to Sofia, Bulgaria is actually worth the hassle.
    Included in the video are prices, journey time, crossing the border from Turkey into the EU and an overall idea of the experience.
    I had an amazing time in Turkey. I hope my videos show that.
    I decided to go west and head through the Balkans. First stop Bulgaria.
    Please remember to LIKE and SUBSCRIBE and COMMENT if you enjoy the video. It really helps with the algorithm.
    Sofia, Bulgaria will the the first of many more places I'll be visiting and vlogging my experiences.
    Thanks for watching.

Komentáře • 107

  • @roamingalone5226
    @roamingalone5226 Před 10 měsíci +3

    I like this video because i like the content of in transit between countries. A lot of youtuber missed that which is important for the independent traveler. Too many youtuber skip this part and zoom into the big cities where almost all the youtubers did the same content.

    • @PaulTheIrishPainter
      @PaulTheIrishPainter  Před 9 měsíci +1

      Thanks for that feedback. I'm sorry I'm only getting around to reading your comment

  • @victorleon9441
    @victorleon9441 Před 8 měsíci +2

    Great content, I'm takinf that bus in 3 weeks a year after you did. Thanks for answering all of my questions. The money exchange machine was what I was looking for.

  • @chris-channel
    @chris-channel Před 10 měsíci +2

    This is a very comfortable bus. 2+1 seat rows instead of 2+2 as usual. I wish Flixbus would be like that.

    • @PaulTheIrishPainter
      @PaulTheIrishPainter  Před 9 měsíci

      I was also lucky because so few peope were traveling at that time

  • @sgreen757
    @sgreen757 Před 4 měsíci

    I did the night train a couple of months ago, and really enjoyed it.

  • @salorsr119
    @salorsr119 Před 2 lety +2

    You do a great job giving many details of your trips! great job!

  • @wezdarsit
    @wezdarsit Před 10 měsíci +1

    Great looking hostel have a great journey interesting to see your trip I used to go to Turkey by truck years ago 👍😊🚚

  • @levinawalsh2015
    @levinawalsh2015 Před 2 lety +3

    Great Video Paul👍. A lot of the scenery DID look like Ireland☘😀. Really Good information. Looking forward to seeing Sofia.

  • @robertrussell4867
    @robertrussell4867 Před 2 lety +1

    Love that journey through Turkey mate can’t wait to see what’s next keep it up mate 👊🏼👊🏼👊🏼

    • @PaulTheIrishPainter
      @PaulTheIrishPainter  Před 2 lety

      Thanks Robert glad you're still here watching 👍

    • @robertrussell4867
      @robertrussell4867 Před 2 lety

      I’m always watching mate keep up with the videos love it Great content 👊🏼👊🏼

  • @hughcrinionful
    @hughcrinionful Před rokem +1

    I am doing the trip IST - Plovdiv. Useful info thanks

    • @PaulTheIrishPainter
      @PaulTheIrishPainter  Před rokem

      Thanks Hugh I'm glad to hear it 👍. So you know I only passed through. I heard from other travelers Plovdiv is well worth visiting. Have a good one 👍

  • @fidgetspinner343
    @fidgetspinner343 Před 2 lety +2

    Such a great channel 👍

  • @MadDogsandEnglishman
    @MadDogsandEnglishman Před 2 lety +2

    My goodness, you are all over the place Paul 🤣 Good luck with your journey.

  • @Kvtom025
    @Kvtom025 Před rokem +1

    Hi Paul, thank you very much for your videos, they are both entertaining and incredibly helpful. Currently looking at your Balkan videos as I’m planning to go there soon, but I was just wondering: you have been on so many different locations, which country or city worldwide do you still remember as the beauty or something else stunned you so much? I recently went to Capri and the beauty absolutely stunned me, I was curious if you had similar experiences and where you had them? Thanks!!

    • @PaulTheIrishPainter
      @PaulTheIrishPainter  Před rokem

      Hi Tom. Thanks a million for your comment. Off the top of my head I'd have to say Kyoto Japan because I lived in Osaka which is near so I often went on my day off. In the Balkans some of the drives are incredible. The train from Belgrade to Bar Montenegro had some of the best views I've seen. Bus from Tirana to Ohrid Macedonia also amazing. The sunflower fields in Bulgaria. I didn't really make road vlogs but being on the road was an amazing part of traveling in the Balkans and Eastern Europe so I highly recommend getting around as much as possible. I can't think of a better place to travel for so many reasons. You've been to Capri so I'm guessing that will be hard to top though 😉

  • @jimlatifis1918
    @jimlatifis1918 Před 2 lety +2

    Interesting to find your impressions of Sophia Paul Are you travelling back to Greece after Bulgaria Enjoying your videos Take care Buddy
    Pa

    • @PaulTheIrishPainter
      @PaulTheIrishPainter  Před 2 lety +1

      Thanks Jimmy. Greece would have been easy from Bulgaria but I'm trying to tick off boxes while I have the chance. Romania and through the balkans this time round 😉

  • @maxharris4472
    @maxharris4472 Před 2 lety +2

    Man you got me with that banana joke .. half in Turkey and the other half in Bulgaria.

    • @PaulTheIrishPainter
      @PaulTheIrishPainter  Před 2 lety

      I almost left it out of editing so I'm glad now I left it in thanks a lot Max 👍

  • @bobstermaher
    @bobstermaher Před 2 lety +2

    Nice video pal!.. We thinking of going to instanbul from Bulgaria ( sunny beach) for day and night. What you think of Istanbul mate?

    • @PaulTheIrishPainter
      @PaulTheIrishPainter  Před 2 lety +2

      Thanks pal 👍. Do it for sure. Istanbul is a top city. Loads to see during the day and great nightlife in the Taksim area. Unfortunately for me I was there during the curfew. Should be all back to normal now. When I was in Bulgaria I skipped Sunny beach as I was trying to get over a dose of food poisoning so avoiding any partying. Will have to go back I hear its a great spot

  • @laissezfairez
    @laissezfairez Před 5 měsíci

    Did you not able to do anything at Plodiv?

  • @mnurghoyatulamin4051
    @mnurghoyatulamin4051 Před 11 měsíci +1

    What is the link to reserve the bus in advance?

  • @AjWaniOyeitsUncut
    @AjWaniOyeitsUncut Před rokem

    Brother from which station in Istanbul did you get the bus Sofia what is the name of the station

  • @abdullahshaaban2340
    @abdullahshaaban2340 Před 2 lety +1

    Great video Paul , just curious , once you entered the passport control they probably asked you to not film anymore , the control per say , how does it work ? when you say passport check as if eye check or scanners or how does it work ? i saw something in a clip from sofia to serbia , it was very basic , they check you and your passport picture and then they just stamp your pass . thanks paul looking forward for a newer content

    • @PaulTheIrishPainter
      @PaulTheIrishPainter  Před rokem

      Thanks for the comment Abdullah. If I remember correctly the passport control was pretty hi-tech. They had computers that scanned the passport but I can't remember if they took a photo or took a finger print on the machine. I definitely did one of them. I just remember the the room and the green neon lights on the machine and thought to myself this is modern technology. So I believe that border has more security than any of the others I went through when in the Balkans. I hope this is helpful. I'll travel to Canada this week so will make new content soon 👍

    • @abdullahshaaban2340
      @abdullahshaaban2340 Před rokem

      @@PaulTheIrishPainter very helpful ! Thanks and looking forward to your Canada content , you’re killin it Paul ! Safe trips .

    • @PaulTheIrishPainter
      @PaulTheIrishPainter  Před rokem

      Glad to hear it thanks a lot pal 👍

  • @RositsaPetrovarjp7
    @RositsaPetrovarjp7 Před 2 lety +1

    Good approach on the taxi drivers. So true!

    • @PaulTheIrishPainter
      @PaulTheIrishPainter  Před 2 lety +1

      Everywhere! Just happened to a Canadian friend in Dublin a few days ago. So disappointing as Dublin taxi drivers already make very good money

  • @Shaukatali-vd3ov
    @Shaukatali-vd3ov Před rokem +1

    Hey Paul does the border security making authentic doc control or just formality?

    • @PaulTheIrishPainter
      @PaulTheIrishPainter  Před rokem

      The border was pretty hi-tech from what I remember. They had a room with machines for checking passports

  • @huskytail
    @huskytail Před 2 lety +2

    You can also hire a car and leave it at the airport and then take the metro line in Sofia. Depending on the budget of course.

    • @PaulTheIrishPainter
      @PaulTheIrishPainter  Před 2 lety +2

      I'm afraid to risk driving on the right side of the road 😂. But thanks for the advice 👍

  • @travel_with_judith3
    @travel_with_judith3 Před 2 lety +1

    ❤️❤️❤️👍

  • @AjWaniOyeitsUncut
    @AjWaniOyeitsUncut Před rokem

    Brother tell me the name of the station please

  • @bizsite6970
    @bizsite6970 Před rokem

    Hi there Paul..first of all..Love your accent....second: Do these buses have toilet? Because most of Turkish buses don´t! Cheers and greetings from Brazil!

  • @charliemosan
    @charliemosan Před 11 měsíci

    5:28 that definitely looks like Ireland hahha

  • @vernemassengo1658
    @vernemassengo1658 Před rokem

    What to do for travelling for turky to Bulgaria in the bus? What papers they oblige?

    • @PaulTheIrishPainter
      @PaulTheIrishPainter  Před rokem +1

      For EU citizens we just have to show passports at passport control leaving Turkey and again entering Bulgaria.

  • @aminatutahiru1687
    @aminatutahiru1687 Před 2 lety

    If I am a ghanaian staying at turkey and I wanna travel to Bulgaria can I use the metrol bus or

    • @PaulTheIrishPainter
      @PaulTheIrishPainter  Před 2 lety

      I believe taking a bus is no different than flying as you have to show your passport at border control while leaving Turkey amd again while entering Bulgaria. So it depends if Bulgaria allow you. I'm Irish and have an EU passport so it was very smooth for me.

    • @vernemassengo1658
      @vernemassengo1658 Před rokem

      I m at Istanbul an I want to go to sofia what to do?

  • @farzanasultana8352
    @farzanasultana8352 Před rokem +1

    Is there any overnight bus ? turkey to Sofia?

    • @PaulTheIrishPainter
      @PaulTheIrishPainter  Před rokem +1

      I believe there is but it wasn't running when I was there because so few people were traveling. Travel is good again there so i guess its running. The website 'get by bus' should show the running times 👍

    • @farzanasultana8352
      @farzanasultana8352 Před rokem +1

      @@PaulTheIrishPainter thank u so much

  • @sarabasha4408
    @sarabasha4408 Před 2 lety +2

    I liked your video!
    I've checked several bus tickets and the cheapest are 350 liras. Where did you book your ticket from? Bus company name? And was it a positive experience overall?

    • @PaulTheIrishPainter
      @PaulTheIrishPainter  Před 2 lety +2

      Hi Sara. I'm glad you liked the video 👍.
      I bought my ticket at the Esenler Otogari International bus station. I believe its the main international bus station in Istanbul. It was the Metro bus. At the station you'll find 2 or 3 shops with the Metro signs. The ticket cost 250 lira. I guess the prices have gone up now that travel is almost back to normal. My overall experience was pretty good. The bus journey was very relaxing. It stopped every two hours for a break where we could buy food and drinks. Some beautiful views of the sunflower fields especially when you enter Bulgaria. We didn't have to wait long at border control. I don't know how it will be now that more people are traveling. I guess a full bus wouldn't be as comfortable. But going from my experience I do recommend taking the bus if you're not in such a rush.

    • @sarabasha4408
      @sarabasha4408 Před 2 lety +2

      @@PaulTheIrishPainter I just read a lot of bad reviews on buses to Bulgaria and wanted to hear atleast one positive one lol. Thank you so much for your reply. Hope I go there soon

    • @PaulTheIrishPainter
      @PaulTheIrishPainter  Před 2 lety +2

      @@sarabasha4408 packed buses on long journeys can be tough especially if traveling alone and not sitting with a friend. Though I can say this was definitely one of the better long bus journeys I've experienced. If you go for it I hope you won't be cursing me later 😂

    • @sarabasha4408
      @sarabasha4408 Před 2 lety +1

      @@PaulTheIrishPainter Yeah, I can imagine how uncomfortable that may be. I hope so too lol

    • @PaulTheIrishPainter
      @PaulTheIrishPainter  Před 2 lety +1

      @@sarabasha4408 good luck on your journey if you decide to go 👍

  • @pyrosonic836
    @pyrosonic836 Před 10 měsíci

    are you still proud to be vaccinated?

  • @wqr494
    @wqr494 Před 2 lety +1

    bulgaria is part of schengen right?

  • @fouadmouloudj1684
    @fouadmouloudj1684 Před rokem

    I have a Turkish passport. How much is the visa to Sofia by bus?

    • @PaulTheIrishPainter
      @PaulTheIrishPainter  Před rokem

      You mean how much is a bus ticket? This was last year all the info I have is in the video

  • @subscribers151
    @subscribers151 Před rokem +1

    hi paul

  • @ronlimedina7575
    @ronlimedina7575 Před rokem

    Do you know if you still need a covid test?

    • @PaulTheIrishPainter
      @PaulTheIrishPainter  Před rokem

      I was there more than a year ago but I'm almost certain you won't need for Bulgaria. Sorry I'm only seeing this now

  • @extremegaming3671
    @extremegaming3671 Před 2 lety

    was there free internet in the bus ?

    • @PaulTheIrishPainter
      @PaulTheIrishPainter  Před 2 lety

      Yes but it didn't work. The driver said it usually works. Sorry I forgot to add that in the video

  • @mohammedaminebentaibi6777

    Say
    So where I'm from we travel to Turkey Visa free
    If i got there could i get this bus to bulgaria then greece for example? Or do i need a visa?
    Thank you

    • @PaulTheIrishPainter
      @PaulTheIrishPainter  Před 2 lety

      Luckily for me I don't need a visa for any of those countries with an Irish passport. They do check passports so I reckon you will need a visa for Bulgaria or Greece if you're not from an EU country unfortunately

    • @mohammedaminebentaibi6777
      @mohammedaminebentaibi6777 Před 2 lety

      @@PaulTheIrishPainter right thanks have a good day

    • @PaulTheIrishPainter
      @PaulTheIrishPainter  Před 2 lety

      @@mohammedaminebentaibi6777 you too 👍

    • @SalehRealist
      @SalehRealist Před 8 měsíci

      The Irish passport is even better and more stronger then the British passport nowadays get in there paul 👍

  • @gray4551
    @gray4551 Před rokem +2

    I understand your accent 😂

  • @vernemassengo1658
    @vernemassengo1658 Před rokem

    With a residence EU card you can not take the bus?

    • @PaulTheIrishPainter
      @PaulTheIrishPainter  Před rokem

      I took the bus with an Irish passport. I had to show my passport to bus driver and again at Turkey border and again Bulgaria border. I don't know about an EU card. If EU card can work same as passport then maybe you're fine.

  • @KattieMetChris
    @KattieMetChris Před 2 lety

    It’s really nice when they swab your mouth.😃Sub’d😃 We are planning on doing the reverse trip. Check out some places we have traveled. Great information.

    • @PaulTheIrishPainter
      @PaulTheIrishPainter  Před 2 lety

      Thanks guys. I've just Sub'd. You're on a great adventure. I'm back in Ireland saving for my next trip 👍. Will checkout your videos later. Looks like a great channel

    • @KattieMetChris
      @KattieMetChris Před 2 lety +1

      @@PaulTheIrishPainter Thank you! 🙏🙏

  • @DateTwoRelate
    @DateTwoRelate Před rokem

    PTSD for a COVID shot? Glad it didn't happen. I was in therapy for 6 months thanks to my last prostate exam! (Kidding)

  • @eddielloyd4070
    @eddielloyd4070 Před 2 lety

    sadly you are wrong about bylgarian taxis ,,they are really cheap and honest also ,lived here 7 years and never had a problem with them ,,

    • @PaulTheIrishPainter
      @PaulTheIrishPainter  Před 2 lety

      That's good to hear. I did eventually take a couple of taxis and had no problems 👍

  • @HK-ic7cj
    @HK-ic7cj Před rokem +1

    شو الفرق بيني وبينك انا إنسان وانت ايضاً والله خلقنا لماذا السفر بالنسبة إلي عبارة عن عذاب وقتل وإهانة وبالنسبة لك عبارة عن فيديو للترفيه أحيانا بسأل نفسي معقول أنا لستُ إنسان.........

  • @vernemassengo1658
    @vernemassengo1658 Před rokem

    An African can do this way too?

    • @PaulTheIrishPainter
      @PaulTheIrishPainter  Před rokem

      Sorry I'm only seeing your comment. It's just like taking a flight we had to show passports leaving Turkey and entering Bulgaria. If you don't have a visa to enter you won't be able to do it.

  • @mpendaseck46
    @mpendaseck46 Před rokem

    Ben numéro lasim

  • @attakennethattakenneth1313

    Hw much

  • @mauj911
    @mauj911 Před rokem

    What language is that 😂😂😂😂

  • @emmiekrack3050
    @emmiekrack3050 Před 11 měsíci

    Great video 😂
    I can I get ur email