How to get from Istanbul to Kars
A real 2-leg route: bus. Door to door 22h 59m, from €47.
We compared the ways to travel from Istanbul to Kars. The most useful door-to-door route takes 22h 59m by bus, 1 transfer. The two cities are about 1188 km apart in a straight line. The price and operators below come from a real route search.
This is the lowest fare we have recorded for this route in the last 14 days.
This fare comes from a search on August 11, 2026 and has not been refreshed since. Run a live search for today's price.
Istanbul to Kars: cheapest or fastest?
All from the same recent search. Pick a tab: the legs, the timing and the difference from the others all change with it.
- 1Istanbul → ArpaçaybusKafkas Kars Turizm·21h 35m
- 2Arpaçay → Kars AirportbusLocal bus·1h 04m
The best balance of price and time we found on this route.
2 ways from Istanbul to Kars: flight, bus
How the trip from Istanbul to Kars works
Start with a Kafkas Kars Turizm bus from Istanbul to Arpaçay, about 21h 35m. Transfer in Arpaçay and continue by Local bus bus on to Kars (1h 4m). In total it's roughly €47 over 22h 59m, 1 transfer.
Along the way to Kars
DepartureIstanbulWho runs Istanbul to Kars
On this route you travel with Kafkas Kars Turizm, Local bus; Routavio does not add a booking fee.
Istanbul to Kars: common questions
How long does it take to get from Istanbul to Kars?+−
The most useful route takes about 22h 59m by bus, 1 transfer.
How far is Kars from Istanbul?+−
About 1188 km in a straight line. The real route on the ground or in the air is longer.
How much does Istanbul to Kars cost?+−
The best price in our latest search was €47. The exact fare depends on your travel date.
Which operators run Istanbul to Kars?+−
On this route you travel with Kafkas Kars Turizm, Local bus.
Can you get from Istanbul to Kars without flying?+−
Yes. A ground route by bus takes about 22h 59m.
What is the cheapest way to get from Istanbul to Kars?+−
Usually a flexible date, or leaving from a nearby airport. A live search puts every option for your dates side by side.
Can I book directly?+−
Yes. Routavio sends you straight to the operator or an independent third-party provider. We never add a booking fee. The final fare and availability are confirmed by that provider.
Where to next
Other ways people search Istanbul to Kars
- how to get from Istanbul to Kars
- Istanbul to Kars travel time
- Istanbul to Kars distance
- cheapest way from Istanbul to Kars
- Istanbul to Kars by bus