Kapıkule – Kapitan Andreevo
The main Istanbul–Sofia crossing, used by buses and the overnight train.
All border crossings · Türkiye (Turkey) ⇄ Bulgaria · Road, Rail · checked 2026-09
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The two posts
Hours: 24 hours (check)
Entering Türkiye (Turkey)
Kapıkule · Edirne
- Visa on arrival
- No
- E-visa accepted here
- Yes
Visa-free for many passports; Turkey's e-visa for others. (check)
Entering Bulgaria
Kapitan Andreevo · Svilengrad
- Visa on arrival
- No
- E-visa accepted here
- No
Schengen external border: EU Entry/Exit System registration for non-EU travellers. (check)
Visa answers are for most Western passports and change often. Check yours on entry check and the official e-visa site; for e-visas, the post must be on the country's list of accepted ports.
Getting across
- Overnight buses Istanbul → Sofia, about 8–10 h.
- The Istanbul–Sofia night train, with border checks in the night (check the current route and schedule).
Scams and traps
- Bus staff collecting 'border fees' that do not exist.
- Poor exchange rates at the border shops.
Tips
- Expect a slow truck queue on the road: buses use their own lane.
- Edirne makes a good stop on the Turkish side.
Nearest places
Everything marked check, and every hour and fee, needs confirming before you travel: posts close for holidays, disputes and roadworks with little notice. Written from Voykit's own notes; checked 2026-09.