Budapest to Istanbul by Bike: 16 Stages Across Southeast Europe

Budapest to Istanbul by bike: 16 stages, around 1,660 km, seven countries. This is not a quick city-to-city ride. It is a full crossing of south-eastern Europe: out of Budapest into the Hungarian plain, past the Tisza, Banat and the Danube, through Serbia’s Morava corridor to Niš, then across North Macedonia into Bulgaria. From Kyustendil and Plovdiv, the route reaches the Rhodope foothills, Edirne and the long final approach into Istanbul.Expect flat days, long transfers, border towns, thermal towns, monasteries, Ottoman bridges, open farmland and the first serious climbs of the trip. It is not a polished cycle path from start to finish. It is a real overland route: quiet in places, demanding in others, and full of stops worth knowing before you ride.Create a free account to see the full route, all stages, highlights and planning details.