How to Get from Istanbul to Bursa (Your Easy Travel Guide)
transportation from istanbul to bursa
Istanbul to Bursa Distance
A quick getaway from Istanbul to Bursa is a great idea! Known for its rich history and stunning natural beauty, Bursa is a must-visit destination in Turkey. Located in the Southern Marmara region, it’s just about a 1-hour drive from Istanbul’s Asian side, and around 2-3 hours from the European side, depending on traffic. As the first capital of the Ottoman Empire, Bursa is home to historic sites and breathtaking landscapes.
If you’re exploring Turkey and wondering how to get to Bursa, don’t worry, it’s easy!
There is no train service from Istanbul to Bursa.
How to Get to Bursa From Istanbul Airport
The easiest and smartest way to get from Istanbul Airport to Bursa is by bus. The Bursa Metropolitan Municipality’s BBUS Istanbul to Bursa bus timeoffers convenient transportation, running directly from Sabiha Gökcen Airport to Bursa. This affordable and hassle-free option ensures you can travel comfortably and quickly to your destination, making your journey to Bursa smooth and easy. Bus tickets cost around $12, though prices may vary.
This service operates between Sabiha Gökcen Airport and Bursa. There is no BBUS service from Istanbul airport.
How Do I Get From Istanbul to Bursa by Ferry?
- To travel to Bursa with BUDO, you’ll need to board the ferry at Istanbul’s Eminönü pier and disembark at Mudanya pier in Bursa.
- IDO has several piers in Istanbul, offering plenty of options for your ferry ride. When you choose IDO, you’ll disembark at the Güzelyalı pier in Bursa.
I prefer BUDO for my trips to Bursa because it’s more cost-effective.
Driving by Car from Istanbul to Bursa
If you’re looking to drive from Istanbul to Bursa, you have 2 options.
Option 1
To drive from Istanbul to Bursa, you can take the Osmangazi Bridge. The toll for crossing the bridge is $21, though prices may vary. You can pay the toll in cash at the crossing.
Option 2
As a second option, you can take the car ferry. IDO operates this service, and you can travel from Istanbul’s Eskihisar pier to Yalova’s Topçular pier. The ferry ride takes about 20 minutes, and the fee is $15.
If you take the Osmangazi Bridge, you can cross to the other side in just 5 minutes. However, if you’re not in a hurry, you can take the car ferry instead. The fees are not per person; you pay a fee per car.
Bus Travel from Istanbul to Bursa
Although Bursa is relatively close to Istanbul, traveling by bus can be tiring. Istanbul is a very crowded city and buses make several stops on the way to Bursa, which can extend your trip.
There are many bus terminals in Istanbul, but I highly recommend buying a ticket from the Ataşehir Dudullu bus terminal. This will allow you to reach Bursa in the fastest and most efficient way.
Istanbul to Bursa Flight
Bursa doesn’t have a major airport, and flights to the city are infrequent. The airport is about a 44-minute drive from the city center.
If you’re flying in, the average cost of a flight is around $68. There are minibus services available from Bursa Yenişehir Airport to the city center.
You can check out my articles about Bursa for more travel tips.
