How to get to Bursa from Istanbul

If you need to get to Bursa from one of the airports in Istanbul and other cities, read about it in detail here. This article describes how to get to Bursa directly from the center of Istanbul, which can only be done by bus, ferry, or taxi.

Briefly about the ways to get from Istanbul to Bursa:

• By taxi. The trip will take 2.5-3 hours, will cost from 600 lira per trip. It is better to arrange a trip in advance, it will be cheaper.
• By bus. Buses from the main bus station of Istanbul depart around the clock, 3-4 hours on the way. The fare is 40-60 lire. Buses arrive at the bus station 10 kilometers from the city, from where you can get to the center by city buses.
• On the ferry. Depart from two marinas to Sultanahmet tourist area according to the schedule 4-8 times a day. On the way, one and a half to two hours, but then you still have to go from the pier to the center of Bursa by bus and possibly with a transfer by Metro, a total of 3 hours on the way. Tickets cost 29-40 lire.

And now more about all the ways:

Taxi

A taxi on the meter from Istanbul to Bursa is unlikely to be found, so you will have to agree on a fixed cost of the trip. Moreover, it is better to do it in advance on the eve of the trip, then you can negotiate cheaper. The car can be found through the reception of hotels, apartment owners or guest houses, directly from taxi drivers on the street. The cost will depend on your ability to bargain, but in general it is worth counting on the amount of 600 lire for a one-way trip.

You can also book an online tourist transfer from Kixitaxi:

By bus

Istanbul and Bursa are connected by frequent bus service, and this is generally a good option to get there. Buses are comfortable, some even offer snacks and water. The only disadvantage of buses is the possibility of getting stuck in traffic, which is why instead of the usual 3-4 hours the trip can take 5 hours or more.

From Istanbul, buses depart from the main bus station (Esenler Otogari, aka Buyuk Otogari or Bayrampasa Otogari, Istanbul bus station on the map). It can be reached by Metro lines M1A and M1B (learn more about Istanbul city transport and how to get around here).

But it is even more convenient to leave Harem bus station in Kadikoy district (Harem bus station on the map). It is a relatively small bus station for buses to commuter destinations, and many buses from the main Esenler call here and also depart direct. Conveniently, Harem is very easily accessible from Eminonu Marina in Istanbul's tourist district of Sulatanahmet by ferry to Harem Marina, which is directly opposite the bus station.

Buses to Bursa depart frequently, including night buses. Departure every 10-30 minutes, at night 30-60 minutes. Travel costs 40-60 lire, 3-4 hours on the way (according to plan).

There are several carriers along the route, so at the bus station you will be offered to buy a ticket in this direction at different ticket offices. Check the schedule in advance and book a ticket here - https://www.tikobilet.com/otobus-bileti/bursa.

Buses arrive in Bursa at the Intercity bus terminal or Otogar bus station 10 kilometers from the city (Bursa bus station on the map). From it to the hotel in the city can be reached by taxi for 40 lira, or by city buses No. 38, 93, 94, 96 for 2.4 lira. The most suitable for tourists are No. 38 and 96 (see Route # 38 on the map, Route # 96 on the map), since they go directly to the central tourist area of Osmangazi. But keep in mind that Route 38 splits into several more sub-routes, each of which also goes to Osmangazi, but some strongly detour. The fastest are 38, 38/D, 38/G, and 38/D-2 does not go to the district at all. In order not to make a mistake with the choice of mrashrut, it is better to decide in advance on the most suitable route maps, which can be viewed here - https://www.burulas.com.tr. To do this, select the desired route from the list on the site, or enter a number in the search box, and click on the map icon next to it. There you can also see the schedule and fare.

City buses depart from the final bus station of city buses, which is on the right 200 meters from the exit of their bus station. To pay for the trip, you need to buy a Bukart credit card for 7 lira, replenish it, and when entering the bus to pay, touch the reader. The card is sold and replenished in automatic terminals at the bus station of city buses, or in a small shop to the right of the exit from the bus station. Terminals accept only cash, change is credited to the card account. See more about Bukart map here.

Also from the bus station to the Central Osmangazi district to the stop near the main mosque Ulu Camii there are minibuses with the inscription HEYKEL, payment in them in cash.

By ferry

This is a good alternative to the bus, because they bypass traffic jams, besides they are even cheaper than bus travel. But you still have to use the bus to get from the pier to Bursa. Keep in mind that different ferries come/go to different marinas in Bursa.

Ferries go one and a half to two hours, but the whole route will take about three. Also keep in mind that in bad weather, flights are canceled, which can be found on the carriers ' websites (see below).

So, there are at least two options. Which one to choose depends on which Marina is easier for you to reach from your location in the city.

• From Eminonu/Sirkeci jetty in Istanbul

  Eminonu / Sirkeci pier is located in the tourist area of Sultanahmet near the Galata Bridge (Marina on the map. It can be reached by tram line T1, by the Marmaray city train to Sirkeci station from the Asian part of the city, or by buses (see read more about Istanbul city transport here).

  BUDA ferries run from here to BUDA Marina in Mudanya (Mudanya, Pier on the map). They are sent 5-8 times a day according to the schedule, which can be specified on the carrier's website - https://budo.burulas.com.tr/. Tickets are also available there. The fare is 40 liras, children and students 33, children under 6 years old without a separate seat-free of charge.

• From Yenikapi or Kadikoy jetty in Istanbul

  Yenikapi Ferry Terminal is also centrally located near the tourist area of Sultanahmet (Yenikapi Marina on the map. It can be reached by Metro lines M1A, M1B, M2, buses. Kadikoy pier is located in the Asian part (Kadikoy Marina on the map).

  From this pier there are IDO ferries to guzelyalı pier in Mudanya (Mudanya Marina on the map. They are sent up to 8 times a day according to the schedule available on the carrier's website - https://www.ido.com.tr/. Cost from 29 to 40 liras depending on the day of the week and time of departure, children discounts, up to 6 years free of charge. Unfortunately, it is not possible to buy tickets for non-Turkish citizens on the site, since the purchase requires entering TCKN, which is assigned only to residents of the country. But in principle, buying a ticket at the pier before sailing is not difficult.

Upon arrival at any of the marinas in Mudanya, Bursa can be reached by taxi, city buses, or minibuses (see Bursa Transport, what to use). City buses 1/M, F/1, F / 3 pass by both marinas, but from Guzelyalı you will have to walk 1 kilometer to the main road. 1/GY and F/2 are shipped directly from Guzelyalı. Only buses F/3 and F/2 go directly to the tourist center of Bursa, and the rest will have to change by Metro at Emek station or by other transport. To pay for buses and Metro, you will need to buy a BursaKart transport card at the vending machine, which is available on both Piers.

And here are the bus routes on the map for reference:

• 1/M (2.4 lire, go often)
• F/1 (3.85 lire, go often)
• F/3 (7.5 lira, rarely go on schedule)
• 1/GY(2.4 lire, go often)
• F/2 (7.5 lira, rarely go on schedule)