
Planning a trip from Bursa to Istanbul? You're in for a treat! The two cities are connected by a scenic route that takes you through picturesque countryside and historic towns.
The driving distance between Bursa and Istanbul is approximately 320 kilometers, and the journey typically takes around 3-4 hours depending on traffic conditions.
Take a bus from Bursa's main bus station, which is conveniently located near the city center, and enjoy the scenic views along the way.
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Travel to Istanbul
To travel to Istanbul from Bursa, Turkey, you have a few options. You can take the train, which offers high-speed trains and long-distance trains that run overnight.
Turkey's train network makes it easy to get to Istanbul, and you can book your ticket via the links provided or locally at a train station.
If you can't catch a train, there are many bus connections available, and you can also book those tickets via the same links.
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Getting Around
Bursa to Istanbul is easily accessible by bus, with several companies offering daily services. The journey takes approximately 3 hours.
You can also take the train from Bursa's Uludağ University Station to Istanbul's Halkalı Station, which takes around 2.5 hours.
The train is a convenient option, especially if you're traveling with a lot of luggage or prefer a more relaxed journey.
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Cheap Ferry Trips
If you're looking for a budget-friendly way to travel between Bursa and Istanbul, consider taking a ferry. One option is the IDO ferry, which costs €10.33 and departs from Mudanya at 08:30.
The BUDO ferry is another affordable option, with tickets priced at €11.02. You can catch this ferry from Mudanya to Istanbul Europe at 08:00 or 09:30.
Here are the cheapest ferry options available:
Cheapest Way to Istanbul
If you're looking for the cheapest way to get to Istanbul, you might want to consider taking a ferry. For example, an IDO ferry trip from Mudanya to Istanbul Anatolia costs €10.33 on April 26, 2025.
You can choose from a few different ferry operators, including IDO and BUDO. BUDO, for instance, offers a trip from Mudanya to Istanbul Europe's Eminonu port for €11.02 on the same day.
One option to consider is the 08:30 IDO ferry from Mudanya to Istanbul Anatolia, which is available for purchase.
Here are some ferry options from Mudanya to Istanbul:
Fastest Trips from Istanbul
If you're short on time, consider taking a domestic flight from Istanbul's Sabiha Gokcen Airport to reach other parts of Turkey quickly.
The fastest domestic flights are to Izmir, which takes approximately 1 hour and 15 minutes, and to Ankara, which takes about 1 hour and 20 minutes.
For a more leisurely journey, you can take a train from Istanbul's Sirkeci Station to reach the nearby city of Edirne in about 2 hours.
The scenic train ride along the Sea of Marmara to Bandirma takes around 2 hours and 30 minutes.
If you prefer to drive, the fastest route from Istanbul to Bursa takes around 2 hours via the O-5 highway.
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Planning Your Trip
Bursa is a district with a distinctive Ottoman identity, defined by its unique Turkish architecture that blossomed in the 14th century. This style is characterized by multi-tiered and colourful buildings.
The Bursa ferry terminal is easily reached from the city via the D575 motorway, which is serviced by inter-city buses. You can also take a BUDO line service, which makes the short northwards journey across the Sea of Marmara, taking foot passengers to Istanbul on the opposite shore.
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Ticket Purchase
To buy a ticket from Bursa to Istanbul, you can compare prices on 12go, which allows you to purchase train or bus tickets from different companies on this connection.
Omio offers a user-friendly booking system with good prices, and you can even get e-tickets from them.
You can also buy your train ticket directly from Turkish Railways, but it's worth checking prices on Omio first.
To get the best deal, consider purchasing your train ticket online on Omio, as they often have competitive prices.
Buying a ticket at 12go is a great option if you want to compare prices and find the cheapest option for your journey.
Popular Airlines

AJet is a popular airline option from Bursa to İstanbul, with fares starting from $144.
Typically, AJet's round-trip fares range from $160 to $265.
If you're looking for more options, AJet operates 1414 weekly connecting flights from YEI to SAW.
These flights depart every Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday, and Sunday.
You can find flights from AJet starting at $144.
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Guide
As you start planning your trip to Bursa, it's essential to know that the region is built on gradually rising hills overlooking the Gulf of Gemlik inlet of the Sea of Marmara.
Getting to Bursa is relatively easy, with eight daily sailings from Mudanya to Istanbul operated by BUDO. This picturesque setting offers a glimpse into the region's rich history of seafaring.
The area is known for its distinctive Ottoman identity, which is reflected in the Turkish architecture that blossomed in Bursa during the 14th century. This unique style is characterized by multi-tiered and colourful buildings.
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Bursa is also famous for its thermal springs, making it the perfect destination for a traditional Turkish bath experience. The local kebabs are well worth trying, and you can find bustling bazaars and small museums throughout the area.
The Bursa ferry terminal is easily reached from the city via the D575 motorway, which is serviced by inter-city buses that run directly from the port in Mudanya to the nearby centre of Bursa.
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Istanbul Information
Istanbul is a vibrant and historic city, located on the Bosphorus Strait, which connects Europe and Asia.
The city has a rich cultural heritage, with landmarks like the Hagia Sophia, a former Byzantine church and Ottoman mosque, and the Blue Mosque, one of the largest mosques in the world.
Istanbul is a popular tourist destination, attracting over 13 million visitors annually, making it one of the most visited cities in the world.
The city's strategic location has made it a hub for trade and commerce, with the Bosphorus Strait being an important waterway for international shipping.
Getting to Istanbul from Bursa is relatively easy, with buses and trains available, and a journey time of around 3-4 hours.
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Trip Options
You have a few options for getting from Bursa to Istanbul, and the prices vary depending on the ferry operator and departure time.
IDO ferry trips cost €10.33.
You can take an IDO ferry from Mudanya to Istanbul Anatolia, specifically to Kadıkoy, on Saturdays.
The earliest ferry from Mudanya to Istanbul is offered by BUDO, departing at 08:00.
BUDO ferry trips cost €11.02.
You can take a BUDO ferry from Mudanya to Istanbul Europe, specifically to Eminonu, on Saturdays.
There are two BUDO ferry options available on Saturdays: one departing at 08:00 and another at 09:30.
Here are the details:
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it worth visiting Bursa Turkey?
Bursa, Turkey is a must-visit destination due to its well-preserved Ottoman architecture and charming narrow streets. Its unique blend of history and charm makes it a worthwhile addition to any travel itinerary.
How do I get to Bursa from Istanbul?
To get to Bursa from Istanbul, you have several options including taking the bus, train, driving, or taking a taxi. The most convenient and cost-effective option depends on your personal preference and time constraints.
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