How do I get from Istanbul to Bursa?

The most scenic route is the IDO ferry from Kabataş or Yenikapı (Istanbul) to Mudanya or Güzelyalı (near Bursa), followed by a 30-minute bus or taxi into the city. Total journey: about 2h30m. The fastest option is a private VIP transfer by road via the Osmangazi Bridge, taking approximately 1h45m–2h30m depending on traffic.

How far is Bursa from Istanbul?

By road via the Osmangazi Bridge (E881 highway): approximately 155 km, taking 1h45m–2h30m in normal conditions. By ferry to Mudanya + bus: the sea crossing takes about 75 minutes, then 30 minutes by bus to Bursa city center. There is no direct train between Istanbul and Bursa.

Is Bursa worth a day trip from Istanbul?

Absolutely — Bursa is one of Turkey's most rewarding day trips. The Green Mosque, Grand Mosque (Ulu Cami), silk bazaar (Kapalı Çarşı), Tophane clock tower views, and Bursa iskender kebab are all must-dos. With an early start, you can see the main highlights comfortably in a day. Many visitors choose to spend one night to allow a morning visit to Uludağ Mountain.

What is the cheapest way from Istanbul to Bursa?

The cheapest option is the IDO ferry to Mudanya followed by a local bus. Round-trip ferry costs approximately 250–350 TRY ($8–12) and the bus to Bursa center adds another 50–80 TRY. Travel time is about 2h30m each way — no luggage storage, standing room only in peak season. For a door-to-door service in 1h45m–2h30m with a professional driver, a VIP transfer from €160 is by far the most convenient option.

Is there a direct ferry from Istanbul to Bursa city center?

There is no ferry directly to Bursa city center. Ferries dock at Mudanya (or Güzelyalı), which is about 30 km from the center of Bursa. From Mudanya, you need to take a local bus (BURULAŞ) or taxi to reach Bursa. The BURULAŞ bus is cheap (~15 TRY) and runs frequently.

What is special about Bursa?

Bursa was the first capital of the Ottoman Empire and is a UNESCO-listed cultural center. It's famous for: the Green Mosque (Yeşil Cami) and Green Tomb, the Grand Mosque (Ulu Cami with 20 domes), the historic silk and covered bazaars, Bursa Iskender Kebab (invented here), Uludağ Ski Resort (2,543m elevation), and the Mudanya coastal promenade. In April, the city blooms with cherry blossoms and wisteria.

Istanbul to Bursa 2026 — Ferry & Transfer Day Trip

Istanbul › Bursa: At a Glance

Option	Duration	Cost	Best For
VIP Transfer (Osmangazi Bridge)	1h45m–2h30m	From €160	Families, groups, comfort
Ferry Kabataş›Mudanya + bus	~2h30m	~$8–12	Scenic but slow, budget
Ferry Yenikapı›Mudanya	~2h15m	~$8	Budget — no luggage assistance
Road bus (Uludağ Ekspres)	~2h	~$6	Budget only, crowded

Bursa — the first capital of the Ottoman Empire — is Istanbul's most accessible and rewarding day trip. Just 155 km away, it packs in UNESCO-listed mosques, Turkey's best kebab, silk bazaars, and a mountain you can ascend by cable car. Here's how to get there and what to do.

Tiled dome and minaret in Bursa's Ottoman core — Bursa was the first Ottoman capital; the historic core is compact enough for a single day.

Option 1: Private VIP Transfer (Fastest, Most Comfortable)

A private VIP transfer from Istanbul to Bursa takes the E5 / TEM highway via the spectacular Osmangazi Bridge — one of the world's longest suspension bridges crossing the Gulf of Izmit. Door-to-door from your Istanbul hotel to any Bursa address in approximately 1h45m–2h30m. Your driver meets you at your hotel, handles luggage, and drops you off at any Bursa location.

Distance: ~155 km
Duration: 1h45–2h30
Price: From €160
Vehicle: VIP van
Available: 24 / 7
Route: Via Osmangazi Bridge

Private VIP Transfer to Bursa Door-to-door from your Istanbul hotel to anywhere in Bursa. Via the scenic Osmangazi Bridge. Professional driver, fixed price.

Book Bursa VIP Transfer

Stone and timber houses along a cobbled street in Cumalıkızık — Cumalıkızık sits a short drive east of the centre — most day plans add it after the mosques.

Option 2: IDO Ferry (Scenic Route)

The ferry route is memorable — you cross the Sea of Marmara and watch Istanbul's skyline fade into the distance. Ferries depart from Kabataş (central Istanbul) or Yenikapı to Mudanya port, where BURULAŞ buses run every 15 minutes to Bursa city center (30 min, ~15 TRY).

Route 1: Kabataş › Mudanya: IDO catamaran · ~75 min · Hourly departures from 07:00
Route 2: Yenikapı › Mudanya: IDO fast ferry · ~80 min · 5 departures daily
Route 3: Kabataş › Güzelyalı: IDO ferry · ~75 min · Güzelyalı is closer to Bursa center
From Mudanya › Bursa: BURULAŞ bus · 30 min · every 15 min · ~15 TRY

Book IDO ferries at ido.com.tr — advisable to book ahead in summer weekends.

Top Things to Do in Bursa

Green Mosque (Yeşil Cami): Ottoman masterpiece from 1419, stunning turquoise tilework interior
Grand Mosque (Ulu Cami): Massive Seljuk mosque with 20 domes and calligraphy-covered walls
Bursa Bazaars (Kapalı Çarşı): Silk bazaar, towel bazaar (Bursa towels are famous), jewellery
Iskender Kebab: Bursa invented this iconic dish — döner on bread with yoghurt & butter
Uludağ Mountain: Cable car (teleferik) to 1,800m. Skiing in winter, trekking in summer
Tophane Clock Tower: Wooden Ottoman houses neighborhood with panoramic city views

Recommended Day Trip Itinerary

08:00: Depart Istanbul by VIP transfer or ferry from Kabataş
10:00–10:30: Arrive Bursa — head straight to Grand Mosque (Ulu Cami)
10:30–11:30: Explore Koza Han silk bazaar and Kapalı Çarşı covered bazaar
11:30–13:00: Visit Green Mosque (Yeşil Cami) and Green Tomb (Yeşil Türbe)
13:00–14:30: Lunch: Iskender Kebab at Kebapçı İskender (original restaurant since 1867)
14:30–16:00: Cable car (Teleferik) up to Uludağ — panoramic mountain views
16:00–17:00: Walk through Tophane historic quarter, views over the city
17:00–18:00: Depart Bursa — return ferry or VIP transfer to Istanbul

Staying the night? See Bursa with your own driver

If you are spending a night or two, the easiest way to see the city is the day after you arrive: a private driver collects you from your hotel and spends six hours taking you to Cumalıkızık, up the cable car, and round the Grand Mosque, Koza Han and the bazaar. €160 per vehicle for up to seven guests; tickets and meals are paid on the day.

See the Bursa day tour ›

Frequently Asked Questions

The most scenic route is the IDO ferry from Kabataş or Yenikapı (Istanbul) to Mudanya or Güzelyalı (near Bursa), followed by a 30-minute bus or taxi into the city. Total journey: about 2h30m. The fastest option is a private VIP transfer by road via the Osmangazi Bridge, taking approximately 1h45m–2h30m depending on traffic.
By road via the Osmangazi Bridge (E881 highway): approximately 155 km, taking 1h45m–2h30m in normal conditions. By ferry to Mudanya + bus: the sea crossing takes about 75 minutes, then 30 minutes by bus to Bursa city center. There is no direct train between Istanbul and Bursa.
Absolutely — Bursa is one of Turkey's most rewarding day trips. The Green Mosque, Grand Mosque (Ulu Cami), silk bazaar (Kapalı Çarşı), Tophane clock tower views, and Bursa iskender kebab are all must-dos. With an early start, you can see the main highlights comfortably in a day. Many visitors choose to spend one night to allow a morning visit to Uludağ Mountain.
The cheapest option is the IDO ferry to Mudanya followed by a local bus. Round-trip ferry costs approximately 250–350 TRY ($8–12) and the bus to Bursa center adds another 50–80 TRY. Travel time is about 2h30m each way — no luggage storage, standing room only in peak season. For a door-to-door service in 1h45m–2h30m with a professional driver, a VIP transfer from €160 is by far the most convenient option.
There is no ferry directly to Bursa city center. Ferries dock at Mudanya (or Güzelyalı), which is about 30 km from the center of Bursa. From Mudanya, you need to take a local bus (BURULAŞ) or taxi to reach Bursa. The BURULAŞ bus is cheap (~15 TRY) and runs frequently.
Bursa was the first capital of the Ottoman Empire and is a UNESCO-listed cultural center. It's famous for: the Green Mosque (Yeşil Cami) and Green Tomb, the Grand Mosque (Ulu Cami with 20 domes), the historic silk and covered bazaars, Bursa Iskender Kebab (invented here), Uludağ Ski Resort (2,543m elevation), and the Mudanya coastal promenade. In April, the city blooms with cherry blossoms and wisteria.

Istanbul to Bursa 2026

Istanbul › Bursa: At a Glance

Option 1: Private VIP Transfer (Fastest, Most Comfortable)

Option 2: IDO Ferry (Scenic Route)

Top Things to Do in Bursa

Recommended Day Trip Itinerary

Staying the night? See Bursa with your own driver

Frequently Asked Questions

Private tours around Istanbul.

Istanbul Old City Tour

Bosphorus Dinner Cruise

Pamukkale Day Trip from Istanbul

Princes' Islands Day Trip

Private transfers in Istanbul.

More to do in Istanbul.

Keep reading

Istanbul to Bursa 2026

Istanbul › Bursa: At a Glance

Option 1: Private VIP Transfer (Fastest, Most Comfortable)

Option 2: IDO Ferry (Scenic Route)

Top Things to Do in Bursa

Recommended Day Trip Itinerary

Staying the night? See Bursa with your own driver

Frequently Asked Questions

Private tours around Istanbul.

Istanbul Old City Tour

Bosphorus Dinner Cruise

Pamukkale Day Trip from Istanbul

Princes' Islands Day Trip

Private transfers in Istanbul.

More to do in Istanbul.

Keep reading