Getting There & Away: Bursa

Air Travel

Major Airports

Most international travelers use Istanbul's main airports as their entry point to Türkiye and then travel to Bursa.

Istanbul Gateways

Sabiha Gökçen International Airport (SAW): On Istanbul's Asian side, approx. 170 km from Bursa.
A major hub for Pegasus Airlines, with many international carriers. Offers budget-friendly flights.
Istanbul Airport (IST): On Istanbul's European side, approx. 230 km from Bursa.

Airlines and Routes

IST is the main international hub for Turkish Airlines and many global airlines, with extensive worldwide connections. It generally caters to a wider range of airlines and destinations.

Flight Details

Turkish Airlines, Pegasus Airlines, and AnadoluJet operate from Istanbul airports.
Frequent domestic connections within Türkiye and international routes.
Direct flights to Istanbul airports from major global hubs.

Duty-Free Shopping

Both IST and SAW offer comprehensive duty-free shopping options for departing travelers.

Dining Options

A wide array of restaurants, cafes, and fast-food choices cater to diverse tastes at both airports.

Car Rental & Lounges

International and local car rental agencies, currency exchange, ATMs, and airport lounges are available.

Airport Transfers to Bursa

From Sabiha Gökçen SAW

Bus: Direct services by Havabus and Burulaş to Bursa Otogar (2-3 hours).
Sea Bus: Bus/taxi to Pendik/Kadıköy, then fast ferry to Güzelyalı/Mudanya (2-3 hours travel, excluding transfers).
Private Transfer: Pre-booked door-to-door service directly to Bursa.
Taxi: Hire at the airport; most expensive option.

From Istanbul Airport IST

Bus: Havaş shuttle to Yenikapı ferry or Esenler Otogar for long-distance buses.
Sea Bus: Connect via Havaş to Yenikapı, then sea bus to Bursa (variable travel time).
Private Transfer: Comfortable but costlier direct travel.
Taxi: Available at the airport for direct service.

Seasonal Flight Availability and Prices

Consistent Availability

Flight availability to Istanbul remains consistent year-round due to its major international hub status.

Price Peaks

Prices tend to elevate during peak seasons (summer months, major national and religious holidays like Eid al-Fitr and Eid al-Adha).

Lower Fares

Fares are generally lower during shoulder or low seasons. Booking flights well in advance is recommended for better rates. Check Dollar Flight Club or Skyscanner for deals.

Land Transportation

Train Connections

Türkiye's high-speed rail network (YHT) is growing, but no direct high-speed rail connects to Bursa city center yet.

High-Speed Rail & Future Plans

The high-speed line links Istanbul (Pendik station) and Ankara.
From Pendik, travelers connect to Bursa via bus or sea bus services.
Future plans include a high-speed line directly to Bursa, but it is not operational for passenger service yet.

Long-Distance Buses

Long-distance buses are the most common and effective way to journey to Bursa from other Turkish cities.

Bus Terminal & Services

Bursa Intercity Bus Terminal (Bursa Otogarı) is a major hub.
It links Bursa to virtually every corner of Türkiye.
Companies like Kamil Koç, Metro Turizm, and Pamukkale Turizm offer frequent, comfortable, and reliable services.

Self-Driving & Requirements

For greater independence, consider renting a car.

Rental Details

Minimum age (usually 21 or 25) for rental, with valid national driving license and International Driving Permit (IDP).
A credit card in the driver's name is needed for the security deposit.
Major international companies (Avis, Hertz, Enterprise) and local Turkish companies operate here. DiscoverCars.com offers good comparison.

Road Conditions & Safety

Roads to and from Bursa are generally in good condition.

Driving Information

Major highways (e.g., O-5 motorway to Istanbul) are well-maintained toll roads.
Rental cars usually come with HGS tags for electronic tolls.
Traffic can be heavy and chaotic in city centers; defensive driving is wise.

Border Crossing Info if applicable

Bursa is inland, so direct land border crossings are not typical for international arrivals.
If entering Türkiye via a land border, verify correct visa and documentation for that specific crossing.
Ensure all required travel documents are in order before approaching any land border.

Secondary roads can vary in quality.
Rental companies often provide snow chains or winter tires during the snowy season.
Always exercise caution and adjust to local driving styles.

Sea/River Arrivals

Ferry Services & Ports

Sea transportation features a scenic and simple way to reach Bursa from Istanbul.

Istanbul to Bursa Ferries

Fast ferries (deniz otobüsü) link Istanbul to terminals in Bursa province.
Operators İDO and BUDO run from Istanbul terminals (Yenikapı, Eminönü, Kadıköy) to Güzelyalı and Mudanya.
The journey lasts approximately 1.5 to 2 hours.

Immigration & Connections

This travel route is highly recommended for its comfort and views.

Seamless Travel

Immigration procedures handle upon initial entry into Türkiye (e.g., at Istanbul airports).
Sea bus travel from Istanbul to Bursa is domestic, so no further immigration checks at Bursa's ferry terminals.
From Güzelyalı and Mudanya, local public buses (Burulaş) and taxis are available to Bursa city center.

Scenic Journey

Enjoy panoramic views of the Marmara Sea and coastline.

Comfortable Ride

Modern fast ferries offer a smooth and relaxing travel experience.

Efficient Travel

Direct connections shorten travel time between Istanbul and Bursa's coastal towns.

Departure Information

Exit Fees or Taxes

No specific exit fees or taxes are levied on tourists departing Türkiye by air or land.

Cost Inclusion

These costs are typically included in your flight or bus ticket prices.
Review your ticket details to confirm included fees.
No hidden fees are generally expected for departure.

Departure Procedures & Timing

Plan your departure to allot ample time for check-in and security processes.

Airport & Terminal Arrival Times

International Flights (Istanbul Airports): Arrive at IST or SAW at least 2-3 hours before scheduled departure.
This duration allows for check-in, security screening, and any potential delays.
Domestic Flights (Yenişehir Airport): 1-2 hours before departure is generally sufficient.

Airport/Station Facilities

Waiting Areas

All major airports and bus terminals feature standard waiting areas for departing travelers.

Shopping & Dining

Shops selling last-minute souvenirs or snacks, and various food and beverage options are available.

Extensive Services

Istanbul's airports, as major international hubs, feature a broader array of dining and shopping facilities.

Final Departure Note

For long-distance bus or ferry departures, arrive at the terminal at least 30 minutes before the scheduled time for comfortable boarding.

Getting There & Away