How to get to Bursa

Colorful Bursa, located in the northwest of Turkey at the foot of the majestic Mount Uludağ, attracts travelers with its rich historical heritage and its status as the first Ottoman capital. If you are deciding how to reach this green metropolis, a developed transport network is at your service, allowing you to travel comfortably by bus, car, or via air connections through nearby airports. Traveling to Bursa means choosing an accessible and exciting journey that is easy to organize on your own or as part of a tour.

For air travel, it is most convenient to use the local Yenişehir Airport (YEI), which serves Bursa. It is located approximately 50 kilometers from the city center and accepts flights from various regions of the country, as well as some international charters. This is the most direct way to reach the region by plane.

However, many travelers choose to fly via Istanbul, as its airports offer a much wider route network and connections to most countries in the world, including frequent flights from the Gulf region. As alternative options for arrival, you can also consider Kocaeli or Kütahya: it is easy to get to your destination from these cities by ground transport.

Although there is currently no railway station in Bursa itself, travelers can take advantage of the modern high-speed train (YHT) network actively developing in Turkey. This is an excellent way to get there from Istanbul, Ankara, or Konya, combining a railway journey with a short transfer.

The optimal route involves purchasing a ticket to Bilecik or Eskişehir stations. Regular bus services are organized from these railway hubs, specifically coordinated with the train schedule to take passengers directly to Bursa. This combined "train plus bus" option often proves faster and more comfortable than a direct trip by car or bus, allowing you to avoid traffic jams when exiting the major metropolises.

Bus services in Turkey are famous for their high level of comfort, so a trip to Bursa on a modern coach will be an excellent choice for a tourist. The most popular route runs from Istanbul: covering a distance of 150 kilometers takes on average 2–3 hours, allowing you to enjoy the views while crossing the Sea of Marmara or driving over the Osmangazi Bridge.

Regular flights from neighboring provinces are no less convenient: the road from Kocaeli (about 130 km) will take no more than two hours, and the journey from the city of Kütahya will last about 3 hours. All intercity buses arrive at the main terminal (Bursa Otogar), located 10 kilometers from the center, from where it is easy to reach the main attractions via public transport.

A car trip from Istanbul to Bursa is a picturesque route of about 155 kilometers, which takes just 2 hours when crossing the Osmangazi Bridge. The road delights with excellent surface quality and views of the Sea of Marmara, turning a simple transfer into a small and memorable adventure.

It is also comfortable to travel from neighboring provinces: the journey from Kocaeli (130 km) will take about an hour and a half, and the road from the city of Kütahya (180 km) will require approximately 2.5 hours. If you prefer a taxi, travel between cities is possible, but you should expect a rather high fare, starting from 100–150 dollars per car depending on the class.

Thorough preparation for your trip to Bursa will help avoid minor inconveniences and allow you to fully focus on the beauty of the first Ottoman capital. To ensure your journey through this historical region of Turkey is as comfortable as possible, we have compiled a list of the most important recommendations.

1. Clothing and Dress Code: Bursa is a city with deep traditions, so for walks in the center, it is better to choose modest clothing that covers shoulders and knees, especially when visiting the numerous mosques (Ulu Cami, Green Mosque). If you plan to ascend Mount Uludağ, be sure to bring warm clothes even in summer, as the temperature at the summit is significantly lower than in the city.
2. Public Transport: For getting around, it is most convenient to use the "Bursaray" metro system and trams. To pay for the fare, you need to purchase a reloadable BursaKart, which is sold at kiosks and stations. Taxis are also available here, but always ensure the driver turns on the taximeter upon boarding.
3. Finances and Currency Exchange: The official currency is the Turkish Lira (TRY). Although cards are accepted in shopping malls and hotels, cash is preferred in famous markets such as Koza Han and in small shops. It is better to exchange money at official exchange offices (Döviz) in the city center, where the rate is often more favorable than at the airport.
4. Health and Safety: Bursa is a calm and safe city, suitable for families, however, standard precautions are advisable: keep an eye on your bags in crowded places. Pharmacies here are called Eczane; duty pharmacies operate around the clock, and their list is usually displayed on the window of any closed pharmaceutical outlet.
5. Language Barrier: In tourist zones, staff may speak English, but in daily life, locals communicate primarily in Turkish. It is recommended to download an offline translator or learn a few basic phrases ("hello" — "merhaba", "thank you" — "teşekkür ederim"), which always elicits sympathy from the townspeople.
6. Local Etiquette: When entering a private home or a mosque, be sure to remove your shoes. Turks are very hospitable, and refusing a offered glass of tea (bardak) may be perceived as impolite, so it is better to accept the treat and thank the host.
7. What to Avoid: It is not recommended to drink tap water; buy bottled water in supermarkets. Also, refrain from photographing praying people and local residents (especially women) without their prior permission.
8. Gastronomic Advice: While in the city, be sure to try the authentic Iskender Kebab. This dish was invented right here in the 19th century, and local restaurants prepare it according to the original recipe with melted butter and yogurt, which is hard to find in other regions of the country.

Observing these simple rules will make your holiday easy and pleasant, allowing you to immerse yourself in the atmosphere of Eastern hospitality without unnecessary worries. Bursa reveals itself to those who respect its traditions and are ready for new gastronomic and cultural discoveries.