How long is the ferry from İstanbul to Bursa?

The İDO fast ferry from İstanbul to Mudanya (Bursa's ferry port) takes around 2 hours. From Mudanya, the centre of Bursa is a 30-minute bus or minibus ride.

Where does the İstanbul–Bursa ferry depart from?

İDO services to Mudanya depart from İstanbul's Yenikapı ferry terminal, which is well connected to the metro and the city centre.

Does the İstanbul–Bursa ferry carry cars?

Yes — İDO operates car ferries on this route. Vehicle space can fill up at weekends and on public holidays, so book ahead if you are travelling with a car.

Istanbul to Bursa Ferry

İstanbul → Bursa (Mudanya)

Compare & book ferries

Affiliate link: we may earn a commission if you book via Direct Ferries — at no extra cost to you.

High-speed crossing: ~2 h
Frequency: Several sailings daily
Carries cars: Yes (on the car ferry)

İDO

Crossing times and frequency are typical ranges and vary by season and operator. Check the operator or Direct Ferries for current sailings before booking.

The Sea of Marmara crossing

The ferry from İstanbul to Bursa crosses the Sea of Marmara, the inland sea that separates European İstanbul from the Asian mainland and the Bursa region. İDO (İstanbul Deniz Otobüsleri) operates the route year-round, docking at Mudanya, Bursa's historic ferry port on the Marmara coast.

The crossing is one of the quickest ways to reach Bursa from İstanbul — faster than driving around the coast, and far more relaxing. The fast ferry takes roughly 2 hours; from Mudanya you continue by bus or minibus to central Bursa (around 30 minutes).

Yenikapı and Mudanya

Ferries depart from Yenikapı, İstanbul's main İDO terminal on the European shore. Yenikapı is on metro lines M1A/M1B and the Marmaray rail line, making it straightforward to reach from both the European and Asian sides of the city.

Mudanya was the main port for Bursa long before roads were built, and the historic waterfront retains that character. Once ashore, dolmuş minibuses and buses run regularly to Bursa city centre and the cable-car base station for Mount Uludağ.

Car ferry — travelling with a vehicle

This is one of the İDO routes that carries cars and motorbikes, making it useful if you plan to explore the Bursa region or continue south by road. Weekends and long holiday weekends see high demand; book vehicle space online in advance. Foot passengers can usually walk on with less planning, though summer sailings can be busy.

Bursa — beyond the ferry

Bursa is Turkey's fourth-largest city and the former Ottoman capital. The Grand Bazaar (Kapalıçarşı) and the Green Mosque (Yeşil Cami) are the historic centrepieces; Uludağ, the ski mountain visible from the coast, is reached by cable car from the suburbs. The city is also famous for İskender kebap — the spinning-meat dish invented here.

Frequently asked questions

How long is the ferry from İstanbul to Bursa?: The İDO fast ferry from İstanbul to Mudanya (Bursa's ferry port) takes around 2 hours. From Mudanya, the centre of Bursa is a 30-minute bus or minibus ride.
Where does the İstanbul–Bursa ferry depart from?: İDO services to Mudanya depart from İstanbul's Yenikapı ferry terminal, which is well connected to the metro and the city centre.
Does the İstanbul–Bursa ferry carry cars?: Yes — İDO operates car ferries on this route. Vehicle space can fill up at weekends and on public holidays, so book ahead if you are travelling with a car.