Driving from Istanbul to Bursa: Ferry, Bridge, Tolls & Day-Trip Tips

Bursa, Turkey's first Ottoman capital, sits at the foot of Mount Uludağ less than two hours from Istanbul by car. It is one of the most rewarding day trips or weekend escapes from the city — green, historic, and famous for its food. With a rental car you have two great ways to get there, and the freedom to explore once you arrive. Here is the complete driving guide.

Two Routes: Bridge or Ferry

The fast route: Osmangazi Bridge

The Osmangazi Bridge across the Gulf of İzmit transformed this journey. What used to take four hours around the bay now takes around two hours via the O-5 motorway. The bridge is a toll crossing and one of the longest suspension bridges in the world — a spectacular drive in itself. Your Auris car carries an HGS tag, so the bridge and motorway tolls are charged automatically; just stay in the HGS lanes. Budget for the Osmangazi Bridge toll, which is one of the pricier single tolls in Turkey but well worth the time saved.

The scenic route: car ferry across the Marmara

For a more relaxed, memorable trip, take a car ferry. Routes such as Eskihisar to Topçular let you drive onto a ferry, cross the water, and continue to Bursa. The crossing is short, gives you a break from driving, and the sea views are lovely. It can be cheaper than the bridge toll, though it ties you to the ferry timetable, so check departures in advance.

Many travellers take the bridge one way and the ferry the other, getting the best of both.

Driving Times and Planning

By the Osmangazi Bridge, plan roughly two hours each way from central Istanbul, traffic permitting. Leave early to beat the city's morning rush across the bridges. For a comfortable day trip, aim to be on the road by 8 AM, giving you a full day in Bursa and a relaxed drive back before the evening crush.

What to See in Bursa

Grand Mosque (Ulu Cami)

The 14th-century Ulu Cami, with its twenty domes and famous calligraphy, is the spiritual heart of the old city.

Green Mosque and Green Tomb (Yeşil Camii / Yeşil Türbe)

Masterpieces of early Ottoman art, named for their stunning turquoise tilework.

Mount Uludağ

Take the cable car (Teleferik) up Turkey's most famous ski mountain. Even in summer the mountain air and views are a highlight, and in winter it is a full ski resort.

Cumalıkızık

A perfectly preserved Ottoman village on Bursa's outskirts, with cobbled lanes and colourful houses — an easy and charming stop in your own car that tour buses rush through.

Famous Bursa Food

Bursa is the home of İskender kebab — döner meat over bread, soaked in tomato sauce and melted butter. Eat it where it was invented. Save room for candied chestnuts (kestane şekeri), a local specialty you can buy to take home.

Parking in Bursa

Bursa is easier to park in than Istanbul. The old city around Ulu Cami has paid car parks, and major sights and the cable car station have parking nearby. As always, prefer a signed car park over street parking to avoid any fines.

Make It a Weekend

If a day feels rushed, Bursa makes a relaxed overnight. Stay near the old city or up toward Uludağ, enjoy dinner without watching the clock, and explore Cumalıkızık and the mountain properly the next morning. A car makes the multi-stop weekend effortless.

Drive Bursa Your Way

With your own rental you set the pace, mix the bridge and ferry, and reach the village and mountain spots that public transport misses. Book your Istanbul rental with Auris Cars, or message us on WhatsApp at +90 530 914 05 17, and ask about the best current toll and ferry options for your Bursa trip.