Turkey

How to get from Ankara to Bursa

Compare all transport options: bus, ferry, train, flight. Prices, durations and tips from a local expert.

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FASTEST
1h
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From
14€
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Distance
324 km
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There are 2 way(s) to get from Ankara to Bursa

Select an option below to see the route details and compare prices. Secure booking via our partner 12go.asia.

🚌 Departure from Ankara
📍The main departure point for buses from Ankara to Bursa is the Ankara Intercity Bus Terminal (AŞTİ). This is a large, modern facility with multiple levels, shops, food courts, and waiting areas. It is well-organized and generally easy to navigate.
🚇AŞTİ is easily accessible from Ankara city center. You can take the Ankaray Metro line to the AŞTİ station, which is directly connected to the terminal. A taxi ride from the city center would cost approximately €5-10 and take about 15-20 minutes, depending on traffic.
⏰Buses from Ankara to Bursa depart frequently throughout the day, typically every 30-60 minutes from early morning (around 6:00 AM) until late evening (around midnight). Exact schedules depend on the operator, so check in advance.
💸 Transport from 14€ per person
⚡ Fastest: 1h
🗓 Book now Secure payment · via 12go.asia

Practical tips

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Check for express bus services

Many operators offer direct, non-stop services which significantly cut down travel time compared to routes with multiple stops. Always look for 'Ekspres' or 'Direkt' when booking your bus ticket for a faster journey.

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Book long-distance buses online

While you can buy tickets at the otogar, booking online through platforms like 12go.asia or the operator's website guarantees your seat and often gives you better choices of departure times and comfort levels, especially for popular routes.

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Consider operator reputation for comfort

Not all bus operators are created equal. For routes like Ankara to Bursa, major companies (e.g., Kamil Koç, Metro Turizm) usually offer more comfortable 2+1 seating, better Wi-Fi, and more frequent snack services. It’s worth paying a small premium for a better experience.

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Factor in airport transfer times for flights

While a flight from Ankara to Bursa is 1 hour, remember to add at least 2-3 hours for getting to Ankara Esenboğa Airport (ESB), check-in, security, and then transfer from Bursa Yenisehir Airport (YEI) to your final destination in Bursa.

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Use domestic flights for long distances

For journeys like Istanbul to Van or Kars, where bus trips can be 19+ hours, a cheap domestic flight (often €25-80) is almost always the smarter choice to save significant time and avoid an exhausting overnight haul.

🛣️ The journey experience

Traveling from Ankara to Bursa, you're faced with a classic Turkish dilemma: bus or plane? Türkiye boasts one of the world's best long-distance bus networks, offering comfort and connectivity. However, the country is vast, and knowing when to opt for a cheap domestic flight versus a longer bus journey can be tricky. For this particular route, the choice between a 5-hour bus ride and a 1-hour flight depends entirely on your priorities for time versus cost and comfort.

For the Ankara-Bursa route, you have two clear options. The bus is a highly popular and economical choice, costing around €14 for a comfortable 5-hour journey. You'll find modern coaches with amenities like Wi-Fi and snacks. Alternatively, a domestic flight is significantly faster, taking only about 1 hour and priced around €35. While the flight cuts down travel time, remember to factor in airport transfers and security, which can add a couple of hours to your door-to-door journey.

When deciding between a coach and a flight in Turkey, always consider the total door-to-door time and your budget. For routes like Ankara to Bursa, where the bus journey is manageable at 5 hours, it often offers better value and a more scenic experience. Flights are usually preferable for very long hauls, like Istanbul to Van or Kars, where overnight bus trips can exceed 15-20 hours. For this specific route, if time is paramount, fly; otherwise, embrace the comfortable and budget-friendly bus.

Frequently asked questions — Ankara → Bursa

✨ Why visit Bursa?

  • ✓ Ascend Mount Uludağ by cable car for stunning panoramic views and skiing in winter.
  • ✓ Explore the historic Grand Mosque (Ulu Cami) and the vibrant Koza Han silk market.
  • ✓ Visit the Green Mosque (Yeşil Cami) and Green Tomb (Yeşil Türbe), masterpieces of Ottoman architecture.
  • ✓ Indulge in a traditional Turkish bath experience at an authentic Bursa hammam.
  • ✓ Savor local culinary delights, including the famous İskender kebab, at its birthplace.
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Recommended stay
2 to 3 nights — Allows time to explore historical sites, enjoy Uludağ, and experience local culture.

☀️ When to visit Bursa?

MEDITERRANEAN CONTINENTAL

May to October — Pleasant weather for sightseeing and outdoor activities; winter for skiing on Uludağ.

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In Bursa — Plan your stay
Accommodation, activities and tips selected for you
🏨 Accommodation
Hotels in Bursa
Compare the best rates available
via trip.com

What to do in Bursa?

Local experiences, must-see sights and activities selected for you

INCONTOURNABLE
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Grand Mosque (Ulu Cami)
Explore the majestic Ulu Cami, an iconic Ottoman mosque with 20 domes and two minarets. Its unique architectural style and serene interior are captivating. Look for the large calligraphic panels inside. Entry is free, but dress respectfully (shoulders and knees covered, headscarf for women).
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Uludağ Cable Car Experience
Ascend Uludağ mountain, known as 'Great Mountain,' via a modern cable car offering breathtaking panoramic views. It's an ideal escape for nature lovers and hikers in summer, or skiers in winter. The journey itself is a highlight. Expect round-trip tickets around 10-15€, depending on the season and exchange rates.
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Koza Han Silk Bazaar
Wander through Koza Han, a historic 15th-century caravanserai that once served the Silk Road. Today, it's a vibrant market specializing in silk products and traditional crafts. Enjoy a Turkish tea or coffee in the central courtyard under the trees. It’s perfect for unique souvenir shopping. Open daily, most shops close after sunset.
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Tombs of Ottoman Sultans
Visit the Green Tomb (Yeşil Türbe) and other Ottoman sultans' tombs, including Orhan Gazi and Osman Gazi, located near Tophane Park. These beautifully decorated mausoleums offer a glimpse into early Ottoman imperial history. The Green Tomb, with its distinctive turquoise tiles, is particularly striking. Entry is usually free; check opening hours as they vary seasonally.
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Irregular Tree (İnkaya Çınarı)
Marvel at the İnkaya Çınarı, a majestic 600-year-old plane tree, one of Turkey's oldest and largest. Its massive trunk and sprawling branches are truly impressive. There’s a tea garden nearby where you can relax and admire this natural wonder. It's a peaceful stop on the way to or from Uludağ, perfect for a break.
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Experience a Turkish Hammam
Indulge in a traditional Turkish bath experience at one of Bursa's historic hammams, such as Kara Mustafa Pasha Hammam or Eski Kaplıca. It's a rejuvenating cultural ritual involving a hot room, scrub, and massage. Expect to pay around 20-40€ for a basic package, a true local experience after a day of sightseeing.
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Taste İskender Kebab
Savor the iconic İskender Kebab, a specialty dish originating from Bursa. It consists of thinly sliced döner kebab meat, generously topped with hot tomato sauce over pieces of pita bread and slathered with melted butter. Often served with yogurt. Look for famous local restaurants like Kebapçı İskender for an authentic taste. A meal typically costs 8-15€.
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Cumalıkızık Ottoman Village
Explore Cumalıkızık, a well-preserved Ottoman village nestled at the foot of Uludağ, a UNESCO World Heritage site. Wander its narrow cobblestone streets lined with colorful, traditional wooden houses. It offers a charming glimpse into rural Ottoman life. Try local village breakfast or buy homemade jams. Best visited in the morning to avoid crowds. Accessible by local bus or taxi (around 5-10€ from Bursa).

⏱️ How long to visit Bursa?

2 to 4 days

For an independent traveler, plan 3 to 4 days to fully explore Bursa. This allows you to visit the historic sites, ascend Uludağ, and enjoy the local cuisine. A shorter trip (2 days) is possible but will feel rushed for deep exploration.

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