How to Get to Uludağ: Transport Options from Istanbul and Bursa

Getting to Uludağ is best thought of in two stages: first to Bursa, then up the mountain. From Istanbul to Bursa you can go by road via the Osmangazi Bridge or the Eskihisar–Topçular ferry, or by sea on services to the Mudanya and Güzelyalı piers. From Bursa, you go up to the Uludağ hotel area either by road along the winding mountain road or by the cable car from Teferrüç. In winter, snow chains may be needed on the road, so checking road conditions beforehand is essential.

From Istanbul to Bursa

By road: the Osmangazi Bridge

The Osmangazi Bridge across the Gulf of İzmit has shortened the road journey from Istanbul to Bursa. Group tours usually use this route. On TatiliYakala's 1-night, 2-day Uludağ programme, too, you travel to Bursa via the Osmangazi Bridge.

By road and ferry: Eskihisar–Topçular

The ferry between Eskihisar on the Gebze side of the gulf and Topçular on the Yalova side is an alternative crossing to the bridge. A short sea crossing adds a pleasant break to a long day on the coach. Allow for possible waits at the pier in busy periods.

By sea

Sea bus and fast ferry services run from Istanbul to Bursa's coastal districts. You arrive at the Mudanya or Güzelyalı pier and continue to the city by road. It's a comfortable option for independent travellers; for large groups, the road is usually more practical because of the transfers. Timetables change, so check the current schedule before you travel.

From Bursa to Uludağ

By road

The road from Bursa to Uludağ winds up through the forests and reaches the hotel area via Kirazlıyayla. The tour programme states that the drive from Bursa up to Uludağ takes about an hour; this varies with road and snow conditions.

In winter this road needs care:

• In heavy snowfall, snow chains may be needed or temporary restrictions may apply to vehicles.
• Winter tyres are a basic requirement on this road.
• In fog and ice the going is slower, so allow extra time for the journey.
• In busy periods, especially at weekends and during holidays, there can be traffic on the mountain road.

If you're going in your own car and have no experience of mountain roads, a group coach or the cable car may be a more comfortable option in the winter months.

Cable car

The cable car from Teferrüç station, near Bursa city centre, runs via Kadıyayla and Sarıalan up to the hotel area. It is independent of traffic, and the views turn it into an outing in itself. However, services may be suspended temporarily in weather such as strong winds, so in winter it shouldn't be your only way up. For details, see our Uludağ cable car guide.

Public transport from the city

You can also go up to Uludağ from Bursa city centre by minibus (dolmuş) and taxi. This is an option for independent travellers, but it makes organisation harder for large groups. Routes and service information can change, so check the current situation with local sources before you go.

How does transport work on a group tour?

On TatiliYakala's Uludağ tour, transport from Istanbul to Bursa and from Bursa up to Uludağ is by coach. The cable car is optional. The transport advantages of a group tour are:

• You don't have to deal with snow chains, parking or driving the mountain road.
• Breakfast in Cumalıkızık in the morning, then the history tour in Bursa and the drive up the mountain all follow on in one smooth flow.
• Large groups stay on the same vehicle, which makes head counts and meeting up easier.

On the day trip programme, departure is early in the morning and you return in the evening. For an hour-by-hour itinerary, see our article on the Uludağ day trip.

If snow closes the road

Access to Uludağ depends on road and snow conditions. On the tour, conditions are monitored as the date approaches; if necessary, a date change or an alternative programme is planned together with the group. If you're travelling independently, check road conditions and the weather forecast before setting off.

Practical tips for the journey

• In winter, wear comfortable shoes for the journey and carry your snow boots in your bag; it gets warm inside the coach.
• If you get travel sick on the winding mountain road, the front seats are more comfortable.
• Keep your phone charged and bring a power bank.
• Set aside dry socks and base layers to wear on the way back.

If you're looking for an alternative winter route at a similar distance, we compared Kartepe, which is closer to Istanbul, in our article Kartepe or Uludağ.

Places worth stopping on the way

Don't see the road to Uludağ merely as a way through. As you approach Bursa, the village of Cumalıkızık at the foot of the mountain is a lovely stop for breakfast; the tour programme starts the day here too. In the city centre, the Grand Mosque (Ulu Cami), the Covered Bazaar and the tombs at Tophane can be seen on a short walk. If you have time, you can also call in at Gölyazı on the shore of Lake Uluabat on the way back. For these stops, see our guide to Bursa's historic sites.

Frequently asked questions

How do you get from Istanbul to Uludağ?

First you travel to Bursa, by road via the Osmangazi Bridge or the Eskihisar–Topçular ferry, or by sea. From Bursa you go up the mountain by road or by cable car.

How long does it take to get from Bursa up to Uludağ?

The tour programme gives the drive up by road as about an hour. Snow, fog and traffic can make it longer.

Do you need snow chains on the Uludağ road?

In heavy snowfall, chains may be needed or temporary restrictions may apply. Winter tyres are a basic requirement on this road.

Is it better to go up Uludağ by cable car or by coach?

The cable car has views and is independent of traffic, but services can be disrupted by wind. A coach is more practical for large groups and lots of luggage; on the tour, the cable car is optional.