Uludağ Cable Car: A Guide to the Aerial Journey from Bursa

The Uludağ cable car is a line that leaves from Teferrüç station, near Bursa city centre, and climbs the mountain over the forests, passing intermediate stations to reach Sarıalan and from there the hotel area. The journey is a scenic ride that shows you the Bursa plain and the city from above. On TatiliYakala's Uludağ tour, the cable car is optional; the programme itself goes up the mountain by coach.

How does the cable car line work?

The line starts at Teferrüç, near the city centre. The cabins first run to Kadıyayla, then on to Sarıalan. After Sarıalan the line continues up to the hotel area. This makes it possible to travel through the air from the heart of Bursa all the way to the area with the ski slopes.

The cable car has been used to reach Uludağ for many years, and with its renewed line it is known today as one of the longest cable car lines in Türkiye. The cabins are enclosed, so you are protected from the cold in winter and from the wind in summer.

What will you see on the way?

Right after departure, Bursa's rooftops, mosque domes and the wide plain come into view. As you climb, the cabin passes just above the treetops; the deciduous trees of the lower slopes gradually give way to pine and fir forests. In winter this transition is even more striking: with no snow in the city, you see everything higher up the mountain turn white.

The best photos are usually of the city view just after departure and the stretches above the forest. Hold your phone close to the cabin window to reduce reflections.

The cable car in winter

In the winter months, the cable car is also a way up for skiers. Weather conditions, especially strong winds, can affect services, and on some days the line may be stopped temporarily. So don't make the cable car the only thing your timetable relies on.

If you're going up by cable car, plan in advance where you'll pick up your ski equipment and which station you'll board at on the way back. Returning equipment hired from the ski rental shop is also part of this plan.

The cable car in summer

In the summer months, the cable car is one of the most enjoyable ways to go up Uludağ. There are good spots for picnics and walks around Sarıalan. You'll find our tips for a summer visit in our guide to Uludağ in summer.

How does the cable car fit into the Uludağ tour?

On TatiliYakala's Uludağ tour, you go up Uludağ by coach; the cable car is optional. Whether the cable car is added to the programme is confirmed at the quote stage, depending on the group's size, time and preferences.

If you're considering the cable car for your programme, bear the following in mind:

• Time: the cable car ride and waiting at the stations eat into ski time on the day trip programme. That's why it is easier to fit into the 1-night, 2-day programme.
• Group size: large groups split up across cabins, so you need to set a meeting point in advance.
• Weather: services can be disrupted on windy days; in that case the programme continues by coach.

For details of the overnight programme, see our article on the 2-day Uludağ tour.

If you're afraid of heights

The cable car cabins are enclosed and the ride is smooth, but hanging above the forest can be an uneasy experience for some people who are uncomfortable with heights. If that's you, it helps to look out at the distant view, the city or the outline of the mountain. If you really feel uncomfortable, going up by coach is always an option, which is why it's handy that the cable car is optional on the tour.

The cable car with children

Children usually love the cable car ride. Hold your children's hands when getting on and off the cabin, and set a meeting point so they don't get lost in the crowds at the stations. In winter, keeping their jackets and gloves on inside the cabin stops them getting cold when they get off. For families, our article A family winter holiday on Uludağ may also be useful.

The cable car for school groups

For students, the cable car is a fun way to see the mountain's vegetation zones from above. During the ride, teachers can give a short geography lesson by pointing out how the tree species change as you climb. As the group splits across cabins, we recommend having someone in charge in each cabin and doing a head count at the station. Details for school trips are in our Uludağ school trip guide.

Cable car or road?

There are two ways up Uludağ: the road that climbs the mountain from Bursa, and the cable car. Each has its own advantages.

The road is practical for large groups and those travelling with lots of luggage. The coach drops you right in the hotel area or near the ski rental shop, and carrying suitcases, ski equipment and pushchairs is no problem. In winter, though, road and snow conditions matter: in heavy snowfall, snow chains may be needed or temporary restrictions may apply.

The cable car, on the other hand, turns the journey itself into an experience. It's independent of traffic and the views are unique, but there may be waits at stations, changes and weather-related disruptions. So the arrangement generally recommended for groups is: getting up the mountain by coach, with the cable car as an optional scenic experience. We cover all the transport options from Bursa in our article Getting from Bursa to Uludağ.

Before you board the cable car

• In winter, have your gloves and hat with you before boarding; the wind can be harsh while you wait at the stations.
• Boarding with large bags and ski equipment can be a hassle; if possible, leave your things on the coach.
• If it's windy, ask at the station about the status of services.
• Operating hours and maintenance periods can change, so check the current situation before you go.

Frequently asked questions

Where does the Uludağ cable car leave from?

The cable car leaves from Teferrüç station, near Bursa city centre, and reaches the hotel area via Kadıyayla and Sarıalan.

Is the cable car included in the Uludağ tour?

On the tour, the cable car is optional. Whether it is added to the programme is confirmed at the quote stage; the trip up the mountain is by coach.

Does the Uludağ cable car run in winter?

The cable car also operates in winter, but services may be suspended temporarily in weather such as strong winds.

Is the cable car ride scary?

The cabins are enclosed and the ride is smooth. If you're uncomfortable with heights, you can focus on the view or choose to go up the mountain by coach.