How to get from Bursa to Ankara
Bursa to Ankara is a well-trodden route across northwestern Turkey. Your main choices are the frequent and comfortable intercity buses (direct), a hybrid route via Eskişehir that pairs a bus with Turkey’s high-speed train to Ankara, self-drive on excellent highways, or door-to-door private transfers. Here’s how to choose, book, and connect smoothly.
At A Glance (Bursa to Ankara)
| Mode | Duration | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| 🚌 Intercity Bus (Direct Bursa → Ankara) | ~6–8h (traffic/rest stops) | Budget, simplicity, many departures |
| 🏷️ Cost: ~TRY 300–700 one-way (class/operator) » browse options | ||
| 🚍🚄 Bus to Eskişehir + High-Speed Train (YHT) to Ankara | ~5.5–7h total (connection-dependent) | Comfortable ride, faster daylight travel |
| 🏷️ Cost: Bus ~TRY 150–300 + YHT ~TRY 200–500 » TCDD YHT tickets (official) | ||
| 🚗 Self-Drive (O-5/E90 highways) | ~4.5–6h (route/traffic) | Door-to-door flexibility, scenic stops |
| 🏷️ Cost: Car ~TRY 900–1,800/day + fuel/tolls » compare rentals (Bursa) | Trip.com Car Hire | ||
| 🚐 Private Transfer / Chauffeured Van | ~5–6.5h (door-to-door) | Families, bulky luggage, late arrivals |
| 🏷️ Cost: ~TRY 6,500–12,000 per vehicle (size/time) » instant quotes | ||
Which Option or Route Should You Choose?
- Fastest without your own car: Bus + High-Speed Train via Eskişehir if schedules align—smooth, comfy, and usually quicker by day.
- Cheapest & simplest: Direct intercity bus from Bursa Otogar to Ankara Şehirlerarası Otogar (AŞTİ).
- Door-to-door flexibility: Self-drive or private transfer, leaving when you like and stopping en route.
How to Book and Practical Tips
- Buy ahead for weekends/holidays: Compare buses on Trip.com activities; book YHT seats on the TCDD official site.
- Local rides: In Bursa and Ankara, use taxi ranks or hotel help; for fixed long-distance rates, check GetTransfer.
- Luggage storage: If you’re sightseeing pre/post trip, stash bags via Radical Storage Ankara.
- Driving notes: Toll roads use HGS; fuel stops are frequent; winter requires caution over higher sections.
🚌 Option #1 — Intercity Bus (Most Popular, Good Value)
Low cost Many departures Traffic-dependent
- Overview: Direct coaches run from Bursa Otogar to Ankara AŞTİ with comfortable seats, AC, and rest stops. Night services let you arrive early morning.
- How to book (with price): Expect ~TRY 300–700 one-way depending on seat class/date. Browse curated departures on Trip.com or buy at station kiosks.
- Pros: Cheapest, simple point-to-point. Cons: Journey time varies with traffic; limited legroom vs. train.
Step-by-step: Intercity Bus
- Get to Bursa Otogar from the city by local bus/taxi; arrive 30–45 minutes before departure.
- Purchase or show your e-ticket (Trip.com/agency). Stow large bags under the coach; keep valuables with you.
- Ride to Ankara AŞTİ (main intercity terminal). Expect one or two highway rest stops.
- From AŞTİ, take the Ankaray metro/taxi to your hotel or Ankara Gar (if connecting onward).
Getting to the main embarking points (Bursa Otogar / Ankara AŞTİ)
- Bursa Otogar: Signed terminal with cafés and agency counters; local buses and taxis serve the forecourt.
- Ankara AŞTİ: Linked to city by Ankaray metro and taxis; hotel shuttles may be available.
- Locations/Trip Planner: 🔗 Google Map / 🔗 OpenStreetMap
🚍🚄 Option #2 — Bus to Eskişehir + High-Speed Train (YHT) to Ankara
Comfortable Usually faster by day Connection timing matters
- Overview: Travel Bursa → Eskişehir by bus, then board a YHT high-speed train to Ankara Gar. The YHT leg is quick and smooth with reserved seating.
- How to book (with price): Bus ~TRY 150–300; YHT ~TRY 200–500. Check and book YHT seats on the TCDD official site. Time your Bursa→Eskişehir bus (compare locally or via Trip.com activities) to allow a safe connection.
- Pros: Smoother final leg; reserved seats, power sockets. Cons: Requires planning around train times.
Step-by-step: Bus + YHT via Eskişehir
- From central Bursa, go to Bursa Otogar and take a bus to Eskişehir Otogar (frequent daytime departures).
- From Eskişehir Otogar, ride a short taxi/local bus to Eskişehir Gar (railway station).
- Board your reserved YHT to Ankara Gar (booked on the TCDD site). Keep ID handy for ticket checks.
- Arrive Ankara Gar; connect by Ankaray/metro or taxi to your hotel/ministries area.
Getting to the main embarking points (Bursa Otogar / Eskişehir Gar / Ankara Gar)
- Bursa Otogar: Multiple bus firms to Eskişehir—ask for the earliest that fits your YHT slot.
- Eskişehir Gar: Modern station; cafés and convenience stores nearby for a quick break.
- Ankara Gar: Central rail hub connected to metros and taxis.
- Locations/Trip Planner: 🔗 Google Map / 🔗 OpenStreetMap
🚗 Option #3 — Self-Drive (Fastest Door-to-Door in Good Traffic)
Flexibility Scenic/stop-friendly Tolls & fatigue
- Overview: Drive via O-5/E90 highways toward Eskişehir then Ankara. Roads are well-maintained; tolls use HGS. Consider coffee breaks at service areas.
- How to book (with price): Rentals from ~TRY 900–1,800/day (compact). Compare suppliers and pick-up in town or at the airport on Booking.com Car Rental (Bursa) or Trip.com Car Hire.
- Pros: Leave when you like; easy detours (Eskişehir old town). Cons: Fuel/tolls; winter conditions can slow you down.
Step-by-step: Self-Drive
- Pick up your car in Bursa; confirm HGS toll tag and insurance.
- Set navigation to Ankara via O-5/E90; plan fuel/meal stops every 2–3 hours.
- Enter Ankara; use the ring road to reach central districts and your hotel.
Getting to the main embarking points (Rental Depots & City Exits)
- Pickup: Downtown and airport counters; check Sunday/holiday hours.
- Arrival: Central Ankara hotels often have limited parking—confirm in advance.
- Locations/Trip Planner: 🔗 Google Map / 🔗 OpenStreetMap
🚐 Option #4 — Private Transfer / Chauffeured Van (Door-to-Door)
Hassle-free Great for families Costly vs. bus/train
- Overview: A driver picks you up at your Bursa hotel/home and takes you straight to your address in Ankara—no changes, no stations.
- How to book (with price): From ~TRY 6,500–12,000 per vehicle depending on size/date. Compare quotes and vehicle classes on GetTransfer (Bursa). For shorter hops inside each city, use local taxis.
- Pros: Door-to-door ease, child seats on request. Cons: Higher price; still traffic-dependent.
Step-by-step: Private Transfer
- Request a quote with pickup/drop addresses and time on GetTransfer.
- Confirm inclusions (tolls, waiting time) and vehicle size for your luggage.
- Share your live location on pickup day; meet in your hotel lobby or curbside.
Getting to the main embarking points (Door-to-Door)
- Pickup: Any central Bursa address; airport pickups possible if you’re flying in/out the same day.
- Drop: Any Ankara hotel/residence; drivers can navigate directly to ministries/universities as needed.
- Locations/Trip Planner: 🔗 Google Map / 🔗 OpenStreetMap
FAQ (Bursa to Ankara)
Is there a direct train from Bursa to Ankara?
Not currently; the practical rail option is bus to Eskişehir, then YHT high-speed train to Ankara.
How long does the bus take?
Typically 6–8 hours including rest stops and traffic. Night buses can be quicker door-to-door for early arrivals.
What’s the fastest daytime option?
Often the bus + YHT combo via Eskişehir, provided your connection is smooth.
Are there tolls if I drive?
Yes—Turkey’s HGS e-toll system is used on motorways. Your rental should include an HGS tag; you’ll be billed automatically.
Where should I stay near the terminals?
In Ankara, pick central Kızılay/Ulus or near Ankara Gar. Compare hotels on Booking.com (Ankara).