What is the fastest way to get from Istanbul to Bursa?

If you're planning a ferry trip between Istanbul and Bursa, you've probably been wondering: İDO or BUDO?

Choosing between these two sea transport options serving the same route can sometimes be harder than you think. One is faster, the other more affordable… So which one is the right choice for you?

This guide clearly explains the difference between İDO and BUDO, including all the details such as prices, travel times, and comfort.

What is İDO?

İDO (Istanbul Sea Buses) is a long-established sea transportation company based in Istanbul, providing services for many years. It is one of the first options that comes to mind when considering fast transportation, especially within Istanbul and the Marmara Region.

İDO's biggest advantage is that it offers fast and frequent services. It generally provides a shorter arrival time on journeys from Istanbul to Bursa. Therefore, it is frequently preferred by those with limited time or those planning day trips.

The departure points are also quite diverse. Thanks to services departing from different piers such as Yenikapı, Kadıköy, and Pendik, access is easy from both the European and Anatolian sides of Istanbul. This makes İDO a significant time-saving option for users, depending on their location.

In addition, İDO ferry services are generally spread throughout the day. Offering different options from early morning to evening provides flexibility in terms of planning.

What is BUDO?

BUDO (Bursa Sea Buses) is a sea transportation service operated by Bursa Metropolitan Municipality. It stands out especially for those seeking an economical alternative between Istanbul and Bursa.

BUDO's most significant advantage is its generally more affordable prices. Therefore, it is frequently preferred by budget-conscious travelers. The most used route is the Mudanya – Istanbul ferry line, and on the Istanbul side, departures mostly occur from Kabataş and Eminönü piers.

The number of departures may be slightly more limited compared to İDO, and the journey time is generally a bit longer. However, from a price-performance perspective, the service offered is more than sufficient for many passengers. It offers a simpler experience in terms of comfort, but provides seamless transportation that meets basic needs.

In short, BUDO is a very sensible option for those who say, "I'd rather it take a little longer, but it's affordable."

IDO vs BUDO Comparison

If you want to see the key differences between the two companies at a glance, the table below will help you make your decision:
Feature IDO BUDO
Average Travel Time 2 - 2.5 hours 2.5 – 3 hours
Price Generally more expensive Generally more suitable
Departure Points Yenikapı, Kadıköy, Pendik Kabataş, Eminönü
Frequency of Trips More More Limited
Comfort More modern and comfortable Simpler
Target group For those who want speed and comfort. Those looking for an economical option
For the European side Yenikapı is advantageous. Eminönü/Kabataş Advantageous
For the Anatolian Side Pendik/Kadıköy advantageous It might be less practical.

Which option should be preferred in which situation?

When choosing between İDO and BUDO, there isn't one single "best" option. The right choice depends entirely on your priorities. If saving time is important to you, İDO might be more advantageous.

In short, to sum it up:

  • If you want fast transportation → İDO
  • If you're looking for a more affordable price → BUDO
  • If you are on the European side of Istanbul → BUDO might be more practical.
  • If you are on the Anatolian side of Istanbul → İDO might be more advantageous.
  • If comfort is important to you → İDO is the best choice.

Since flight schedules can vary, especially on weekends and during the summer months, it's helpful to compare times and prices before making a decision. Sometimes, it's possible to find a much more affordable time with a small price difference.

Istanbul to Bursa Ferry Travel Time and Prices (2026)

Travel time and ticket prices by ferry between Istanbul and Bursa can vary depending on the chosen company. Generally speaking, İDO offers faster transportation, while BUDO stands out with its price advantage.

Travel Time

  • İDO: Average 2 – 2.5 hours
  • BUDO: Approximately 2.5 – 3 hours
For those who want to save time, İDO is often the fastest option. However, depending on your location, the travel time to the pier can also affect the total journey time.

Ferry Prices

As of 2026, the average price of ferry tickets between Istanbul and Bursa is between 400 and 800 TL.
Prices may vary depending on the season, departure time, and occupancy rate.

! Especially during the summer months, public holidays, and weekends, prices can change rapidly, so it's advisable to check current flight and ticket prices.

How to Buy a Ferry Ticket?

You don't need to bother comparing the two companies individually.
  • You can easily find the most suitable ticket by comparing İDO and BUDO ferry services via Bilet.com.
  • You can compare watches and prices on a single screen to make the best decision.

How to Buy İDO and BUDO Ferry Tickets?

Checking prices on different websites individually when deciding between İDO and BUDO can be time-consuming. Especially during peak seasons, departure times and ticket prices change rapidly, so seeing all options on a single screen offers a significant advantage.

Via Bilet.com:
  • You can compare İDO and BUDO ferry services together.
  • You can instantly see the time and price differences.
  • You can easily buy the ferry ticket that suits you best.
This way, you can find the most affordable and convenient flight for you in just a few minutes.

For detailed information, you can check our blog post "Ticket Booking Guide for Those Traveling with İDO" .

Bonus: Ways to Find Cheaper Ferry Tickets

Ferry ticket prices are not fixed; they can vary depending on the date, time, and passenger volume. Paying attention to small details, especially during peak seasons, can help you find more affordable tickets.
To get a better price, these tips might help you:
  • If you're planning a weekend trip, book early.
Prices can increase and it can become difficult to find seats on popular flights if bookings are left to the last minute.
  • Morning services are generally quieter.
On some days, you can find more affordable tickets earlier in the day.
  • The density increases significantly during the summer months.
Especially during holiday periods, flights can fill up quickly.
  • Price differences can occur even within the same day.
Comparing several different watch options can be advantageous.
  • It's generally more economical to book early than at the last minute.
This difference becomes particularly noticeable during holidays and official vacation periods.
In short, planning a few days in advance and comparing different times will often help you find more affordable ferry tickets.