Bandırma, on the southern shore of Turkey’s Sea of Marmara (map), is the southern terminus for fast catamaran car and passenger ferries to and from Istanbul, and the northern terminus for an express train to İzmir.
Many travelers, with and without their own cars, shorten their trips to and from Istanbul by taking these fast ferries (two hours) across the Sea of Marmara rather than driving or riding the bus all the way around the sea.
The 6 Eylül Ekspresi train between İzmir (Alsancak) and Bandırma used to be coordinated with fast ferry departures and arrivals, but it no longer is. More…
The Bandırma Gar (railway station, the white building in the center of the photo to the right) is right next to the ferry docks—note the huge, sleek white car ferry just behind it.
Lots of buses take travelers to and from Bandırma to connect with the ferries. Unfortunately, the new otogar (bus terminal) is far on the outskirts of the city, about 10 km (6 miles) toward Çanakkale, a TL30 taxi fare from the train station and ferry docks.
Distances & Travel Times
Assos (Behramkale): 257 km (160 miles) SW, 4 hours
Balıkesir: 96 km (60 miles) S, 1.75 hours
Bursa: 115 km (72 miles) E, 2 hours
Çanakkale: 190 km (118 miles) W, 3 hours
Istanbul: 2 hours by fast ferry
İzmir: 268km (167miles) SW, 4.25 hours
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