Yalova is the Sea of Marmara port for Bursa, the place to embark or debark an Istanbul ferry (map).
It's also the place you catch a minibus to İznik (Nicaea) or to the early Ottoman town of Söğüt.
The dock for passenger ferries to and from Yenikapı Feribot Terminalı is right in the center of town.
The dock for car ferries (hızlı feribot) to and from Istanbul's Yenikapı Feribot Terminalı is a 10-minute walk eastward. See Sea of Marmara ferries for details.
There is also car and passenger ferry service to Pendik, on the Gulf of Izmit shore east of the Bosphorus.
Minibuses depart from near the passenger ferry dock about every half hour to take people to İznik (Nicaea).
Big comfortable buses with "Yalova" emblazoned on the side wait just outside the Yalova fast car ferry docks (Yalova İskelesi) to take passengers to Bursa. Leave the ferry, walk to the buses, board one (TL7) and you'll son be on your way. (The official schedule lists departures every 20 minutes throughout the day, with lots of extra buses connecting with the ferries.) The 55-km (34-mile) ride from Yalova along a divided highway to Bursa's bus terminal takes less than one hour.
The thermal spa of Termal, in use since Roman times (at least) is 12 km (8 miles) southwest of Yalova. Get there by minibus and taxi.
Yalova (YAH-loh-vah, pop. 60,000) suffered terribly in the violent earthquake of August 17, 1999. Many buildings were destroyed and many lives lost. If you see a lot of new buildings, that's why.
Distances & Travel Times
Bandırma: 170 km (106 miles) W, 2.75 hours
Bursa: 55 km (34 miles) S, 45 minutes
Çanakkale: 365 km (227 miles) W, 6 hours
Istanbul: 1 hour N by catamaran or car ferry, 2.5 hours by traditional ferry, 2.5 hours by bus via the Osmangazi Bridge
İznik (Nicaea): 60 km (37 miles) SE, 1 hour
Söğüt: 132 km (82 miles) SE, 2.5 hours
—by Tom Brosnahan
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