The Bursa Teleferik (cable car) is one of the longest urban cable car systems in Turkey, stretching roughly 8 kilometers from the Teferruc station in the city center up to Sarialan at an elevation of about 1,630 meters on Uludag mountain. The ride takes approximately 20 minutes each way and offers spectacular panoramic views over Bursa, the Marmara plain, and on clear days all the way to the Sea of Marmara. It is both a practical transport link and a sightseeing attraction in its own right.
The base station (Teferruc) is located in the western part of the city near the Cekirge thermal district and is reachable by city bus or taxi. A round-trip cable car ticket costs around 150-200 TL for adults, with discounts for students and children. The system operates year-round, though it may close temporarily during severe weather or for maintenance, usually in late spring. Operating hours are typically 10:00 to 20:00 in summer and 10:00 to 17:00 in winter, but you should confirm current hours on the Bursa municipality website or at your hotel before heading out.
In winter (December through March), Uludag transforms into Turkey’s most popular ski resort. The ski area is actually located higher up the mountain at around 2,000 meters, beyond where the cable car stops at Sarialan. From Sarialan, minibuses and taxis shuttle visitors up to the hotel zone and ski lifts. The skiing is best suited to beginners and intermediates, with around 25 kilometers of runs. Ski equipment rental is available at multiple shops near the lifts for around 300-500 TL per day, and day passes for the lifts cost approximately 400-600 TL. Several large resort hotels operate directly on the slopes if you want to stay overnight.
During summer, Uludag National Park is a wonderful destination for hiking, picnicking, and escaping the heat of the city below. Temperatures at the top are typically 10-15 degrees cooler than in Bursa center, making it a refreshing retreat. Well-marked hiking trails wind through alpine meadows and pine forests, and the wildflower displays in June and July are remarkable. There are basic restaurants and tea gardens at Sarialan where you can have a meal with a view before taking the cable car back down.
If you prefer not to take the cable car, you can also drive or take a bus up the mountain road. The winding road to the summit is scenic and well-maintained, and it passes through Kadiyayla and several other small plateaus where you can stop for grilled trout or gozleme at rustic roadside restaurants. The drive from Bursa center to the ski area takes about 45 minutes to an hour.
