There are 5 ways to get from Istanbul to Karesi by bus, ferry, train, or car
Select an option below to see step-by-step directions and to compare ticket prices and travel times in Rome2Rio's travel planner.
Bus
best- Take the bus from Istanbul Otogari to Balikesirbus
5h 37m₺950–1,400Bus via Balıkesir Terminal
cheapest- Take the bus from İstanbul Esenler to Balikesirbus
6h 34m₺500–1,600Ferry, train
- Take the ferry from Yenikapı to Bandırmaferry
- Take the train from Bandirma Sehir to Balikesirtrain Ic
6h 12m₺1,003–1,382Train
- Take the train from Istanbul Söğütlüçeşme to Eskişehirtrain Yht / ...
- Take the train from Eskisehir to Balikesirtrain Ic
11h 5m₺877–1,315Drive 281.3 km
- Drive from Istanbul to Karesicar 281.3 km
2h 37m₺1,638–2,366
Comparing Your Travel Options
The cheapest way to get from Istanbul to Karesi is to train which costs 850 ₺ - 1.400 ₺ and takes 11h 5m.
The fastest way to get from Istanbul to Karesi is to drive which takes 2h 37m and costs 1.600 ₺ - 2.400 ₺.
Yes, there is a direct bus departing from Istanbul Otogari and arriving at Balikesir. Services depart three times a day, and operate every day. The journey takes approximately 5h 13m.
No, there is no direct train from Istanbul to Karesi. However, there are services departing from Yenikapi and arriving at Balikesir via Istanbul Söğütlüçeşme and Eskisehir. The journey, including transfers, takes approximately 11h 5m.
The distance between Istanbul and Karesi is 323 km. The road distance is 281.3 km.
The best way to get from Istanbul to Karesi without a car is to bus which takes 5h 37m and costs 950 ₺ - 1.400 ₺.
The bus from Istanbul Otogari to Balikesir takes 5h 13m including transfers and departs three times a day.
Istanbul to Karesi bus services, operated by Metro Turizm, depart from Istanbul Otogari station.
Istanbul to Karesi train services, operated by Turkish Railways (TCDD), depart from Istanbul Söğütlüçeşme station.
The best way to get from Istanbul to Karesi is to bus which takes 5h 37m and costs 950 ₺ - 1.400 ₺. Alternatively, you can train, which costs 850 ₺ - 1.400 ₺ and takes 11h 5m.
What companies run services between Istanbul, Turkey and Karesi, Turkey?
Metro Turizm operates a bus from Istanbul Otogari to Balikesir 3 times a day. Tickets cost ₺950–1,400 and the journey takes 5h 13m. Alternatively, you can take a train from Yenikapi to Karesi via Istanbul Söğütlüçeşme, Eskişehir, Eskisehir, and Balikesir in around 11h 5m.
- Phone
- +90 444 8 233
- [email protected]
- Website
- Turkish Railways (TCDD)
Train from Bandirma Sehir to Balikesir
- Ave. Duration
- 1h 38m
- Frequency
- Twice daily
- Estimated price
- ₺150–220
- Website
- Turkish Railways (TCDD)
Train from Istanbul Söğütlüçeşme to Eskişehir
- Ave. Duration
- 3h 5m
- Frequency
- Hourly
- Estimated price
- ₺430–650
- Website
- Turkish Railways (TCDD)
Train from Eskisehir to Balikesir
- Ave. Duration
- 5h 35m
- Frequency
- Twice daily
- Estimated price
- ₺400–600
- Website
- Turkish Railways (TCDD)
- Phone
- 0850 222 34 55
- Website
- MetroTurizm
Bus from Istanbul Otogari to Balikesir
- Ave. Duration
- 5h 13m
- Frequency
- 3 times a day
- Estimated price
- ₺950–1,400
- Website
- MetroTurizm
- Standard
- ₺950–1,400
- Phone
- 0 850 333 35 35
- [email protected]
- Website
- pamukkale.com.tr
Bus from İstanbul Esenler to Balikesir
- Ave. Duration
- 6h
- Frequency
- Every 2 hours
- Estimated price
- ₺700–1,600
- Schedules at
- pamukkale.com.tr
- Phone
- 444 0 562
- [email protected]
- Website
- Kamil Koç
Bus from İstanbul Esenler to Balikesir
- Ave. Duration
- 6h 5m
- Frequency
- Every 3 hours
- Estimated price
- ₺500–700
- Schedules at
- Kamil Koç
- Phone
- 0850 202 22 22
- [email protected]
- Website
- balikesiruludag.com.tr
Bus from İstanbul Esenler to Balikesir
- Ave. Duration
- 6h
- Frequency
- 5 times a day
- Estimated price
- ₺950–1,300
- Schedules at
- balikesiruludag.com.tr
- Phone
- 0 850 222 44 36
- [email protected]
- Website
- Istanbul Deniz Otobusleri
Ferry from Yenikapı to Bandırma
- Ave. Duration
- 3h 10m
- Frequency
- Once daily
- Estimated price
- ₺850–1,200
- Website
- Istanbul Deniz Otobusleri
- Economy
- ₺850–1,200
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Booking & Getting There
Istanbul to Karesi bus services, operated by Metro Turizm, arrive at Balikesir station.
Istanbul to Karesi train services, operated by Turkish Railways (TCDD), arrive at Eskişehir station.
Yes, the driving distance between Istanbul to Karesi is 281 km. It takes approximately 2h 37m to drive from Istanbul to Karesi.
There are 16+ hotels available in Karesi.

























