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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 Izmir.
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
Izmir (Basmane)
and Bandırma is coordinated with fast
ferry departures and arrivals, making
for a fast, comfortable and inexpensive
journey between Istanbul and Izmir.
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 TL20 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
Izmir:
268km (167miles) SW, 4.25 hours
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