Major city · Türkiye (Turkey)
Yalova
Give Yalova one night only if you want the Termal hot springs; otherwise treat it as a 45–75 min ferry hop from Istanbul, not a base.
Yalova is a ferry port on the south shore of the Sea of Marmara, where the water narrows into the Gulf of İzmit. Most travellers pass through on the way to Bursa or İzmir, and the Osmangazi Bridge now carries the traffic that once queued for the boat. The reason to stop is the geothermal water: Termal, 12 km southwest, has spa hotels and public hammams fed by springs that surface at about 60 °C. The city itself is modern, rebuilt after the 1999 earthquake, and its sights are thin — a beachfront boulevard, two small museums and a memorial. One night is enough; two if you plan to soak and walk the forested peninsula.
More ways in
Local time, weather, currency, airports
- Weather
- see forecast
- Currency
- TRY
- Best months
- May–Jun, Sep–Oct
- avoid Jul–Aug (humid), Dec–Feb (rain and grey)
- Airports
- SAW · IST
- Nights
- 1
Rules in force · 5
- Türkiye (Turkey) ↗Check whether your passport is visa-exempt; if it is not, apply only at evisa.gov.tr — lookalike sites charge extra and some sell nothing.
- Türkiye (Turkey) ↗At mosques cover shoulders and knees, take shoes off at the door, and women carry a headscarf; stay out during prayer times.
- Türkiye (Turkey) ↗Taxis must run the taximeter; refuse flat quotes, or book through BiTaksi or Uber so the ride is logged.
- Türkiye (Turkey) ↗Carry lira in small notes for tea, markets, tips and toilets; prices move with inflation, so treat every printed price as dated.
- Türkiye (Turkey) ↗Do not take stones, coins or tiles from ancient sites, and export no antiques without a museum certificate; travellers have been detained at airport customs.
What is in this basic guide9 covered · 4 not yet ▾
In this guide
Not in this guide yet
- Walking areas with bag rules
- Day plans checked against opening hours
- Airport-to-bed timings and the last safe connection
- Field-checked times and prices
Official sites
Emergency numbers for Yalova112 ▾
- All emergencies (police, fire, ambulance)112
Tap a number to call from your phone. These are the numbers listed in this guide; a row marked check has not been verified.
EssentialsQuick answers and what things cost
Essentials
Quick answers and what things cost
Quick answers
The questions people ask first about Yalova, one line each. Tap a card for the full answer.
- Cash or card?Currency is the Turkish lira (₺, TRY).Türkiye (Turkey)-wide
- SIM or eSIMcheckTurkcell, Vodafone and Türk Telekom sell tourist SIMs at airports (passport needed); they are dearer than in town shops — check.Türkiye (Turkey)-wide
- Tap waterTap water is treated and chlorinated but tastes of it; locals buy bottled or 19-litre dispenser water.Türkiye (Turkey)-wide
- TippingcheckSit-down restaurant: 5–10% in cash, even if the card machine does not offer a tip; check for a 'servis' charge first.Türkiye (Turkey)-wide
- Plugs & powerSockets C/F. US/Canada (A/B): adapter · UK/Ireland (G): adapter · Australia/NZ (I): adapter. 230 V: US 120 V-only devices (hair dryers) need a converter; most chargers are dual-voltage.Türkiye (Turkey)-wide
- SafetyYalova is a calm, low-crime port town and the usual precautions cover it.
Show all 12 answers
- RestroomsWestern toilets in hotels, malls and restaurants; squat toilets (alaturka) in older mosques and bus stops.Türkiye (Turkey)-wide
- Emergency numbers112 All emergencies (police, fire, ambulance) (not 911, 999 or 000)
- Sundays & holidayscheckMany museums close Monday (Topkapı closes Tuesday) — check; mosques close to visitors during the five daily prayers and Friday midday…Türkiye (Turkey)-wide
- Your embassyFind your embassy's 24-hour line before you fly.
- AirportSAW Istanbul Sabiha Gökçen (Hourly buses to Yalova otogar; about 1 h 30 min by road via the bridge).
- Getting aroundYalova sprawls.
Cost cheat-sheet
Typical prices for the everyday things, as ranges. Your currency is shown next to the local price.
- CoffeeTurkish coffee or tea₺60–120 (≈ US$2–3)
- SIM or eSIM, a weekeSIM or data SIM, about a week₺250–500 (≈ US$7–13)
- Budget bedHostel or pansiyon bed, a night, per person₺500 (≈ US$13)
- Mid-range bedDouble room, mid-range hotel, a night, per room₺2,200 (≈ US$55)
- High-end bedDouble room, mid-range hotel, a night, per room₺4,500 (≈ US$110)
A day, not counting the bed: Budget ₺900 (≈ US$25) · Mid ₺1,800 (≈ US$45) · High ₺3,500 (≈ US$90)
Local prices, with USD next to them (rates 2026-09 (approximate); change it in the header). Ranges are desk estimates: check locally. Every price and the budget calculator →
DecideWhat it is known for, and when the weather works
Decide
What it is known for, and when the weather works
At a glance
What the city is known for, how you fly in, and where to find the phrases.
- Airports
- SAW Istanbul Sabiha Gökçen (Hourly buses to Yalova otogar; about 1 h 30 min by road via the bridge) · IST Istanbul Airport (Three buses a day to Yalova; allow 2 h 30 min with traffic)
Best months at a glance
From the guide's best and avoid lists
Jan
Avoid
10°C (50°F)50°F (10°C)
Feb
Avoid
11°C (52°F)52°F (11°C)
Mar
not flagged
14°C (57°F)57°F (14°C)
Apr
not flagged
19°C (66°F)66°F (19°C)
May
Best
24°C (75°F)75°F (24°C)
Jun
Best
28°C (82°F)82°F (28°C)
Jul
Avoid
30°C (86°F)86°F (30°C)
Aug
Avoid
30°C (86°F)86°F (30°C)
Sep
Best
27°C (81°F)81°F (27°C)
Oct
Best
22°C (72°F)72°F (22°C)
Nov
not flagged
17°C (63°F)63°F (17°C)
Dec
Avoid
12°C (54°F)54°F (12°C)
Best: May–Jun, Sep–Oct. Avoid: Jul–Aug, Dec–Feb. Month by month →
Warmest Jul (30°C (86°F)86°F (30°C)), coolest Jan (3°C (37°F)37°F (3°C) low), wettest Jan (14 rain days), driest Jul (4). Averages, not a forecast.
Weather and climate
Yalova: next 7 days
Loading forecast…
Forecast: Open-Meteo (CC BY 4.0), model data for this point.
Air quality
Loading…
Model estimate (CAMS via Open-Meteo), not a street-level station; readings near busy roads run higher.
Jan
10°C (50°F)50°F (10°C)
3°C (37°F)37°F (3°C)
14 rd
Feb
11°C (52°F)52°F (11°C)
3°C (37°F)37°F (3°C)
12 rd
Mar
14°C (57°F)57°F (14°C)
5°C (41°F)41°F (5°C)
11 rd
Apr
19°C (66°F)66°F (19°C)
9°C (48°F)48°F (9°C)
9 rd
May
24°C (75°F)75°F (24°C)
13°C (55°F)55°F (13°C)
7 rd
Jun
28°C (82°F)82°F (28°C)
17°C (63°F)63°F (17°C)
6 rd
Jul
30°C (86°F)86°F (30°C)
19°C (66°F)66°F (19°C)
4 rd
Aug
30°C (86°F)86°F (30°C)
19°C (66°F)66°F (19°C)
4 rd
Sep
27°C (81°F)81°F (27°C)
16°C (61°F)61°F (16°C)
6 rd
Oct
22°C (72°F)72°F (22°C)
12°C (54°F)54°F (12°C)
9 rd
Nov
17°C (63°F)63°F (17°C)
8°C (46°F)46°F (8°C)
11 rd
Dec
12°C (54°F)54°F (12°C)
5°C (41°F)41°F (5°C)
14 rd
High / low, both scales · rd = rain days
Arrive & moveAirports are listed under At a glance; this is how to move once you are in
Arrive & move
Airports are listed under At a glance; this is how to move once you are in
Getting around
Yalova sprawls. Dolmuşes — light blue or shocking pink — run along Atatürk Cd and Fatih Cd and out to Termal, Çınarcık, Çiftlikköy and Topçular; the main hub is by the ferry pier (ask for İDO). In the centre ask for Heykel or Merkez. Taxis wait at the pier. For the Green-Blue Road and the waterfalls you want your own car.
Nearest full guides
Straight-line distance, not travel time
See & doDay-trips, door to door
See & do
Day-trips, door to door
Day-trips
Termal
goDoor to door: About 45 min
Dolmuş from the ferry pier or centre, about 30 min
Spa hotels, public hammams and a large public pool; Atatürk Mansion is a small museum 200 m south of the Limak hotel.
Çınarcık
goDoor to door: About 30 min
Dolmuş west along the coast road
The main beach strip and the liveliest summer evening scene.
Su Düşen waterfalls
cautionDoor to door: 1.5–2 h
Dolmuş to Üvezpınar, then hike or taxi the last 7 km (4.3 mi); summer minibuses run from TermalDolmuş to Üvezpınar, then hike or taxi the last 4.3 mi (7 km); summer minibuses run from Termal
Easier with your own car; the entrance fee is charged per vehicle, which is awkward on foot.
Iznik
goDoor to door: About 1 h
Dolmuş from the ferry pier, hourly
Byzantine walls, lakefront and the tile workshops.
Door to door: 1.5–2 h
Bus or dolmuş via Orhangazi and Gemlik, or drive over the Osmangazi Bridge
The first Ottoman capital deserves its own night, not a return trip.
Eat & sleepWhich area to sleep in
Eat & sleep
Which area to sleep in
Where to sleep
Areas, not hotels: pick the one that fits your arrival time and plans.
Gazi Paşa Cd waterfront
Walk to the ferry pier and the bazaar; mid-range hotels and cafés.
Termal
12 km (7.5 mi) southwest; spa hotels and public hammams. You need a dolmuş or car for everything else.7.5 mi (12 km) southwest; spa hotels and public hammams. You need a dolmuş or car for everything else.
Çınarcık
West along the coast; the best beach strip and the busiest summer scene.
PracticalWhat a day costs, what to watch out for, and the pocket card
Practical
What a day costs, what to watch out for, and the pocket card
Cost per day
- Budget
- ₺900–1,500 (≈ US$25–40) excl. bed
- Mid
- ₺1,500–2,800 (≈ US$40–70) excl. bed
- High
- ₺2,800 (≈ US$70)+ excl. bed
Trip budget
| Double room, mid-range hotel1 × 1 night × ₺2,200 | ₺2,200 |
| Food, local transport, entries2 × 1 day × ₺1,800 | ₺3,600 |
| Dolmuş rides, one day2 × ₺150 · check | ₺300 |
| Public hammam entry in Termal2 × ₺400 · check | ₺800 |
| eSIM, about a week of data2 × ₺300 | ₺600 |
| Buffer 10%Price creep, a taxi you did not plan, one splurge | ₺750 |
| Trip total≈ ₺4,125 per person per day, bed included | ₺8,250≈ US$250 |
2026 estimate in lira; ferry and intercity bus fares excluded. Your choices stay in this browser.
Prices of common things
| Turkish coffee or tea | ₺60–120 (≈ US$2–3) |
| Balık ekmek (fish in half a loaf) | ₺150–250 (≈ US$4–7) |
| Lokanta plate of the day | ₺200–350 (≈ US$5–9) |
| Yalova sütlüsü (milky coconut baklava), per portion | ₺120–200 (≈ US$3–5) |
| Dondurma (ice cream) | ₺60–120 (≈ US$2–3) |
| Dolmuş ride in town | ₺30–60 (≈ US$1–2) (check) |
| eSIM or data SIM, about a week | ₺250–500 (≈ US$7–13) |
2026 estimate; check locally.
Watch out
Safety
- The region sits on an active fault; the 1999 earthquake killed about 2,500 people in Yalova alone. Know your exit in any building you sleep in.
- Termal spring water is heavily mineralised and mildly radioactive from radon; it is within permitted limits, but don't drink it.
- The Green-Blue Road is paved and fine for a 2WD, but signposting is erratic — download an offline map before you climb.
- Ferry fares are dynamic and rise with demand; buy at the pier or online rather than assuming a fixed price.
Emergency numbers
- All emergencies (police, fire, ambulance)
- 112
Pocket card
Fill in, then print or save as PDF
Stays in this browser only; nothing is sent anywhere.
YalovaYalova
Pocket card · Voykit
My bed tonight
—
—
—
Bu adrese, lütfenTo this address, please
Emergency
- All emergencies112
Embassy
No embassies in Yalova; most are in Ankara with consulates-general in Istanbul. The US, UK, Canadian, Australian and Irish missions are all in Ankara or Istanbul — check before you travel.
My embassy: —
Fare anchors (2026 estimate)
- IDO ferry, Yenikapı → Yalova: about 75 min, dynamic fare (check)
- IDO ferry, Pendik → Yalova: about 45 min, dynamic fare (check)
- Topçular → Eskihisar car ferry: about 45 min, runs 24 h, no booking (check)
- Dolmuş, ferry pier → Termal: about 30 min (check)
Say or show
- Merhaba — Hello (mer-hah-BAH)
- Teşekkürler — Thank you (teh-shek-kewr-LER)
- Ne kadar? — How much is it? (neh kah-DAR)
- İDO iskelesi, lütfen — The ferry pier, please (ee-DOH is-keh-leh-SEE, lewt-FEN)
- Dolmuş durağı nerede? — Where is the dolmuş stop? (dol-MOOSH doo-rah-EE neh-reh-DEH)
- Kartla ödeyebilir miyim? — Can I pay by card? (KART-lah ur-deh-yeh-bee-LEER mee-yim)
112 covers police, fire and ambulance. Keep the number saved offline.
Deep diveWhat this guide covers so far, and its sources
Deep dive
What this guide covers so far, and its sources
Not a trip line yet
This is a basic guide: no airport-to-bed contract, walking clusters or day plans are published for Yalova. Airport, fare and schedule details are unverified; check the operators before you fly.
What we know, and what is coming
On this page
- Best months: May–Jun, Sep–Oct · avoid Jul–Aug (humid), Dec–Feb (rain and grey) · month by month →
- 2 airports and 3 areas to sleep in
- Weather: a 7-day forecast and monthly averages
- Cost per day in 3 bands
- 5 day-trips, door to door
- 4 things to watch out for, with emergency numbers
Coming as the guide grows
- Pier-to-bed contract for the İDO ferries: last departures from Yenikapı and Pendik, dolmuş fallback, taxi rung.
- Three walking clusters with rescue anchors: Gazi Paşa Cd and the marina, the museum pair, the earthquake memorial.
- Place pages with verified hours for the City Museum, the Paper Museum, Yürüyen Köşk and Karaca Arboretum.
- Termal spa pages with public hammam hours and a spring-water safety line.
Sources
- officialYalova Municipality
- officialIDO ferries
- secondaryWikivoyage: Yalova, revision 5303115 (CC BY-SA 4.0)