Transportation in Ephesus

Izmir has a well developed transportation system with a wide network of railways, airways, national and international highways, and maritime lines, all of which make Izmir and Ephesus very easily accessible.

Izmir was the first city in Turkey to introduce coordinated transport in 1999. The integrated pre-pay ticket, called the Kent Kart or City Card, is usable in buses, ferries, on the Metro (subway), and a few other facilities managed by the municipality.

For information on getting to, from and around Izmir and Ephesus, along with details for independant tranport operators take a look at our Izmir and Ephesus Transportation Guide below. Our Turkey Transportation Guide  provides countrywide transportation information. Join an Izmir and Ephesus tour to easily see the many Izmir and Ephesus highlights and attrations.

Izmir and Ephesus Transportation Guide

Getting around Ephesus and Izmir

By Plane

Turkish Airlines THY and many Flight Company services, Pegasus , Atlasjet , İzair, Sunexpress to Adnan Menderes Airport, Izmir's Airport. Ankara, Istanbul, and a few international cities are connected directly to Izmir. However, most international flights are cancelled in winter. On the other hand, several additional charter flights from countries such as Germany and United Kingdom fly in summer.

The Havas bus service ferries passengers from the airport to the city centre. The city drop-off point is at the offices of the Turkish Airlines on Gaziosmanpasa Bulvari, in front of Hotel Grand Ephesus and just next door to the Hilton. Bus timings are connected to flight arrival schedules. The bus ride from the airport takes around 30 minutes.

Depending on the traffic situation, a taxi from Izmir airport costs around US $13 to $20, regardless of whether the driver has a ‘fixed rate', or whether the taximeter is running or not. If doubtful about the fairness of the rate quoted, bargain and get a good deal. Fares between midnight and 6 am are higher than daytime fares.

Another way to get to the city is by commuter rail. The bad road traffic can be avoided this way but once you reach the city, a taxi will still be required to reach your hotel. It is of course a cheaper option costing around 50¢ only but it is no quicker than the other modes. Hourly trains run between the airport and Alsancak Gari via the Basmane Gari, which is near the port in north Izmir.

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By Bus

A wide network of buses in Izmir and to Ephesus. They run quite frequently and one can reach Izmir from Ankara in 9 hours, from Bergama in 2½ hours, from Bursa in 5½ hours, from Istanbul in 9½ hours, and from Kusadasi in 1½ hours. Bus fares can vary by US $7 from bus company to bus company. Ask around before buying a ticket.

The main bus station, or otogar, in Izmir is very similar to an airport's layout except for the lack of signs in several languages for the convenience of the passengers. Sometimes the bus service you used may provide free transport to their offices in the city centre. If not, the only thing to do is to cross the parking area, walk to the uncovered section and try to convince one of the sleepy dolmus drivers to take you. Chances of success are almost zero. The next best thing is to get in line just before the dolmus stand and wait for an ancient sedan to pick you up. The sedans are usually bright red and they crowd in the first few people in the line.

By Train

The Turkish State Railways runs two daily trains between Ankara and Izmir. The Mavi Tren takes 14 hours while the Karesi Ekpresi takes 15 hours. The trains have sleeper cars that can accommodate up to three passengers per car. Two trains run from Denizli as well. You can reach Denizli from Izmir in 6 hours and then take the connection to Pamukkale. Another train from Izmir reaches Bandirma in 6½ hours and from there, ferries run to and from Istanbul.

The Izmir train station is at Basmane Gari, which is about 0.75 km (1/2 mile) to the northeast of the town centre, Konak. The remaining trip to the hotel is best completed in a taxi.

By Ferry

The Turkish Maritime Lines operate all year round from Istanbul to Izmir, or rather Cesme. Ferries leave Istanbul every Friday at 3 pm and reach Izmir on Saturday at 9 am. The return voyage begins from Izmir at noon on Sundays. Passengers can take a taxi from the harbour to the hotel. Another option is the bus from Alsancak train station located a block away. However, a taxi will again be required after reaching the city centre.

Getting Around Ephesus and Izmir

Izmir was the first city in Turkey to introduce coordinated transport in 1999. The integrated pre-pay ticket, called the Kent Kart or City Card, is usable in buses, ferries, on the Metro (subway), and a few other facilities managed by the municipality.

Walking

Ephesus is best visited by walking or on a guided tour. Izmir can be explored on foot too. There are easy and pleasant walking routes to the city centre.

Urban ferries

Since the city is situated by a large gulf, ferries are a part and parcel of the local lifestyle. The municipality runs several boat and ferry services that are used by both passengers and vehicles. Routes covered by passenger boats are Goztepe-Karsiyaka-Goztepe, Konak-Bayrakli-Konak, Konak-Bostanli-Konak, and Konak-Karsiyaka-Konak. The ferries carrying both vehicles and passengers ply on the Uckuyular-Bostanli-Uckuyular route.

During summer, special lines that go further out into the gulf are operated to cater to the many visitors. As these services are quite inexpensive, it is quite common to see visitors and locals enjoy the ferry rides just for fun.

Subway

The Metro system in Izmir covers approximately 11 km and its 10 stations are spread across the major districts and suburbs. Uckuyular and Bornova are the two end stations. The system is presently being extended and when completed, it will be a wonderful addition to Izmir transportation system. New lines are being laid and existing ones are being repaired.

The minimum fare on the Metro is TRL 1.25 if paid by cash and TRL 0.95 with a Kent Kart. 12% of Metro passengers pay cash and the remaining use Kent Kart. 53% of Ken Kart users pay standard rates while 35% pay reduced rates.

An ambitious project is underway now. A new Metro line between the northern district of Aliağa and the southern district of Menderes is under construction. This 80 km (50 miles) line will run up to the Adnan Menderes Airport and also connect to the existing line. The project is expected to be complete in late 2008.

By Bus

The municipal bus network or ESHOT has a large network of buses covering all the main districts. ESHOT has outsourced the operations to the privately owned Izulas. Izulas operates from two garages and runs 400 buses. The bus service in Izmir is supplemented by the services of minibuses and dolmus, both of which are run privately.

Public transport in Izmir includes a line of red buses that can be caught from anywhere. Passengers just have to reach the bus station or ‘otogar', and inform the driver about the destination. Bus fare is quite inexpensive but regular users normally purchase a City Card or ‘Kent Kart' that makes it even more reasonable. Kent Karts can be purchased at many shops and at the ticket offices.

By Dolmus

Minibus or dolmus services are easily available in suburban Izmir. Taxis are also available in these areas and their rates are quite reasonable. Usually yellow in colour, they have a well lit ‘taxi' sign on top. From midnight to 6 am, taxi fares are 50% more than daytime rates.