How To Go from Izmir to Ephesus

This is a guide to traveling from Izmir to Ephesus and back.

To start with, here’s the map of the Izmir – Ephesus itinerary:

Izmir to Ephesus – OpenStreetMap^® is open data, licensed under the Open Data Commons Open Database License (ODbL) by the OpenStreetMap Foundation (OSMF).
The documentation is licensed under the Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 2.0 license (CC BY-SA 2.0).

Find out the different ways to travel, their pros and cons, their duration, and their special features or challenges.

1. Guided Tour

Visiting Ephesus on a guided tour from Izmir is the best choice for people who don’t want to bother with thew logistics of finding the best travel options, buying tickets, or driving.

The archaeological site at Ephesus is not only huge but also very interesting. You’d better see it together with a professional guide, in order to understand everything.

Pros:

• Hassle-free transportation
• Includes entrance fees and professional guide
• Often combines Ephesus with other sites

Cons:

• Less flexibility
• Can be more expensive
• Set schedule

Duration:

Full day (typically 8-10 hours including site visits)

Insider tip: Book with a reputable company that offers small group sizes for a more personalized experience.

2. By Train: The Cheapest Way

Trains from Izmir would take you to Selcuk.

From there, you need to take a taxi or a minibus to Ephesus Ancient City.

In Izmir, you need to get to the Basmane Gari train station.

Gari means ‘train station’ in Turkish.

There are several trains per day departing from Izmir Basmane to Selcuk.

I’d take the one at 7:00 in the morning, in order to enjoy my time in the ancient city of Ephesus to the full.

Read my article about the Ancient City of Ephesus to see what to expect from this day trip from Izmir.

Pros:

• Affordable option
• Regular departures
• Comfortable

Cons:

• Longer travel time
• It requires a transfer in Selçuk

Duration:

Around 2.5 – 3 hours (the train ride is 1 hour 37 minutes, but you need to add the commutes from your hotel to Izmir Basmane, and from Selcuk to Ephesus.

Insider tip: You may read on various websites that the train station in Selcuk is at walking distance from Ephesus. Don’t believe that.

There’s at least one hour of walking. I’d rather spend it inside the archaeological site than on an asphalt road.

3. By Bus

Buses in Turkey are comfortable and timely.

There are also minibuses known as Dolmus that connect villages to cities and tourist sites.

Pros:

• Scenic route
• Fixed schedule
• Comfortable seating

Cons:

• Limited departure times
• No direct connection from Izmir to Ephesus
• Multiples stops along the way may add time to your journey

Duration:

1.5-2 hours to Selçuk

Insider tip: When you choose your bus company, pick one that goes directly to Selcuk.

4. By Rental Car

Pros:

• Flexibility and independence
• Can visit other nearby attractions
• Convenient for groups

Cons:

• Potentially stressful driving in unfamiliar or crowded urban areas
• Parking concerns
• More expensive than public transport

Duration:

1-1.5 hours

Insider tip: Consider renting a car with GPS navigation or ensure you can use your mobile data.

The route is straightforward, but having guidance can reduce stress.

Besides, driving in Izmir is pure madness. Trust me, it took me a couple of hours of turning around to find my way from Izmir to Ephesus.

Should I return to Izmir, I wouldn’t drive again.

5. Private Transfer

Pros:

• Direct and comfortable
• Flexible departure times
• Door-to-door service

Cons:

• Most expensive option
• Requires advance booking

Duration:

1-1.5 hours

Insider tip: Some transfer services offer the option to make stops at points of interest along the way, such as the House of Virgin Mary or Şirince village.

6. Taxi

Pros:

• Convenient for small groups
• Direct route
• No need for advance booking

Cons:

• Expensive for solo travelers
• Potential language barrier
• Risk of overcharging
• Risk of not finding a car to drive you back to Izmir

Duration:

1-1.5 hours

Insider tip: Agree on the fare before starting the journey and ensure the driver uses the meter.

General Tips:

1. The best time to visit Ephesus is during spring (April-May) or fall (September-October) when the weather is mild and crowds are smaller.

I visited Ephesus in June, on a very hot day. I had to buy a sunhat from the vendors by the archaeological site.

2. If using public transportation, consider staying overnight in Selçuk to have more time at the Ephesus site.

3. Bring plenty of water, sunscreen, a sunhat and comfortable walking shoes as the site involves significant walking on uneven surfaces.

4. For a unique perspective, consider hiring a local guide at the Ephesus entrance. They can provide insightful historical context and help you navigate the giant site efficiently.

5. If you’re interested in photography, plan to arrive early in the morning or late in the afternoon for the best lighting conditions and fewer crowds.

By considering these options and tips, you can choose the method that best suits your travel style, budget, and preferences for your journey from Izmir to Ephesus.