Ephesus · Selçuk
Ephesus from İzmir Airport
Ephesus from İzmir Airport is about 66 km — roughly 55 min by road; the ancient city, one of the great cities of the ancient world, has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 2015. You can get there by private transfer or hire car, by the HAVAŞ Kuşadası bus, which stops in Selçuk, or by İZBAN train with a change at Tepeköy.
What to see
Library of Celsus
The famous two-storey façade, the most photographed monument of Roman Ephesus.
Great Theatre
The vast Roman theatre carved into the hillside, one of the site’s landmark monuments.
House of the Virgin Mary
A domed chapel about 7 km from Ephesus, a major Christian pilgrimage site since the 5th century.
Temple of Artemis
Once one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World; little of it remains today, near Selçuk.
Ayasuluk Hill
Above Selçuk, part of the UNESCO-listed area along with the ancient city and the Artemision.
Şirince
A hillside village above Selçuk, often combined with a visit to Ephesus.
69 km from the airport
Getting to Ephesus from the airport
⚠ For information only; compiled from internet sources, accuracy not guaranteed. Check the official source.
| Option | How it works | Good to know |
|---|---|---|
| Private transfer | Pre-booked, fixed price per vehicle | Door to door to Selçuk or your hotel; about 55 min |
| HAVAŞ bus | Kuşadası route, stop in Selçuk (Kuğulu Park) | Then a short taxi ride to the site |
| İZBAN train | Southbound train, change at Tepeköy for Selçuk | No direct train; check the İZBAN timetable |
| Hire car | Via the tolled İzmir–Aydın motorway | Flexible; combine with Şirince and Kuşadası |
İzmir airport to Selçuk by train
Take a southbound İZBAN train from Adnan Menderes Havalimanı station and change at Tepeköy for the Selçuk service; there is no direct train. Check both legs on the official İZBAN timetable before you travel, and allow time for the change. From Selçuk station, Ephesus is a short taxi ride.
Tips for your visit
Ephesus is large and largely unshaded, and in summer it gets very hot by midday. Arrive early, wear good shoes, bring water and a hat. The site has an upper and a lower entrance, so many visitors walk downhill from one to the other and arrange transport to meet them. Opening hours and ticket prices change, so check the official information before you go.
Staying overnight in Selçuk or Kuşadası lets you reach the gates before the tour coaches.
Frequently Asked Questions
How far is Ephesus from İzmir airport?
About 66 km to the ancient site by road, roughly 55 min without traffic. Selçuk town is about 59 km away.
Can I take the train from İzmir airport to Ephesus?
Yes, but not directly: take a southbound İZBAN train, change at Tepeköy for Selçuk, then a taxi to the site.
Where can I find the İzmir airport to Selçuk train timetable?
On the official İZBAN website (izban.com.tr). Look up the airport to Tepeköy and Tepeköy to Selçuk legs.
Is there a bus from İzmir airport to Selçuk?
Yes. The HAVAŞ Kuşadası bus stops in Selçuk at Kuğulu Park, next to the state hospital.
Is Ephesus a UNESCO World Heritage Site?
Yes, since 2015. The listed area includes the ancient city, Ayasuluk Hill, the Artemision and Çukuriçi Höyük.
When is the best time to visit Ephesus?
Spring (April–May) and autumn (September–October), early in the morning. Midsummer afternoons are very hot.
Related Pages
İzmir Airport to Selçuk (Ephesus)
Selçuk is the small town beside ancient Ephesus, with Ayasuluk Hill and the remains of the Temple of Artemis on its edge.
İzmir Airport train (İZBAN)
The suburban train from the terminals to the city.
İzmir travel guide
The Kordon, Kemeraltı, the Agora and where to stay.
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