The short answer
The ruins of Ephesus lie next to the town of Selçuk in İzmir Province. The nearest airport is İzmir Adnan Menderes, and the nearest railway station is Selçuk itself. From the station and the bus station, minibuses called dolmuş run to the site. Most cruise passengers arrive by road from Kuşadası instead.
If you come by ship, our page on Ephesus shore excursions from Kuşadası lists the transfer and tour options. If you only have a day and start in Istanbul, see Ephesus day trips from Istanbul by plane. Everyone else can read on.
Routes by starting point
Times are rough guides. Traffic, the gate you choose and the day of the week change them.
From İzmir Airport
The suburban rail line İZBAN runs south to Selçuk. Plan on changing trains at Tepeköy and do not count on a single through train. Check the current timetable and fare before you go. A taxi or a pre-booked transfer avoids the change.
From İzmir city
The line to Selçuk is the same İZBAN service. ESHOT bus 770 runs between Selçuk and the Torbalı transfer centre. It is a regional link, not a direct bus to the ruins, and the route can change temporarily.
From Kuşadası
From the cruise port it is about 25 minutes by road to Ephesus. Private transfers cover 19 to 25 km in 30 to 35 minutes. The gap comes from the starting point and the gate. Allow extra time if several ships are in port.
Shore excursions →From Istanbul
A direct flight to İzmir takes about 1 hour 15 minutes from Istanbul. Flights from Sabiha Gökçen take about an hour. That is flight time only. Add transfers, check-in and the road to Selçuk. A day trip by plane takes about 15 hours.
Day trips from Istanbul →From Pamukkale
The drive is about 200 km and roughly 3 hours without stops. By public transport, plan 4 to 5 hours including the change in Denizli. For the terraces themselves, see the guide to getting to Pamukkale.
Ephesus and Pamukkale →Our pick: a tour with pickup in Izmir
If you would rather skip the train and minibus, this tour collects you in Izmir.
Hand-picked tours, booked through GetYourGuide. Prices are indicative starting prices in euros (as of October 2026). Tap a tour for live availability and the current price in your currency.
Ephesus tours with transport included
Day trips and shore excursions that handle the transfer, with live prices and availability.
The last stretch from Selçuk
Prices in Turkish lira, 2026, as a guide. Fares can change.
| Option | Cost | What to know |
|---|---|---|
| Dolmuş from the Selçuk bus station | TRY 90 to 100 | About 7 minutes to the lower gate. In winter roughly 08:00 to 18:00, about every 30 minutes. Summer times differ. |
| Taxi between the gates | About TRY 1,500 | Useful if you finish at the other end and want to get back to your car. |
| Walk from Selçuk | Free | About 3.5 km along the road. |
| Organised tour or transfer | Varies | Pick-up and drop-off are set by the product, so read the details. |
For most visitors travelling on their own, the dolmuş from Selçuk to the lower gate is the simplest choice. Take a taxi back if you end the day at the upper gate.
Upper gate or lower gate
Ephesus has two entrances. The upper gate (Üst Kapı) lies near the Magnesian Gate. The lower gate (Alt Kapı) is at the foot of the site. Most visitors start at the upper gate and walk downhill along the route described in our self-guided tour. Dolmuş drivers use the lower gate, and there is no public minibus back from the upper one.
A free shuttle between the gates or a free ride back to your car is not something to rely on. If you drive, ask where to park before you set off, as parking fees and rules can change. Winter hours from 1 October 2026 to 1 April 2027 are 08:00 to 18:00, with the ticket desk closing at 17:30. Prices are on the tickets page.
Entering Türkiye
The rules depend on your passport. Check them before you book.
Germany
German citizens can enter visa-free for up to 90 days in any 180 days, with a passport or an identity card.
United States
Ordinary US passports are visa-free for up to 90 days in any 180 days. Official US passports follow other rules.
Other EU countries
There is no single EU rule. The list depends on nationality and passport type, so check yours on your government's travel advice page.
Once in the region, the wider area is covered in our guides to things to do in Selçuk and where to stay near Ephesus.
Getting to Ephesus: frequently asked questions
What is the nearest airport to Ephesus?
İzmir Adnan Menderes Airport. From there you can take the suburban train towards Selçuk, with a change at Tepeköy, or a taxi.
Is there a direct bus to the ruins?
No. ESHOT bus 770 links Selçuk with the Torbalı transfer centre, but it does not go to the site. Use a dolmuş from Selçuk.
How long does it take from Kuşadası?
About 25 minutes by road from the cruise port, or 30 to 35 minutes for some private transfers. Allow more time on busy days.
Can I do Ephesus as a day trip from Istanbul?
Yes, by plane. The flight takes about 1 hour 15 minutes, and a full day trip takes around 15 hours. See Ephesus from Istanbul.
Do I need a visa?
German citizens and holders of ordinary US passports can stay up to 90 days in any 180 days without a visa. Other nationalities should check the rules for their passport.