Getting to Ephesus from Izmir was both easy and complicated — depending on how organized you are (we weren’t 😅). The good news is, several train options can take you directly or indirectly to Selçuk, the town closest to the Ephesus ruins. The bad news? Figuring out which ticket you need and where to buy it can get a little confusing.
Trains to Selçuk
Taking the train is by far the most budget-friendly way to get there. A one-way ticket costs around 100 TL (about €2). There are two train options — and they’re run by different companies, so they have different tickets and departure stations:
Regional TCDD Train
- Departs from Izmir Basmane Station
- Goes directly to Selçuk (no transfers)
- You can buy tickets at the station (cash only) — just don’t leave it to the last minute, as there’s usually a queue.
- You’ll need to show your passport to purchase tickets.
- You can also try to book online: ebilet.tcddtasimacilik.gov.tr
Local İZBAN Train
- Requires a change in Tepeköy — you’ll take the train from Izmir to Tepeköy, then another train to Selçuk.
- Izmir – Tepeköy train runs more frequently than the regional train, though you might have to wait in Tepeköy for train to Selçuk if not timed correctly.
- Departs from different stations than TCDD trains, so double-check the route on Google Maps before heading out.
- Needs an Izmir transport card (İzmirim Kart). You can find them at major stations, convenience stores, or kiosks.
Our experience
We chose the local İZBAN train, mostly because we woke up late and didn’t want to wait 1,5 hours for the next regional train. Most public transport in Izmir accepts contactless credit cards, but the İZBAN line to Selçuk requires an “İzmirim” transport card. We didn’t realize this until we were already at the station — and none of the places we checked (including the airport and two train stations) sold the card!
As our train’s departure time got closer, panic set in. Luckily, a few friendly locals tried to help us — and finally, a kind station guard let us through after we promised to buy the card on our way back. (We did find one later at a convenience store in Selçuk – lesson learned!)
Heading back to Izmir was much smoother since we already had our cards. Just remember, there are two different platforms depending on whether you’re taking the local İZBAN or regional TCDD train – so make sure you’re waiting at the right one!
We took the Selçuk → Tepeköy → Izmir route again. The connection from Tepeköy to Izmir runs every 20 minutes, so we weren’t too worried about timing. That said, our first train was delayed (or maybe canceled — no one really knew 😅), but after a while, another one showed up, and everyone boarded happily.
From chatting with other travelers, it sounds like everyone has an adventure on Turkish trains, so take it in stride — it’ll work out eventually!
Selçuk to Ephesus
Once you arrive in Selçuk, getting to Ephesus is fairly easy — it’s only about 3.5 km away. Depending on your timing, energy level, and planning (or lack thereof 😅), you have a few options to get there.
By foot
You can walk to Ephesus from the Selçuk train station — it’s roughly 3.5 km (about 40 minutes) on foot. The road is straightforward, and if the weather’s nice, it’s actually a pleasant walk. That was our original plan, but since we arrived pretty late, we decided to save time and skip the hike.
By Minibus (Dolmuş)
For something quick and budget-friendly, hop on a dolmuş (local minibus). They leave every 20 minutes and cost around 40 TL (about €0.80 one way, as of 2025).
You can find more details about where to catch them here:
👉 Ephesian Tourism – Selçuk to Ephesus Dolmuş Schedule
We, however, did zero research ahead of time and completely failed to locate them when we arrived. They are located a little bit away from the train station, and no signs are pointing to them. So… moving on.
By taxi
If you prefer the easy route, taxis are plentiful right outside the Selçuk station. I initially tried to book one via Uber, and while the app said the ride would cost around 100 TL, the driver messaged to confirm the destination — and the second he heard “Ephesus,” he canceled the ride. 😂
Thankfully, plenty of taxis were waiting at the station. When we asked for the fare, the price suddenly jumped to 200–300 TL (this was in 2024 — it’s probably a bit higher now). Still, it’s convenient if you’re short on time or just done with navigating Turkish public transport for the day.
Which Gate to Choose at Ephesus
There are two main entrances to Ephesus:
Upper (South) Gate:
- This is the entrance most tours and guided groups use. Starting here means you’ll walk downhill through the ruins, which makes exploring a lot easier. It’s also closer to the House of the Virgin Mary, so it’s convenient if you plan to visit both sites on the same day.
Lower (North) Gate:
- This entrance is located near the main parking area, with shops, cafés, and the stop for the local minibuses (dolmuş). If you prefer to avoid crowds at the beginning of your visit and don’t mind walking uphill later, this is the quieter option to start from.
In short:
👉 Start at the Upper Gate if you want an easier downhill walk and plan to follow the main tour route.
👉 Start at the Lower Gate if you prefer a more peaceful experience or are arriving by public transport.
Private tours
If you’d rather not deal with train schedules or ticket confusion, there are many private tours from Izmir to Ephesus. They’re more expensive and often time-restricted, but they offer convenience and comfort, especially if you’re short on time or not in the mood for logistical puzzles.
