Visiting the ancient city of Ephesus is a must for anyone traveling through western Türkiye. Conveniently located near the town of Selçuk, Ephesus is accessible from Izmir and makes for an ideal day trip. While many tourists opt for guided tours, visiting Ephesus independently allows you to spend more time exploring the site at your own pace, including hidden gems that tours often skip.
Here’s a step-by-step guide to visiting Ephesus from Izmir efficiently and without a tour.👇
Fortunately, Izmir's transport system is well-connected. As of September 2023, contactless payment is available on most metro services, but not on the İZBAN, the regional train line that travels from Izmir to Selçuk.
Fortunately, Izmir's transport system is well-connected. As of September 2023, contactless payment is available on most metro services, but not on the İZBAN, the regional train line that travels from Izmir to Selçuk.
You will need an İzmirim card, which can be purchased from most newsagents around the city. The card costs around 115 TL (about £3) and can be loaded with the amount you need for your trip. Ensure that you have at least 150 TL on your card to cover the cost to Selçuk (55 TL for the trip, with a 55 TL reserve requirement).
The train journey involves catching the İZBAN from either Alsancak or Hilal stations in Izmir. You’ll board a train heading towards Tepeköy, the southern terminus for most trains. Once you reach Tepeköy, you’ll transfer to another train heading towards Selçuk. Be aware that the Tepeköy-Selçuk train runs less frequently, with departures every 90 minutes, so plan your transfer accordingly.
Key train times from Alsancak to Tepeköy and Selçuk:
08:34 departure, arrives in Selçuk at 10:13
10:10 departure, arrives in Selçuk at 11:43
11:46 departure, arrives in Selçuk at 13:23
From here, minibuses frequently depart for Ephesus. The minibus ride costs 50 to 70 TL (cash only), and you can easily spot them as the drivers will announce their destinations, and many fellow passengers will be heading to Ephesus as well.
There are also public restrooms at the bus station for a small fee of 20 TL.
One of the lesser-visited yet most fascinating parts of Ephesus, the Terraced Houses offer a glimpse into how the wealthy residents of the city lived. The houses are incredibly well-preserved, with intricate mosaics and frescoes. Plus, they’re indoors, providing a nice break from the heat.
Source: Turkey Archeological News
A newer addition to the area, the Ephesus Experience Museum offers an immersive digital experience where you can step into recreations of ancient Ephesian homes. This modern installation uses projections on all six surfaces of a room to transport you back in time. Tickets for this are pricey—around £40, similar to the entry fee for Ephesus itself—but it’s a memorable experience.
Source: Dem Museums
Near the lower gate of Ephesus, you’ll find a small market where local vendors sell souvenirs at reasonable prices. This is the perfect place to pick up mementos like magnets, Turkish coffee cups, or handmade items.
Located just a short taxi ride from Ephesus, the Temple of Artemis was once one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World. Today, it is mostly in ruins, but the historical significance makes it worth a visit. Best of all, it's free to enter.
This museum houses many of the original statues and artifacts uncovered during the excavations at Ephesus. Visiting the museum after your tour of Ephesus offers valuable context, and the highlight is the original statue of Artemis. The museum is a short walk from both the train station and the Temple of Artemis.
Source: Kültür Portalı
A 10-minute walk from the museum brings you to the ruins of a Byzantine church built around the tomb of St. John the Apostle. You can also climb up to the Selçuk Castle, which offers panoramic views of the surrounding area.
A little farther from Selçuk lies the House of the Virgin Mary, believed to be the home where Mary lived in her final years. This is a popular pilgrimage site for Christian visitors.
Once you reach Tepeköy, you can transfer to an İzban train heading to Alsancak or Hilal every 20 minutes.
For a smooth return, consider catching the 17:50 or 19:00 train back to Izmir. If you have time to spare before departing, stop by Alsancak Pide near the train station and try the local favorite—tahini pide. This traditional flatbread baked with tahini makes for a delicious snack.
Before setting off, keep in mind that there are no toilets on the İzban trains, so plan accordingly. Additionally, most attractions in Selçuk, such as Ephesus and the Ephesus Museum, remain open until around 6-8 PM during the summer months.
With this guide, you can explore Ephesus and its surrounding sites at your own pace, allowing you to fully immerse yourself in this remarkable historical experience without the limitations of a tour schedule.