Top tips to visit Ephesus in a more efficient, private and pleasant way. Ephesus (Efes) is one of the major tourist attractions in Turkey. The Celsius library has been extensively used in the Turkey tourist advertisements and you have probably already seen it countless times. Unfortunately, Ephesus is flooded with tourists. These tips will make your visit to this top top site easier, faster and more enjoable.
This guide includes general planning tips, how to get to Ephesus from Izmir, and where to go next.
Ephesus Visit – General Planning Tips
(1) Arrive early at 8am or late at 4pm
The bottom line is that Ephesus is one of the top tourist attractions with literally rows of tour buses arriving almost continuously at the site. During the peak times the tours are literally bumping into one another, and you will hear several languages at the same spot.
Secondly, please bear in mind that the area is largely exposed to the relentless summer sun with little shade and temperatures regularly reaching 40C (104F) in the summer. For those reasons, it pays to time your visit and arrive at the gate opening time of 8:00am or in the afternoon around 4:00pm (the site closes at 6:30pm in the summer). The morning is better as the stones have not heated up after a full day of strong sunlight.
2-3 hours is the average timeframe that most tourists (and tours) spend at Ephesus.
(2) Take water with you, no matter when you arrive
Beverages, hats, umbrellas and the usual tourist souvenirs might be purchased in front of the entry gate. Your friendly Turkish shop owners expect (and relish) to bargain, please do not disappoint them.
(3) Arrive at the lower entry gate next to the amphitheater
Three reasons:
(a) Most tours arrive at the upper gate and then descend as easier than climbing the hill,
(b) Also, your minibus (dolmus) from Selcuk will drop you off at the lower gate, and
(c) The main attractions (Celcius library, amphitheater) are closer to the lower gate. Therefore, if you arrive at 8am you will be there by 8:05am and will have them largely to yourself. The library is more popular than the amphitheater, so pass the theater first and reach the library. You will probably be the first (or one of the first 5 tourists) in front of the celebrated Celsius library enjoying the tranquility and the unobstructed photos. After the library, backtrack to the amphitheater, which will also offer some shade in the morning.
(4) Purchase additional ticket for the Terrace Houses
Two reasons:
(a) the excavated residential houses and especially the mosaics and frescos are interesting, and
(b) the area is shaded with a large canopy so a (brief) respite from the sun.
(5) Do not miss the Roman lavatory.
A unique site not available in many other famous Roman venues. The Romans had clearly a different approach to the restroom privacy.
(6) Download an audio Ephesus tour
Download it before the visit as no wifi at the site. There are many available and some are free of charge. Your choice might be more informative than the audio guide available at the entrance gate.
Izmir – Ephesus Transportation
The most convenient way to get to Ephesus from Izmir is to take the TCDD train to Selcuk. Then take a minibus (dolmus) from the Selcuk bus station in city center to Ephesus archeological site.
TCDD Train: Izmir – Ephesus.
- The train to Selcuk takes 90 minutes from Izmir Basmane railway station ($1.35), or 60 minutes from the Izmir airport ($1.20). The dolmus from the Selcuk bus station to Ephesus ($0.60) takes 10 minutes depending on traffic.
- This train departs from the Basmane railway station in the Izmir city center with the final destination of Denizli.
- The Izmir Basmane rail station – Selcuk / Denizli departures: 07:10, 10:45, 12:30, 14:30, 16:45, 18:00, 23:05.
- You can also catch the same train at the Izmir airport (“Izmir Adnan Menderes Havalimani”), so you do not have to go to the Izmir city center and can avoid a detour. Basmane – Izmir airport takes approximately 25 minutes.
- The Izmir airport – Selcuk / Denizli departures: 07:32, 11:08, 12:56, 14:56, 17:09, 18:23, 23:34.
- Modern train, air conditioning working, no wifi, punctual, snacks (simit, ayran) offered at fair prices ($0.30 each).
- The train station is located in the city center of Selcuk, 10 minutes walking distance from the Selcuk bus station (“otogar”).
Dolmus: Selcuk bus station – Ephesus
- The minibus (dolmus) departs from the Selcuk bus station (otogar) in the city center. It takes 10 minutes depending on traffic, for $0.60 one way.
- The minibus is departing from the first bay on the left-hand side in front of the station building. First bus at 07:00am, leaving on time (and not waiting for other passengers to fill up). Depending on the season, departures every 20-30 minutes. If in doubt, please ask any driver from another bus and they will point you to the right spot.
- You will get off at the parking lot in front of the lower entrance gate, 3-5 minutes walking distance to the Celsius library and the amphitheater.
- On the way back to Selcuk, the minibus will stop at exactly the same spot.
Where to Go Next
If landing at the Izmir airport, this guide to Izmir airport – Ephesus will help with the transportation options, prices and timetables (Izmir Airport – Ephesus).
If you are interested in Ephesus, you might also enjoy other stunning historical sites in Turkey, which I had found excellent:
Nemrut Dagi – a Greek monument on a mountain top with spectacular views (Nemrut Dagi: Greek ruins in spectacular scenery)
Göbekli tepe – allegedly the oldest human temple at 11,000 years, easily beating the Egyptian pyramids at 4,500 years or Stonehedge in the U.K. at 7,000 years (Sanliurfa and Göbekli tepe (11,000 years old!))
Finally, I also highly recommend visiting south-eastern Turkey (Anatolia). Historic sites, impressive cities, excellent food, friendly people and few foreign tourists. One of the my most memorable trips.
(Guide to Southern Turkey (Anatolia): Why Visit / Itinerary)
