This guide to the Izmir airport describes the overall transportation options and Izmir airport (ADB) to the Izmir city center (Basmane or Alsancak), and (2) where to go next. The Izmir airport is officially known as “Izmir Adnan Menderes Havalimani” and its code is ADB.
Introduction: Izmir airport (ADB) transportation options
The planners and architects of the Izmir airport (“Izmir Adnan Menderes Havalimani”) have done an excellent job. The airport is a great hub to travel north to the Izmir city center or south to Selcuk for Ephesus.
The Izmir airport is well designed and has an excellent transportation system to the Izmir city center. The main railway station in Izmir center is Basmane, which is located in the city center walking distance to the tourist hotels, the main bazaar and the sea. Alsancak with its higher-end hotels is a 15-30 minute walk away.
In addition, if going to Efes (Ephesus with its well-advertised Roman ruins), you do NOT have to travel to Izmir (as truly yours did), but can go from the airport directly to Selcuk (the closest town and the hub for Efes). In other words, you might save a day by visiting Efes directly and without making a detour to Izmir (an interesting but a detour nevertheless).
The airport is a transportation gem and has many options for any wallet and time preference. Walkable to all options below, no need for an airport shuttle (e.g., JFK, Heathrow), a taxi or city / minibus to connect. Well designed with clear signs, overall very efficient and largely on time.
Izmir Airport – Izmir City Center
When travelling to the Izmir city center, the options are metro, train, airport bus (Havas) or taxi.
In my opinion, if traveling to the Basmane area the TCDD train (Turkish Railway) is best if you can time it. The second best option, the Izmir metro. The third one, the Havas airport bus.
If traveling to Alsancak, the metro the best as you can go directly to the Alsancak metro station, and do not have to change and take the bus.
(1) Izmir metro (subway)
The metro station is inside the airport, exit the arrivals terminal, follow the signs, and buy a ticket (Izmir card) at the ticket booth. It can be pre-loaded with various amount of money, 2-3 rides a good initial amount, the Izmir card can also be used on the city buses. $1.50 one-way, takes 30 minutes. Modern carriages, air conditioning working well, largely clean, sometimes packed, watch your belongings.
The Izmir metro is departing from the airport 00:04 – 23:40, approximately every 15 minutes.
When travelling to the Basmane area, you will have to get off at Kemer and take a city bus to Basmane (5-10 minutes). Plenty of buses with the waiting time of a few minutes. When exiting the metro station, pass the guy selling hot mussels (seems he is always there), cross the road, the bus stop is on the right hand side. No major hassle but a transfer nevertheless.
The stations from the airport (“Havalimani”) in yellow to Kemer for Basmane. If you are traveling to Alsancak, you can get there directly without a bus transfer.
(2) TCDD (Turkish Railways) train
The train station is inside the airport, no need for a bus or taxi transfer. Incredibly convenient. Exit the airport building, follow the signs and take the escalator down. Simple snacks (simit and ayran) available on the train for a fair price ($0.30 each in September 2022). Modern train, clean, air-conditioning working well, no wifi, punctual.
The train takes 24 minutes to the main Basmane train station but, unfortunately, there are only a few departures daily. In my experience, those trains were on time, so no “usual Turkish coach 5 minutes delay”, please be on time.
One-way ticket approximately $1 available at the ticket booths (arrive at least 10 minutes before your departure time as there might / will be a long line. The line will be moving quickly, but still a long line, and you do not want to miss your train).
The TCDD train is more convenient than the Izmir metro if going to the Basmane area as there is no transfer required. The downside is the train is less frequent than the metro.
The Izmir airport – Izmir Basmane train departures as of September 2022: 06:34, 08:32, 10:10, 12:45, 15:23, 17:02, 20:46, 22:38.
(3) Havas bus
The usual Havas airport bus departing from the second lane outside the arrivals terminal. Approximately hourly, takes approximately 60 minutes (depending on traffic) to the Izmir city center with several stops, $3 one way.
The Havas bus is available 00:30 – 23:00 departing approximately every 30 minutes.
(4) Taxi
30 minutes depending on traffic, approximately $10 one way, significantly higher if pre-ordered with the welcome service (driver with your name waiting in the arrivals hall).
NEVER enter a taxi in the Izmir airport without agreeing TOTAL price to your final destination upfront. This should also include any baggage and no baggage fees. Otherwise, they might suddenly appear at the end of your ride).
(2) Where to go next?
If you are going to Ephesus next, this guide describes traveling from Izmir to Ephesus (Izmir Airport – Ephesus).
When going to Pamukkale, Izmir – Pamukkale will help.
For arrivals in the Antalya airport, this Antalya Airport – City Center guide will help.
The overall guide to How to Travel Around Turkey?.
Also, Izmir is an excellent hub for Pegasus Airlines, the biggest budget airline in Turkey. Within a few hours flying time, Anatolia in the south-east of the country offers a different world from the touristy West Side of Turkey. Anatolia has some stunning historical sites.
For the overall guide to southern Turkey: Guide to Southern Turkey (Anatolia): Why Visit / Itinerary
