Pamukkale is another item on the bucket list for many tourists in Turkey. It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and heavily promoted. This article describes the Izmir – Pamukkale transportation.
Pamukkale is located 1 hour drive from Denizli, the closest large town. Therefore, the journey for tourists starting in Izmir will be broken down into two steps: (1) Izmir – Denizli, and (2) Denizli – Pamukkale.
(1) Izmir – Denizli
There are two main options: (a) fly or (b) take a train.
(1a) Flight: Izmir – Denizli
There are several daily connections with 1 stop, one-way ticket costs approximately EUR 80-120 depending how much in advance you purchase the ticket.
The total flight time of 3 hours. You would arrive at the Denizli airport with the required taxi to the city center.
(1b) Train: Izmir – Denizli
The alternative is to take a Turkish Airlines (TCDD) train from the Basmane station in Izmir city center to Denizli city center. The train takes 4.5-5 hours, which is comparable with the flight if we consider the required airport arrival of at least 75-90 minutes. The train is also less prone to the recent flight delays. The train is also significantly cheaper at TRY 73 as of September 2022 (EUR 4).
In addition, the train seats are wider with a more leg room and you can stand up and walk during the journey. The train is modern, comfortable, punctual and with strong air-conditioning.
The departure times from Izmir Basmane to Denizli are 07:10, 10:45, 12:30, 14:30, 16:45, 18:00, and 23:05.
I took the train and did not regret it. It departed and arrived on time, and was clean and more comfortable than a standard economy flight seat. When buying the ticket on the TCDD app, website or the TCDD office in advance, you will receive an assigned seat and a peace of mind.
In addition, it arrived at the main Denizli train station, which is located exactly in the city center and 5 minutes walking distance from the bus station. Regular dolmus (minibus) depart from here to Pamukkale.
(2) Denizli – Pamukkale
There are two options from the Denizli city center to Pamukkale: (a) dolmus (minibus) or (b) taxi. Of course, you could also take an organized tour from Denizli. However, given the short distance, many dolmus and ease of navigation at Pamukkale, probably not an attractive option.
(2a) Dolmus: Denizli – Pamukkale
Denizli transportation hub is well-designed. Both the train and the bus stations are in the city center and 5 minutes walking distance from each other.
The bus station has both the long-distance coaches and the dolmus minibuses. The dolmus to Pamukkale departs from the dolmus lower-ground level.
The Pamukkale dolmus departs every 20-30 minutes on the fixed schedule (and not waiting until it is full). It will take 1 hour to reach the springs. You will get off at the small square in Pamukkale town, 5 minutes away from the entrance to the Pamukkale area. On return to Denizli, you will catch the dolmus at exactly the same square (next to the hairdresser, opposite a small restaurant).
A one-way ticket in September 2022 is TRY 40 ($2.20) payable to the driver.
(2b) Taxi: Denizli – Pamukkale
Depending on the mood of the taxi driver, his evaluation of your payment ability and your negotiation skills, a one-way taxi to Pamukkale will be $15-20.
Izmir – Pamukkale recommendation
I recommend the Izmir-Denizli train and the Denizli-Pamukkale dolmus. Both journey legs were on time, comfortable, clean and with good air-conditioning.
Where to go next?
Attached are some other transportation articles:
- Izmir Airport – City Center
- Izmir Airport – Ephesus
- Antalya Airport – City Center
- How to Travel Around Turkey?
