Plane or bus: the short answer
| Option | Duration | Best for |
|---|---|---|
| Flight Istanbul – İzmir (ADB), then car or train to Selçuk | about 1 h 15 flight, then about 1 h by road | short stays, Ephesus first |
| Flight Istanbul – Denizli Çardak (DNZ), then shuttle to Pamukkale | about 1 h 20 flight, then about 1 h by road | Pamukkale first |
| Night bus Istanbul – Selçuk or Denizli | more than ten hours | small budgets, travellers with no time constraints |
The plane is almost always the right choice for a stay of a few days: it saves a night on the bus. Domestic airfares vary a lot by date: compare them on the airlines' websites, for example Turkish Airlines, Pegasus or AJet. Book an "open jaw" ticket (outbound to İzmir, return from Denizli) so you do not have to backtrack.
How many days to allow
Three days and two nights are a reasonable minimum, four days are more comfortable.
- Day 1: flight to İzmir in the morning, road to Selçuk (about 1 h), then Ephesus in the afternoon; night in Selçuk.
- Day 2: the Basilica of St John and the Ephesus Museum in Selçuk in the morning, then road to Pamukkale (about 3 h); sunset on the terraces; night in Pamukkale.
- Day 3: Hierapolis early in the morning, then a return flight from Denizli.
A same-day round trip from Istanbul is technically possible for Ephesus alone, with an early flight and a late return, but you would spend most of your time at airports.
Ephesus
Ephesus was one of the largest cities of the eastern Roman Empire, with a harbour, a theatre and temples. The site is near Selçuk, about twenty kilometres from the coast.
- The Library of Celsus, with its restored façade, built in the 2nd century, is the emblematic image of the site.
- The Great Theatre, which could hold about 25,000 spectators, and the Curetes Street, lined with columns and fountains.
- The Terrace Houses, a residential quarter with mosaic floors and frescoes, which requires an extra ticket.
- In Selçuk: the Temple of Artemis (a single reconstructed column remains of one of the Seven Wonders of the World), the Basilica of St John and the Ephesus Museum.
Arrive at opening time, before the cruise-ship groups, and bring water and a hat: the site has almost no shade. Check fees in advance and whether your Museum Pass Türkiye is accepted.
Pamukkale and Hierapolis
Pamukkale ("cotton castle") owes its name to its white travertine terraces, formed by hot springs rich in limestone. At the top lie the ruins of Hierapolis, an ancient spa town.
- The terraces are walked barefoot, following the marked paths: the closed areas protect the rock.
- The antique pool (known as "Cleopatra's") lets you swim among columns fallen into the water, for an extra fee.
- The theatre and necropolis of Hierapolis, one of the largest in Anatolia.
- Sunset is the best moment, with the light on the limestone.
When to go
Spring (April to June) and autumn (September to October) are the ideal seasons. Summer is very hot at Ephesus and Pamukkale; winter is quieter and cooler, but some terraces have less water.
What budget to plan
Because admission and transport prices vary by date and season, we do not give fixed amounts here. For overall spending, see our budget for a trip to Istanbul and our guide to money, payment and tipping. Book the flight and the first night in advance, the rest on arrival.
Going further
If you are short of time, Cappadocia from Istanbul requires a comparable trip. For a shorter outing, our guide to day trips from Istanbul ranks ten, from Bursa to Edirne. To reach the airport, see the guide to Istanbul airports and the city centre.
