With its marble streets, the two-storey facade of the Library of Celsus and a theatre for 25,000 people, Ephesus is one of the best-preserved ancient cities of the Mediterranean. In this Ephesus travel guide you will find what to see, which gate to enter and which route to follow, the best time to visit and how to reach Ephesus by VIP transfer from Izmir Airport or Kuşadası.
Why is Ephesus so important?
In Roman times Ephesus was one of the leading cities of the province of Asia: a trading hub thanks to its harbour and a place of pilgrimage thanks to the Temple of Artemis. Most of the buildings you see today date from the 1st and 2nd centuries AD, the city's golden age.
The site was added to the UNESCO World Heritage List in 2015. Excavations have been going on for more than a century, so Ephesus is a living archaeological site where something new comes to light every year.
What to see in Ephesus: a top-to-bottom route
The ancient city has two entrances: the Upper Gate (South/Magnesian Gate) and the Lower Gate (North Gate). The easiest route is to enter at the Upper Gate and walk downhill to the Lower Gate, so almost all of the roughly 1.5–2 km walk is downhill. The main stops along the way:
- State Agora and Odeon: The administrative heart of the city and the small theatre used for council meetings and concerts.
- Curetes Street: A marble street lined with fountains, statue bases and shops, leading down to the library.
- Temple of Hadrian: From the 2nd century AD; with the reliefs on its arch, one of the most photographed buildings in Ephesus.
- Public latrines and baths: The best window into everyday Roman life, and the stop that makes visitors smile the most.
- Library of Celsus: The highlight of the visit; details below.
- Great Theatre and Harbour Street: A theatre for about 25,000 people and the colonnaded street that led to the ancient harbour.
The Library of Celsus
Built in the early 2nd century AD by his son in memory of Tiberius Julius Celsus Polemaeanus, governor of the province of Asia; the governor was buried in a tomb chamber beneath the building. The library is thought to have held about 12,000 scrolls, and its two-storey facade was re-erected from the original pieces in the 1970s. The four female statues on the facade stand for wisdom, virtue, thought and knowledge; the originals are in the Ephesos Museum in Vienna.
The Terrace Houses: the hidden treasure of Ephesus
These houses on the slope above Curetes Street belonged to wealthy Roman families. Under a protective roof, their wall paintings, mosaic floors and marble panelling show everyday life in the ancient world better than anywhere else. The Terrace Houses need a separate ticket and the visit takes about an hour; inside there are glass walkways and stairs. It is also one of the few shaded parts of the site, even on busy, hot days.
When to visit Ephesus
Ephesus is open every day of the year, but there is very little shade and the marble reflects the sun. Choosing the right season and time of day makes all the difference.
- Spring (March–May): Wild flowers, mild weather and soft light; the most pleasant season.
- Autumn (September–November): The summer heat is over and crowds thin out; October is ideal.
- Summer (June–August): Midday temperatures get very high; go in at opening time and leave before noon.
- Winter (December–February): The quietest season; on rainy days the marble can be slippery.
On days when cruise ships call at Kuşadası, tour groups build up towards midday. The first hours of the morning or the last two hours before closing are the quietest.
Tips for visiting Ephesus
- Enter at the Upper Gate, leave at the Lower Gate. You walk downhill; with a private transfer your driver can drop you at the Upper Gate and wait at the Lower Gate.
- Wear comfortable, non-slip shoes. The ancient marble has been polished by centuries of feet and is slippery, especially downhill.
- Bring a hat, sunscreen and water. There is very little shade on the route; in summer take at least a litre of water.
- Do not skip the Terrace Houses. They need a separate ticket, but they are one of the most memorable parts of Ephesus.
- Consider a guide or an audio guide. Knowing the stories behind the stones doubles the value of the visit; use officially licensed guides.
- Go early. If you enter at opening time you get both the cool air and the empty streets.
Entrance fees, Museum Pass Türkiye validity and opening hours change with the season. Check them before you go on the official website of the Turkish Ministry of Culture and Tourism, muze.gov.tr.
How to get to Ephesus: VIP transfer options
The nearest airport to Ephesus is Izmir Adnan Menderes Airport (ADB), about an hour's drive to Selçuk on the motorway. There are also trains from Izmir to Selçuk, but from the station you need a taxi or minibus to the ancient city. Cruise passengers reach Ephesus from Kuşadası port in about 20 minutes. With a VIP transfer the vehicle picks you up at the airport or the ship, you never deal with your luggage, and being dropped at the Upper Gate and collected at the Lower Gate becomes easy.
VIP transfer from the nearest points
Our VIP vehicles
Mercedes Vito VIPUp to 5 passengers · 5 large suitcases · driver and fuel included
VIP SprinterUp to 7 passengers · 7 large suitcases · for groups and plenty of luggageVIP transfer to Ephesus from major cities
Door-to-door VIP transfers to Ephesus are also possible from Ankara, Istanbul, Antalya, Muğla and Aydın. For holidaymakers in Bodrum, Dalaman and Didim, Ephesus makes a comfortable day trip by VIP vehicle.
| From | Distance | Time | Current price |
|---|---|---|---|
| AnkaraAnkara Esenboğa Airport (ESB) | 686 km | ~8 h 16 min | Get a price → |
| AntalyaAntalya Airport (AYT) | 421 km | ~5 h 16 min | Get a price → |
| IstanbulSabiha Gökçen Airport (SAW) | 488 km | ~5 h 2 min | Get a price → |
| IstanbulIstanbul Airport (IST) | 556 km | ~5 h 57 min | Get a price → |
| MuğlaDalaman Airport (DLM) | 246 km | ~3 h 33 min | Get a price → |
| MuğlaMilas-Bodrum Airport (BJV) | 142 km | ~2 h 10 min | Get a price → |
| AydınDidim | 95.4 km | ~1 h 25 min | Get a price → |
- Milas-Bodrum Airport (BJV): The most popular starting point for a day trip from Bodrum to Ephesus.
- Didim: Staying in Didim? Combine Ephesus with the ancient cities of Priene and Miletus on the way.
- Sabiha Gökçen Airport (SAW): Via the Osmangazi Bridge and the Izmir motorway.
When you click Get a price, a window opens with the route already filled in; you see the current estimated price for Vito VIP and Sprinter and can book without leaving the page. Prices are per vehicle and follow the current fuel price; the licensed (D2) carrier taking the transfer confirms the final price. To see Ephesus, the House of the Virgin Mary and Şirince on the same day, choose Private Hire in the booking form. For more on airport transfers to Selçuk and Kuşadası, see our Ephesus, Selçuk and Kuşadası transfer guide.
Places to see near Ephesus
- House of the Virgin Mary: A few kilometres above the Upper Gate on the slopes of Mount Bülbül; visited by both Christians and Muslims.
- Temple of Artemis: One of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World; today a single column, re-erected from fragments, still stands.
- Ayasuluk Hill: The Basilica of St John, Selçuk Castle and, at its foot, the 14th-century İsa Bey Mosque.
- Ephesus Museum (Selçuk): The famous statues of Artemis and finds from the Terrace Houses.
- Şirince: A hill village about 8 km from Selçuk, known for its stone houses and fruit wines.
Frequently asked questions
How long does it take to visit Ephesus?
Allow 2–3 hours for the ancient city and 3–4 hours if you also visit the Terrace Houses. Together with the House of the Virgin Mary and the sights in Selçuk, a full day is enough.
Which gate should I enter Ephesus from?
We recommend entering at the Upper Gate (South Gate) and leaving at the Lower Gate (North Gate) so that the route is downhill. With a private vehicle, the driver can drop you at one gate and wait at the other.
Do I need a separate ticket for the Terrace Houses?
Yes, the Terrace Houses have their own ticket. Check current prices and pass validity on muze.gov.tr before you go.
How long does it take from Izmir Airport to Ephesus?
From Izmir Adnan Menderes Airport to Ephesus it is about 62.9 km, around 59 min on the motorway.
How do I get from Kuşadası port to Ephesus?
Kuşadası port and Ephesus are about 19.3 km and 22 min apart. A VIP transfer planned around your ship's departure time is the best way to make the most of your day.
Ready to walk through history in Ephesus? Leave the journey from the airport or the port to the gates of the ancient city to us. Plan your transfer now.