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Many travellers assume the best way to visit Ephesus is on a guided tour. It’s easy, after all – just hop on a bus, follow the group, and listen to the guide. If you want to explore Ephesus at your own pace, avoid the crowds, and experience the surrounding historical sites, doing it yourself is not just possible – it’s the better option if you are up for it!
Here’s how to make the most of your visit without a tour.
How to Get to Ephesus from Izmir
The easiest way to reach Ephesus is via train to Selcuk, the town closest to the ruins. While Izmir’s metro, buses, and ferries now support contactless Visa payments, the IZBAN commuter train, which takes you to Selcuk, still requires an Izmirim card (or cash for a paper ticket, though machines are often out of order).
Step 1: Getting an Izmirim Card
Where to Buy: Most newsagents in Izmir sell it.
Cost: Around 90 TL (~£3 / ~$3.50) for the card, plus whatever balance you need.
Train Fare to Selcuk: 33 TL (~£1 / ~$1.50) (but your card must have at least 55 TL loaded).
Step 2: Taking the Train
Board the IZBAN train from Alsancak or Hilal station, heading south towards Tepekoy.
The train takes about one hour to reach Tepekoy.
Transfer at Tepekoy to the Selcuk-bound train, which only runs every 90 minutes.
To avoid long waits at Tepekoy, here are the best morning trains:
08:34 departure → Arrive in Selcuk at 10:13
10:10 departure → Arrive in Selcuk at 11:43
11:46 departure → Arrive in Selcuk at 13:23
Getting from Selcuk to Ephesus
Once in Selcuk, head to the bus station, where minibuses (dolmus) frequently depart for Ephesus. No need to book—they leave when full.
Cost: 20 TL (~£0.60 / ~$0.75) cash only.
Journey Time: About 5 minutes.
Toilets: Available at the Selcuk bus station for 5 TL (~£0.15 / ~$0.25).
Alternatively, a taxi from Selcuk to Ephesus costs around 250 TL (~£7.50 / ~$9.00).
Why Visit Ephesus Without a Tour?
1. Freedom to Explore at Your Own Pace
Most guided tours only allow two hours at the site, which barely covers the highlights. With an independent visit, you can take your time, capturing photos without rush and following your own route.
2. The Terraced Houses: A Hidden Gem
Many tours skip the terraced houses, which are one of the most remarkable parts of Ephesus. These well-preserved Roman homes still have vibrant mosaics and frescoes, offering an intimate glimpse into ancient daily life.
3. The Ephesus Experience Museum
If you want something immersive, the new Ephesus Experience Museum offers a 360-degree digital recreation of Ephesus in its prime.
• Cost: Around the same as an Ephesus entry ticket (~£25 / ~$30).
• What to Expect: A trippy projection experience that transports you inside an Ephesian house.
4. Better Souvenirs at the Lower Gate Market
The market outside Ephesus’ lower gate has cheaper souvenirs than the stalls inside. Pick up a magnet, Turkish coffee cup, t-shirt, or shot glass—all for a fraction of the price.
5. Time for Nearby Attractions
If you visit Ephesus independently, you can explore more than just the ruins. Nearby sites include:
• Once one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World—though now mostly in ruins.
• Free to visit.
• Short taxi ride from Ephesus (~250 TL / £7.50 / $9.00).
• Houses original statues and artefacts from the ruins.
• Similar to the Acropolis Museum in Athens—best visited after seeing Ephesus.
• Short walk from the train station.
Basilica of St. John & Ayasuluk Castle
• The believed burial site of St. John the Apostle.
• Great panoramic views of Selcuk.
• 10-minute walk from the Ephesus Museum or train station.
Virgin Mary’s House
• Said to be the final home of the Virgin Mary.
• Requires a taxi or private transport.
How to Get Back to Izmir
Trains from Selcuk to Izmir run regularly in the evening.
• Last trains depart Selcuk around 19:00.
• From Tepekoy, trains to Alsancak run every 20 minutes, so transfer is quick.
• Important: No toilets on the IZBAN train—plan accordingly.
If you’re hungry before heading back, stop for a tahini pide (Turkish flatbread with tahini) at Alsancak Pide near the station—a local favourite for around 100 TL (~£3 / ~$3.50)
Final Tips for Visiting Ephesus
• Best Time to Visit: Early morning or late afternoon to avoid heat and crowds.
• Entry Fee: Around 700 TL (~£25 / ~$30) (prices subject to change).
• Bring: Sunscreen, a hat, comfortable shoes, and plenty of water.
• Payment: Most places only accept cash, so carry Turkish lira with you.
Is Visiting Ephesus Without a Tour Worth It?
Absolutely. It requires some planning, but the reward is a richer, more relaxed experience, plus the chance to visit additional sites at your own pace.
Would you choose the independent route, or do you prefer guided tours? We on KusadasiTurkey.com try to answer both questions! I hope it helps.
Last updated on February 14, 2025
