The Turkish Aegean Coast covers a significant extent (400 km north-south, 200 km coast-hinterland) that requires transport organisation.
Two main airports serve the region. Izmir Adnan Menderes (ADB) in the north: direct flights from Paris, Lyon, Marseille (summer only, Pegasus/Sun Express, 3h30) and domestic flights from Istanbul (1h). Havaş bus from airport to Izmir-centre (35 min, €6) or taxi to Selçuk (1h, €60-80). Bodrum Milas (BJV) in the south: direct flights from Paris in summer (3h45, Sun Express, Corendon), daily domestic flights from Istanbul. Havaş bus to Bodrum-centre (45 min, €8) or Yalıkavak (1h15).
In the region, several options.
Rental car — the best option to combine distant sites. Expect €25-50/day, numerous agencies at Izmir ADB, Bodrum BJV, Selçuk, Pamukkale (Avis, Europcar, Hertz, Localiza). Roads in good condition, correct signage. The Selçuk-Pamukkale drive takes 3h (200 km), Bodrum-Pamukkale 3h30 (260 km), Izmir-Bodrum 3h30 (240 km). Paid parking in tourist city centres (€3-5/day).
Long-distance bus — practical for travellers without a car. Metro, Pamukkale, Kamil Koç, Süha companies connect main cities with high comfort (reclining seats, on-board service, wifi). Very accessible rates: Izmir-Selçuk 200-300 TRY (€6-9, 1h), Selçuk-Pamukkale 400-600 TRY (€12-18, 3h), Bodrum-Pamukkale 500-700 TRY (€15-21, 4h). Online booking on obilet.com.
Train — limited option. No high-speed rail on the Aegean Coast (the YHT stops at Konya). The classic Izmir-Selçuk train (Banliyö, 1h15) is practical but slow. No direct train Izmir-Pamukkale nor Bodrum-Pamukkale.
Dolmuş (collective minibuses) — for short distances around Selçuk (to Ephesus, Şirince, Kuşadası) and around Bodrum (to peninsula beaches). Rates 20-50 TRY (€0.60-1.50) depending on distance. No fixed schedules, departure when the minibus is full.
Taxis are available in all cities. BiTaksi app works in Izmir and Bodrum but not in Selçuk or Pamukkale (direct negotiation). Expect €50-80 for Selçuk-Pamukkale in private taxi, to divide between 4.
Read also
- Ephesus, Roman capital of Asia — Library of Celsus, Great Theatre, temple of Hadrian — the best-preserved ancient site in the eastern Mediterranean.
- Pamukkale and Hierapolis — Cascading white travertines, ancient thermal baths and monumental necropolis, UNESCO site.
- Bodrum, the Turkish Saint-Tropez — Peninsula beaches, Knights' castle, marinas, nightlife and gastronomy.
- Turkey — Complete country guide: visa, budget, regions to explore and best time to visit.