| Airport of arrival: | Adnan Menderes International Airport |
| Flight time from Istanbul to Izmir: | 1 hour 15 minutes |
| Flight time from London to Izmir: | 3 hours 50 minutes |
| Flight time from Ankara to Izmir: | 1 hour 15 minutes |
| Flight time from Trabzon to Izmir: | 2 hours 10 minutes |
Izmir is the third biggest city of Turkey situated on the western coast. This port city which is often called as the the “Pearl of the Aegean” is famous for its beauty. There are so many great things to see in Izmir and its neighbouring areas regardless of the time of your visit. Nevertheless, there is a long history that lies behind the city’s past dating back to 3000 BC. Flights to Izmir are cheap and comfortable which makes it easier to discover this Turkish gem.
Transportation
Pegasus Airlines provides 15 direct flights to Izmir including from Dusseldorf, Germany and London, the UK. There are many more indirect flights connected from different parts of Turkey.
You should follow up with the campaigns offered by Pegasus Airlines and benefit from seasonal promotions with great discount rates.
About the Airport
Izmir Adnan Menderes Airport is situated about 18 km away from the city center.
Izmir Adnan Menderes Airport
The airport which is named after the former Prime Minister Adnan Menderes became operational in 1987. It includes both domestic and international flights terminals which makes the city very well connected. The domestic flights terminal was extended in 2014 with an aim of increasing the annual passenger capacity up to 45 millions. The airport is easily accessed through different means of transport from Izmir city center as well as the surrounding region.
Transport from Izmir Adnan Menderes Airport to the City Center
There are different options to reach to Adnan Menderes Airport depending on your departure point. Public buses operate 24/7 on various lines. Bus number 200 departs from Mavisehir, number 202 from Alsancak-Cumhuriyet Square and number 204 from Izotas (Bornova) to the Airport.
Havas shuttles also provide a fast and comfortable ride to different destinations in the city and its neighbouring towns. All the details regarding the journey can be viewed online. Izban, the suburban railway network system, can be utilized to get to the airport from various locations and connects to the city subway. You can plan your trip in advance on the internet. Alternatively, you can take a taxi or benefit from car rental services offered by Pegasus Airlines.
Public Transport
The city provides a vast number of transport options such as public buses, subway, ferry and Izban. You can also get around the inner city on foot. Public buses operated by ESHOT are providing service on a wide network. The city has two main subway lines, one that connects the city center to Bornova and Balcova, terminating at Fahrettin Altay Square and another one that runs from Tepekoy to Aliaga.
Another option would be the sea transportation to cross the other side of the city. Bostanli, Karsiyaka, Bayrakli, Alsancak, Pasaport, Konak, Goztepe, Uckuyular and Foca (in summer) are the designated ferry piers.
You can consider renting a bike around certain places near the promenade.
IzmirimKart is used for all means of public transportation in the city. It’s more than a reloadable transport pass through which visitors can actually make the payments to enter Izmir Sasali Wildlife Park and parking lots operated by the municipality.
Accommodation
Staying close the city center will definitely make it easier for you to get around and visit the touristic attractions. For that reason you can choose among the plentiful accommodation opportunities offered near Konak, Alsancak or Karsiyaka (on the other side of the sea).
If you would like to have further assistance to plan your trip, you can book your hotel through Pegasus Airlines.
Food
The local cuisine in Izmir includes loads of fresh appetizers (mezes), plants and obviously the seafood. Midye, fish and bread, boyoz, kumru, radika (chicory) salad, Izmir kofte and lokma are listed among the savory local food that you must give a try.
You can have a look at Izmir Food Guide for more suggestions about all the local foods.
Useful Information
About Visa
Foreigners who wish to travel to Izmir for tourism or commerce purposes can utilize electronic visa system to get their e-visas online. There may be some exemptions depending on the country of origin. The countries whose citizens are allowed to travel to Turkey only with their ID cards are listed online.
Neighboring Cities
- Manisa (38 km)
- Selcuk District/ Ancient City of Ephesus (82 km)
- Aydin (128 km)
- Balikesir (188 km)
Weather
Izmir displays the typical Mediterranean climate with very hot and sunny summers whereas the winters tend to be cool and rainy accompanied by the occasional strong wind coming from the sea.
Essential Numbers
- Country Code: +90
- Izmir Area Code: 232
- Airport Contact: 0850 222 9828
- Emergency Line: 112
- Airport Shuttle Service: 0850 222 0487
Places to see
There are a vast amount of things to do in Izmir. Izmir is a rich city with its many historical sites to visit. Konak Square, Clock Tower, Kemeralti Market, Kizlaragasi Inn, Asansor (Elevator) are the top tourist attractions of the city. Alternatively, you can spend the day at the nearby beaches or take a trip to see the ancient city of Ephesus in the Selcuk district. You shouldn’t complete your trip without taking a peaceful stroll on Kordon which is the famous promenade by the sea.
You can have a look at Izmir Travel Guide for further details on more places to visit.
