Where is Ephesus?
Ephesus is located in the Aegean region (Western Part) of Turkey and is one of the most popular tourist destinations in the country. It is located in Selcuk (Seljuk), which is between Aydin and Izmir cities (Symrna). Ephesus was once a major center of commerce and trade, but it is now one of the most popular tourist attractions.
Since there are many ways to get to Ephesus, you can choose whichever suits your needs best. Bus and taxi rides are available from Kusadasi or Selcuk which are both nearby. You can also take a ferry from Izmir which will take you to Kusadasi which is 15 km. away from Ephesus.
Ephesus is 650 km. away from Istanbul, 225 km. from Denizli (Hierapolis), 750 km. from Cappadocia, 205 km. from Marmaris and 510 km. from Antalya, 80 km from Izmir, 15 km. from Kusadasi, 55 km. from Aydin, and 180 km. from Bodrum.
How to Get to Ephesus?
You can get there in two directions.
1. It will take about an hour if you travel by taxi from Izmir; 75 km. is covered by an excellent road. Dolmuses or buses also run there regularly. Ephesus itself is 4 km. from Selcuk. You can find transport from Seleuk at any time. On the way back to Izmir it is also easy to find a bus. From Kusadasi to Ephesus is 15 km. As Best Ephesus Tours, we organize Private Ephesus Tours from İzmir, Selçuk, Kusadasi, and Istanbul all year round.
2. The second way is via Kusadasi (Scala Nova, or in very early times. Neo-Polis):
Most of the tourists coming by cruise ship to Turkey in order to visit Ephesus, first call at Kusadasi, a pleasant resort town on the shores of the Aegean. From there, a main road takes you 15 km. to Ephesus. You can also take a look at our Ephesus Shore Excursions.
How to get to Ephesus from Istanbul? (By Airplane)
Although Ephesus has a small scaled airport, the closest international spot for transportation by airplane is Izmir Adnan Menderes Airport. While many agents organize direct timetables or charter flights from Europe and America to Izmir Adnan Menderes Airport, it is also possible to arrive by taking an Istanbul Atatürk Airport connection. The distance from Izmir Adan Menderes Airport to Ephesus is 75 km. by motorway. You can also take a look at our Ephesus Tours from Izmir Airport.
How to get to Ephesus By Sea?
One must use the Izmir seaport or the international Kusadasi seaport to arrive in Ephesus by sea. Many agents organize voyages with or without timetables to Kusadasi and Izmir seaports. Also, the other marinas in Kusadasi and the surrounding region are ideal anchoring and service spots for yachters.
How to get to Ephesus by Road?
Ephesus has a fairly good highway connection to all regions of Turkey. All roads are asphalt and well-kept. There is a motorway between Izmir and Ephesus. One can rent vehicles from the international and local car renting companies which are active in Izmir seaport and airport, Kusadasi seaport and marina, Ephesus-Selcuk center, and all the big centers of population in the region.
It is possible to take the highway to reach Ephesus from these marinas. The distance between Izmir and Ephesus is 80 km., and Kusadasi is 15 km. far from Ephesus by the highway.
Frequently Asked Questions About Ephesus
Ephesus Ancient City is situated in the Aegean region (Western Part) of Turkey and is one of the most popular tourist destinations in the country. It is located in Selçuk (Seljuk), which is between Aydin and Izmir cities (Symrna). Ephesus is 225 km. away from Pamukkale (Hierapolis), 750 km. from Cappadocia, 510 km. from Antalya, 80 km from Izmir, 15 km. from Kusadasi, 55 km. from Aydin, and 180 km. from Bodrum.
The construction of the church of Ephesus (also known as the Church of Mary) dates back to the 5th century. It is assumed that the church was constructed specifically for the third Ecumenical council in 431, above the ruins of an earlier pagan structure which abandoned in the 3rd century.
The name of Ephesus was Apasas during the Hittite period. Apasas name comes from the name of the Queen of Amazons who founded the city of Ephesus. Apasas means “Queen Bee” in the Hittite language. That’s we see a lot of coins with Queen Bee relief on it. Apasas name is derived from Ephesus by time until today.
Today, Ephesus is located in the Aegean Region (West of Turkey) of Turkey.
During the Roman Period, Ephesus had a population of 250.000 people and it was the third biggest city of Asia Minor of the Roman Empire. Also, it was the capital of Asia Minor.
Ephesus is pronounced as “eh·fuh·suhs“.
The modern name of Ephesus is Selcuk. It is a district of Izmir province with a population of 37.000.
Ephesus (modern name Selcuk) is famous for its Temple of Artemis, one of the seven wonders of the ancient world, the House of the Virgin Mary where the Virgin Mary spent her last days and died, the ancient city of Ephesus, one of the best-preserved ancient cities of the world, the Basilica of St. John the Gospel writer, who lived and died in Ephesus, and Sirince Village, which will not be destroyed on earth according to the Mayan calendar.