rent a car in Izmir

Izmir motorists are totally INSANE....the traffic is
horrible, fender benders every 50 meters and lane
changing at the drop of a hat with not regard for
other drivers. And we're not faint of heart! The
roads seemed worse than Istanbul and that's saying
a lot.

If I were going to rent a car I'd get it from the
airport and avoid the city completely.

I know this isn't answering your query but I think
it's very good advice unless you have nerves of steel
and a hummer.

Thanks for your response. We were planning on renting from the airport and basically then head for Sirence/Ephesus. Do you have any tips on traveling down the coast?

Sally

From notes I am keeping for an upcoming trip: To drive from the Izmir Airport to Selcuk: " The motorway signs will say Aydin and Izmir as you drive on the airport road. Take the Aydin direction. There is also the older highway to Aydin, which will be longer and slower but still partially four lane and in very good condition. The motorway signs will be in green and highway signs in blue.

The first 65-70 kilometers is motorway. Toll. Speed limit 120k/hr. and you are allowed up to 10% above limit.

You leave the motorway at Selcuk, and then you have 20 kilometers or so of two and four lane highway towards Selcuk and Kusadasi (signs may say either or both). Speed limit 90 K/hr. and with the same 10% extra allowance.

This road will take you directly into the small Selcuk town.
If you will be staying at Nazhan or the highly rated Bella hotel, they are on your right, on the first street after the ruins of St. John's.

The roads are not congested, drive carefully on the highways at night because there may be some vehicles with insufficient lights.

It should take you 45-60 minutes to reach Selcuk."