Can anyone provide guidance related to the drive between Izmir airport and the Ephesus area? We're planning a vacation for early November and are considering driving rather than taking a group tour. Any advice regarding driving in Turkey is appreciated. Thanks!
Posted by
Atlanta, GA
700 posts
From my recollection on guided tours, the roads are excellent between Izmir and Ephesus. Traffic in downtown Izmir can be a nightmare.
Although I haven't driven from Izmir to Ephesus specifically, I have rented a car in western Turkey for solo travel. The rental experience and the driving experience were both easy-peasy. It's pretty much the same as driving in the U.S. The only differences I can think of:
There are a lot of roundabouts, and the rules are the opposite of the US. In Turkey, the car entering the roundabout, not the car already in the roundabout, has the right of way.
My rental car shut off automatically every time I stopped at a traffic light, and started up again as soon as I hit the accelerator. The traffic lights turn yellow briefly before they turn green. If you hit the accelerator as soon as the light turns yellow, you'll be good to go when the light turns green. I don't know if all cars in Turkey are like that, but it was a new experience for me.
Make sure that your your passport is readily accessible. You might occasionally encounter police roadblocks. (This is true if you are taking the bus, too.)
Posted by
Duluth 🛶
6323 posts
My rental car shut off automatically every time I stopped at a traffic light, and started up again as soon as I hit the accelerator. The traffic lights turn yellow briefly before they turn green. If you hit the accelerator as soon as the light turns yellow, you'll be good to go when the light turns green. I don't know if all cars in Turkey are like that, but it was a new experience for me.
Marie, it was probably a hybrid. My daughter has a hybrid car here in MN and hers does the same thing.
KBK, I did not drive but took the bus from Ephesus to Izmir, and the roads were fine. I didn't remember anything out of the ordinary. Can't help you with the driving but you shouldn't have any problems with the roads.
Posted by
OP
Noblesville, Indiana, USA
1371 posts
Thanks for the responses!
Posted by
Boise - Idaho
22 posts
It is easy to go to Ephesus from Izmir Airport, there is a direct train to Selcuk which is 3km from Ephesus. You can also consider this option if you are unfamiliar with Turkish Traffic. They are driving like crazy!! https://ephesiantourism.com/izmir-airport-to-selcuk/
Posted by
11159 posts
Our Subaru turns off like that when we stop too, then starts right up.
The drive from Ephesus to Izmir wasn’t difficult at all.