Izmir is docked near the city centre, and Konak Square is a 25-minute waterfront walk. Ephesus is about 75 minutes away, so most people go by ship tour or private driver. Ephesus costs €40 plus €15 for the Terrace Houses.
Where Izmir lies
IzmirIstanbulAthensArgostoliBodrumChaniaCorfuHeraklionIteaKatakolonKosKuşadasıLimassolMilosMykonosNafplioPatmosRhodesSantoriniSarandëSyrosThessalonikiVolosZakynthosWhere your ship docks
Ships dock at Alsancak port, an industrial-looking pier with a passenger terminal (cafés, duty-free, tourist brochures). A Migros supermarket and ATM are across the road (What's In Port).
Shuttle. No free shuttle confirmed; the hop-on bus leaves from the terminal.
Getting to the sights
| The way | Time | Cost |
|---|---|---|
| Walk to Konak Square and Kemeraltı | About 25 minutes | Free |
| Hop-on hop-off bus to City sights | Every 30 minutes | About €10 for 24 hours (What's In Port; may be out of date) |
| Taxi to Konak | Short ride | Unverified (metered) |
| Ship tour or private driver to Ephesus | About 75 minutes each way | Unverified |
Walk to Konak Square and Kemeraltı
- Leave the pier, turn right and follow the water (What's In Port).
Flat waterfront (the Kordon).
Hop-on hop-off bus to City sights
- Board in front of the cruise terminal.
Open-top: bring sun cover.
Taxi to Konak
- Use the meter in town.
- Agree a fixed fare for long trips.
Public transport takes Turkish lira only.
Ship tour or private driver to Ephesus
- Book ahead.
- Start at the upper gate, finish at the lower gate.
Leave a big time buffer.
What to see
Ephesus Ancient City
Library of Celsus, Great Theatre, marble streets.
- How
- Tour or private driver (about 75 minutes).
- Time
- 2–3 hours on site
- Tickets
- €40 (includes the Ephesus Experience Museum) (Izmir Culture & Tourism Directorate).
Terrace Houses (Yamaçevler)
Roofed Roman homes with mosaics.
- How
- Inside Ephesus.
- Time
- 45 minutes
- Tickets
- €15 (Izmir Directorate).
Konak Square and Clock Tower
The city's landmark square.
- How
- Walk 25 minutes.
- Time
- 30 minutes
- Tickets
- Free
Kemeraltı Bazaar and Kızlarağası Han
Huge old market and a historic caravanserai.
- How
- From Konak Square.
- Time
- 1.5 hours
- Tickets
- Free. Inner bazaar mostly closed Sundays (What's In Port).
Agora of Smyrna
Roman marketplace in the city.
- How
- Taxi or walk from Kemeraltı.
- Time
- 45 minutes
- Tickets
- €6 (Izmir Directorate).
Izmir Archaeology Museum
Finds from the region.
- How
- Near Konak.
- Time
- 1 hour
- Tickets
- €4 (Izmir Directorate).
Your day, hour by hour
Planned for a typical call. Check your ship's all-aboard time and be back an hour early. The ship will not wait.
- City day: walk the Kordon waterfront to Konak Square (25 minutes).
- Explore Kemeraltı Bazaar and Kızlarağası Han.
- Visit the Agora of Smyrna.
- Lunch, then the Archaeology Museum.
- Walk or taxi back; be on board 45–60 minutes before all-aboard.
- Ephesus day: book a ship tour; it is about 75 minutes each way.
What goes wrong, and how to avoid it
Beware
- Ephesus is far; delays risk missing the ship.
- Bazaar touts and carpet-shop invitations.
- Prices may be quoted in euros but charged in lira.
Do this
- Pay in lira or by card to avoid bad exchange rates.
- Bring sun cover for the open-top bus.
Fees, money and access
Rules & fees
- US citizens with ordinary passports can visit Türkiye visa-free for up to 90 days in 180 days (see the Kuşadası page source). Check the State Department before you go.
- Site prices: Ephesus €40, Terrace Houses €15, Agora €6, Archaeology Museum €4, Pergamon Acropolis €15 (Izmir Directorate).
Accessibility
Waterfront is flat and paved. Kemeraltı is busy with uneven paving. Ephesus has slippery marble and slopes.
Money
Turkish lira. Public transport takes lira only. Many shops take euros, but at a worse rate. Use a bank ATM and pay site tickets by card.
More of the Greek Isles & Eastern Med
Sources & what we could not confirm · 2 sources · checked 2026-11
- What's In Port: Izmir cruise port guide
- Izmir Culture & Tourism Directorate: Museum and ancient city entrance fees
- Hop-on bus price (secondary source may be old)
- Taxi fares (secondary source's lira prices are out of date)
- Train from Izmir to Selçuk (for Ephesus): times and fare
- Private driver prices