Ephesus: Day Trips and Tours from Kuşadası

Filled with theaters, temples and bath complexes, and formed over 3,000 years ago, the UNESCO-listed site of Ephesus features some of the most significant remains of the ancient world. From Greek to Roman architecture, the archaeological site is known to house some of the best-preserved remains of human history.

Day trips to Ephesus from Kuşadası are easy to arrange and a must for anyone staying in this corner of Turkey. Just a stone’s throw from the coastal town, the site provides visitors with a doorway into the country’s colorful past.

Here's all you need to know about Ephesus, one of the most exciting day trips from Kuşadası.

How to get to Ephesus from Kuşadası?

Ephesus lies on the West Coast of Turkey, close to the modern-day village of Selçuk. It is approximately 20 kilometers from Kuşadası.

From Kuşadası to Ephesus by car

The journey to Ephesus by car takes approximately 20 minutes and begins by leaving Kuşadası in a northerly direction. You’ll then join the D515, which connects you to the historic site.

From Kuşadası to Ephesus by public transport

A network of public minibusses — also known as Dolmus — runs from Kuşadası to a variety of destinations. In order to make the jaunt to Ephesus, you’ll board the Dolmus bound for Selçuk, which leaves every half an hour throughout the day. You can catch this minibus from the Dolmus station, located in the town center.

Guided tour to Ephesus from Kuşadası

Alternatively, leave the organization of transportation details to someone else by booking a guided excursion to Ephesus. These day trips last between 3 and 7 hours, and typically include a convenient accommodation pickup service. If yours doesn’t include this, you may instead be asked to meet at a central location in Kuşadası, such as the cruise terminal.

How much does the entrance ticket to Ephesus cost?

Entrance to Ephesus costs TRY400 (US$19) per person. If you choose to participate in a guided day trip to Ephesus, this entrance fee may be covered in the overall cost.

What is the typical itinerary?

While each Ephesus day tour has its own unique itinerary, all excursions share several similarities. After meeting your guide and boarding your vehicle, you’ll travel the short distance from Kuşadası to the ancient city.

Along the way, you may stop at the House of the Virgin Mary, which was discovered in 1881 and features a wishing wall. Continuing on, you’ll reach Ephesus, which you’ll be led through by an enthusiastic guide, who will cover the history of each monument. You can expect to see the Grand Theater, as well as the Temple of Hadrian and the Library of Celsus as you roam the site, learning about both its Roman, and Greek roots, which stretch back over 3,000 years.

After several hours exploring these ruins, you’ll leave Ephesus and begin your return journey. En route, you may stop at the Basilica of St. John, which was constructed by the Eastern Roman Emperor Justinian I. Then, you’ll enjoy a comfortable ride back to Kuşadası where your Ephesus day trip ends.

What kinds of tours are available to go to Ephesus?

There are several different types of Ephesus day tours to choose from, depending on your own personal preferences.

Guided half-day tours to Ephesus from Kuşadası

Those with only a little time to spare can opt for a 5-hour day trip to Ephesus. You’ll drive directly to the House of the Virgin Mary, which serves as a pilgrimage site for many Catholics and was discovered in the 18th century. Several popes have visited this holy ground to honor the saint despite its lack of authentication.

From there, you’ll continue onto the ancient city of Ephesus where you’ll have the opportunity to dive back into the history books through its wealth of ruins, including the Grand Theater — designed to hold 25,000 spectators — as well as the Thermal Baths of Scholastika.

Before rounding up your excursion, you’ll pay a visit to the Temple of Artemis, which has been through several reconstructions since the 6th century B.C. and was considered one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World.

Full-day tour to Ephesus from Kuşadası

This day tour to Ephesus begins with a short drive along the coast before embarking on a guided walk through the city’s ancient streets. As you wander through the open-air museum, you’ll admire the remains of several historic buildings, including the 2nd-century Library of Celsus, which was designed to hold 12,000 scrolls, as well as the Temple of Hadrian, which still features four original Corinthian columns, as well as a carving of Tyche, who was the goddess of chance.

After exploring all of the archaeological wonders this site holds, you’ll move on to the House of the Virgin Mary, which is located on the slopes of Mount Koressos and is believed by the Catholic community to be the resting place of Mother Mary. Finally, discover the 6th-century Basilica of St. John, built upon the burial site of John the Apostle by Justinian I, before returning to Kuşadası.

Private tour to Ephesus from Kuşadası

If you’re looking for greater personalization than a group tour provides, consider selecting a private excursion to Ephesus. You’ll be partnered with a professional guide who is dedicated to your enjoyment of the experience and can fill you in on each of the landmarks you pass.

You’ll have the flexibility to choose your own departure time and can decide between a half-day or full-day tour, both of which journey to the House of the Virgin Mary, Ephesus, and the Basilica of St. John where you can pepper your guide with questions about the origins of these spectacular constructs.

How much does a day trip to Ephesus Day Trips from Kuşadası cost?

Ephesus day trips vary significantly in price, depending on their duration and your preferred travel style.

If you choose a tour that lasts 5 hours, you can expect to pay around US$40 per adult. Children between the ages of 7 and 8 pay half the adult rate while those under 7 travel for free. You can upgrade this day trip to a private tour, which costs between US$70 and US$80 per adult, while children cost approximately US$20 each. While the services of a licensed guide are included on this excursion, entrance fees are at your own expense.

Private tours cost US$160 per adult and US$30 per child between the ages of 2, and 12, regardless of whether you select a 3.5-hour or 7-hour day trip.

Full-day tours to Ephesus cost US$290 if you travel solo and include all entrance fees. You can reduce the cost per head by booking as a group of two or more individuals, each of whom will cost US$160.

What will you see and do?

Ephesus was first built in the 10th century B.C. by the ancient Greeks upon the site of Apasa, the capital of the Arzawa region. The site came under Roman rule during the 2nd century B.C. and the remains you see today are a fusion of the two cultures. Ephesus has been declared a World Heritage site by UNESCO. Its neighboring Temple of Artemis was declared one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World and once featured over 100 marble pillars.

Another remarkable landmark is the Library of Celsus, which was constructed by Tiberius Julius Aquila Polemaeanus as a funerary monument for his father in the 2nd century. While the building suffered greatly as a result of both fires and earthquakes, its exterior was reconstructed during the second half of the 20th century. One of the largest buildings in Ephesus is the Grand Theater, which accommodated 25,000 people with a width of 130 meters, and was built over a 60-year period.

The Baths of Scholastica are another tourist favorite. These were named after the wealthy woman who restored an older 1st-century bath complex in the 4th century. A statue dedicated to Scholastica originally featured at the entrance of the baths, part of which can still be seen today. It is thought that the Bible’s Gospel of John may have been written in Ephesus.

What are the opening times?

Ephesus is open to the public every day between 8 AM and 8 PM, with the ticket office closing at 7 PM.

When is the best time to visit Ephesus?

The best months to visit Ephesus are April, May, October and November, when the climate is neither too hot nor too cold, making it a comfortable time to explore it. Summer is a popular time for tourists due to the holiday season, but it's important to note that midday temperatures in July and August can reach temperatures of up to 43 degrees Celsius. Therefore, if you plan to visit during the summer, it is important to take necessary precautions against the heat, such as wearing a sun hat.

Are there any tours to Ephesus from other cities in Turkey?

Yes, there are tours departing from other cities in Turkey:

• Day Tours to Ephesus from Izmir
• Day Tours to Ephesus from Istanbul
• Day Tours to Ephesus from Bodrum
• Day Tours to Ephesus from Fethiye
• Day Tours to Ephesus from Selçuk

Travel tips

• Ephesus is a walk-heavy attraction, so make sure you wear comfortable shoes.
• There are two entry/exit points. If you enter from the Upper Gate, you'll be walking downhill, which makes the visit an easier trek.
• When visiting places of worship, avoid wearing flip-flops, shorts, sleeveless shirts, skirts below the knee or any clothes that might be deemed inappropriate to the location.
• Ephesus is wheelchair accessible, but surfaces are uneven and bouncy. Wheelchair users will need a companion to push them.