Directions & transport
How to get to the Temple of Artemis
The Temple of Artemis sits on the edge of Selçuk, right beside the road to Ephesus. Here's how to reach it from İzmir, Kuşadası, the cruise port and the airport — by car, train, bus or tour.
Where it is: On the Selçuk–Ephesus road, about 1 km from Selçuk town centre and roughly 2–3 km from the Ephesus site gates. It's an open field beside the road — you can't buy a ticket because there isn't one.
Distances at a glance
| From | Distance | By car | Public transport |
|---|---|---|---|
| Selçuk town centre | ~1 km | 3–5 min | 10–15 min walk |
| Ephesus Ancient City | ~2–3 km | ~5 min | 20–25 min walk / dolmuş |
| Kuşadası (& cruise port) | ~18–20 km | 20–25 min | Dolmuş via Selçuk |
| İzmir city | ~80–85 km | ~1 hr | Train to Selçuk ~1 hr 20 |
| İzmir Airport (ADB) | ~55–70 km | ~1 hr | Train / transfer |
| Pamukkale | ~180–190 km | ~2.5–3 hr | Organised tour |
From İzmir
By car: about an hour south via the O-31 motorway and D550. There's informal roadside parking beside the temple site (free), and paid parking at the Ephesus gates.
By train: regional trains run from İzmir (Basmane) to Selçuk station in about 1 hour 20 minutes — a scenic, budget-friendly option. From Selçuk station it's a 10–15 minute walk to the Temple of Artemis, or a short dolmuş/taxi to Ephesus. (İZBAN commuter trains also serve the corridor but usually involve a change; check current timetables.)
By bus: frequent intercity buses and minibuses connect İzmir's bus station with Selçuk.
From Kuşadası & the cruise port
Ephesus is the number-one day trip from Kuşadası, just 18–20 km away (a 20–25 minute drive). If you're arriving by cruise ship, the port is right in Kuşadası town.
- Guided shore excursion (recommended for cruisers): the safest choice when your ship sails on a schedule — pickup at the port gate, skip-the-line entry, and a guaranteed on-time return.
- Taxi: around €20–30 one way, or €50–80 return with waiting time.
- Dolmuş (budget): minibus from Kuşadası to Selçuk (~30 min), then another to the Ephesus gates.
Cruise passengers: don't risk the ship's departure on public transport. A pre-booked Ephesus shore excursion guarantees you're back at the port on time.
From Selçuk town
Selçuk is the gateway town and the easiest base. The Temple of Artemis is a flat 10–15 minute walk from the centre, bus station and train station. Ephesus is about 3 km away — a short dolmuş or taxi ride, or a 35–40 minute walk.
Nearest airport
İzmir Adnan Menderes Airport (ADB) is the region's main gateway, about 55–70 km away (roughly an hour by car). The airport has its own train station, so you can reach Selçuk by rail, or arrange a private transfer or rental car.
Map
Skip the logistics entirely
Book a tour with hotel or cruise-port pickup — Ephesus, the Temple of Artemis and more, all handled.