The monumental facade of the Library of Celsus at Ephesus© Herbert Weber · CC BY-SA 4.0
Ephesus route

Route from Izmir to Ephesus and Şirince

A day-trip route through Selçuk to the Ancient City of Ephesus and the hilltop village of Şirince.

Duration
Full day (approximately 8–9 hours)
Distance
92.5 km · ~80 min
Best time
Spring and autumn are ideal; in summer an early-morning start is recommended.

Road route calculated from OpenStreetMap data (OSRM); traffic-free estimate. Planning example — final order and distance are confirmed in your quote.

Stops

Stops along the route

  1. İzmir merkezHotel or port pick-up
  2. SelçukTown centre
  3. Efes Antik KentiUNESCO World Heritage Site
  4. ŞirinceVillage visit and return

Transport plan

  1. Early-morning pick-up from your hotel.

  2. Arrive in Selçuk after a journey of approximately 60–75 minutes.

  3. Visit the Ancient City of Ephesus.

  4. Şirince in the afternoon, then return to Izmir in the evening.

Who is it for?

  • Culture and history enthusiasts
  • Families
  • Those adding a day to a business trip

The Ancient City of Ephesus is on the UNESCO World Heritage List and is one of the most important places visited as a day trip from Izmir. The journey runs along the motorway to Selçuk, and from there continues to the ancient city and the hilltop village of Şirince.

The route is a planning example. Visit durations, the choice of entrance gate and the return time are settled together at the quote stage.

Questions about this route

How far is it between Ephesus and Şirince?

It is approximately 15–20 minutes by car, depending on traffic.

Can the House of the Virgin Mary be added?

Yes, it can be added to your programme as an extra stop. Please check visiting conditions in advance.

The monumental facade of the Library of Celsus at Ephesus© Herbert Weber · CC BY-SA 4.0

Let’s plan your journey together

Tell us where from, where to, when and how many of you are travelling; we will send availability and price in writing.