The Izmir Metro is clean, efficient and great value for money, it is an ideal travel solution if your destination lies near a station. Taxis are easy to find and prices are reasonable, but always make sure the driver has reset the meter at the start of your journey. Buses are another possibility but the system is not particularly intuitive and some visitors have a tough time working out where each bus is going. Tickets can, however, be purchased directly from the driver.
Getting to the city from the airport
Adnan Menderes Airport (ADB) caters for direct flights to Europe as well as many domestic destinations. The airport is located around 10 miles (16 km) from Izmir. Fleets of airport shuttles which offer low-cost travel to the city centre and beyond arrive in time to meet each flight arrival. Some travellers may wish to take the suburban train into the city centre. Public buses also make the journey to the city centre and cost less than the shuttles, though they generally take a little longer. Tickets for buses are sold at manned booths.
Izmir airport overview
Izmir Adnan Menderes Airport is just 18km (11 miles) from central Izmir. The airport is relatively new – the International Terminal was completed in 2006.
Izmir’s airport has a modest but varied selection of shops and dining options, useful for passengers who may endure notoriously long check-in times during peak travel times.
Cheap flights are usually available on IZair, SunExpress and Onur Air, which all use the airport as a regional hub. There are also a number of charter companies offering flights to Izmir Airport as well as some low-cost carriers.
Izmir Airport is the perfect gateway to the Gulf of Izmir on Turkey’s Aegean coast. The coast is home to a number of popular resorts and holiday attractions and Izmir Adnan Menderes Airport is a great way to get to the coast without having to deal with the hustle and bustle of flying through Istanbul.