The Ancient City of Ephesus, a UNESCO World Heritage Site located just 17 km from Kusadasi, welcomes millions of visitors every year. In this guide, we help you plan your Ephesus visit as efficiently as possible with updated 2026 information.
Ephesus Entrance Fee 2026
As of 2026, the Ephesus entrance fee is 700 TL for a full ticket and 50 TL for students. Museum Pass holders enter free of charge. The Terrace Houses require an additional 500 TL ticket. You can purchase tickets at the gate or online.
Opening Hours
- Summer season (April-October): 08:00 – 19:30 (last entry 18:30)
- Winter season (November-March): 08:30 – 17:30 (last entry 16:30)
We recommend entering at least 1 hour before closing time; the site is quite large and you need at least 2 hours to explore it properly.
How to Get to Ephesus from Kusadasi
Getting from Kusadasi city center to Ephesus is straightforward:
- Minibus: Regular minibuses run from Kusadasi bus station to Selcuk. The journey takes about 25 minutes and costs 30-40 TL. From Selcuk, you can walk or take a dolmus to Ephesus.
- Taxi: A taxi from Kusadasi to Ephesus takes approximately 20 minutes. One-way fare is between 400-500 TL.
- Guided Tour: You can arrange day trips to Ephesus through Eliada Hotel activities.
- Rental Car: The best option if you prefer exploring at your own pace. Parking is available on site.
Best Time to Visit
The ideal time to visit Ephesus is between 08:00 and 10:00 in the morning. During these hours, crowds are smaller and temperatures are manageable. Cruise ships typically drop off passengers after 10:00, so early mornings are significantly quieter.
Seasonally, spring (April-May) and autumn (September-October) offer the most comfortable weather. Summer temperatures can reach 40°C — bring plenty of water and sunscreen.
What to Wear
- Footwear: Comfortable, closed-toe walking shoes are essential. Marble surfaces can be slippery.
- Clothing: In summer, opt for light, breathable fabrics. In winter, bring a jacket for wind protection.
- Hat and sunglasses: There is very little shade, so sun protection is important.
- Water: Carry at least 1 liter. Water vendors inside the site are limited.
Must-See Highlights at Ephesus
Key structures within the ancient city:
- Library of Celsus: The most iconic building of Ephesus, stunning for photographs.
- Grand Theatre: A 25,000-seat amphitheatre with acoustics that still work remarkably well.
- Terrace Houses: Luxurious Roman residences with mosaics and frescoes (separate ticket required).
- Temple of Hadrian: An impressive structure with intricate reliefs.
- Marble Street: The main avenue of the ancient city, flanked by monumental buildings.
Practical Tips
- We strongly recommend hiring a guide — understanding the historical context greatly enhances the experience.
- Enter from the upper gate (Terrace Houses side) and exit from the lower gate to avoid walking uphill.
- Photography is permitted freely; tripod use may require special permission.
For your Ephesus visit, we recommend staying at Eliada Hotel. Our central location allows you to reach Ephesus early in the morning and enjoy the town in the afternoon.