Izmir, Turkey Hotels and City Guide

Izmir - Transportation

Getting Around Izmir

While many tourists opt to explore the city of Izmir on foot, there are several public transport options for those wishing to travel longer distances. This includes buses, trains and the Izmir metro system. Taxis are also a hassle-free although often expensive way of travelling within the city.

Using Taxis in Imir

Taxis can be hailed from the roadside, major transport stations and taxi stands. Fares operate on a day or night basis, with journeys made between midnight and 6am costing more than those made at other times. Taxis accept cash only and don't usually carry change, so try to ensure you have the correct amount or at least a number of smaller notes.

Car Rental and Driving in Izmir

Car Rental
Due to the various public transport options available, it is not essential to have a car in order to explore Izmir. It may be useful if you plan to venture much further outside the city, however the roads in Turkey can be quite tricky for both inexperienced and experienced drivers alike. The airport has several car hire counters, including Hertz, Avis and Europecar. You can pre-book or obtain a quotation for car hire in Turkey here.

Public Transport in Izmir

Travellers wishing to use the public transport in Izmir can purchase a communter card, called the Kentkart, which allows travel on city buses, the metro and some ferries.

Public Buses
Buses in Izmir operate set routes within the city as well as to surrounding areas. You can either pay with your commuter card and in cash, but will need to have the exact fare if paying with cash.

Metro
The Izmir metro is a new service, which currently includes ten stations and runs from Üçyol station in the south of the city to Bornova station in the north. The metro has connections with regional rail and bus services at Halkapınar station.

Trains
Although public bus routes are favoured over train services for short journeys and local travel, they are an effective way to travel between cities in Turkey and especially comfortable for overnight journeys. 

Ferries
Ferries are an efficient and affordable way to travel within Izmir city as you can use your communter card to pay for some local journeys.

Hotels in Izmir, Turkey