This detailed transportation guide tells you how to get from Izmir to Pamukkale and how to travel from Pamukkale to Izmir, Türkiye.
Izmir is one of the most cosmopolitan and beautiful cities in Turkey. Not only that but it’s packed with history and culture to explore too. Oh, and if you like shopping, this is the place to be!
When in Izmir, Pamukkale makes for a great next stop. Izmir is excellent, but Pamukkale is something extra special, and it’s only 3 hours away. It would be a crime to miss it!
So, if you’re spending time in Izmir, how can you get to Pamukkale and its natural wonders and ruins and then get back again?
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Self-Drive From Izmir To Pamukkale
The first option from Izmir to Pamukkale is to hire a car and drive yourself. Now, unless you plan on staying overnight in Denizli or Pamukkale, you’re looking at a good 7 hours of driving within one day. That’s a lot, and the day at Pamukkale (& Heiropolis) will likely make you very tired.
So, if you are going to drive to Pamukkale from Izmir, it’s a better idea to make it a two-day trip and stay overnight. That way, you get some rest before driving back to Izmir (or going elsewhere).
There are plenty of car hire options in Izmir, and you can get to Pamukkale in just under 3 hours by road, depending upon traffic. During the summer months, you’re certainly going to get stuck in some traffic as you near Pamukkale itself.
Izmir To Pamukkale Distance
The distance between Pamukkale is 242 km, and you’ll follow the E87 and Denizli Aydin Yolu roads. To drive back to Izmir from Pamukkale, reverse the journey information.
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Get From Izmir To Pamukkale On A Package Tour
Of course, if you don’t want to try to plan any transportation, you can book a package tour from Izmir. Many options are available; you can book online ahead of time or even do it when you arrive in Izmir from one of the local agencies.
Most package deals cover transportation, entrance fees, a professional guide, and lunch. You can even find tours that have an overnight stay.
Travel To Pamukkale From Izmir By Train
A direct train service from Izmir to Denizli (and from Denizli to Izmir) runs several times per day with TCDD.
Head to Basmane Gar (railway station) in the center of Izmir and travel to Denizli Railway Station. From there, you’ll take a minibus to Pamukkale. Trains are air-conditioned and very comfortable, plus you’ll get to see some beautiful scenery as you go.
There are six departures per day, so you will need to plan your journey carefully or end up staying overnight in Denizli – which isn’t a bad idea anyway. Prices are under 100 TL for a one-way journey currently.
The first train is at 7.10 am and will get you to Denizli at 11.49 am. There is another train at 10.45 am, but you won’t arrive in Denizli until 3.29 pm.
Once you arrive in Denizli, you can walk directly to the bus station (Denizli Otogari) and go to the B1 level. Then, you need gate 76, where the bus to Pamukkale leaves from. They are regular and take around 45 minutes.
When you’re ready to return to Izmir, be aware that the last train leaves Denizli at 6.10 pm, and you arrive there around 11 pm. If you miss that train, you must take a bus or stay overnight. Other than that, there are trains at 5.45 am, 8.30 am, 10.45 am, 12.45 pm, and 4.30 pm.
By Bus From Izmir To Pamukkale
The final option is to go by Izmir bus, which should take around 3.5 hours. You will travel by a comfortable coach & Kamil Koc, Metro, and Pamukkale are some useful companies we recommend.
You’ll travel to Denizli and then take the minibus to Pamukkale from there, with the same instructions as for the train. The first bus from Izmir to Denizli leaves around 5 am, which means you can be at Pamukkale at around 9.30 am, but they are regular throughout the day.
However, Izmir coach station is considerably outside the city center, so you’ll need to take a bus or a taxi there in the first place. This could take up to 45 minutes.
You will reverse the same information to return to Izmir, and there will likely be buses until late in the evening.