How To Get From Izmir To Denizli (& Denizli To Izmir)

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Post author Nicky

Written by our local expert Nicky

Nicky, originally from the UK, is now a local in Turkey. She moved to Marmaris, Türkiye for love 12 years ago and is now your Turkey travel planner.

This detailed transportation guide tells you how to get from Izmir to Denizli and how to travel from Denizli to Izmir, Türkiye.

Turkiye Travel Blog_How To Get From Izmir To Denizli

The great thing about visiting Turkey is that it’s so easy to get around! While distances between major towns and cities might be far greater than you originally think, after all, Türkiye is a huge country!

The road and public transport network is excellent, meaning you can get around without much fuss at all.

If you’re visiting Izmir, you have so much to see and do. This is a city that is brimming with energy and history. However, if you’re there for a few days or even more, you might want to get out and see some other places in the vicinity.

You could head to the ancient ruins of Ephesus, or you might want to go to Denizli, which is close to the springs of Pamukkale while also being a popular winter sports hub.

So, if you fancy doing that, how can you get from Izmir to Denizli and back again?

You have three options.

Drive To Izmir From Denizli

Where to stay in Izmir - Izmir clock tower.

You can easily hire a car in Izmir and drive to Denizli. The journey should take around three hours, and you can stop off at several locations along the way. You will follow the D585 road all the way to Denizli, although do bear in mind that there are toll roads across Türkiye, so make sure that your hire car is registered for this – it should be, but it never hurts to double-check!

Obviously, follow the same road back to Izmir when you’re ready to return. Oh, and if you are not up to driving, we recommend you book a private transfer and have a local do the driving for you. 

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Take The Bus Izmir To Denizli

Cotton Castle Pamukkale magic

You can take the bus from Izmir to Denizli, and there are several services that leave throughout the day. The main long-distance bus companies are Pamukkale and Kamil Koc, and these all follow the same route.

Buses leave from Izmir Bus Station, which is a little distance outside of the main city itself. There are regular buses to take, but it’s often easier to jump in a taxi to the bus station.

Once there, your bus to Denizli will take around 3.5 hours. When you want to return to Izmir, regular services return between the two cities until late in the evening.

Denizli From Izmir By Train

The final option is to travel by train, and it will certainly show you the scenery between the two cities. Trains leave Izmir Basmane Station every couple of hours and go direct to Denizli. The journey takes around 5 hours, but trains are comfortable, and you can choose different class tickets to boost your comfort even more.

When you’re ready to travel back to Izmir from Denzli, there are several services per day running in that direction too.

What To Do In Izmir

Hisar Mosque Izmir, Turkey
Hisar Mosque in Kemeraltı
  • Explore the historic area of Konak Square, home to the iconic Clock Tower and the Konak Yali Mosque
  • Wander through the Kemeralti Bazaar, a vibrant and bustling market offering a wide range of goods, from spices and textiles to souvenirs
  • Take a stroll along the Kordon, a picturesque promenade stretching along the waterfront, lined with cafes, restaurants, and beautiful views of the Aegean Sea
  • Visit the Izmir Archaeology Museum, which houses an impressive collection of artifacts from various ancient civilizations
  • Discover the Agora Open Air Museum, an ancient Greek marketplace with well-preserved ruins, including columns, arches, and statues
  • Relax and enjoy the sun at one of the city’s beautiful beaches, such as Cesme, Alacati, or Urla
  • Take a day trip to the nearby town of Sirince, known for its charming atmosphere, traditional architecture, and local wine production
  • Explore the vibrant nightlife scene in Alsancak, where you’ll find a wide selection of bars, clubs, and live music venues
  • Enjoy a delicious seafood dinner at one of the many excellent seafood restaurants along the coast
  • Take a day trip to the ancient city of Ephesus, known for its well-preserved Roman ruins and the Library of Celsus
  • Head to Mount Kadifekale to enjoy panoramic views of the city and explore the ancient ruins of the Kadifekale Fortress
  • Try local delicacies such as “boyoz” (a savory pastry) and “kumru” (a type of sandwich) at local eateries
IZMIR TO DENIZLI FAQS

How far is Izmir from Denizli?

The cities are 84 miles (134km) away from each other, and the trip by land takes approximately 3 – 4 hours.

What is the cheapest way to travel from Izmir to Denizli?

Buses are the cheapest option, coming in at about $8 USD – $12 USD

Is it cost effective to take a taxi from Izmir to Denizli?

This is definitely an expensive option as taxis start at about $169 USD and can climb to over $400 USD. You will, however, save 30 minutes to 1 hour of travel time. In all, we’d say it’s not nearly as cost effective as the bus ride, especially since you don’t save loads of time.

How many buses run each day between Izmir and Denizli?

There are 30-45 buses running daily between the cities, so you will certainly have no shortage of options. Some of the routes even run through the night, so look closely when selecting your ride.

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