Cheap Flights to Izmir Airport

Discover Izmir

Fly to Izmir, a pretty, cosmopolitan city, which nestles in a bay on Turkey’s Aegean coast.

Izmir Adnan Menderes International Airport(ADB)

Servicing the greater Izmir area, and the popular resorts of Selçuk, Ephesus and Pamukkale, Izmir International Airport is one of Turkey’s largest transportation hubs. Named for a former president, Adnan Menderes, the Izmir Airport has a comprehensive list of amenities. Passengers will find banks and currency exchange services, duty free shopping, and access to wireless internet. There are also plenty of cafes, restaurants and food kiosks to grab some food in.

Airlines to Izmir

ADB is an international airport, but there are no direct flights from Australia to Izmir. Passengers flying to this destination will likely have to travel to larger international travel hubs, like Dubai (DXB), London (LHR) and Istanbul (IST). The airline carriers that service flights to Izmir are Turkish Airlines, Aegean Airlines, Atlasglobal and Pegasus Airlines.

Getting into Izmir

By taxi

The airport is less than 6km from the centre of town, and a typical journey will take around 15 minutes depending on traffic and cost 130-150VEF ($27-32).

By public transport

There is a comprehensive mass transit system that services Izmir Airport. Ferries run between Bostanli, Karsiyaka, Bayrakli, Alsancak, Pasaport, Konak, Goztepe and Uckuyular. There is a convenient subway service on the North and South Lines that run directly to and from Izmir Airport from various neighbourhoods in the region. There are shuttles and three public bus routes, the 200, 202 and 204 through to Mavisehir, Alsancak and Izotas.

By car

You can also hire cars from within the airport. The companies represented at ADB are Izmir Havalimani, Havas, Zafar, Duray, Sixt and Europcar.

What can you do in Izmir?

Visitors are often surprised at just how many things there are to see and do in Izmir, but as the third largest city in Turkey with a history that dates back millennia, there has always been enough sights and sounds in this city to keep its guests occupied during their stay.

Visit the ancient Agora, a gathering place originally built for Alexander the Great that was destroyed by an earthquake almost 2000 years ago, and then rebuilt by Marcus Aurelius. Afterwards, head for the shore and stroll done the Kordon, an esplanade that runs along the sea, where you can dip in and out of bars and restaurants, and visit the celebrated Arkas Art Centre.

In the centre of town, there is the Clocktower Square, the main square of the city and a fantastic place to people watch. When you’re done, spend your afternoon tooling around the Old Bazaar, a market that gives the Grand Bazaar in Istanbul a run for its money.

Of course, Izmir is also an excellent base for those looking to take a day trip out to the remarkable Ephesus, the ancient Greek city that once housed the Temple of Artemis. Today, its historical treasures may be fewer, but they are no less astounding, stand before the Library of Celsus, see the Temple of Hadrian and look over the extraordinary Amphitheatre of this wonderful site.

When should you go?

Izmir has a pleasant climate, and generally throughout the year its average temperatures range from about 8-26°C. Summer (June-August) is the most popular time, though it can see occasional highs in the early 30s which can be uncomfortable if you are sightseeing. The shoulder months of April, May, September and October tend to be the most pleasant, with the mercury hovering between 15°C and 23°C.

What do you need to know?

Currency: Turkish Lira (TRY)

Visa: Turkey allows many countries to travel to and from their country without a visa, and will be granted a length of stay for up to 90 days on arrival. However, it is important to check your individual national requirements, as access can change periodically. You can find up to date information on this helpful government website.

Please note all information is current as of December 2015.