Izmir's Adnan Menderes Airport (airport code: ADB) is 18 km (11 miles) south of the city on the way to Selçuk, Ephesus, Kuşadası, and Pamukkale (map).
It is a major airport in Turkey, serving many flights to major cities such as Istanbul, Antalya, Ankara, and other domestic cities daily. There are also flights to other destinations in Europe, making it a central junction for transportation.
ADB Airport Information
Adnan Menderes Airport is a well-developed facility with one domestic and one international terminal. You can find eateries, cafes, and duty-free shops inside the airport and shop for gifts before leaving Turkey.
Keep in mind that TTP users have complained of high prices for food and drinks at Turkish airports, and Izmir's Adnan Menderes Airport is no exception. You may find that prices for a coffee, a beer, or a sandwich are 40% higher than at expensive Frankfurt Airport and twice as expensive as at Paris's pricey Charles de Gaulle Airport. So, you might want to bring your own supplies.
Flights from Izmir Adnan Menderes Airport
Sun Express Airlines and Pegasus have chosen ADB as a hub and are expanding their route systems, allowing travelers to fly between Izmir and other Turkish and European cities without changing planes at Istanbul or Ankara.
You can fly to most major cities within Turkey from Izmir's airport, such as Ankara, Kayseri (near Cappadocia), Antalya, Istanbul, and more.
You can fly from the Adnan Menderes Airport to most major destinations in the Middle East and Europe. For example, Berlin and Frankfurt in Germany, Brussels in Belgium, Paris in France, Amsterdam in the Netherlands, and Liverpool and Manchester in the UK are among the popular destinations for travelers to fly. Here is the full list of destinations you can fly to from Adnan Menderes Airport.
How to Get to Adnan Menderes Airport
You have many mostly effortless options when getting to the airport from the city center.
- You can use the Izmir metro system to connect to Izban trains, traveling to Izmir airport every 10 minutes. To connect to Izban trains, you have to get off at either Halkapınar or Hilal stop and get on an Izban train.
- Airport shuttle bus services (Havaş Buses) depart from major points in the city and arrive at the airport. For more information and schedules, check the official website of Havaş.
- Getting a taxi, which takes 30 minutes from the city center, with affordable fees.
- Using public buses with route numbers:
- 200, departing from Mavişehir.
- 202, departing from Alsancak Cumhuriyet Meydanı
- 204, departing from Bornova and Izmir's bus terminal.
Transportation from Adnan Menderes Airport to City Center
There are many methods to use when leaving Izmir's airport to your destination. To travel between the airport and the city center, you can use the following ways:
- Izban trains, with frequent intervals of 10 minutes and connecting to Izmir's metro system.
- Airport shuttle bus service called Havaş Otobüsleri. For more information and schedules, check the official website of Havaş.
- Getting a cab just outside the terminal.
- Renting a car, with rental offices just inside the airport. (Remember, deals can be worse than rental offices in the city center.)
- Using public buses.
- Alternatively, you can use private transfer services, which can come in handy and advantageous if you are traveling with a group and bulky baggage.
If you don't have luggage, we advise using the Izban trains as it is quite straightforward, and you can connect to most destinations in the city with the Izmir's metro system.
If you carry luggage, you should get a cab, rent a car, or use private transfer services.
Transportation from Adnan Menderes Airport to Nearby Areas
Traveling from the airport to major tourist destinations such as Selçuk (Ephesus), Şirince, Kuşadası, and Denizli (for Pamukkale) is also possible.
You can use trains or rental cars to travel from Adnan Menderes Aiport to Selçuk (Ephesus), Kuşadası, and Denizli (for Pamukkale), just within about an hour’s distance.
Currency Exchange at Izmir Airport
While in Turkey, you will need to use TRY (TL), the official currency of Turkey. You can find exchange offices in the Izmir airport and exchange most major currencies for TRY. However, it is worth noting the exchange rate will be better in your Izmir hotel and city center.
Alternatively, you can use the ATMs in the airport to withdraw TRY when you arrive. We recommend informing your bank you will be traveling to Turkey so your card won't be denied.
—by Tom Brosnahan, updated by Can Turan
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