If you're planning a visit to the Ephesus Ancient City, you probably have practical questions like, "how much is the entrance fee?" "is the Museum Pass valid?" and "how long does it take to tour?" We've gathered all the essential information you need before visiting one of the world's best-preserved ancient cities, complete with expert, first-hand tips.

Ephesus Quick Facts: A Guide for Visitors

Here is the most practical information you'll need to plan your visit. This table clarifies the ticket options and site details for international visitors.

Insider Tips for Your Visit

These are the most critical tips, sourced from visitor experiences, to make your tour comfortable and memorable.

1. Which Gate Should You Enter? (The Most Important Tip)

This is the single most important piece of advice for visiting Ephesus. The site has two entrances: The Upper Gate (South Gate) and the Lower Gate (North Gate).

• Our Recommendation: Take a taxi (or have your driver) take you to the Upper Gate to begin your tour.
• Why? The ancient city is built on a slope. If you start at the Upper Gate, your entire walk will be downhill. You will finish at the Lower Gate, where the main parking lot, bus stop, and cafes are.
• The Common Mistake: Most tour buses and minibuses drop off at the Lower Gate. If you start here, you will be forced to walk uphill for the entire second half of your visit. This is extremely tiring, especially in the summer heat.

Safety Warning: The ancient marble paths are polished by millions of feet and are extremely slippery, even when dry. Wearing shoes with good grip (like sneakers or hiking sandals) is the most critical safety precaution.

The flat area leading from the Lower Gate (North Gate) of Ephesus. Visitors starting here will face a long, uphill walk after the Great Theatre.

2. Timing, Crowds, and a Warning About the Heat

Ephesus gets incredibly crowded, especially between 10:00 AM and 2:00 PM when cruise ship tours from Kuşadası arrive.

• Best Time to Visit: To avoid both the crowds and the intense heat, be at the gate as soon as it opens at 08:00 AM.
• Night Museum: The "Night Museum" option during the summer is a fantastic alternative. You'll escape the heat, and seeing the Library of Celsus illuminated is a magical experience.
• No Shade: The city is almost entirely exposed marble. There is virtually no shade. A hat, sunscreen, and plenty of water are mandatory in the summer.

3. Facilities, Guides, and Payment Tips

• Audio Guides: If you are not with a tour, an audio guide is essential to understand what you are seeing. The rental cost is 450 TL.
• Restrooms & Cafes: Restrooms are only located at the two main entrances (Upper and Lower gates) and at the cafe near the Great Theatre. There are no facilities in the middle of the site.
• Payment Warning: At the ticket booth, prices are listed in Euros (€), but you are required to pay in Turkish Lira (TRY), either with cash or a credit card, at the day's exchange rate.

Ephesus Entrance Fee 2025 & Museum Pass

The ticketing system at Ephesus is straightforward for international visitors but different from that for Turkish citizens. Here is the breakdown for tourists:

Current Ticket Prices for International Visitors 2025

Ticket prices are set in Euros (€) and offer several combination options:

• Standard Ticket: €40. This ticket includes the Ephesus archaeological site and the Ephesus Experience Museum.
• Combo Ticket (with Terrace Houses): €52. This ticket adds access to the Terrace Houses (Yamaç Evler) within the site, which is highly recommended.
• Full Combo Ticket: €65. This all-inclusive pass also adds entry to the Basilica of St. John in nearby Selçuk.
• Museum Pass: Ephesus is fully covered by the €165 MuseumPass Türkiye (15-day) and the €95 MuseumPass The Aegean (7-day). If you plan to visit other sites in the region (like the Basilica of St. John or Pamukkale), this pass is an excellent value.

(Note: The Turkish Müzekart is for Turkish citizens and residents only and has different rules, particularly regarding the Terrace Houses.)

How to Get to Ephesus

Ephesus is located within the boundaries of Selçuk, a town in the İzmir province. It is easily accessible from both İzmir city and the coastal resort of Kuşadası.

From İzmir:

• Train (İZBAN): The easiest and cheapest way is via the İZBAN commuter train. You can board at İzmir Adnan Menderes Airport (ADB) or from central stations (like Basmane) and travel to the Selçuk station.
• From Selçuk Station: From the station, you can take a short minibus (dolmuş) ride or a taxi to the Ephesus Lower Gate.

From Kuşadası:

• Minibuses (dolmuş) heading to Selçuk run constantly from the Kuşadası bus station (otogar). Ask the driver to drop you at the Efes Lower Gate, which is directly on the route. The ride takes about 20-25 minutes.

By Private Car:

• The site is clearly marked from the main D550 highway. Paid parking is available at both gates. We recommend parking at the Lower Gate, taking a taxi up to the Upper Gate, and walking downhill back to your car.

Ephesus Walking Tour: Key Sights (From the Upper Gate)

Walking downhill from the Upper Gate is the most logical way to tour the city.

1. State Agora, Odeon, and Church of Mary

Your visit begins at the administrative heart of the city. Here you will find the State Agora (political center), the Odeon (a small theater for council meetings), and the Prytaneion (city hall). Also here are the ruins of the Church of Mary, one of the most important sites in Christian history and the location of the Third Ecumenical Council in 431 AD.

Ruins of the Church of St. Mary in Ephesus, a site of major importance in Christian history, located near the Upper Gate.

2. Domitian Square and Heracles Gate

Continuing downhill, you'll pass the remains of the Temple of Domitian and arrive at the Heracles Gate. This gate marks the beginning of the pedestrian-only section, transforming the street into a grand social space.

3. Curetes Street

You are now on one of the main arteries of Ephesus, a stunning marble-paved street. Along this road, you'll find:

• Temple of Hadrian: A beautifully ornate temple dedicated to the Emperor Hadrian. It is famously featured on the back of the old 20 Turkish Lira banknote.
• Public Latrines (Toilets): Just past the Temple of Hadrian, you can see the remarkably preserved public toilets, which served as a social gathering spot for Roman men.

One of the most photographed monuments in Ephesus, the Temple of Hadrian, famously featured on the back of the old 20 Turkish Lira banknote.

4. The Terrace Houses (Yamaç Evler) - Separate Fee

This is a "must-see" highlight of the tour and worth the extra fee. Housed under a protective roof, this area allows you to walk on glass platforms over the excavated villas of Ephesus's wealthiest citizens. The intricate mosaics, vibrant frescoes (wall paintings), and advanced central heating systems (hypocaust) are astonishingly well-preserved.

The outer walls and support columns of the Terrace Houses. The famous mosaics and frescoes are protected inside this structure.

5. The Library of Celsus & The "Love House" Ad

At the bottom of Curetes Street, you are greeted by the iconic facade of the Library of Celsus. Built in 135 AD, it was the third-largest library in the ancient world.

The magnificent facade of the Library of Celsus, which stands as the most iconic symbol of the ancient city.

Ancient Advertisement: As you walk from the library, look down at the marble path. You will find a protected carving of a footprint, a heart, and a woman. This is famously known as the world's first advertisement, discreetly pointing the way to the "Love House" (brothel).

The protected footprint carving on Marble Street, which acted as an ancient advertisement pointing the way to the 'Love House' (brothel).

A close-up view of the columns and statues of the Library of Celsus, showcasing the intricate Roman architectural details.

6. The Great Theatre & Harbour Street

To the left of the library is the massive Great Theatre, which could seat 24,000 spectators. This is where St. Paul famously preached to the Ephesians. From the theatre, the long, colonnaded Harbour Street (Arcadiane) stretches towards the Lower Gate, which was once the city's bustling port before the harbor silted up.

A view from the upper seating of the Great Theatre, showing the massive capacity of the city's main venue.

Other Nearby Sights to Visit

Your visit to Ephesus can be combined with these important sites, all located in Selçuk:

• Basilica of St. John: A monumental basilica built over the traditional burial site of the Apostle John. It is located on Ayasuluk Hill and is covered by the full combo ticket and Museum Pass.
• House of the Virgin Mary (Meryem Ana Evi): A sacred pilgrimage site located 8 km from Ephesus, believed to be the last home of the Virgin Mary. It requires a separate entrance fee, and the Museum Pass is not valid here.
• Temple of Artemis: Once one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World, today only a single column and some foundation fragments remain. It is located in central Selçuk and is free to visit.
• Şirince Village: A beautiful, historic village in the hills famous for its wine and Ottoman-Greek architecture, perfect for lunch or dinner after your tour.

A Brief History of Ephesus

While settled for millennia, the city we tour today was at its peak during the Roman Empire (1st and 2nd centuries AD). As the capital of the Roman province of Asia, it was one of the largest cities in the world, with a population exceeding 200,000. It was also a vital center for early Christianity. The city's decline began when its harbor, its source of life and commerce, slowly silted up from the Küçük Menderes River, cutting it off from the sea.