The right way to get from Izmir Airport depends on how many of you there are, your luggage and your destination: for a solo traveller with light luggage heading to the city centre, the Havaş shuttle or a bus is enough; for those touring the region throughout the holiday, car rental; and for families or groups going straight to their hotel, a private transfer is the most comfortable option.
How Do the Options Compare at a Glance?
The strengths and weaknesses of the four options are:
- Havaş: serves points such as Bornova, Çeşme, Karşıyaka, Konak, Selçuk and Urla. Cheap for one person, but it does not go to your hotel door and runs on a timetable.
- ESHOT bus and train: the cheapest way into the city; changing with luggage is hard.
- Car rental: freedom throughout the holiday; you need a licence, a credit card and a deposit, and parking and navigation are up to you.
- Private transfer: door to door with no changes; the price is per vehicle, so the cost per person falls for larger groups.
Who Are Havaş and Buses Suitable For?
Havaş and city buses suit passengers travelling alone or in pairs, with little luggage, whose destination is on the service route. Besides Izmir, Havaş also runs to some districts of Aydın and Manisa; city buses, including ESHOT line 206, reach the centre.
The downside is that you need a taxi from the last stop to your hotel, and options shrink for flights landing late at night. Changing with a pushchair and large suitcases is also tiring.
When Does Renting a Car Make Sense?
Renting a car makes sense for travellers who will go somewhere different every day, enjoy driving and know the region. You need a valid licence and, with most companies, a credit card and a deposit.
Things to keep in mind: in summer, parking is hard to find in Çeşme, Alaçatı and Bodrum, and car access to stone streets is restricted. Driving tired after a long journey is also risky. That is why some travellers take a transfer from the airport to the hotel and rent a car locally for the following days.
Who Is a Private Transfer the Best Choice For?
A private transfer is the most comfortable option for families, large groups, those travelling with older relatives, late-night arrivals and those heading to distant resorts. The driver waits at the arrivals exit with a sign bearing your name, carries your luggage and drops you at your hotel door.
At Egem VIP Transfer the price is fixed at booking and is per vehicle; it does not change with the number of passengers. Flights are tracked and there is no waiting charge for delays. The Mercedes Vito vehicles carry 9 passengers and 5 pieces of luggage; a baby seat is free on request.
Which Option for Which Area?
A short recommendation by destination:
- Izmir centre and Alsancak: Havaş or bus for one person, a transfer for families.
- Çeşme, Kuşadası, Urla: Havaş runs there but you need to change to reach the hotel; a transfer for families and luggage.
- Bodrum, Marmaris, Fethiye: a drive of more than 3 hours; a transfer or car rental.
- Villa stays: a transfer, as addresses can be complicated; details in our villa or hotel guide.
What Should You Consider When Choosing?
Before deciding, answer these questions:
- How many of you are there and how many large suitcases do you have?
- Does your flight land at night?
- Will you go somewhere different every day of the holiday?
- Do you need a child seat or a wheelchair?
We explained what to check when booking a transfer in our things to check when booking a transfer guide. For how the airport works in general, see our Izmir Airport guide.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cheapest way from Izmir Airport to Çeşme?
For one person, Havaş is the cheapest; for a family or group, a private transfer priced per vehicle can come close per person.
Which option is safest for a late-night arrival?
Public transport options shrink late at night; a private transfer that tracks your flight and drops you at the door is the safest option.
What do you need to rent a car?
A valid licence and, with most companies, a credit card and a deposit; confirm the conditions with the rental company.
Is the transfer price per person?
No. At Egem VIP Transfer the price is per vehicle and is fixed at booking.