Izmir Public Transport Guide: Izmirkart, Airport & Taxis

Transportation in Izmir is quite enhanced, yet still, it is not as much as that of Istanbul. Apart from that, it is new and still developing.

You have many options when it comes to public transportation in Izmir. They are ferry services, called Izdeniz, railway services, separated as Izban and Metro, road transportations thanks to the city buses and minibusses.

Let’s see what they are and how you can more easily in Izmir with them.

Izmir Railway services: Metro and Izban

Izmir has three different railway services along with the actual railway utilized by intercity trains. Nevertheless, the other two are Izban and Metro. They are dividing the city in the form of a cross. While the Izban is working in the north-south direction of the city, the Metro is working in the east-west part at the southern side of İzmir Gulf. That’s why the city has two railway lines. Hilal and Halkapinar stations serve as interchanges between the two railway lines.

Let’s take a look at both railway lines:

Izban

The Izban Railway is operated by the Turkish State Railways (TCDD) and serves as an important mode of transportation for residents of Izmir, especially for those who live in the suburbs, as the line reaches as far as Aliaga and Selcuk (Ephesus).

The railway line is 136 kilometers long and consists of 41 stations, but is currently being extended to reach the city of Bergama in the Izmir province in the near future.

The Izban usually runs every 12-15 minutes, late in the evening and early in the morning every 25 minutes. The system is very reliable and efficient and offers affordable fares that vary depending on the length of your journey.

You can check the timetable and stations of the Izban railway by clicking on this link (only in Turkish). Just select the date, as well as your departure station (“Hareket Durağı”) and your destination station (“Varış Durağı”).

Metro

The opening of the metro railway in Izmir in the year 2000 was a turning point for public transport in the city. The railway system currently consists of only one line, which extends underground for 20 km and includes 17 stations.

The metro railway is clean, fast and reliable, and has become the preferred choice of many commuters, both locals and tourists.

Unlike the Izban, the metro runs at a much more frequent interval. During the week, it operates every 3.5 to 5 minutes. After 8 pm, the metro runs every 7.5 minutes. On Sundays, the metro departs every 6 to 7.5 minutes.

To see the operation hours and frequency of the metro, visit the official website of the Izmir Metro (only in Turkish).

Izmir Railway Map

Tram in Izmir

In addition to Izban and Metro, there is the Izmir Tram (Izmir Tramvayi in Turkish), a light rail transit system serving the city of Izmir. It began operation in the year of 2017, and consists of two unconnected lines: one in Konak, the other in Karsiyaka.

The Konak Tram Line runs for 12.6 kilometers (7.8 miles) between Fahrettin Altay and Halkapınar, while the Karsiyaka Tram Line runs for 8.7 kilometers (5.4 miles) between Karsiyaka and Mavisehir Izban.

Click here to see the stations, frequency and hours of operation of each tram line (only in Turkish).

Public bus and minibus (dolmus) in Izmir

Public Bus:

The public bus system in Izmir, operated by ESHOT, is extensive and covers the entire city. The buses are comfortable and air-conditioned. You can use your Izmirimkart, Bilet 35 or buy a single-ticket directly from the driver, which is a bit more expensive.

There is a wide network of different bus lines, which are usually not shown on a map on the bus or at the bus station, so it is sometimes difficult for visitors to the city to figure out which line to take.

Tip: Visit the official website of Eshot to get detailed information about the bus stops, bus location, and departure times of the various bus lines. By clicking this link, you can even see which bus stops are near your address.

Minibus:

Minibuses, or dolmus in Turkish, are one of the most common means of public transportation for locals in Izmir. Minibuses also cover side streets and areas of the city that are difficult to access by bus, and operate throughout the day.

These small buses follow set routes, and you can flag one down anywhere along the route. The fare varies depending on your destination and is paid in cash directly to the driver. Tourists may find the bus system a little confusing at first. But once you get the hang of it, it’s an easy way to get around.

Ferry Connections in Izmir

In Izmir, one of the most popular modes of transport is the ferry. With 4.5 million people living in the metropolitan area, the ferry system plays a vital role in connecting people to different parts of the city and relieving the land traffic in Izmir. On top of that, a ferry ride offers breathtaking views of the stunning Aegean coastline.

Ferries in Izmir are operated by İzdeniz, which has a fleet of modern and clean ferries serving a total of 12 terminals on different routes within the city. The city’s two main ferry terminals are in Konak and Alsancak, which offer regular service to various destinations along the Aegean coast.

You can check out the ferry schedules in Izmir in advance here!

Izmir Transport Card : How does Izmirimkart work?

Izmirimkart is the electronic ticketing system for public transport in Izmir. It is valid on all buses, trains, trams and ferries operated by İzmir Metropolitan Municipality. Except for minibusses, all of these services require the Izmirimkart.

You can use Izmirimkart to travel anywhere within the city limits. It’s really easy to use – just tap your card on the reader when you get on the bus, metro or Izban. Plus, the card can be recharged with credit and used multiple times. There are also discounts for certain groups of people, such as students and seniors.

Please do not rely on the websites on the internet when buying the ticket, and look at the sales points in Izmir. It’s ultra-cheap to travel in Izmir. Each boarding costs around 7,5 TL, even more transfers in 120 minutes from your boarding time costs 2 or 3 TL.

You can buy it at any station through the vending machine or the information point.

Public Transport Ticket: Bilet 35

In addition to the rechargeable Izmirimkart, there is Bilet 35, a ticket for multiple rides. This is especially useful if you do not plan to use public transportation frequently. You can choose between 2-, 3-, 5- and 10-ride tickets. Bilet 35 is sold at the vending machines at metro and Izban stations.

Note that with Bilet 35 it is not possible to change to other means of transport. Also, after the first use, you have 35 days to redeem the remaining rides before they expire.

For the up-to-date prices of Bilet 35, please click here.

Izmir Taxis: Stations, Apps & Fares

You can safely travel the city by using Taxis. Taxis in İzmir don’t cost much when it is compared to İstanbul.

Stations: There are plenty of taxi stands throughout the city, so you’re never far from one.
Apps: Taking a cab is easier if you have related apps on your mobile phone. EnTaksi and Bitaksi are the perfect cutouts for this purpose.
Fares: However, always make sure the taximeter is working. The starting fare for a taxi in Izmir is currently 6 TL, and then it’s an additional 9 TL per kilometer. There is no surcharge for nighttime rides in Izmir.

Izmir Airport Transport

Located in Gaziemir district, Izmir Adnan Menderes Airport is very easily accessible from the city center, through the Izban railway line. The station is İzban Adnan Menderes Havalimanı.

You can also take a taxi to reach the airport or go to the city center from it. It is quite affordable and comfortable.

To find out which bus lines are connected to Izmir Airport, please click on this link.

Of course, the most convenient way to get to Izmir Airport is by private airport transfer.

Book your private airport transfer to Izmir Airport here!

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