Selçuk Car Rental: Discover the Ancient City of Ephesus

Selçuk is one of the most touristic districts of Izmir that can be comfortably explored by renting a car. When it comes to tourism in Izmir, many people think of a beach holiday. However, in Selçuk, the holiday stands out not with the sea but with experiencing historical and natural beauties. For this reason alone, hundreds of thousands of local and foreign tourists are hosted in the district every year.

The must-see place when visiting Selçuk is the Ancient City of Ephesus. Although it is preferable to visit this site with a guide, those without a guide can join tours taking place at that moment. Or they can take the headphones provided at the entrance and listen to the stories of how people lived here in ancient times.

When it comes to faith tourism, the House of Virgin Mary located in the upper parts of Selçuk comes to mind. Visiting the Virgin Mary’s house, lighting candles, drinking water from the wishing fountains… are among the main activities that can be done here.

Then it’s time to visit Şirince Village. Everyone who visits this village immediately understands why it was named Şirince (“pleasant”). The bazaar in Şirince, where organic products and souvenirs are sold, is very popular. And the must-do activity here is wine tasting in the cellars, followed by buying the wines you like.

To walk around the bazaar of Şirince Village, you need to park your car in the parking area. However, thinking that you can easily visit all these points without renting a car in Selçuk is simply an illusion.

Places to Visit in Selçuk by Car

There are many places to visit in Selçuk by car. Although it is famous for its historical and natural beauties, there are also beaches for those who want to swim in Selçuk. Churches, caves, temples, museums… make the holiday here unforgettable for travelers.

Selçuk, also known for its proximity to Aydın, offers even more on your list. You should also add trying the famous “çöp şiş” (meat skewers) at roadside restaurants to your itinerary. Coming to the region and not eating çöp şiş is considered a betrayal of gastronomy. Tire, Torbalı, Menderes, and Kuşadası are also neighboring districts worth visiting while you’re in the area.

Since the distances in Izmir are not very far from each other, it is recommended that tourists visiting Selçuk also dedicate a day to visit holiday destinations like Çeşme, Alaçatı, Urla, Karaburun, and Seferihisar. As there are so many places to visit, it is strongly advised to contact Duray Rent A Car before arriving and request a rental car.

How to Get to Selçuk by Car from Izmir Airport?

For Selçuk car rental, it is enough to contact Duray Rent A Car. The company delivers vehicles to its customers right after they get off the plane. Then you need to travel 60 kilometers to reach Selçuk. Since the road is comfortable, it is estimated that you can reach your destination within about an hour.

You can reach Selçuk by using the Izmir – Aydın highway. On the way, you turn at the Selçuk junction, passing through Torbalı, and then you arrive in Selçuk. The travel time varies depending on traffic, time of day, the rented vehicle, and the driver’s performance but generally does not exceed 60–70 minutes.

Affordable Car Rental Companies in Selçuk

Selçuk has a wide range of car rental companies. Since there are so many places to visit in the district, it is recommended that tourists coming here for tourism purposes definitely rent a car. Duray Rent A Car stands out from its competitors with its wide variety of vehicles, affordable prices, and options to deliver the car to different locations.

To rent the desired car more easily and at a better price, it is advantageous to make a car reservation when planning a holiday in Selçuk. Among the advantages of renting a car at Adnan Menderes Airport is that customers can directly put their luggage into their own car without needing public transportation.

Because of the route taken to Selçuk, newly arrived travelers do not have to endure crowded public transportation. Duray Rent A Car, with its vehicles in the parking lot inside Adnan Menderes Airport, prevents its customers from facing such inconveniences.

Practical tips for visiting Ephesus

• Start early: In summer Ephesus is very hot and crowded around midday; go early in the morning or late in the afternoon.
• Two entrances: Ancient Ephesus has an upper and a lower entrance. Plan your route knowing you will return to the entrance where you parked.
• Three stops in one day: Ephesus, the House of the Virgin Mary and Şirince are close together; by car you can easily see all three in a day.
• Tolls: The motorway from the airport towards Selçuk is tolled; tolls are paid via HGS.

Routes to combine

Combine Selçuk with Tire; Pamucak beach and Kuşadası are close for the seaside. Planning a longer Aegean tour? See our automatic car rental options, or monthly car rental for stays of several weeks.

Selçuk car rental: frequently asked questions

How long is the drive from the airport to Ephesus?

About 60 km; 45 minutes to an hour on the motorway depending on traffic.

Do you have an office in Selçuk?

Our offices are at İzmir Adnan Menderes Airport and in Gaziemir. You pick up the car at the airport, drive to Selçuk and return it at the airport.