When is the Cheapest Time to Fly to Izmir?
June is the low season, and the best time to find cheap return flights to Izmir. Thanks to its Mediterranean climate, beaches and coastal location, the summer months are the most popular time to visit and prices spike in July and August. Autumn’s a good time to find cheap flights or last-minute flights, as prices tend to be lower from September to November.
When is the Best Time to Book your Flight to Izmir?
It’s best to book two months ahead of your travel date to secure the cheapest rates. So book by March for travel in June, and in the summer for travel in autumn. If you want to travel in the high season, book your flights as far in advance as you can. Consider booking a flight with a stop in Istanbul, as this could save money. If your dates aren’t fixed, try using the flexible dates tool on Netflights to find the best deals on return flights.
Flying to Izmir Adnan Menderes Airport ADB
Izmir Adnan Menderes Airport ADB is an international airport serving Izmir and the surrounding areas. It’s located 15 kilometres south of the city centre, and operates both international and domestic flights to other parts of Turkey. The airport has a range of shopping and dining choices, as well as banking and currency exchange services, Wi-Fi, shops and a prayer room.
Pegasus Airlines offers direct flights to Izmir from London Stansted. Aer Lingus, AtlasJet Airlines, British Airways, Eurowings, Lufthansa and Turkish Airlines all fly to Izmir from London Gatwick or Heathrow with one stop. Other UK airports, including Birmingham, Manchester and Aberdeen, also offer flights to Izmir with one stopover. Using Netflights means you can easily compare airlines and routes.
On Arrival and Getting Around the Airport
Izmir Adnan Menderes Airport ADB has two terminals, one for international flights and the other for domestic travel. The two terminals are connected by a walkway, making it easy to move between the two. Buses and taxis from the airport to the city centre are available outside both terminals. There are a few restaurants and cafés in the international terminal.
Getting to the City from Izmir Adnan Menderes Airport ADB
Getting to the city centre from the airport is easy. The HAVAS airport shuttle runs every hour, and takes you from the airport to Alsancak in about 60 minutes, with stops along the way. Municipal buses 200, 202 and 204 also run between the airport and city locations, 24 hours a day. You can take the subway into the city from outside the domestic terminal. Taxis are available outside the international and domestic terminals, though you’ll need to agree the price with the driver before setting off, and you can rent a car at the international terminal.
Why visit Izmir?
Izmir is located on Turkey’s Aegean coast, and its history as an important port dates back to ancient Greek times, when it was known as Smyrna. With more than 20 beaches within reach of the city, it attracts British holidaymakers, especially in the summer months when you can enjoy boat tours, sailing and water sports.
In the city, the historic Kemeralti bazaar is a must see, and is home to more than 200 stalls selling jewellery, spices, antiques, textiles and more. The Agora, a reconstructed ancient marketplace, is also well worth a visit, as is the impressive collection of art, artefacts and sculptures housed at the Izmir Museum of History and Art. For a day out of the city, you can take a trip to the ancient ruins of Ephesus, and the Temple of Artemis, one of the seven wonders of the ancient world.
Don't Forget Before you Fly
It’s a good idea to exchange money so that you have some local currency, Turkish lira, when you arrive. British nationals need a visa to enter Turkey, which you can get online through the official Republic of Turkey e-visa website. An e-visa costs about £14, and you can apply for it up to three months before your travel date. You should also make sure your passport has at least six months’ validity from the date of entry into Turkey.
