Published 3 October 2026
Ephesus is the reason many cruise passengers are excited to see Kusadasi on their itinerary. The good news: the ancient city is a short drive from the port, so even a half day ashore is enough for a visit. The important part is planning your time well.
Start with your all-aboard time
Before you think about transport, find your all-aboard time in your cruise line’s app or daily programme. This is usually earlier than the departure time shown in public schedules, and it is the time that really matters. Work backwards from it: leave a comfortable buffer for traffic and for getting back through the port.
Our Kusadasi cruise ship schedule shows which ships are in port and, when announced, their arrival and departure times. The cruise day planner uses the same data to show how much time you have ashore.
Your options
1. A shore excursion booked with your ship
The simplest option: everything is organised, and the ship knows where you are. In return you travel in a large group on a fixed programme, and the price is usually set per person.
2. A taxi from the port
Taxis wait near the port exit. If you take one, agree the price before you get in and be clear about whether the driver will wait and bring you back. Prices change, so check them on the day.
3. Local minibuses
Local minibuses connect Kusadasi with Selçuk, the town next to Ephesus. This is the budget option, but you have to get from the port to the departure point, check the timetable and keep a close eye on the time for the way back.
4. A private car with driver
A private vehicle takes you from the port to Ephesus and back, only with your own group. With us there is one fixed price per vehicle for up to 8 passengers, so a family or a group of friends shares a single price. You decide the pace, and we plan the times around your ship.
See the details on our Kusadasi–Ephesus transfer page, or compare all options side by side on Kusadasi port to Ephesus.
Tickets and opening hours
Ephesus has an entrance fee, and some areas inside the site are ticketed separately. Ticket prices and opening hours change from time to time, so check the current information on the official museum website before your trip. Entrance tickets are not part of our transfer price.
Tips for the visit
- Wear comfortable shoes: the ancient streets are marble and stone, and can be slippery.
- Bring water, a hat and sun cream; there is little shade in the middle of the day.
- Keep your ship card and some cash or a card with you.
- Save our WhatsApp number in your phone so you can reach your driver.
Not into ruins today?
If you have already seen Ephesus, a quad or buggy safari at Pamucak is a fun alternative: we pick you up at Kervansaray, about 50 metres from the port exit, and after the 11:00 safari you are back at the port around 13:45–14:15.