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İzmir Adnan Menderes Layover Guide (ADB)

What are you looking for in ADB?
Tours/To do | Relax/Sleep | Internet/SIM | Transport | Storage | Money

İzmir Airport (ADB) is an international airport situated in the Gaziemir district of İzmir, Türkiye. It lies roughly 18 km (11 miles) south of İzmir’s bustling Konak city center. The airport officially opened in 1987 and was later named after former prime minister Adnan Menderes. İzmir is Türkiye’s third-largest city, renowned for its warm Aegean climate, lively seafront promenades, rich ancient heritage, and abundant cultural, culinary, and leisure activities year-round.

Can you leave İzmir Airport (ADB) airport during a layover? Do you need a visa?
You may exit İzmir’s Adnan Menderes Airport during a layover, provided your connection allows ample time to clear immigration and return. Whether you need a visa depends entirely on nationality: many travelers are visa-exempt or can apply online for a Turkish e-Visa, others must obtain a visa in advance before travel. (more info).

Tours, Things to do, Sightseeing

Layover Guide Organized Tours

Layover Guide Things to do / Sightseeing

• Kemeraltı Bazaar Wander through İzmir’s sprawling 17th-century Kemeraltı Bazaar, a labyrinth of shaded alleys packed with spice stalls, artisan workshops, coffeehouses, mosques, and hidden courtyards, capturing authentic Aegean culture and lively commerce. (Time required: 2–3 hrs. / Airport to here: İZBAN train to Konak, 5-min tram)
• Konak Square & Clock Tower Snap photos beside İzmir’s iconic Ottoman-era Clock Tower in Konak Square, then explore the surrounding palm-lined plaza, ferry docks, elegant Governor’s Mansion, and historic Yalı Mosque overlooking panoramic Gulf waters. (Time required: 1 hr. / Airport to here: Direct İZBAN train to Konak)
• Kadifekale Ride a hillside minibus to Kadifekale, Alexander-built “Velvet Castle,” and stroll crumbling ramparts offering sweeping bird’s-eye views over İzmir Bay, distant mountains, sprawling port districts, and glittering sunsets across cityscape. (Time required: 1.5 hrs. / Airport to here: İZBAN to Hilal, bus 33)
• Agora Open-Air Museum Step among marble colonnades, vaulted basements, and ancient inscriptions at İzmir’s Roman-era Agora, an evocative archaeological park revealing Smyrna’s commercial heart, political life, and earthquake-shattered history amid modern apartment blocks. (Time required: 1 hr. / Airport to here: İZBAN to Çankaya, 10-min walk)
• Alsancak Kordon Promenade Join locals cycling, strolling, and picnicking along Alsancak’s breezy Kordonboyu seafront, lined with trendy cafés, seafood taverns, sculpture parks, and grassy lawns framing photo-worthy sunsets over ferries crossing the bay. (Time required: 1–2 hrs. / Airport to here: İZBAN to Alsancak)
• Gaziemir Optimum Outlet Make the most of short layovers by browsing Gaziemir Optimum Outlet’s fashion brands, food court, and ice rink, only minutes from the terminal, for convenient last-minute gifts or indoor entertainment. (Time required: 1–2 hrs. / Airport to here: 10-min taxi or municipal bus)
• Ephesus Ancient City If layover exceeds eight hours, catch the regional train to Selçuk for legendary Ephesus, walking marble Curetes Street, Library of Celsus, and theatre echoing millennia of Greco-Roman religious, commercial greatness. (Time required: 3–4 hrs. / Airport to here: İZBAN to Selçuk, taxi or minibus)
• İzmir Wildlife Park Escape airport bustle at İzmir Wildlife Park in Çiğli, a spacious naturalistic reserve hosting over 1200 animals, shaded walking trails, botanical ponds, and educational exhibits promoting conservation and family-friendly recreation. (Time required: 2–3 hrs. / Airport to here: İZBAN to Çiğli, connecting bus 751)

Things to Do in İzmir Airport (ADB)

Relaxing and Sleeping

Airport Lounges and Relaxing
İzmir Airport (ADB) offers several lounges for both domestic and international travelers. The Primeclass Lounge provides a quiet space with snacks, drinks, newspapers, and Wi-Fi access. Access is available to business class passengers or through paid entry, offering a peaceful environment for rest or work before your flight. » view all lounges or buy a lounge pass or membership online

Hotel and Sleeping
There is no transit hotel inside İzmir Airport, but several hotels are located nearby, including budget and mid-range options within a 5–10 minute drive. Many offer free shuttle services to and from the airport, making them convenient choices for travelers with early flights or overnight layovers. view all or book an airport hotel online

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Rest Area and Sleeping in Airport
İzmir Airport has limited designated rest areas, but travelers can find seating in both terminals. Overnight sleepers often rest on benches near check-in or gates. It’s recommended to bring a travel mat or blanket, as armrests on seats and noise levels may reduce overall comfort.

WIFI/Internet and SIM Card

WIFI/Internet: Free Wi-Fi is available throughout İzmir Airport. Passengers can connect by selecting the airport network and completing a short verification process via SMS. While speeds are generally sufficient for browsing and emails, extended or high-speed use may require a paid plan or access through airport lounges.

SIM/eSIM Card: SIM cards are available from major Turkish mobile providers like Turkcell, Vodafone, and Türk Telekom. Kiosks or shops can be found in the arrivals area. eSIM services may be supported by some providers. It’s best to bring identification and expect tourist SIM packages with data and calling options. » buy a global esim card for Layover Guide, that you can use for other countries as well!

Transportation to/from airport

Taxi: Taxis are available 24/7 outside both terminals at İzmir Airport. They operate on a metered basis, and the ride to central İzmir typically takes 25–30 minutes. Prices are reasonable, but it’s wise to confirm estimated fare beforehand. Airport staff can assist with official taxi services if needed.

Train: İzmir Airport is connected to the city via the İZBAN suburban train line. Adnan Menderes Airport Station is just outside the terminal, offering frequent trains to central İzmir and beyond. This is a quick, affordable option for travelers. (more info).

Bus: ESHOT public buses and Havaş airport shuttles connect İzmir Airport with various parts of the city and surrounding regions. Buses run regularly during the day and are a budget-friendly way to travel. Tickets can be purchased onboard or via transportation cards. (more info).

Shuttle: Private airport shuttle services are available and can be booked in advance. These shared or private rides offer hotel drop-offs and pickups, suitable for travelers seeking convenience with luggage or late arrivals. Shuttle counters are located in the arrivals area, and services often operate on a fixed schedule.

Car rentals: Several major car rental companies operate at İzmir Airport, including Avis, Budget, Europcar, and local providers. Counters are located in the arrivals halls. Vehicles can be reserved online in advance or rented on-site. Renting a car is a good option for exploring the Aegean region independently. view available cars or rent a car now online

Parking: İzmir Airport offers short-term and long-term parking facilities near both terminals. The parking areas are secure and monitored, with payment available by cash or card. Rates are calculated by duration. There are also designated spaces for disabled passengers and drop-off zones for easier passenger access.

Luggage Storage & Lockers

Luggage storage services are available at İzmir Airport in the arrivals area of the international terminal. Travelers can store their bags for a few hours or multiple days. Fees vary based on luggage size and duration. This service is useful for those with long layovers or sightseeing plans. » book a luggage storage or locker at online (subject to availability).

Money Exchange and Withdrawal

- İzmir Airport (ADB) ATMs, currency exchanges and banks