Kusadasi Cruise Port Guide

About the Kusadasi Cruise Port (Turkey)

Kusadasi is a resort town on Turkey's Aegean coast and the cruise port for Ephesus. Ships dock at two piers in the town center, with space for up to four ships at the same time. This page covers the port, maps and meeting locations, general port information, and how to get to the town, Ephesus and the airport.

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Important Meeting Instructions in Kusadasi

Where the port is
Kusadasi, a resort town on Turkey's Aegean coast. The cruise port is in the town center, at Ataturk Blv. No:12, 09400 Kusadasi.
Where ships dock
The port has two piers and can accommodate up to four ships at the same time. Ships dock alongside, so no tendering is required. Your cruise line will confirm which pier your ship is using.
Where you meet your private driver or guide
Exit your ship and follow the map toward the meeting point. Your driver or guide will be waiting there, holding a sign with your name on it.

Video Flyover of the Kusadasi Cruise Port

This aerial flyover shows the two piers at the Kusadasi cruise port, how to follow the map from your ship, and where drivers and guides meet passengers.

Aerial imagery: Google Earth

Kusadasi Cruise Port Location

Kusadasi Cruise Port, Ataturk Blv. No:12, 09400 Kusadasi, Turkey

Getting Between the Port and the Town

Most of Kusadasi town center is within walking distance of the port. For Ephesus and the surrounding area, you will need a vehicle. Timetables change, so confirm current details before you travel.

Walking

  • The old town, the bazaar and the waterfront are about a 5 to 10 minute walk from the port.
  • The port exit leads through the Scala Nuova shopping complex, and the town center begins just beyond it.
  • Pigeon Island is a longer seafront walk, about 15 to 30 minutes depending on your pace.

Taxi

  • Taxis wait outside the terminal.
  • Agree the cost with the driver before you get in.
  • A taxi is the simplest option for Ephesus, Selcuk and the House of the Virgin Mary, but remember your ship's all aboard time when you plan the day.

Dolmus Minibus

  • Dolmus minibuses leave from the main road outside the port and run toward Selcuk.
  • They are shared minibuses that follow a set route and leave when full. Confirm the destination with the driver before you board.
  • From Selcuk, Ephesus is a short taxi ride or a walk of about 15 to 20 minutes.

Private Driver or Guide

  • Many passengers book a private driver or guide who meets them at the port and takes them directly to Ephesus and nearby sites.
  • A private vehicle lets you set your own pace and return to the ship in good time.

About Kusadasi and the Surrounding Area

Kusadasi is a resort town on Turkey's Aegean coast. Its main attraction for cruise passengers is its position near Ephesus, one of the best preserved ancient cities in the Mediterranean.

A Brief Introduction

  • Kusadasi means bird island in Turkish, a name that refers to Pigeon Island, the small island linked to the town by a causeway.
  • The town grew from a small fishing port into a busy resort and one of the main cruise ports on the Turkish Aegean coast.
  • The old town, known as Kaleici, has narrow streets with shops, cafes and restaurants.

Highlights Many Cruise Passengers Visit

  • Ephesus, the ancient Greek and Roman city, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, with its marble streets, the Library of Celsus and the Great Theatre.
  • The House of the Virgin Mary, a small stone house on a hill above Ephesus, visited as a place of pilgrimage.
  • The Basilica of St John, the ruins of a large church in Selcuk on Ayasuluk Hill.
  • Sirince, a hillside village known for its old stone houses and local fruit wines.
  • Pigeon Island, a small island with an old castle, reached on foot along the seafront.

Planning Your Time

  • Ephesus, the House of the Virgin Mary and Selcuk fit comfortably into a typical port day.
  • Sirince is an additional stop that can be combined with Ephesus if your ship's all aboard time allows.
  • Didyma, Priene and Miletus are farther away, with Didyma about 50 miles (80km) from the port, and are usually done as a longer day trip.
  • Ephesus is an open air site with little shade, so wear comfortable walking shoes and bring water and sun protection.
  • The currency is the Turkish lira. Euros are widely accepted near the port, and cards are widely accepted, but carrying some cash is advised.

Nearby Destinations

  • Selcuk, a small town beside Ephesus, with the Basilica of St John and the Ephesus Archaeological Museum.
  • Sirince, a hillside village in the hills east of Ephesus.
  • Didyma, with the large Temple of Apollo.
  • Priene, an ancient hillside city above the Meander plain.
  • Miletus, an ancient port city with a large Roman theater.
  • Ladies Beach, a popular town beach south of the center.

Frequently Asked Questions

Where do drivers and guides meet passengers at the Kusadasi cruise port?

Exit the ship and follow the map toward the meeting point. Your driver or guide will be waiting there, holding a sign with your name on it.

Is Kusadasi a tender port?

No. Ships dock alongside one of the two piers, so no tendering is required.

How many ships can dock at the Kusadasi cruise port?

The port has two piers and can accommodate up to four ships at the same time.

Which pier will my ship use?

Your cruise line will confirm which pier your ship is using. Check your daily program on the morning of arrival.

What is at the Kusadasi cruise port?

Within the port area you will find a shopping area, restrooms and a number of restaurants and cafes. Shops, cafes and ATMs are close to the pier.

How far is the Kusadasi cruise port from the town center?

The port is in the town center. The old town and the waterfront are about a 5 to 10 minute walk away.

Is Kusadasi walkable from the cruise port?

Yes. The port exit leads through the Scala Nuova shopping complex toward the town center and the bazaar, and most of the center can be reached on foot. Pigeon Island is a longer seafront walk of about 15 to 30 minutes.

How far is Ephesus from the Kusadasi cruise port?

Ephesus is about 12 miles (20km) from the port, roughly 25 to 30 minutes by road.

Can I take a taxi from the Kusadasi cruise port?

Yes. Taxis wait outside the terminal. Agree the cost with the driver before you get in.

Is there a bus from the cruise port to Selcuk and Ephesus?

Dolmus minibuses leave from the main road outside the port and run toward Selcuk. From Selcuk, Ephesus is a short taxi ride or a walk of about 15 to 20 minutes.

How far is Izmir Airport from the Kusadasi cruise port?

Izmir Adnan Menderes Airport (ADB) is about 56 miles (90km) from the port. Allow about an hour by car, depending on traffic.

What currency is used in Kusadasi?

The Turkish lira. Euros are widely accepted near the port, and cards are widely accepted, but carrying some cash is advised.