A few questions before trip: Izmir-Selcuk, time in Pamukkale, rental car?

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lauren.819
lauren.819

Hello!
We're leaving in December for two weeks in Turkey and I've done a lot of research but have a few unanswered questions.

1) I'm wondering if this schedule (http://www.tcdd.gov.tr/files/bolgeseller/basmanedenizli.pdf) is the most current at the moment, or if this (http://www.turkeytravelplanner.com/go/Aegean/Izmir/transport/izmir-selcuk_train.html) is the correct one right now. If it's the former...we arrive on a Sun Express flight at 6:10 pm and it looks like 18:48 would be the last train per that timetable. Would there be any chance of making it? If not, what would be an inexpensive alternative? If the latter timetable is correct, I believe we'll easily be able to make the 19:30 train.

2) I think we'll be spending 3 nights in Selcuk and then taking a train or bus to Denizli and spending a day/overnight before flying back to Istanbul from Denizli airport at 6:45pm. Should we take a morning train (either 09:08 or 10:24 to arrive at noon or 1:00pm) or just relax in Selcuk for the morning and take an afternoon (probably the 12:47 to arrive around 4:00pm) and just wake up early the following morning and use our morning in Pamukkale before getting to the airport at around 5:30? What would be the best use of our time, more time in Selcuk area, or more time in Denizli/Pamukkale? Other than Pamukkale and Hieropolis, we would like to see Laodicea, if possible. Also, should we stay in Denizli or in Pamukkale?

3) Is renting a car necessary in any of these areas? Selcuk, Denizli, Goreme? Or will public transport be sufficient?

Thanks so much!

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sarikanarya
sarikanarya

I don't know why TTP had so much trouble in compiling a time table.The official one in your first link(TCDD) is correct and these have been the train time for years now,no changes at all :)
You arrive at 18.10 and so have plenty of time to catch the 18.48 train.As you get off a domestic flight you'll clear the airport in 15 minutes tops(probably less) and then you just go outside and walk over the railway line bridge to the other side(5 minutes total),buy a ticket and get on the train.More than ample time so don't worry about missing this train.

To move on to Pamukkale rather than take the train I would use the bus.Pamukkale Turizm have a bus from Selçuk at 17.00 arriving in Denizli at 19.45,cost 30T.L
This gives you pretty much all that day in Selçuk to use and by travelling at that time you make good use of otherwise 'dead time'.You can then get up bright and early and spend the whole day around the travertines and Hierapolis before leaving for the airport at c.15.00.That is enough time for what there is to see at Pamukkale tbh.
However,if you also want to visit Laodecia then you need to take the first train at 09.08 and visit there that afternoon and then Pamukkale the next day.And it will be more convenient for you to stay in a Denzili hotel rather than in Pamukkale if this is your plan.

A hire car can always be useful but in Cappadocia I think you would get your money's worth the most.There are bsues but they aren't especially frequent in winter and you won't want to stand around waiting and wasting your time.So if budget allows hire a car for a day or two there defo.
Selçuk and Denizli you don't need one.In Selçuk everything is close enough to walk to easily or has regular buses for more distant spots.In Denizli there are regular buses out to Laodecia and up to Pamukkale village,so save your money at these two :)

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lauren.819
lauren.819
In response to #1

Thank you so much! Good to know there will be enough time to make it onto the train :) And for the information on Pamukkale and renting a car! We'll look into renting a car in Göreme!

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maenad
maenad

Domestic flights are pretty good in Turkey but if yours is delayed (unlikely but possible), there are alternatives. If you walk out of the airport and cross the highway (not as dangerous as it sounds) you'll be on the road going south towards Selcuk. Most buses on that road will go to Selcuk, or to a place further down the road where you can change. Just wave down every bus that is passing and one will soon stop and take you.

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sarikanarya
sarikanarya

Indeed if the worst happened and your flight was late arriving then you also have the option of the Havaş airport bus to Kuşadası which drops off at Selçuk.I see there is one at 19.00-
http://www.havas.net/en/OurServices/BusServicesAndCarParkingFacilities/ServicePoints/Pages/Izmir.aspx

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mothercourage
mothercourage

One of the domestic airlines has a free shuttle to Selcuk. But I think it's Onur Air. Perhaps someone could confirm?

“A ship is safe in harbor, but that's not what ships are for.” - William G.T. Shedd
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bjcool
bjcool

hello everyone,

I'm a traveler from Canada that will be in Turkey later this week and hope to visit Pamukkale for about a day. I plan on taking the train from Izmir airport to Selcuk (for which I plan on spending a few days in Selcuk to visit Ephesus), and then, taking the train from Selcuk station to Denizli station to visit Pamukkale. how much roughly are the train tickets if I buy them the day of? Also, I understand that it is a bit of a trek from Denizli station to Pamukkale (and the travertines). Is there a bus from Denizli station to Pamukkale? Finally, I booked a flight out of Denizli airport at 9:50pm the same day I arrive. I have read that Baytur offers a shuttle bus from Denizli airport to Pamukkale. Do they offer return trips from Pamukkale to the airport? If so, is there an office or bus stop I should wait at in Pamukkale?

Any help would be appreciated.

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sarikanarya
sarikanarya

This is a commuter train so tickets cannot be bought ahead of travel;you just go to the train station,buy a ticket and get on.It is very cheap,I don't know exactly but c.15 T.L.Once in Denizli there is a bus stop very close to the train station(located conveniently in the town centre).Ask anyone there and they will point you at the bus stop.Just say" Pamukkale otobüs?"and someone will help you.The buses run frequently and it take c.25 minutes up to Pamukkale.

Baytur do indeed offer a return shuttle from Pamukkale to the airport which is 26 T.L.You will need to book this in advance though and give them a pick up address,so maybe select a hotel to be waiting outside of for them.Send them an e mail at their central office e mail address-
http://ismailbaytur.com/index.php?dil=1
Remember to give your flight time too so they know how long in advance to collect you.It is likely to be around 20.00.
Enjoy your visit!

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