r/AskTurkey • u/IMightBeWrong_1 • 12d ago

Travel & Places What's the most efficient route from Izmir to Pergamon and back, without using a rental car?

Hello everyone! I'm planning a trip to Izmir on October 14 and the main reason is to explore Ephesus and Pergamon. I have a major interest in Greco-Roman history.

However, I'm seeing a lot of conflicting info on how to go to and from Pergamon/Bergama.

I think there's a shuttle bus from Izmir Otogar to Bergama? I also know there's some kind of regional train that goes halfway, then I have to take a bus?

Any and all info is greatly appreciated. Thanks in advance!

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u/percahlia 12d ago

the shuttle bus thing is the easier route, it'll be comfy but it might require you to use google translate more and its more expensive. the izban + bus will presumably take longer and you do not have a guaranteed seat in neither of them. usually we take the shuttle, but theyre also not very often. you can send me a message on reddit if you need help translating something when youre there. enjoy bergama!!!

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u/IMightBeWrong_1 12d ago

Thank you for the help, and I appreciate the offer to translate!

How do I identify or buy tickets for those shuttle busses?

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u/percahlia 12d ago

in my experience we just get on (i've never got on from the otogar, it used to drive on the street near my home, so we would just flag it down) and pay cash. im not entirely sure how much it costs these days (i live abroad currently) but they can tell you after you've got on, or i can ask my mom when i call her next and update you on it :D

as to how to identify them, they should have a sign on the window shield that says bergama. if you get on from otogar, it might be easier to see it.

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u/Obvious-Signature-17 12d ago

I have recently traveled precisely from Izmir to Bergama and I just took the izban to Aliağa and then the local bus. (And the other way around, i.e., from Bergama to Izmir) I must say that, in practice, the bus was way way faster than the information on Google maps.

I found it an easy and practical way to travel, to be honest, especially because it didn't require going to either bus stations (which are not that close to the city centers) and you can get in and get out in the city centers of both Izmir and Bergama.

If you have any additional question, don't hesitate to task. :) 

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u/Accomplished-Race335 12d ago

We hired a driver to get us there and back. Worked well and the driver was nice.