Ephesus is an ancient archeological site known for its well-preserved ruins and vast size. In this travel cost guide, we'll cover everything you need to know to plan your travel budget and have an amazing trip without spending too much. This guide includes average trip costs from previous travelers, typical hotel prices, food and dining costs, entertainment and sightseeing prices, and information about transportation.
How much does it cost to travel to Ephesus?
You should plan to spend around $143 (₺5,431) per day on your vacation in Ephesus. This is the average daily price based on the expenses of other visitors.
Past travelers have spent, on average for one day:
- $49 (₺1,873) on meals
- $44 (₺1,657) on local transportation
- $119 (₺4,510) on hotels
A one week trip to Ephesus for two people costs, on average, $2,001 (₺76,034). This includes accommodation, food, local transportation, and sightseeing.
All of these average travel prices have been collected from other travelers to help you plan your own travel budget.
Over the last few years, inflation in Turkey has been high. Prices can be much higher than expected, especially in larger cities.
-
One Week
Per person
$1,001
₺38,017
-
2 Weeks
Per person
$2,001
₺76,034
-
One Month
Per person
$4,288
₺162,930
-
One Week
For a couple
$2,001
₺76,034
-
2 Weeks
For a couple
$4,002
₺152,068
-
One Month
For a couple
$8,576
₺325,860
How much does a one week, two week, or one month trip to Ephesus cost?
A one week trip to Ephesus usually costs around $1,001 (₺38,017) for one person and $2,001 (₺76,034) for two people. This includes accommodation, food, local transportation, and sightseeing.
A two week trip to Ephesus on average costs around $2,001 (₺76,034) for one person and $4,002 (₺152,068) for two people. This cost includes accommodation, food, local transportation, and sightseeing.
Please note, prices can vary based on your travel style, speed, and other variables. If you're traveling as a family of three or four people, the price per person often goes down because kid's tickets are cheaper and hotel rooms can be shared. If you travel slower over a longer period of time then your daily budget will also go down. Two people traveling together for one month in Ephesus will often have a lower daily budget per person than one person traveling alone for one week.
A one month trip to Ephesus on average costs around $4,288 (₺162,930) for one person and $8,576 (₺325,860) for two people. The more places you visit, the higher the daily price will become due to increased transportation costs.
Is Ephesus expensive to visit?
Ephesus is a popular archeological site that attracts many visitors who have various travel styles and spending habits. Visitors can find a range of options for accommodation from high-end luxury hotels to mid-range places to budget-friendly hostels.
Ephesus can definitely get expensive if you let it, but you have options to reduce costs, including eating at less expensive restaurants and taking public transit.
On average, budget travelers spend $63 (₺2,390) per day, mid-range travelers spend $143 (₺5,431) per day, and luxury travelers spend around $268 (₺10,176) per day. These costs are calculated from the expenses of previous travelers to Ephesus.
Within Europe, which is known to be an expensive region, Ephesus is a moderately priced destination compared to other places. The overall cost of travel here is fair for the region and comparable to Lulea or Saint-Etienne.
For more details, and to find out if it's within your travel budget, see Is Ephesus Expensive?
How much money do I need for a trip to Ephesus?
The average Ephesus trip cost is broken down by category here for independent travelers. All of these Ephesus travel prices are calculated from the budgets of real travelers. Also, you can see more details at How much does a trip to Ephesus cost?
Ephesus on a Budget
|
Category
|
Budget
|
Mid-Range
|
Luxury
|
Accommodation1
For 1 person in double occupancy
|
$26
(₺1,000)
|
$59
(₺2,255)
|
$108
(₺4,108)
|
|
Local Transportation1
|
$19
(₺725)
|
$44
(₺1,657)
|
$83
(₺3,167)
|
|
Food2
|
$22
(₺820)
|
$49
(₺1,873)
|
$94
(₺3,580)
|
|
Entertainment1
|
$22
(₺828)
|
$50
(₺1,893)
|
$95
(₺3,618)
|
|
Alcohol2
|
$3-9
(₺112-335)
|
$6-19
(₺240-721)
|
$10-29
(₺366-1,097)
|
Realistic Expectations for Your Travel Budget
When planning your trip to Ephesus, it's important to have realistic expectations about your budget. Many believe they can travel on a shoestring, but that often leads to either uncomfortable travel experiences or some surprisingly high expenses. Consider your vacation style. Do you enjoy staying in hostels, resorts, regular hotels, or vacation rentals? Are attractions and dining experiences a priority? These factors will affect how much you spend and your itinerary.
Ephesus on a Shoestring Budget?
While you might think you're a budget traveler, without giving up many of your usual comforts, you'll likely need to spend more than the $63 per day that backpackers often spend.
Backpackers often work within this tight budget by staying in hostel dorms, eating fast food or street food, using public transit, and mainly visiting free attractions.
Additionally, the archeological site has a strong public transit network, helping budget travelers dodge the expenses of taxis or rideshares.
Do You Fit the Profile of an Average Traveler?
Couples and families enjoying a vacation will probably want to stay in a mid-range hotel, eat at popular dining spots, and explore the key museums and attractions that have entry fees. Tourists visiting Ephesus generally aim to explore the major attractions, museums, and significant landmarks. Keep in mind that most activities cost money. Thus, it's reasonable to expect your daily budget to be around $143 per person, per day.
There are plenty of hotels and vacation rentals available in Ephesus. If you're traveling with companions, sharing a hotel with a partner, friend, or kids can help lower costs. Families should seek out hotels and dining options that are suitable for children. LaVista Boutique Hotel & SPA is a wonderful family-friendly hotel, and Ladies Beach Hotel is another excellent choice. For more family and couple-oriented hotels, visit our hotel cost guide for Ephesus here.
Want to Escape the Daily Grind in Style?
If you're looking for a luxurious getaway that offers top-notch amenities and exceptional service, you should budget around $268 per day. To enjoy a nicer hotel, dine at renowned restaurants, indulge in extravagant activities, and use taxis or private drivers to explore the archeological site, prepare for a luxury price tag. Also, higher-end tours are common with luxury travelers, such as ONLY FOR CRUISE GUESTS: Best Seller Highlights of Ephesus Private Tour - offered by Viator.
Accommodation Budget in Ephesus
The range of hotel prices in Ephesus can be pretty surprising. Luxury hotels tend to offer more amenities, but come with higher price tags, especially during peak season. The average off-season room is $81, but during peak summer season the average price can reach $151. From $39 for budget hotels to $312 for luxury, there's something for everyone. Hostels are cheaper, especially dorms. Book early or travel during the off-season to save money.
Calculated from travelers like you
The average price paid in Ephesus for two people for a typical double-occupancy hotel room is $119 (₺4,510). For one person sharing a room, the average price paid for a hotel room is $59 (₺2,255) per night. These costs are from the reported spending of actual travelers.
Looking for a hotel in Ephesus? Prices vary by location, date, season, and the level of luxury. See below for options.
The most affordable highest rated hotels in Ephesus include:
- LaVista Boutique Hotel & SPA starting at $126
- Ilayda Avantgarde Hotel starting at $75
- Garden Palace Pansiyon starting at $34
- Palmin Hotel starting at $143
- Ephesia Hotel - All Inclusive starting at $260
Ephesus's great public transit offers the flexibility to stay farther from the archeological site, but be mindful that your transportation costs may increase, and it could be a time drain.
Choosing to travel outside of summer and in the low or shoulder season will give you lower hotel prices and less tourist congestion.
Transportation Budget in Ephesus
Public transit in Ephesus is top-notch. The town of Selçuk is well-connected by dolmuşes (shared minivans) that run frequently and offer affordable rides to nearby destinations, including Ephesus, the House of the Virgin Mary, and the Pamucak Beach area. If you're looking to save time and money, public transit is the ideal option. Of course, taxis and rideshares are easy to find, too.
Ephesus offers a fairly walkable experience in some areas, simplifying your sightseeing adventures. The ruins are spread out over a large area, but most of the key sites, like the Library of Celsus and the Great Theater, are within walking distance of each other. From Selçuk, it's about a half hour walk to the entrance of the Ephesus ruins, but most visitors prefer to take a short taxi or dolmuş ride to the site. Within Selçuk, many of the sites can be reached on foot.
Public Transit: 
(great)
Walkability: (good)
Calculated from travelers like you
-
On average, past travelers have spent $44 (₺1,657) per person, per day, on local transportation in Ephesus. The cost of a taxi ride or rideshare service (Uber/Lyft) in Ephesus is significantly more than public transportation.
-
Transportation1
Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
$44
₺1,657
If you're staying in Selcuk, then there are mini-buses that travel to and from Ephesus. You can also rent motorbikes or scooters if you want to explore the surrounding area. Many hotels offer free shuttles to Ephesus, but if you decide to take this option then realize that you are likely to stop at a carpet shop at some point during the trip.
You can take a bus from Kusadasi to Ephesus, but most visitors to this city are on cruises and transportation is arranged through their private tours. The trip takes about half an hour.
Once you arrive in Ephesus then it is possible to walk around the entire grounds on foot. There are stone pathways most places.
A few of the typical hotel transfers and transportation services include:
- Kusadasi Half Day Quad Safari Experience With Free Hotel Transfer for $50 details
- Milas Bodrum Airport (BJV) Transfer to OR from Kusadasi for $140 details
- VIP Transfer Kusadasi From/To Bodrum Airport for $125 details
How much does it cost to go to Ephesus? Naturally, it depends on the dates. We recommend Kayak because they can find the best deals across all airlines.
The price of renting a car in Ephesus will depends on dates, the type of car, the location, and your age. We recommend Kayak because they can find the best deals across all car rental companies.
Food Budget in Ephesus
While the cuisine in Ephesus is enjoyable, there are other things that usually bring in visitors. Still, you can discover some wonderful spots around the archeological site. Most of the food options are found in the nearby town of Selçuk. Popular dishes include kebabs, mezes, and pide (Turkish flatbread pizza). Many restaurants are casual and cater specifically to the tourist crowds.
Calculated from travelers like you
-
While restaurant and meal prices in Ephesus can vary significantly, the average cost of food in Ephesus is $49 (₺1,873) per day, per person, based on the spending habits of previous travelers.
-
Food2
Meals for one day
$49
₺1,873
When dining out, the average daily cost for food in Ephesus is around $49 (₺1873) per person, with previous travelers spending from $22 to $94. Generally, breakfast and lunch cost less than dinner, but this will depend on the type of restaurant and what you order.
Typical meal prices in Ephesus are as follows:
- Breakfast: $5 to $15
- Lunch: $7 to $20
- Dinner: $15 to $35
- Coffee: $4
- Fast Food or Street Food: $7
You can grab a bite to eat at one of the many fast food Turkish restaurants near the exit gates to Ephesus. If you're looking for something more interesting to eat, then there are some decent restaurants on the route back to either Selcuk or Kusadasi. In the towns there are also some good restaurants that serve typical Turkish dishes.
Many accommodations throw in breakfast at no extra cost, though others might charge you for it. The price and quality can greatly vary by hotel. Knowing this in advance can help you figure out if you need to spend more money. You might find the hotel's buffet is worth it, or you may prefer to grab a cheaper bite at a local bakery or cafe.
Bring a water bottle to avoid frequent drink purchases. It's also a sustainable choice.
Before you head out on a tour, be sure to find out which meals are included. You could end up paying for some meals out of pocket, which can impact your budget.
If you want to experience the culture in Ephesus, a food tour or cooking class is a great way to do it. After all, cuisine is one of the reasons why so many people visit. A few of the best culinary activities here include:
- PRIVATE: EPHESUS & LOCAL STREET FOOD Tour from Kusadasi PORT for $62 details
- Cooking Class in Kusadasi Ephesus for $110 details
- Cooking Class in Ephesus Selcuk Town for $231 details
Food and meal prices in Ephesus, based on real travelers' reported expenses, are shown below. These typical costs can give you a sense of the overall price range for meals. However, your individual expenses might be different depending on your dining habits, restaurant choices, and specific orders.
-
Sandwiches
₺5.00
-
Dessert
₺5.50
-
Lunch at Beach (for 2)
₺19
-
Snacks
₺8.00
Sightseeing and Activities Budget in Ephesus
It's understandable that travelers choose Ephesus, as it is famous for museums and attractions, food, family-friendly activities, and romance.
Calculated from travelers like you
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Sightseeing activities, entertainment, and entrance tickets in Ephesus typically cost an average of $50 (₺1,893) per person, per day based on the spending of previous travelers. This includes fees paid for admission tickets to museums and attractions, day tours, and other sightseeing expenses.
-
Entertainment1
Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
$50
₺1,893
Ephesus is filled with ancient ruins that will impress even the most jaded traveler. Important sights on the grounds include the East Gymnasium, the Basilica, the Prytaneion, the State Agora, the Square to Domitian, the Trajan Fountain, the Temple of Hadrian, the Scolasticia Baths, the Terrace Houses, the Celsus Library and the Temple to Serapis, among many other things.
If you're hoping to avoid the large tourist crowds, particularly those that come from cruise ships, then it's best to come very early in the morning. The weather is likely to be better at this time as well.
Touring Ephesus is the main reason for visiting this area. While you can experience and learn a lot with just a guidebook, guided tours do go more in depth into the historical importance of the area. Tour guides are variable in quality so some may be better than others.
Outside of Ephesus is a series of stalls selling tourist souvenirs. The prices are generally marked up and the quality of the items is poor, so it is best to avoid making purchases here. Also, come prepared with your own bottled water because once you're on the grounds you can expect to pay dearly for food and water.
Museums and Attractions:
Ephesus stands out for its impressive museums and notable landmarks. Of course, the iconic site is the ruins of Ephesus. There are also several fascinating museums in the area that offer deeper insights into the region's rich history and culture. The Ephesus Archaeological Museum in Selçuk is popular. It has an impressive collection of artifacts excavated from the ancient city, including statues, pottery, and inscriptions. Just outside the museum, the Temple of Artemis section displays remnants of one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World. The Selçuk Museum of Ephesus is another excellent spot to explore, with exhibits that highlight both the daily life of ancient Ephesians and their religious practices. A short drive from Ephesus is the House of the Virgin Mary museum, a revered site believed to be the final home of Mary, mother of Jesus, with a chapel and peaceful surroundings. Lastly, the İsa Bey Mosque and Museum in Selçuk adds to the area's historical depth, offering a glimpse into the Seljuk architecture and Islamic heritage of the region.
A nice way to explore destinations in Ephesus is with local tours that last just a few hours. This way you can see as much as possible in an efficient way with knowledgable guides. Prices vary by the type of activity or tour, the dates, and the size of the group. Here are a few of the highest rated tours by previous visitors:
- Best Seller: Ephesus Private Tour –Skip-the-Line & On-Time Return for $53 details
- Legendary Memories:Ephesus&House of Mary and Bath Experience for $28 details
- PRIVATE EPHESUS TOUR W/Guide (English, Spanish) (up to 15) for $249 details
Nightlife Budget in Ephesus
The nightlife scene in Ephesus is marked by a quiet and laid-back ambiance. The there are a couple of bars and restaurants with live music in the town of Selçuk, but generally the nightlife is very low key.
Calculated from travelers like you
-
The average person spends about $13 (₺481) on nightlife and alcoholic beverages in Ephesus per day. The more you spend on alcohol, the more fun you might be having despite your higher budget.
-
Alcohol2
Drinks for one day
$13
₺481
Exploring the nightlife is often a fun part of any trip, but skipping a few drinks can make a big impact on your overall travel cost.
Nightlife activities and tasting tours are popular in Ephesus. A few favorites from other travelers include:
- Kusadasi Shore Excursions Ephesus and Wine Tasting Tours for $63 details
- FOR CRUISERS Ephesus and Sirince Village Wine Tasting Tour for $80 details
- Skip-the-line Ephesus & Wine Tasting Tour From Kusadasi Port for $16 details
Here are some typical drink and nightlife prices in Ephesus, drawn from the experiences of past travelers. These costs can give you a general sense of what to expect, though your own spending will differ based on how often you enjoy alcoholic beverages and how much you consume. Remember, one of the most effective ways to reduce your travel costs is to limit alcohol consumption.
Travel cost data last updated: Feb 28, 2025
Traveling in Ephesus
Ephesus
The ancient city of Ephesus was famed for the Temple of Artemis (completed around 550 BC). It is one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World. The temple was destroyed in 401 AD and rebuilt by Emperor Constantine I along with new public baths. The town was again partially destroyed by an earthquake in 614 AD. The city's importance as a commercial center declined as the harbor was slowly silted up by the Cayster River (Kucuk Menderes).
Selcuk is one of the closest towns to Ephesus and is where many visitors base themselves during their time in the area. It has a decent number of restaurants, bars and hotels, so it's a relatively convenient place to stay. It also has a handful of historical sights in its town center.
If you're traveling by cruise to Ephesus, then you'll likely be dropped off at Kusadasi. This is a coastal town in the Aydin Province of Aegean Turkey and the port where most cruises stop to visit Ephesus. The trip to Ephesus is about half an hour and there is public transportation, but most visitors are on cruise ships and have booked private tours. The town itself has some good restaurants that cater specifically to tourists. There are also plenty of shops where you can try your hand at bartering over any number of trinkets, but Persian rugs are a favorite, although expensive, item. Don't expect to get the best deals here, as most shop keepers are used to dealing with cruise ship passengers, for which there is a substantial markup.
Neighborhoods & Around
Selcuk is located to the east of Ephesus. If you're traveling to the area overland, then this is likely the town where you will stay the night. It has a decent number of reasonably prices hotels, as well as some restaurants and bars to entertain the tired traveler. To the southwest of Ephesus is the coastal town of Kusadasi. This is the port that most cruise ships use to visit the area. It has shops and restaurants that are often overpriced and convenient for cruise ship passengers to grab a meal or souvenir.
Ephesus has two entry or exit points that are located about three kilometers apart. Near each of these access points you'll find restrooms. The best entry point for the grounds is the upper Magnesia gate. You can then walk downhill to the exit at the lower harbour gate. You can explore the grounds in about two hours.
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We've been gathering travel costs from tens of thousands of actual travelers since 2010, and we use the data to calculate average daily travel costs for destinations around the world. We also systematically analyze the prices of hotels, hostels, and tours from travel providers such as Kayak, HostelWorld, TourRadar, Viator, and others. This combination of expenses from actual travelers, combined with pricing data from major travel companies, gives us a uniqe insight into the overall cost of travel for thousands of cities in countries around the world. You can see more here: How it Works.
Budget Your Trip is all about finding out how much everything costs so that you can travel cheaper and longer. Created by avid travelers Laurie and Bryan, our goal is to help you plan your next trip on the right budget. With average daily travel costs that are calculated from the budgets of real travelers, plus an analysis of hotel and tour prices, you can find out how much money you need to plan your next adventure. We also have plenty of travel advice, accommodation reviews, and activity suggestions.