Overview
Izmir is Turkey's relaxed Aegean city, a place of palm-lined promenades, a vast covered bazaar and some of the country's finest classical ruins right on its doorstep. It makes an easy, good-value break for UK travellers, whether you are heading for the beaches of Cesme and Alacati, exploring ancient Ephesus, or simply enjoying long seafood dinners along the Kordon waterfront. Direct flights to Izmir from the UK take around four hours, and this page tracks live fares so you can see exactly what the routes are costing right now.
Best time to fly to Izmir
Late spring and early autumn are the sweet spot. May, June, September and October bring warm, dry days in the mid to high 20s Celsius, comfortable for sightseeing and still warm enough for the sea. July and August are reliably hot, often above 35C, and the busiest and priciest time to fly. Winters are mild but wet, with cooler days around 10 to 15C, and fares tend to be at their lowest. Check the When to book chart above to compare the months at a glance.
Airlines and routes
Seasonal direct flights, roughly April to October, are operated by Jet2.com, easyJet and SunExpress from airports including London Gatwick, Manchester, Birmingham and Leeds Bradford; a nonstop service from London takes about four hours. Outside the summer season, or from other UK cities, you can fly year-round with Turkish Airlines or Pegasus Airlines connecting through Istanbul, which brings the total journey to roughly six and a half to nine hours depending on the layover. Comparing a one-stop fare against a seasonal direct one is often where the savings are.
Things to do in Izmir
The city rewards slow wandering, and the wider region is packed with history and coastline.
- Kemeralti Bazaar: a sprawling Ottoman-era market of workshops, courtyards, tea houses and the historic Kizlaragasi Han.
- Konak Square: the waterfront heart of the city, home to the ornate 1901 Clock Tower.
- The Kordon: a wide seafront promenade made for sunset strolls, cycling and waterside cafes.
- Ephesus: one of the best-preserved ancient cities in the Mediterranean, an easy day trip near Selcuk.
- Asansor: a restored 1907 lift linking the Karatas district to a hilltop terrace with sweeping bay views.
At Adnan Menderes Airport (ADB)
Izmir's airport sits about 18 km south of the centre. The IZBAN suburban train runs directly from the terminal to city stations such as Alsancak in around 35 to 45 minutes for a few lira. Havas shuttle buses serve the centre and nearby resorts, while a taxi to Alsancak or Konak takes 25 to 40 minutes depending on traffic. Many package travellers are met by a pre-arranged transfer coach.
Top tips for finding cheap flights to Izmir
- Book summer flights two to three months ahead; peak July and August seats are best secured by late winter.
- Fly midweek and avoid school holidays, as Tuesday and Wednesday departures are usually cheaper than weekends.
- Use a flexible-date search and compare the price charts on this page to pinpoint the cheapest week.
- Weigh a connecting flight via Istanbul against a seasonal direct service, since the one-stop option can cost noticeably less.
Travel essentials
British passport holders do not need a visa for tourist stays of up to 90 days within any 180-day period; your passport should be valid for at least 150 days from your date of arrival and have a blank page. The currency is the Turkish lira, and while cards are widely accepted in Izmir, it is worth carrying some cash for markets and small cafes; exchange pounds once you are in Turkey rather than before you travel. No specific vaccinations are required for most travellers, but check the latest NHS Fit for Travel and FCDO advice before you fly.
