Flights from London Gatwick to Izmir

Izmir - the vibrant metropolis on Turkey's Aegean Coast

The city of Izmir is a culturally diverse city whose origins date back to antiquity. Past and modernity meet here in a unique way.

Gatwick airport is a popular airport for low cost flight from London to Izmir.

When is a good time to visit Izmir?

The best time for a trip to Izmir is spring or autumn, as the climate is most pleasant at this time. A special highlight in the calendar of events is also the European Jazz Festival in March. In addition, the International Festival takes place in June and July, for which a visit is also worthwhile.

 

Do you need a visa for a holiday in Izmir?

Entry into Turkey is possible for British citizens with a valid passport, as a visa is only required for stays of 90 days or more. Vaccinations against hepatitis A, typhoid, tetanus and diphtheria are recommended but not required by law. Out of respect for the culture and religion of the country's inhabitants, tourists should also show consideration during Ramadan, the Islamic fasting period, and neither eat nor drink in public in the daytime. The choice of culinary delicacies or fast food here is extremely varied and also inexpensive. Tasty snacks cost about 2 TRY, a kebab goes for about 8 TRY and a beer for about 6 TRY. The time difference to CET is +1 hour.

Izmir: Local information

To get from the airport to the city centre, it is best to use the shuttle bus service provided by "Havaş". The journey takes about an hour and costs about 10 TRY. Bus numbers 200, 202, 204 all take you non-stop to the city centre. The iZBAN (the local suburban train) runs regularly from the airport to the city centre from around 6.00-24.00, with a journey time of around 40 minutes. It is also possible to take a taxi, but prices are considerably higher with surcharges at night.
 

In the Konak district there is a wide range of accommodation in different price categories. An overnight stay in a hostel or guesthouse is possible from about 50 TRY per person/night, but of course there are also more comfortable hotels for a higher price. Public transport is extremely cheap. Collective tickets are the most practical solution, for example, five journeys are available for about 12 TRY. Another option is to use the rechargeable "Kentkart" for about 6 TRY, with which you pay about 2 TRY per trip on local transport, which includes bus, metro and ferry.

Taxis are more expensive and there is a 50 per cent night surcharge in the evening hours.