Going from Izmir to Pamukkale in Turkey, I was initially looking at travelling the short distance overland, by train. It turned out, bus is quicker, so bus it was. There are several bus companies running the route from Izmir to Denizli, which is the closest city to Pamukkale, meaning there are many departure times, travel times, and prices to choose from. I landed on Pamukkale Turizm bus company, which provided a hassle free trip.
While strolling the streets of Izmir, I randomly discovered a minibus outside a Pamukkale ticket office, picking up people. Then it dawned on me, what the “Inner City Service” marking I had seen when booking my ticket, might mean. I approached the counter, and sure enough, instead of making my way to Izmir bus station on my own, which I had tried once before, and proved to be a lot of hassle, I could just show up at the ticket office 20 minutes prior to my departure time, and they would take me to the bus station. What a delightful surprise! The receptionist at the hotel thought 20 minutes was too little, so he suggested I’d aim to be there 30 minutes before. Several minibuses arrive, so make sure to get on the correct one. Staff will guide you. The minibus dropped us off at the departure gate (peron 10), so didn’t have to navigate the huge bus station myself. The Pamukkale Turizm ticket office in downtown Izmir, is close to the train station, next to the roundabout.
After my suitcase was handed over to staff, and tagged, I settled into my single seat. The seat setup was 1+2. Females and males can not sit next to each other on a two seat row, unless you’re family. Seats came with foot rest, and TV screen, and I had room for my backpack. Leg room was also good, but I’m short. For a 2 hour ride – scheduled travel time was 2.5 hours, I had what I needed. I’d probably be fine on even longer trips. Included was a 10 minute break, at a truck stop just outside Denizli. Onboard, free drinks and snacks were provided. For a great view of Izmir, sit on the right side, which means no single seat. Views the rest of the trip, were not all that.
During my research, I came across someone recommending booking bus tickets on Obilet. It was something about not being able to pay by international credit cards on other sites. I didn’t try other sites, so if it’s true or not, I don’t know. Obilet definitely works well! Their site shows which seats are occupied by males and females (you have to mark what sex you are, when booking), and what side the sun will be on – in this case, the right side. Ticket cost was 525 Turkish Lire. Charged extra for a single seat. They state it is cheaper to buy on the app – I didn’t check. You can cancel your ticket online up until 2 hours before departure. You don’t have to print the ticket – just showed them the PNR number.
The shuttle bus from Denizli to Pamukkale leaves from gate 76 at the underground level of Denizli bus station. The bus station is small, so it’s an easy task to find your way. Locate the escalators going down. Don’t be discouraged when you arrive in an empty room. Walk out the door to your right, and you’ll find a buttload of minibuses lined up. The bus leaves when full, supposedly all day long. It gets even fuller, picking up people on the way. A bit claustrophobic at times. The trips takes 15-20 minutes. Drops you off in the tiny centre of Pamukkale. Cost is 50 TL. Cash only. Prices for other destinations listed below.
Shuttle bus
