Getting There and Away

Explore the quaint cobblestone streets of Ayvalık, Türkiye, with vintage architecture.
Hakan Şentürk, Pexels

Ayvalık is served by its central ferry port and a main bus station located approximately 3 km east of the town center. The closest airport is Balıkesir Koca Seyit Airport (EDO), while Izmir Adnan Menderes Airport (ADB) offers a wider range of flights.

By Bus from Istanbul:

Bus services are frequent, with trips taking around 6 hours 25 minutes to 8 hours. Fares typically range from €21.98 to $28.98. Major operators include FlixBus, Pamukkale, and Kamil Koc.

By Bus from Izmir:

Buses provide a shorter journey, approximately 1 hour 55 minutes to 3 hours 21 minutes. Ticket prices can be as low as €9.48 to $13.98. FlixBus and Pamukkale are common providers.

By Flight to Balıkesir Koca Seyit Airport (EDO) then Bus/Transfer:

Flights are available from Istanbul and occasionally Ankara to EDO, which is about 40 km from Ayvalık. A subsequent bus ride from Balıkesir to Ayvalık takes under 2 hours.

By Flight to Izmir Adnan Menderes Airport (ADB) then Bus/Transfer:

ADB is about 175 km from Ayvalık. Direct bus services from Izmir Airport to Ayvalık with transfers take approximately 3 hours 37 minutes. Private transfers from Izmir Airport to Ayvalık typically take 2 to 2.5 hours and start from approximately 3250 TL.

By Ferry from Lesbos (Mytilene), Greece:

Ferries operate year-round, with increased frequency during summer, offering up to 20 sailings per week. The journey duration varies from 45 minutes to 1.5 hours, with ticket prices starting around €20-€30 for foot passengers. Vehicle transport is also available, starting from approximately €40-€75.

By Car:

Driving from Istanbul can take between 4 and 8 hours. From Izmir, the drive is shorter, typically around 1 hour 47 minutes to 2 hours. Car rental services are available in Ayvalık.