ADB serves a diverse range of family destinations: city breaks in Izmir, beach holidays in Çeşme and Alaçatı, cultural trips to Ephesus, or resort stays in Kuşadası. The right transport choice depends on where you are heading.
The Izban train with children
The Izban commuter rail is great value and fast for Izmir centre. With children, it is still viable — the trains are modern, air-conditioned, and the ride is 25-30 minutes. The practical limitation is luggage: families travelling with multiple suitcases, a pushchair, and beach bags may find boarding and navigating a commuter train more stressful than it is worth. The train works well for families travelling relatively light.
For destinations beyond Izmir (Çeşme, Kuşadası, Ephesus), the train is not practical for families with luggage and children. A direct road transfer is the standard.
Child seats
This is the critical logistical point. Standard taxis at ADB do not carry child seats. Putting a young child in a car without a restraint is unsafe and illegal — Turkish traffic law requires restraints for children.
If you are travelling with a baby or child under booster seat age, pre-book a transfer and specify the seat type required:
- Rear-facing infant seat (under 13 kg)
- Forward-facing toddler seat (9-25 kg)
- Booster/high-back seat (15-36 kg)
Alternatively, gate-check your own travel car seat on the flight. Most airlines carry it free and it arrives at the aircraft door. Install it in your transfer vehicle on arrival.
Drive times to family destinations
| Destination | Drive time | Road notes | |------------|------------|------------| | Izmir centre | 20-25 min | Urban, can have traffic | | Selçuk / Ephesus | 60-70 min | Motorway then regional | | Alaçatı | 65-75 min | Çeşme motorway, smooth | | Çeşme | 70-80 min | Çeşme motorway, smooth | | Kuşadası | 80-90 min | Good roads south |
The Çeşme motorway is a modern, smooth highway — a comfortable journey for children. The road to Kuşadası south from Izmir is also good. Children going to Ephesus should know that Selçuk is a small town with some unpaved streets around the ancient site — wide pushchairs can be challenging at the ruins.
Luggage for beach holidays
Families heading to Çeşme or Kuşadası beach resorts travel with significant luggage. A standard sedan handles 2-3 medium suitcases. For a family of four with four suitcases and a pushchair, a minivan transfer is the right choice. Specify your exact luggage count when booking.
For groups of 6-8 (two families), a minibus keeps everyone together and is often cheaper per person than two separate vehicles.
Pushchairs in Izmir and destinations
Izmir city: The city centre has some hilly areas (Konak, Alsancak) with mixed pavements. Modern pushchairs with robust wheels handle it well. The Izban train is accessible — stations have lifts.
Çeşme and Alaçatı: Generally flat in the main resort and town areas. Alaçatı's old bazaar area has cobblestones but most of the beach resort strip is accessible.
Kuşadası: Mostly flat resort town. The Ladies Beach area is straightforward. The bazaar area has some uneven surfaces.
Ephesus ruins: The ancient site has paved marble paths — historic, beautiful, but slippery when wet and not ideal for all pushchair types. A lightweight, maneuverable option works better than a large travel system.
The airport with children
ADB's terminal is modern and well-equipped. Immigration has e-gate lanes for eligible nationalities which can save time. Baggage trolleys are free. There are clean restrooms throughout. The arrivals hall has a small cafe and ATMs.
Pre-booked transfer drivers wait in the arrivals hall with name signs — the meeting area is clear and well-organised. For families, having a driver waiting with a known vehicle takes one variable out of the equation after a tiring flight.
Practical tips
- Book transfers and child seats well in advance, especially for July and August travel to Çeşme and Kuşadası.
- Pack water and snacks for children in an accessible bag — not buried in a suitcase.
- Sunscreen, hats, and sunglasses ready before leaving the terminal. The Aegean sun in summer is intense.
- Izmir centre hotels are 24-hour reception. For Çeşme boutiques, confirm late check-in if there is any chance of delay.
- If flying with an infant, Turkish airport baby care facilities are generally adequate but bring your own supplies for the drive.