Informations

Pamukkale is in inland southeastern Aegean Turkey. Pamukkale, which has been used as a spa since the second century BC, literally means “cotton castle” in Turkish. The travertine features have their origins in the shifting of a fault in the valley of the Menderes river (between here and Denizli). As the fault shifted, very hot springs with a very high mineral content (notably chalk) arose at this location. Apart from the slightly radioactive minerals, the calcium and hydrogen carbonate react to create calcium carbonate (also known as travertine) and limestone. This is what gives Pamukkale its whiteness and created the pools.

Air

The Closest airport to Pamukkale is Denizli – Cardak Airport, is 65 km or 1 hour away and there are flights twice daily to Istanbul. Izmir Adnan Menderes Airport is another alternative to the area. Pamukkale is 252 km from the airport and you may take a drive of about 4 – 5 hours by bus.

Car

• From Denizli to Pamukkale, about 18 kilometers (km) and can take up to about 25 minutes by car.
• From Mugla from Pamukkale, about 162 kilometers (km) and takes about 30 minutes for about 2 hours by car.
• From Aydin to Pamukkale, about 130 kilometers (km) and takes about 15 minutes for about 2 hours by car.
• From Izmir to Pamukkale, approximately 249 kilometers (km) and takes about 30 minutes for about 3 hours by car.
• From Antalya to Pamukkale, about 243 kilometers (km) and can take up to about 4 hours by car.
• From Manisa to Pamukkale about 198 kilometers (km) and takes about 10 minutes for about 3 hours by car.
• From Balikesir from Pamukkale about 279 kilometers (km) and takes about 15 minutes, about 4 hours by car.
• From Ankara, Turkey Pamukkale about 484 kilometers (km) and can take up to 10 minutes is approximately 6 hours.
• From Eskisehir to Pamukkale about 382 kilometers (km) and takes about 40 minutes to about 4 hours by car.
• From Istanbul to Pamukkale, approximately 664 kilometers (km) and takes about 40 minutes to about 8 hours by car.

Train

The nearest train station to Pamukkale is in Denizli, which currently has services from Izmir only. The Istanbul service (Pamukkale Express) was suspended in 2008, presumably because of track renovations, and it is not certain when/if the services will re-start.

Bus

Bus to Pamukkale/Denizli can be found from almost all the cities of Turkey. Bus services include water, hot drinks and a snack. There are virtually no bus companies that take you directly to Pamukkale despite what the ticket sellers tell you. The bus will drop you in Denizli and then you have to get on the free minibus to Pamukkale (about 20 km away).