There are three ways to reach Didim: a direct coach, a flight to a nearby airport followed by a road connection, or driving your own car. Which one suits you depends on the city you are setting off from and how much time you have. In this article we compare the three options for journey time, connections and comfort.
Didim by Coach: Direct Routes
Didim Bus Station is in the town centre, and all intercity services depart from here. On Didim Seyahat's own routes, journey times are roughly as follows: Izmir about 2 hours 15 minutes, Denizli about 4 hours, Bodrum about 1 hour 45 minutes, Milas about 1 hour, Ankara about 10 hours and Istanbul about 10 hours 30 minutes. Times can vary with traffic, breaks and road conditions; you can see the current times on the route pages.
The Izmir route runs frequently throughout the day, which makes it the most convenient option if you want flexibility. The Ankara and Istanbul routes depart at night: you set off in the evening and arrive in the morning, so you do not spend your day on the road.
Arriving by Plane or by Car
Didim does not have its own airport. The two nearest airports are Milas–Bodrum and Izmir Adnan Menderes. Passengers who fly usually land at one of these two and then transfer to Milas or Izmir Bus Station to catch a coach to Didim. If you are making a connection, leaving at least two hours between your flight and your coach gives you a comfortable window for collecting your luggage and getting across the city.
If you are driving, the route runs via Soke if you are coming from the north and via Milas if you are coming from the south. In summer it gets harder to find parking in the town centre and around the beaches, so it is worth asking in advance whether your accommodation has a car park.
Before You Set Off
- Weekend departures can fill up early in the summer season; buying your ticket a few days ahead gives you more choice of seats.
- If you are coming from Istanbul, compare the Esenler, Alibeykoy and Dudullu options; the terminal closest to you shortens your total journey time.
- If you are travelling on a night route, a light extra layer and a neck pillow make the journey more comfortable.
- If you are boarding at an intermediate stop (such as Soke, Aydin or Kusadasi), confirm the boarding point on your ticket on the day of travel.
- On arrival, dolmus minibuses and taxis are available at Didim Bus Station for getting around town; save the address of your accommodation on your phone so you can show it to the driver.
