Getting to/from Bergama (Pergamum), Turkey

Bergama (Pergamum), 100 km (62 miles) north of İzmirand 250 km (155 miles) south of Çanakkale (), is one of Turkey’s major archeological sites. Most travelers visit on a day-trip from İzmir, some while passing nearby on the highway. A small number stay the night in Bergama.

From Istanbul, the best way to reach Bergama is by fast ferry to Bursa or Bandırma, then by bus to Bergama.

Modern Bergama is a l-o-n-g spread-out city. The main north-south İzmir–Çanakkale E87 highway passes to the west of the city, near the Aegean coast. The bus terminal (Otogar), is at the junction between the highway and the main road into the city, İzmir Caddesi. From the Otogar, you will need to take a city bus or taxito get into the city.

Tunnel at the Asclepionof Pergamum

It’s 7 km (4.35 miles) from the highway junction and Otogar northeast to the center of Bergama around the Bergama Müzesi(archeological museum). From the museum, it’s another 5.35 km (3.3 miles) north to the summit of the lofty Acropolis().

Bus

Bus travel is the way to get to Bergama if you don’t have your own vehicle. Buses run numerous times daily along the coast between İzmir and Çanakkale. From Istanbul, take the fast ferry to Bursa or Bandırma, and continue by bus from there to Bergama.

Train

The closest railway station is at Balıkesir, two hours’ drive (125 km, 78 miles) northeast of Bergama, so train travel is not really convenient. A bus directly from Izmir, Çanakkale, Bandırma or Bursa is faster and easier.