Ephesus opening hours this winter: the ancient city is open every day from 08:00 to 18:00, and the ticket office closes at 17:30. The Terrace Houses open from 09:00 to 17:00. These are the Ministry’s hours for 1 October 2026 to 1 April 2027. My 2024 notice and the full 2026 list are below.
There is a major update for Ephesus and nearby attractions’ entry times update which will be effective on October 1st 2024. Please follow opening and closing times for a more pleasant and seamless Ephesus tour.
Ephesus Ancient City ticket office opening hours from October 1st 2024 08:00–17:30
Visiting Hours 08:00-18:00
Terrace Houses of Ephesus ticket office opening hours from October 1st 2024 09:00-16:30
Visiting Hours 09:00-17:00
Ephesus Archeological Museum ticket office opening hours from October 1st 2024 08:00-17:00
Visiting Hours 08:00-17:30
Saint John’s Church ticket office opening hours from October 1st 2024 08:00-17:30
Visiting Hours 08:00-18:00
House of Virgin Mary, nearby Ephesus ticket office opening hours from October 1st 2024 08:00 – 18:00
Visiting Hours 08:00 – 18:00
Opening Hours in 2026
These are the winter hours that the Ministry of Culture and Tourism lists for 1 October 2026 until 1 April 2027. I read them on the Ministry’s museum pages and on its İzmir list on 25 October 2026. All four places are open every day.
- Ephesus Ancient City: 08:00 to 18:00, ticket office closes at 17:30. The Ephesus Experience Museum inside the site has the same hours.
- Terrace Houses: 09:00 to 17:00, ticket office closes at 16:30.
- Ephesus Museum in Selçuk: 08:30 to 17:30, ticket office closes at 17:00.
- Basilica of Saint John: 08:00 to 18:00, ticket office closes at 17:30.
Three of the four are same as in my notice above. Only the Ephesus Museum changed, because it opens at 08:30 now. The House of the Virgin Mary is not on the Ministry’s museum list, so I do not give new hours for it here. Please check its hours on the day, and keep in mind that hours can change on holidays and event days.
How to Plan an Ephesus Day with Winter Hours
In winter the day is shorter, so start early. Be at the Upper Gate at 08:00, when the ancient city opens, and walk down along Curetes Street. The Terrace Houses open one hour later and they are on the way down, so with a normal pace you arrive just at the right time.
The ticket office closes at 17:30, but the site stays open until 18:00. That is only half an hour, so I do not recommend to arrive after 16:00. Keep the Ephesus Museum and the Basilica of Saint John in Selçuk for the afternoon or for the next morning. Both are a short drive from the ancient city.
Winter can bring rain, and wet marble is slippery. Take a rain jacket and shoes with a good sole, and read my post on what to wear during your Ephesus tour. The ticket prices are in my post about Ephesus entry ticket prices.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the Ephesus opening hours in winter?
Ephesus Ancient City is open every day from 08:00 to 18:00 in winter, and the ticket office closes at 17:30. This is the Ministry’s list for 1 October 2026 to 1 April 2027. The Terrace Houses open later, at 09:00, and close at 17:00.
What time does Ephesus close, and what is the last entry?
Ephesus closes at 18:00 in winter. The last tickets are sold at 17:30, and half an hour is too short to see ancient city. The Terrace Houses stop selling tickets at 16:30. For the time to plan, read my post on how long you need at Ephesus.
Is Ephesus open every day of the week?
Yes. The Ministry pages for Ephesus, the Terrace Houses, the Ephesus Museum and the Basilica of Saint John all show that they are open every day, with no closing day. Hours can change on holidays and event days, so check before you travel.
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