Quick answer
Antalya Airport is about 13 km east of Antalya city centre. But most travellers here are not heading to the city centre. They are going to resort towns along the coast: Belek (30 km), Side (65 km), Alanya (120 km), or Kemer (55 km). The distance to your hotel determines your transport options and costs. There is no rail link. Your choices are pre-booked transfers, taxis, shuttle buses (HAVAŞ), or rental cars.
What actually happens after landing
Antalya has two terminals. Terminal 1 handles most international flights, Terminal 2 handles domestic and some international carriers. The terminals are separate buildings connected by a free shuttle bus.
Immigration for international arrivals is straightforward. Many nationalities get an e-visa or visa on arrival for Turkey. E-gate lanes are available for Turkish and some EU passport holders. Queues can be long when multiple charter flights land simultaneously during peak summer season, sometimes 30-45 minutes.
Baggage claim is functional. Trolleys are free. After collecting your luggage, you exit through customs into the arrivals hall. There are ATMs, currency exchange counters, car rental desks, and tour operator representatives with name signs. The arrivals hall at Terminal 1 can be chaotic during the summer, with dozens of tour reps competing for attention.
Transport options explained honestly
Taxis are available at the rank outside arrivals. Fares use meters, but for longer distances, drivers may agree to a fixed price. A taxi to Antalya centre costs about TRY 600-900 (USD 18-25). To Belek: TRY 1,000-1,500. To Alanya, expect TRY 3,000-5,000. Negotiate the fare before getting in for longer trips.
HAVAŞ shuttle buses run from the airport to Antalya city centre (Otogar bus station). The fare is about TRY 100-150 (USD 3-4). The journey takes 40-50 minutes. HAVAŞ does not go to resort towns.
Public buses are very limited from the airport. Not practical for tourists with luggage heading to resorts.
Rental cars are available from both terminals. Useful if you plan to explore the coast independently. Roads along the Turkish Riviera are generally good. Driving standards can be unpredictable.
Realistic pricing expectations
Transport costs depend heavily on destination distance:
| Destination | Distance | Transfer | Taxi (approx) | |------------|----------|----------|-------| | Antalya centre | 13 km | USD 20-30 | TRY 600-900 | | Lara Beach | 8 km | USD 15-25 | TRY 400-700 | | Belek | 30 km | USD 30-45 | TRY 1,000-1,500 | | Kemer | 55 km | USD 40-60 | TRY 1,500-2,500 | | Side / Manavgat | 65 km | USD 50-70 | TRY 2,000-3,000 | | Alanya | 120 km | USD 80-120 | TRY 3,000-5,000 |
Turkish lira prices fluctuate with exchange rates. Dollar-denominated transfer prices are more stable.
Late night arrivals
Antalya Airport operates well past midnight during summer season, with charter flights arriving into the early morning hours. The HAVAŞ bus schedule is limited late at night. Taxis are available 24 hours but drivers may charge premium rates after midnight. Pre-booked transfers are the most reliable option for late arrivals, particularly if you are heading to a resort town an hour or more from the airport. Having a driver waiting beats trying to negotiate with a taxi driver at 2 AM.
Families and luggage
Families heading to Turkish resorts typically have a lot of luggage. A standard taxi sedan may not fit four suitcases plus passengers. Pre-booked transfers let you specify your group size and luggage count, so an appropriately sized vehicle is arranged. Child seats can be requested at booking. Turkish taxis generally do not carry child seats. If you are travelling with multiple families, a minibus transfer is often the most practical and cost-effective option.
Where you meet the driver
Tour operator representatives and transfer drivers crowd the arrivals hall, holding name signs. It can feel overwhelming, especially at Terminal 1 during summer. Walk through the crowd looking for your name. If you do not see your driver, check your booking confirmation for a phone number and call. Most transfer companies send a driver with a sign to the exit area.
Taxis are at the rank outside the terminal. HAVAŞ buses depart from stops outside arrivals, clearly signed.
Decision helper
Choose a taxi if you are going to Antalya city centre or Lara Beach and want flexibility. The distance is short enough that the fare is reasonable.
Choose HAVAŞ if you are heading to Antalya centre on a budget and travelling light.
Choose a rental car if you plan to explore the coast independently and are comfortable driving in Turkey.
Frequently Asked Questions
How far is Antalya Airport from Belek?
About 30 km east of the airport. The drive takes 25-35 minutes. A pre-booked transfer costs USD 30-45. A taxi runs roughly TRY 1,000-1,500.
How do I get from Antalya Airport to Alanya?
Alanya is about 120 km from the airport, roughly a 2-hour drive. A pre-booked transfer (USD 80-120) is the most practical option. HAVAŞ does not go to Alanya. A taxi would be very expensive.
Is there an Uber in Antalya?
Uber does not operate in most of Turkey, including Antalya. Taxis and pre-booked transfers are the main options. BiTaksi is a local taxi app that works in some Turkish cities.
Do Antalya taxi drivers use meters?
For short trips (city centre), they should use the meter. For longer distances to resort towns, many drivers prefer to negotiate a fixed price. Agree on the fare before getting in.
Which terminal does my flight arrive at?
Terminal 1 handles most international flights. Terminal 2 handles domestic flights and some international carriers. Check with your airline if unsure. The terminals are connected by a free shuttle.
Can I pay in euros or dollars in Turkey?
Some taxi drivers and transfer companies accept euros or dollars, but you will usually get a worse exchange rate. Turkish lira is preferred. ATMs at the airport dispense lira. Card payments are widely accepted.
Is the HAVAŞ bus useful for resort travellers?
No. HAVAŞ only goes to Antalya city centre (Otogar). If you are heading to Belek, Side, Alanya, or Kemer, you need a transfer, taxi, or rental car.
How long does immigration take at Antalya?
It varies. Off-peak times: 10-15 minutes. Peak summer arrivals when multiple charters land: 30-45 minutes. Having your e-visa ready on your phone speeds things up.
Should I buy a Turkish e-visa in advance?
Yes. Many nationalities require one. Buy it online at the official e-visa website before your trip. It is cheaper and faster than getting one at the airport. Make sure you use the official government site.
Is it worth renting a car at Antalya Airport?
If you are staying at an all-inclusive resort, probably not. If you want to explore ruins, villages, and beaches along the coast, a rental car gives you freedom that fixed transfers cannot. Roads are generally good, though local driving habits take some getting used to.
Antalya Airport is a gateway to one of the Mediterranean's most popular resort coasts. Unlike city airports, the key factor here is the distance to your accommodation. For resort towns, a pre-booked transfer is standard practice. For the city itself, you have more flexibility.