Antalya Airport is the gateway to Turkey's biggest family holiday coast. During summer, a significant percentage of passengers are families with children heading to all-inclusive resorts. The airport is geared for this traffic, but the ground transport leg still needs planning.
The terminal with children
The arrivals process is straightforward. Immigration can be slow during peak charter arrival times (late afternoon and late night in summer), which is tiring with children. Have passports and e-visas ready to minimize time in the queue.
Baggage claim areas have free trolleys. The terminal has restrooms but no dedicated play areas in the arrivals zone. Once you exit customs, the arrivals hall is crowded with tour representatives. Keep children close in the crowd.
The distance factor
Unlike city airports, the drive from Antalya Airport to most resort hotels is significant:
- Belek: 30 minutes
- Side: 50-60 minutes
- Kemer: 45-55 minutes
- Alanya: 90-120 minutes
Child seats
Turkish law requires child restraints for children under certain ages, though enforcement varies. Standard taxis at Antalya Airport do not carry child seats. For long drives to resorts, putting a child in a vehicle without a proper seat is both unsafe and uncomfortable.
Pre-booked transfers solve this. Request child seats (rear-facing, forward-facing, or booster) when you book, specifying each child's age and weight. Reputable transfer companies have them ready in the vehicle. Confirm availability when booking, especially during peak season when demand is high.
If you prefer to use your own travel car seat, gate-check it on the flight and install it in the transfer vehicle.
Luggage capacity
Families heading to beach resorts travel heavy. Beach toys, strollers, multiple suitcases, car seats. A standard sedan fits 2-3 large bags in the boot. Most families need a larger vehicle.
- Couple with 1 child: Sedan works if you have 2 bags and a stroller.
- Family of 4 with 3+ bags: Minivan or large vehicle.
- Two families travelling together: Minibus transfer is the most practical and often cheapest option.
The journey to your resort
The main highway along the coast (D400) is well-maintained. The road to Belek is a good dual carriageway. The route to Side and Alanya follows the coast with some curves. Air conditioning in the vehicle matters, especially in summer when temperatures regularly exceed 35C.
For children prone to car sickness, the winding road to Kemer (through the mountains) can be problematic. Bring appropriate remedies and consider stopping at a rest area.
Package holiday vs independent booking
If you booked a package holiday, transfers are usually included. You exit arrivals, find your tour operator's sign, and board a shared coach or minibus. These can involve multiple hotel stops, extending the journey time significantly (a 30-minute direct trip to Belek can become 60-90 minutes on a shared bus making stops).
If you booked independently, arranging your own private transfer means a direct trip with no stops. For families with small children, the time saving matters.
Practical tips
- Bring water and snacks from the airport for the drive. Children get dehydrated quickly in the heat.
- Sunshade for car windows is useful if travelling during the day. The Turkish Mediterranean sun is intense.
- If arriving late at night, children may sleep in the car. Have blankets or a travel pillow ready.
- Most resort hotels have 24-hour reception, but confirm late check-in arrangements if arriving after midnight.
- If your transfer is delayed or you cannot find your driver, there is free Wi-Fi in the terminal to check messages.