Getting Around Antalya: Airport Transfers, Trams, Taxis & More

Antalya Airport (AYT): What to Know Before You Land

Antalya Airport, with the IATA code AYT, is one of Turkey's busiest international airports, processing millions of arrivals annually. It has three terminals: two international terminals (Terminal 1 and Terminal 2) and a domestic terminal. A free shuttle runs between them every 20 minutes, departing from the front of each terminal, so connections between the two are straightforward. The airport sits roughly 10-13 km northeast of the city center, which translates to around 20-35 minutes by road depending on traffic and your final destination.

English is widely spoken at the airport's transport desks and taxi stands. Official taxi drivers carry ID cards and display their fares at the stand — if a driver approaches you inside the arrivals hall before you reach the official stand, that's a red flag worth acting on. The transport options laid out below range from the very cheap (public bus) to the very convenient (pre-booked private transfer), and the right choice depends on your group size, luggage, and destination.

Airport to City Center: Every Option Compared

There is no single 'best' way to get from AYT to the city — each option has a clear use case. Here is how they stack up in practical terms.

• Public Bus (Route 600) The most budget-friendly option. Route 600 runs to the main intercity bus terminal (otogar) roughly every 30 minutes. Route 800 serves the Lara district but runs only every 2 hours, so timing matters. Fares are paid in Turkish Lira (TRY) and cost a fraction of a taxi. Expect the journey to take 30-50 minutes depending on traffic and stops.
• Tram (AntRay) The AntRay tramway connects the airport area to the city center, passing key stops including access points for Perge Ancient City. It is reliable, inexpensive, and avoids road traffic during peak hours. Not ideal if you have large luggage, but excellent for solo travelers or couples traveling light.
• Official Taxi Taxis wait at official stands in front of both terminals. Drivers use meters, and fares to central Antalya typically fall in the range of 250-400 TRY depending on traffic and destination (verify current rates, as TRY fluctuates). For short distances to nearby hotels, this is often the most convenient choice.
• Pre-Booked Private Transfer A meet-and-greet driver, fixed price regardless of traffic, 24/7 availability, and door-to-door service. Transfers start from around $32 per group for routes like AYT to Lara (approximately 30 minutes). For longer routes to Belek, Side, Kemer, or Alanya, pre-booked transfers frequently cost the same as or less than metered taxis for groups of 3-4. Platforms include GetYourGuide, Viator, SIXT ride, Bizim Transfer, and Uber (verify current availability in the region).

Getting to the Resorts: Side, Belek, Kemer, and Alanya

The distances from AYT vary significantly depending on your resort. BelekLara is roughly 30-40 km east of the airport and takes around 30-40 minutes. SideBelek is approximately 75 km east, typically a 60-75 minute drive. Kemer sits around 40-50 km southwest of the airport. Alanya is 130 km east of Antalya city — a transfer there takes roughly 90-120 minutes by road.

For these resort destinations, public buses are technically possible but involve changes at the main bus terminal and significantly longer journey times. Private transfers or shared shuttles are the practical choice for most visitors arriving with luggage, particularly families. If you have booked an all-inclusive property, confirm whether a complimentary shuttle is included before paying separately for a transfer.

If you are spending multiple days exploring the wider region — including day trips to ruins or waterfalls — it helps to understand your base early. Our guide to where to stay in Antalya breaks down each area by type of traveler, from beach-focused Lara to culture-heavy Kaleiçi.

Getting Around Antalya City: Trams, Buses, and Taxis

Once you are in Antalya, the city is larger than it looks on a map. The sprawling coastal zone means you will likely need transport to move between the main beach areas, the old town, and cultural sites. Here is what works.

The AntRay tramway is the backbone of city transport. It runs from the suburban area through the city center, connecting major neighborhoods and allowing access to sites like Perge Ancient City with a change at the otogar. Buy an AntalyaKart (rechargeable transport card) for discounted fares across buses and trams. Single journeys paid without the card cost more, so if you are staying more than two or three days, the card pays for itself quickly.

City buses cover routes the tram does not, including coastal roads toward Lara Beach and Konyaaltı. Services are frequent during the day but thin out after 10pm. For late-night travel — especially after a night out — a taxi or ride-hailing app is the realistic option.

• AntalyaKart: Rechargeable card for buses and trams, available at major stops and kiosks
• Taxis: Metered, widely available; always confirm the meter is running at the start of the trip
• Ride-hailing: BiTaksi is the main regulated app in Turkey; Uber operates in some areas but verify availability
• Dolmuş (shared minibuses): Cheap, frequent, and useful for shorter routes — ask locals or your hotel for the right line
• Car rental: Practical for day trips to Termessos, Aspendos, or rural areas; major agencies operate from both the airport and city center

Kaleiçi, the Roman-walled old quarter, is best navigated entirely on foot. Streets are narrow, cobbled, and largely car-free. Most of the key sites — Hadrian's Gate, the Yivli Minaret, and the old harbor — are within easy walking distance of each other. Bring comfortable shoes and avoid overpacking your day bag.

Seasonal Considerations and Booking Timing

Transport in Antalya is not equally smooth year-round. Between June and September, the city handles its peak tourist load: flights are full, taxis are in demand, and private transfer prices tick upward. If you are arriving in July or August without a pre-booked transfer, expect queues at the taxi rank and possible unavailability on short-notice booking platforms.

Spring (April to May) and autumn (September to October) offer the most comfortable travel conditions overall, with shorter queues, lower transfer prices, and more availability across accommodation. For a fuller picture of how the season affects your trip, see our best time to visit Antalya guide.

Winter (November to March) is low season for beach tourism but not for the city itself. Transfers are easy to find, prices drop, and the airport is far less chaotic. The Mediterranean climate keeps winters relatively mild, though rain is common.

Day Trips and Getting Further Afield

Antalya's position on the Turkish Riviera makes it a practical base for a wide range of excursions. Most travelers use a mix of organized tours and car rental to reach sites like Termessos, the ancient theater at Aspendos, or the Düden Waterfalls. Many of these are difficult or time-consuming to reach by public bus, particularly if you want to combine multiple stops in a single day.

For organized excursions with transport included, guided day trips are worth considering. Check our day trips from Antalya guide for the best options, distances, and realistic timings. Car rental is widely available at AYT and gives you the most flexibility, though driving standards on rural roads can require adjustment if you are used to Western Europe or North America.