Landing at Antalya Airport: Terminals, Passport Control and Finding Your Driver

Landing in a new country after a four-hour flight can feel a bit overwhelming, especially if you are travelling with tired children or heavy luggage. Antalya Airport (AYT) is one of the busiest hubs in the Mediterranean, welcoming millions of holidaymakers every year.

Knowing exactly what to expect from the moment your aircraft wheels touch the tarmac to the moment you step into your waiting vehicle can make the start of your Turkish holiday completely stress-free. This guide walks you through the entire arrival process, highlighting terminal layouts, passport control queueing and how to find your private driver.

Understanding the Antalya Airport Layout

Antalya Airport has three main terminals: Terminal 1, Terminal 2 and the Domestic Terminal.

Terminal 1 and Terminal 2 are the two international terminals, and they are completely separate buildings located about 2.5 kilometres apart. It is highly likely your flight from the UK will land at one of these two international terminals. EasyJet, Jet2 and TUI use both terminals depending on the season and flight schedules.

Because the terminals are not connected, it is useful to note down which terminal you land at. This is particularly important for your return journey, as arriving at the wrong terminal for your flight home can cause unnecessary delays.

Step-by-Step: From the Plane to Passport Control

Once your aircraft has parked, you will either walk through a passenger bridge directly into the terminal or board an airport shuttle bus that transfers you from the apron to the arrivals building.

Follow the overhead signs marked "Passport Control" or "Passaport Kontrol" in Turkish. The walk is straightforward and well-marked.

At passport control, the queues are divided into different lanes. As a British citizen travelling for a holiday, you do not need to buy a visa for tourist visits of up to 90 days in any 180-day period. Simply join the lanes marked "All Passports".

Make sure you have your passport open at the photo page when you reach the officer. If you are travelling as a family, present all your passports together. The border official will stamp your passport; keep this stamp intact as it is your official entry record into Turkey.

Baggage Reclaim and Customs

After clearing passport control, you will walk down to the baggage reclaim hall. Large electronic screens display flight numbers alongside the corresponding luggage carousel numbers.

If you require a luggage trolley, these are available in the hall. They usually require a small coin deposit or a credit card payment to release them from the dispenser.

If you are travelling with a pushchair, please note that these are occasionally delivered to the oversized baggage carousel rather than the standard luggage belt. It is always worth checking both areas if your pushchair does not appear with your suitcases.

Once you have collected your bags, you will walk through the customs exit. If you have nothing to declare, follow the green channel. There is also a small duty-free arrivals shop in this area where you can pick up any last-minute essentials before exiting the building.

Where to Find Your Private Transfer Driver

This is the most critical part of your arrival. Under Antalya Airport security regulations, private transfer drivers and tour representatives are not permitted to wait inside the arrivals terminal building. All drivers must wait outside, just beyond the sliding exit doors.

When you exit the terminal doors, you will walk out into the arrivals plaza. You will see a large crowd of drivers holding name boards behind a set of metal railings.

If you have booked your journey through antalyaairporttransfer.co.uk, you will have received clear instructions in your booking confirmation. Instead of scanning hundreds of individual name boards in the heat, you will usually need to head to a specific numbered meeting point, desk or column located just outside the exit. Your confirmation details will explain exactly which point to look for. Once you identify yourself to the coordinator, they will call your driver, who will bring the vehicle around to the designated loading zone.

Journey Times to Your Resort

Once your luggage is safely loaded into the boot, your driver will navigate out of the airport grounds and onto the main motorway.

To help you plan your journey, here are the actual road distances and average travel times from Antalya Airport to the region's main holiday destinations:

• Kundu: 10 km, about 15 minutes by road.
• Lara: 13 km, about 20 minutes by road.
• Antalya City Centre: 15 km, about 25 minutes by road.
• Konyaalti: 22 km, about 30 minutes by road.
• Belek: 35 km, about 35 minutes by road.
• Kemer: 55 km, about 55 minutes by road.
• Kumkoy: 60 km, about 55 minutes by road.
• Colakli: 60 km, about 55 minutes by road.
• Evrenseki: 62 km, about 58 minutes by road.
• Side: 65 km, about 60 minutes by road.
• Manavgat: 72 km, about 65 minutes by road.
• Alanya: 125 km, about 110 minutes by road.

Knowing these times helps you prepare for the journey ahead, ensuring you can sit back, relax and enjoy the scenery as you travel along the beautiful Turkish coast.