Getting from Antalya Airport to Your Hotel: Which Transport is Best?

Landing at Antalya Airport (AYT) after a four-hour flight from the UK is a relief, but your journey is not quite finished. Before you can unpack and head to the pool, you need to navigate the final leg of your trip to your resort.

The Antalya coastline is vast, and transfer times vary significantly depending on where your hotel is located. For instance, if you are staying in Kundu, you face a short trip of 10 km, which takes about 15 minutes by road. Lara is also nearby at 13 km, taking roughly 20 minutes. If your accommodation is in Antalya City Centre, the distance is 15 km, taking about 25 minutes, while Konyaalti is 22 km away, requiring about 30 minutes.

As you move further east or west, the journey times increase. Belek is 35 km from the airport, taking about 35 minutes. Heading west to Kemer involves a 55 km drive, taking about 55 minutes. If you are bound for the popular beaches of Kumkoy or Colakli, you will travel 60 km, which takes about 55 minutes. Evrenseki is slightly further at 62 km, taking about 58 minutes. The historic resort of Side is 65 km away, taking about 60 minutes, while nearby Manavgat is 72 km away, taking about 65 minutes. Finally, if your hotel is in Alanya, you have a long journey of 125 km, which takes about 110 minutes under normal traffic conditions.

To help you decide how to make this journey, here is an honest look at the four main transport options available at Antalya Airport.

The Shared Shuttle Bus

The shuttle bus is the standard option offered by many major tour operators, though it can also be booked independently.

Who it suits: This option is best for solo travellers or couples on a tight budget who are not in a hurry and want to keep costs as low as possible.

Who it does not suit: Families with young children, travellers with heavy luggage or pushchairs, and anyone staying in distant resorts like Alanya.

The reality: While a shuttle bus is economical, it is rarely fast. You must first locate your representative outside the terminal and then wait for other flights to land. Once everyone is on board, the bus will make multiple stops along the coast. If your hotel happens to be the last drop-off on a route to Side or Alanya, a journey that should take 60 or 110 minutes can easily turn into several hours of stopping and starting.

Local Yellow Taxis

You will find official yellow taxis waiting at ranks directly outside both Terminal 1 and Terminal 2.

Who it suits: Taxis are highly convenient for travellers heading to nearby destinations like Lara (13 km) or Kundu (10 km) who have not pre-booked transport.

Who it does not suit: Larger families, groups with several suitcases, and those travelling to distant resorts like Kemer or Alanya.

The reality: Most airport taxis are standard saloon cars. If you are travelling as a family of four with suitcases and a pushchair, you will struggle to fit everything into the boot. You may have to pay for two separate taxis, which doubles your cost. Furthermore, child car seats are not standard equipment in local taxis, which is a key safety consideration for parents.

Hire Cars

Car rental desks for major international and local companies are located inside the arrivals halls.

Who it suits: Hiring a car is ideal if you plan to explore the region independently, visit historic ruins like Aspendos, or drive up into the Taurus Mountains during your holiday.

Who it does not suit: Holidaymakers staying at all-inclusive resorts who plan to spend their time on the beach or by the pool.

The reality: Driving in Turkey can feel fast-paced and unfamiliar. Navigating the busy D400 motorway after a long flight from the UK can be stressful. If you only need transport to get to your hotel in Belek (35 km) or Side (65 km) and back again at the end of the week, a hire car will sit unused in the hotel car park, making it an expensive option.

Private Airport Transfers

A private transfer involves pre-booking a vehicle and driver online before you fly.

Who it suits: Families with young children, groups travelling together, and anyone who wants a direct, organised journey straight to their hotel door.

Who it does not suit: Solo travellers looking for the cheapest possible single seat.

The reality: When you book a private transfer with a service like antalyaairporttransfer.co.uk, your driver meets you directly outside the arrivals hall. The vehicles used are typically spacious minivans, which easily accommodate large suitcases, hand luggage, and pushchairs in the boot. You can also book appropriate child seats in advance. Because the vehicle is reserved solely for your party, you head straight onto the motorway without waiting for other passengers or making detours. This direct route is particularly beneficial for the 110-minute journey to Alanya or the 60-minute journey to Side, allowing you to start your holiday in comfort.