Antalya International Airport

Antalya Airport (AYT) is Turkey's busiest tourist airport and the primary gateway to the Turkish Riviera (Turquoise Coast). Located 13 km northeast of Antalya city center, it serves millions of holidaymakers heading to the Mediterranean coast's all-inclusive resorts, beaches, and historic sites.

The airport has two main terminals:

• Terminal 1 (Domestic): All Turkish domestic flights (Turkish Airlines, Pegasus, SunExpress, AnadoluJet)
• Terminal 2 (International): All international arrivals and departures, charter flights, and seasonal European services

Both terminals are modern facilities located approximately 500 meters apart, connected by a covered walkway (8-10 minutes). The airport handles over 35 million passengers annually, making it one of Europe's busiest leisure airports.

Seasonal traffic: AYT experiences dramatic seasonal variation. From May through October, the airport operates at peak capacity with hundreds of charter flights from Europe and Russia. Winter months see significantly reduced traffic, though the airport remains operational year-round.

Key fact: Unlike Istanbul's airports, AYT is primarily a point-to-point destination. Most travelers arrive for beach holidays rather than connections. The all-inclusive resort concept dominates the region, with many hotels providing airport transfers as part of packages.

Antalya Airport is located 13 km northeast of Antalya city center and is the gateway to a long stretch of Mediterranean coastline.

Typical travel times (without traffic):

Destination	Distance	Time
Antalya city center	13 km	20-30 min
Konyaalti Beach	15 km	25-35 min
Lara Beach	12 km	15-25 min
Belek resorts	30 km	35-45 min
Side	65 km	55-70 min
Alanya	130 km	1.5-2 hours
Kemer	45 km	45-60 min
Kas	190 km	2.5-3 hours

Traffic warning: During summer peak season, especially on Saturday changeover days when charter flights arrive and depart simultaneously, traffic on the D400 coastal highway can be heavy. Allow extra time.

Resort transfers: Most package holiday travelers have transfers included. Tour operator buses and minivans wait in designated areas outside arrivals. Check your booking documents for meeting point details.

Rideshare (Uber, BiTaksi)

Uber operates in Antalya and dispatches licensed taxis. BiTaksi is the popular Turkish taxi app. Both work at the airport.

• Pickup location: Exit arrivals and follow signs to the taxi area
• Payment: Cash (TRY), credit cards, or app payment

Airport Taxis

Official taxis operate from designated stands outside both terminals. Taxis are metered but many drivers will quote fixed prices for popular resort destinations.

Typical Fares

Destination	Taxi Fare	Notes
Antalya city center	₺400-500 (~$12-15 USD)	Metered
Konyaalti Beach	₺450-550 (~$14-17 USD)	Metered
Lara Beach hotels	₺350-450 (~$11-14 USD)	Metered
Belek resorts	₺700-900 (~$21-27 USD)	Often fixed fare
Side	₺1,200-1,500 (~$36-45 USD)	Fixed fare
Alanya	₺2,500-3,000 (~$75-90 USD)	Fixed fare
Kemer	₺900-1,200 (~$27-36 USD)	Fixed fare

Tips:

• Agree on the fare before departing if not using the meter
• Taxis accept credit cards but cash is preferred
• Night surcharge (midnight-6am) adds approximately 50%
• For distant resorts, pre-booked transfers are often better value than taxis

Private Transfers

Many hotels and tour operators offer private airport transfers. Pre-booked transfers typically cost:

• Antalya area: €15-25 per vehicle
• Belek: €25-40 per vehicle
• Side: €40-60 per vehicle
• Alanya: €70-100 per vehicle

Book through your hotel or reputable transfer companies for meet-and-greet service at arrivals.

HAVAŞ Airport Bus

HAVAŞ operates scheduled buses from both terminals to Antalya city center.

Route	Destination	Fare	Frequency	Duration
AYT-Antalya	BC Migros/Antalya Center	₺85 (~$2.50 USD)	Every 30-60 min	30-45 min

Schedule: Buses run from approximately 04:00 until midnight, timed to flight arrivals. During peak season, additional services operate.

Tickets: Purchase from HAVAŞ counter in arrivals or pay the driver (cash only). Credit cards may not be accepted.

Route: The bus stops at several points along the route to Antalya, including Lara junction and the main bus terminal (Otogar).

City Buses

Antalya city buses (Antray tram and municipal buses) do not serve the airport directly. The HAVAŞ bus connects to the city's public transport network.

Limited Public Transit to Resorts

Important: There is no direct public bus service to most beach resorts (Belek, Side, Alanya, Kemer). Budget travelers have limited options:

• Take HAVAŞ to Antalya Otogar (bus terminal)
• Connect to intercity dolmuş (minibus) or bus services to coastal towns
• This route is time-consuming (2-4+ hours to distant resorts) and not recommended with luggage

For resort destinations, taxis, private transfers, or tour operator buses are the practical options.

Antalya Airport has parking facilities at both terminals.

Parking Type	Rate
Short-term (0-1 hour)	₺75 (~$2.30 USD)
Short-term (1-2 hours)	₺100 (~$3 USD)
Daily rate	₺250 (~$7.50 USD)
Weekly rate	₺1,250 (~$38 USD)

Notes:

• Parking lots are located adjacent to terminals
• Payment: Cash and credit cards accepted
• For long-term parking during holidays, off-site alternatives may offer better rates
• Free drop-off/pickup zones available for brief stops

Airport dining at AYT is adequate, with options in both terminals. Prices are higher than in town but reasonable for an airport.

Terminal 2 (International - Airside)

• Starbucks: Coffee and snacks, multiple locations
• Burger King, McDonald's: Fast food options
• Turkish Kitchen: Local dishes, kebabs, pide (Turkish flatbread)
• Simit Sarayi: Turkish bakery chain with simit, pastries, Turkish breakfast items
• Gloria Jean's Coffees: Coffee and light meals
• Sbarro: Pizza and pasta

Terminal 2 (Landside)

• Burger King, McDonald's: Fast food before security
• Various cafes: Coffee and snacks

Terminal 1 (Domestic)

• Simit Sarayi: Turkish bakery
• Cafe and snack options: More limited selection than Terminal 2

Local recommendations:

• Try a simit (sesame bread ring) at Simit Sarayi for authentic Turkish breakfast
• Turkish tea (cay) is widely available and inexpensive
• For a proper meal, Turkish Kitchen offers grilled meats and local dishes

Prices: Budget ₺150-300 ($5-9 USD) for a meal; coffee ₺80-120 ($2.50-3.50 USD).

Free WiFi is available throughout both terminals.

Detail	Information
Network	Free Airport WiFi
Registration	Accept terms; may require phone number
Speed	Adequate for browsing and messaging
Duration	Unlimited

Notes:

• WiFi quality can degrade during peak summer periods with heavy passenger volumes
• Coverage extends throughout terminals including gate areas
• For better connectivity, consider purchasing a Turkish SIM card

Turkish SIM cards are available at the airport and useful for staying connected during your holiday.

Airport Locations

• Turkcell stores (both terminals): Turkey's largest carrier
• Vodafone Turkey (Terminal 2): Good coverage, tourist packages
• Turk Telekom (Terminal 2): Budget option

Typical Tourist Plans

Carrier	Package	Price	Includes
Turkcell	Tourist Welcome Pack	₺750-1,000 (~$22-30 USD)	20-30GB data, calls, 30 days
Vodafone	Tourist SIM	₺600-800 (~$18-24 USD)	15-20GB data, 30 days
Turk Telekom	Visitor Pack	₺400-600 (~$12-18 USD)	10-15GB data, 14-30 days

Requirements:

• Passport required for SIM registration (Turkish law)
• Staff will set up and activate the SIM
• eSIM options available for compatible phones (Turkcell offers eSIM)

Alternative: If staying at an all-inclusive resort, many have WiFi included. However, a SIM is useful for Uber/BiTaksi, maps, and exploring off-resort.

ATMs are located throughout both terminals in arrivals and departures areas.

Currency

• Turkey: Turkish Lira (TRY/₺)
• Exchange rate: Highly variable. The Lira has experienced significant fluctuation. Check current rates before travel.

ATM Locations

• Arrivals halls (both terminals): Multiple ATMs from major Turkish banks (Garanti, Isbank, Yapi Kredi, Akbank, Ziraat)
• Departures areas: Additional ATMs near shopping zones

Withdrawal Tips

• Most ATMs offer English language option
• Withdrawal limits vary: typically ₺5,000-10,000 per transaction
• Use bank ATMs rather than independent machines for better rates
• Your home bank may charge foreign transaction fees
• Dynamic Currency Conversion: Always choose to pay in TRY (Turkish Lira), not your home currency

Currency Exchange

Exchange counters are located in arrivals at both terminals. Airport rates include markups of 5-10% compared to city rates.

Better alternatives:

• Withdraw TRY from ATMs
• Use a travel-friendly debit card with no foreign fees (Wise, Revolut)
• Many resorts and tourist businesses accept EUR/USD/GBP at variable (often poor) rates

All-inclusive resorts: If staying all-inclusive, you may need limited cash. However, carry TRY for tips, excursions, and off-resort purchases.

AYT has a substantial duty-free shopping area in Terminal 2 International, catering to departing holidaymakers.

Duty-Free (Terminal 2 International)

• Unifree Duty Free: Main operator with extensive selection
• Categories: Perfumes, cosmetics, alcohol, tobacco, fashion, electronics, chocolates
• Turkish specialties: Lokum (Turkish delight), baklava, Turkish coffee, ceramics, textiles

Local Products Worth Buying

• Turkish Delight (Lokum): Excellent gift, various flavors and qualities
• Baklava: Fresh at specialty shops in duty-free
• Turkish coffee: Ground coffee, traditional cezve pots
• Olive oil: Turkey produces excellent olive oil
• Textiles: Turkish towels (peshtemal), bathrobes
• Ceramics: Traditional Iznik-style tiles and pottery
• Evil eye (nazar): Blue glass talismans, popular souvenirs

Landside Shopping

Limited retail options before security in both terminals, primarily convenience stores and small shops.

Tip: Duty-free prices at AYT are competitive. Alcohol and tobacco offer genuine savings for travelers returning to high-tax countries.

Lounge options at AYT are more limited than at Istanbul's airports.

Terminal 2 (International)

Primeclass Lounge (International Departures):

• Access: Priority Pass, LoungeKey, various credit cards, day pass (approximately €40/$45)
• Hours: Opens with first departures, closes with last flights
• Amenities: Hot and cold buffet, alcoholic drinks, WiFi, seating areas
• Quality: Adequate for the airport; can be very crowded during peak summer departures

CIP Lounge (International Terminal):

• Access: Business class tickets on select carriers, paid access
• Amenities: Similar to Primeclass

Terminal 1 (Domestic)

Primeclass Lounge (Domestic Departures):

• Access: Priority Pass, paid access
• Hours: Based on flight schedules
• Amenities: Light food, drinks, WiFi
• Quality: Smaller than international lounge

Peak Season Warning

During summer months (June-September), especially at peak departure times when charter flights return to Europe, lounges can reach capacity. Priority Pass access may be restricted or require queuing. Arrive early if lounge access is important to your travel experience.

Hotels near Antalya Airport are limited, as most travelers proceed directly to their resorts. For overnight stays, Antalya city or nearby Lara Beach offer more options.

Near the Airport (5-15 minutes)

Lara Beach Hotels (12 km south of airport):

• IC Hotels Green Palace: 5-star all-inclusive, from €150/night
• Liberty Hotels Lara: 5-star, beach resort, from €120/night
• Delphin Imperial: 5-star, all-inclusive, from €140/night

These resorts are oriented toward week-long holidays but accept short stays.

Antalya City Center (20-30 minutes)

• Akra Hotel: 5-star city hotel with sea views, from €100/night
• DoubleTree by Hilton Antalya City Centre: 4-star, from €70/night
• Various boutique hotels in Kaleici (Old Town): From €40-80/night

Budget Options

• Antalya hostels and guesthouses: Available in the city center, from €15-30/night
• Lara area budget hotels: From €30-50/night

Transit recommendations: For very early departures or late arrivals, staying one night at a Lara Beach hotel (15 minutes from airport) is more practical than Antalya city center. Book a hotel with airport transfer service.

The Turkish Riviera (Turquoise Coast) offers Mediterranean beaches, ancient ruins, and all-inclusive resort experiences. The region sees over 15 million tourists annually, with the season running from April through October.

Key Resort Areas

Area	Character	Distance from AYT
Antalya	City, old town (Kaleici), urban beaches	13 km / 20-30 min
Lara Beach	Large resort hotels, sandy beach	12 km / 15-25 min
Belek	Golf resorts, luxury all-inclusive	30 km / 35-45 min
Side	Ancient ruins, beaches, tourist town	65 km / 55-70 min
Alanya	Budget-friendly, castle, nightlife	130 km / 1.5-2 hours
Kemer	Mountain backdrop, beach resorts	45 km / 45-60 min
Kas	Charming town, diving, less developed	190 km / 2.5-3 hours

Must-See Attractions

Ancient Sites:

• Aspendos Theatre (45 km): Best-preserved Roman theatre in the world, still used for performances
• Perge (18 km): Extensive Greco-Roman ruins, impressive stadium
• Side Ancient City: Ruins integrated into resort town, Temple of Apollo
• Termessos (30 km): Mountain ruins, dramatic setting
• Phaselis (55 km): Coastal ruins, combine with beach visit

Natural Attractions:

• Duden Waterfalls (14 km): Upper and Lower falls, popular day trip
• Kursunlu Waterfall (24 km): Scenic cascades in pine forest
• Koprulu Canyon (80 km): Rafting, ancient bridge
• Olympos and Chimaera (80 km): Ancient ruins and eternal flames

Antalya Old Town (Kaleici):

• Hadrian's Gate: Roman triumphal arch
• Yivli Minaret: 13th-century Seljuk minaret
• Narrow streets with Ottoman houses, restaurants, boutique hotels
• Old harbor with boat tours

All-Inclusive Resort Culture

The Turkish Riviera is dominated by all-inclusive resorts, particularly in Belek, Lara, and Alanya. What to expect:

• Ultra all-inclusive packages include food, drinks, entertainment, and often activities
• Most resorts have multiple restaurants, pools, private beaches
• Quality varies significantly by price point
• Many resorts are self-contained; guests may not leave the property
• A la carte restaurants within resorts often require reservations

Tip: If you want to explore beyond your resort, rent a car or book excursions. Taxis are available but costly for longer distances.

Food & Drink

Turkish Mediterranean cuisine features:

• Kebabs: Adana, iskender, sis kebab, doner
• Mezes: Cold and hot appetizers (hummus, cacik, dolma, borek)
• Fresh fish: Grilled sea bass (levrek), sea bream (cipura)
• Pide: Turkish flatbread pizza with various toppings
• Lahmacun: Thin crispy flatbread with spiced meat
• Baklava and lokum: Sweet treats
• Turkish breakfast: Extensive spread with cheeses, olives, eggs, honey

Drinks:

• Raki: Anise-flavored spirit, Turkey's national drink
• Turkish tea (cay): Served constantly, in small tulip glasses
• Turkish coffee: Strong, served with grounds
• Efes: Turkey's major beer brand

Practical Tips

• Currency: Turkish Lira (₺). Prices have become favorable for foreign visitors due to exchange rates.
• Tipping: 5-10% at restaurants if service not included. Round up for taxis. All-inclusive resorts: small tips for housekeeping and bar staff appreciated.
• Dress code: Beach resorts are casual. Cover up when visiting mosques.
• Alcohol: Widely available at resorts and tourist areas. Turkey is a secular country with vibrant bar and nightclub culture in tourist zones.
• Safety: The Turkish Riviera is generally safe for tourists. Take normal precautions.
• Language: Turkish is official. English, German, and Russian widely spoken in tourist areas.
• Bargaining: Expected at markets and bazaars. Not at fixed-price shops or supermarkets.

Best Times to Visit

• Peak season (June-August): Hot (30-35°C), crowded, highest prices, sea is warm
• Shoulder season (April-May, September-October): Pleasant weather (20-28°C), fewer crowds, good value
• Winter (November-March): Cooler (10-18°C), many resorts closed, limited flights. Good for Antalya city visits.

Day Trip from Airport Layover

If you have a long layover or transit day:

• 4-hour layover: Limited options; stay at airport or quick taxi to Lara Beach
• 8-hour layover: Visit Antalya Old Town (Kaleici), lunch by the harbor, return
• Full day: Combine Kaleici, Duden Waterfalls, and Aspendos Theatre

Allow 2 hours minimum to clear arrivals, reach attractions, and return for departure.