This guide describes how to get from the Antalya airport to Antalya’s city center.
Antalya is one of the main cities and transportation hubs in southern Turkey. It is the second-largest airport handling 35 million passengers per year, and is located 10kms from the city center. The airport is efficient in handling this volume, most of which is going to the (all-inclusive) hotels on the Mediterranean coast. Their transportation is usually organized by the tour companies, which have tens of buses in the parking lot next to the airport.
However, for the independent tourist, there are efficient and inexpensive ways to get to the city center in comfortable conditions.
Antalya airport – city center
(1) AntRay tramway (highly recommended)
Modern, excellent air-conditioning, spacious to accommodate bags, safe and punctual carriages connect the airport with the city center. In the city center you can change to the other tram line serving, for example, the excellent Antalya Archeological Museum (“Müze”).
The first tramway stop is opposite Terminal 2 (international terminal) and 1 min walking away from the terminal. You will not be able to miss its elevated white structure (similar to those in JFK, Chicago O’Hare or London Gatwick). AntRay is operating 6:00am – midnight and is departing every 10-20 minutes. Depending on your destination, it will take approximately 30 minutes to the city center. The Antalya tramway connects the airport, city center, bus station (“otogar”) and other useful destinations.
There are two ways to purchase a ticket: (1) purchase an Antalya metro card (antalyakart) at the ticket booth just in front of the entry turnstiles, or (2) use your credit card. If buying a single ticket, (2) is easier. If buying a longer-term or several tickets at once, (1) is the better option. Buying a metro card is straightforward with an English option, other passengers will usually gladly help, if requested.
(2) Municipal bus
Bus #600 will take longer (approximately an hour) and is less comfortable than the tramway.
(3) Havas airport bus
Havas offers the airport bus connections all over Turkey. Depending on your destination, it will probably take longer than the tramway but will be more comfortable (and expensive) than the #600 bus.
(4) Taxis
All taxis are expected to be metered, but for more distant destinations (e.g., Alanya, Side) prices are usually set in euros or dollars with a price list available.
The travel time from the airport to city center by taxi in normal conditions (no large traffic jams) should take approximately 20 minutes and cost $6-10. There is no special night or weekend fare surcharge.
Other airport to city center guides:
(1) Izmir airport – Izmir city center: Izmir Airport – City Center
(2) Izmir airport – Ephesus: Izmir Airport – Ephesus)
