Road Trip from Antalya to Fethiye: Turkey's Most Beautiful Coastal Route
The Antalya to Fethiye road is one of Turkey's most spectacular coastal drives. Stretching approximately 290 kilometres, this route transforms the journey itself into a destination — with ancient cities, turquoise coves, and breathtaking mountain scenery appearing at every bend. Driving from Antalya to Fethiye gives you the freedom to travel on your own schedule and discover hidden gems that are simply inaccessible by public transport. With a rental car, you can stop wherever you like, linger as long as you wish, and experience the Turkish Mediterranean coast at its very best.
At Azra Rent a Car, all vehicles come with unlimited mileage, which means you can complete this entire route without paying a single extra kilometre charge. Browse our fleet, choose a model that fits your budget, and start planning an unforgettable road trip along one of Europe's finest coastal roads.
Route Overview: Antalya → Kemer → Kumluca → Kaş → Kalkan → Ölüdeniz → Fethiye
The Antalya to Fethiye route follows the D-400 highway, tracing the Mediterranean coastline from start to finish. Non-stop driving time is approximately 4 hours, but with stops along the way we strongly recommend setting aside a full day. Road conditions are generally good throughout — the route is mainly two-lane asphalt, and careful driving is all that is needed on the winding mountain sections.
- Antalya → Kemer (42 km): Leaving central Antalya behind the Konyaaltı beachfront, you reach Kemer on a comfortable dual-carriageway road in under 40 minutes.
- Kemer → Kumluca (92 km): The turn-offs for Phaselis and Çıralı are in this section. Winding through the foothills of the Olympos mountains, this is one of the most scenic stretches of the entire journey.
- Kumluca → Kaş (97 km): The longest and most winding section. Passing through Demre, you can glimpse the ancient site of Myra. As you approach Kaş, the scenery becomes increasingly dramatic.
- Kaş → Kalkan (26 km): A short but delightful segment. Kalkan's boutique atmosphere makes it an ideal brief stop.
- Kalkan → Ölüdeniz (50 km): After passing the Patara turn-off, the road climbs through the Xanthos Valley before descending towards Ölüdeniz.
- Ölüdeniz → Fethiye (15 km): The final leg. After spending time at the famous Blue Lagoon, a short drive brings you into central Fethiye.
Distance and Stop Summary Table
The table below shows the distance, estimated driving time, and recommended stops for each stage of the Antalya to Fethiye drive:
| Stage | Distance | Driving Time | Recommended Stop |
|---|---|---|---|
| Antalya → Kemer | 42 km | 35 min | Kemer seafront walk |
| Kemer → Kumluca | 92 km | 1 hr 15 min | Phaselis ruins, Çıralı / Chimaera flames |
| Kumluca → Kaş | 97 km | 1 hr 30 min | Demre (Myra ruins), Kekova island |
| Kaş → Kalkan | 26 km | 25 min | Lunch in Kalkan town centre |
| Kalkan → Ölüdeniz | 50 km | 50 min | Patara Beach |
| Ölüdeniz → Fethiye | 15 km | 15 min | Ölüdeniz Blue Lagoon |
| Total | ~290 km | ~4 hrs (non-stop) | With stops: 8–10 hrs |
5 Stops You Must Not Miss
Simply driving through the Antalya–Fethiye coastal route without stopping would be a serious missed opportunity. Here are the most valuable places to pause along the way:
- Phaselis Ancient City (near Kemer, km 60): This ancient Lycian city has three separate coves where pine forests meet the sea. It combines historical ruins with natural beauty in a uniquely accessible package. Entry fees are very reasonable, and swimming is possible in the coves. Turn off the main road for just 2 km to reach the site.
- Çıralı and the Chimaera Flames (near Kemer, km 80): Çıralı beach is one of Turkey's most pristine shores, a nesting ground for loggerhead sea turtles. Just above it, the Chimaera (Yanartaş) is a natural wonder where methane flames have burned from the rocky hillside for thousands of years. The flames are especially dramatic after dark.
- Kaş (km 190): The jewel of the Lycian coast, Kaş is famous for its colourful streets, boutique shops, and stunning sunsets. Scuba diving, sea kayaking, and day trips to Meis (Kastellorizo) Island are all available here. Free roadside parking can be found in and around the town centre.
- Patara Beach (km 240): At 18 kilometres, this is Turkey's longest beach — a vast expanse of undisturbed white sand. Because it is a protected nesting site for endangered loggerhead turtles, access after sunset is restricted. The ancient city of Patara sits right beside the beach and is well worth exploring.
- Ölüdeniz and the Blue Lagoon (km 275): Turkey's most iconic postcard image, with its world-famous turquoise lagoon. Paragliding from Babadağ mountain offers a bird's-eye view of the entire scene. There is an entrance fee to the lagoon area, but it is worth every penny.
Fuel Cost and Budget Planning
Calculating fuel costs in advance is important for budgeting your Antalya to Fethiye road trip. The table below shows estimated fuel expenses by vehicle class for the one-way journey:
| Vehicle Class | Avg. Consumption (per 100 km) | Fuel for 290 km | Estimated Cost (2026) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Economy (Clio, i20) | 5.5 litres | ~16 litres | ~720 ₺ |
| Mid-range (Corolla, Focus) | 6.5 litres | ~19 litres | ~855 ₺ |
| SUV (Tucson, Sportage) | 7.5 litres | ~22 litres | ~990 ₺ |
| Diesel (mid-range) | 5.0 litres | ~14.5 litres | ~650 ₺ |
All vehicles rented from Azra Rent a Car include unlimited mileage. This means no extra kilometre charges apply on the 290 km Fethiye route — or any other distance you choose to travel. Many car hire companies impose a 200–300 km daily limit and charge a per-kilometre fee beyond that. With Azra, that concern simply does not exist.
Driving Tips and Safety Advice
Follow these recommendations to complete the route safely and enjoyably:
- Start early: Departing between 07:00 and 08:00 is ideal — you avoid traffic and give yourself plenty of time at each stop. A late start risks driving winding mountain roads in darkness on the way back.
- Prepare for bends: The Kumluca–Kaş section has sharp curves. If your passengers are prone to motion sickness, bring appropriate medication.
- Monitor your fuel level: Petrol stations can be sparse between Kumluca and Kaş. We recommend filling up in Kumluca before this stretch.
- Plan your return: If you plan to return the same day, the total round trip is approximately 580 km. Spending at least one night in Fethiye and returning the following day is a far more enjoyable approach.
- Take scenic photo stops: There are panoramic viewpoints above the sea between Kaş and Kalkan. Take your time, pull over safely, and enjoy them — there is no rush.
- Manage air conditioning in summer: Temperatures can exceed 40°C in July and August. Ensure the AC is working properly and carry plenty of water in the car.
Best Season, Timing, and Accommodation
The Antalya to Fethiye route has something to offer in every season, but certain times of year are particularly well-suited for a road trip:
- April – June: The ideal window. Temperatures are warm but not oppressive, and tourist sites are not yet overcrowded. The sea reaches swimmable temperatures from mid-May onwards.
- July – August: Peak season. Ölüdeniz and Kaş can be very busy. Early morning departures and midweek travel are recommended.
- September – October: A second ideal window. The sea is still warm, prices drop, and crowds thin out considerably.
- November – March: Roads are open but some attractions (Patara beach, Ölüdeniz lagoon) may close out of season. Extra care is needed on winding roads during wet weather.
Rather than squeezing the entire trip into one day, planning at least one overnight stay dramatically increases the enjoyment. Three strategic overnight bases stand out on this route: Kaş, situated midway with boutique hotels and a lively atmosphere; Kalkan, quieter and perfect for those who prefer luxury; and Fethiye or Ölüdeniz, from where you can return the next day via the inland highway (Burdur–Isparta motorway, 350 km, approximately 3.5 hours) for a completely different return journey.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
How long does it take to drive from Antalya to Fethiye?
Non-stop driving time is approximately 4 hours. However, if you want to visit the stops along the way — Phaselis, Kaş, Patara, Ölüdeniz — plan for a full 8–10 hour day. The D-400 highway is in generally good condition; the winding sections simply bring the average speed down a little.
How far is Antalya to Fethiye and what does fuel cost?
The distance via the D-400 from central Antalya to central Fethiye is approximately 290 kilometres. For an economy class vehicle, one-way fuel costs around 700–750 ₺ at 2026 prices. In a diesel vehicle, this can fall closer to 650 ₺.
What does unlimited mileage actually mean — is there really no extra charge?
At Azra Rent a Car, our unlimited mileage policy means exactly what it says: no matter how far you drive, no extra kilometre charge is added to your daily rental fee. This is particularly valuable on long-distance routes like the Fethiye road. Many firms impose a 200–300 km daily cap and charge 3–7 ₺ per kilometre above that limit.
Can I drive to Fethiye and return the same day?
It is technically possible, but we would not recommend it. A round trip of 580 km and at least 8 hours of driving can be exhausting, and you would miss the very best of what the route has to offer. Planning at least one night in Fethiye or Kaş is far more rewarding. With Azra's unlimited mileage, you never need to worry about extra charges on multi-day rentals. And on your return, you can take the inland motorway via Burdur and Isparta — 350 km of motorway comfort getting you back to Antalya in roughly 3.5 hours.
Ready to hit the road? Contact us to book your rental and get your Antalya–Fethiye road trip started.
Frequently Asked Questions
Tiring, 2 days recommended.
Winding but good asphalt.