What You Need to Know About Antalya Airport
Antalya Airport (IATA code: AYT) is Turkey's second busiest airport, handling over 30 million passengers per year. It sits approximately 13 kilometres east of Antalya city centre and operates two main terminals: Terminal 1 for domestic flights and Terminal 2 for international arrivals. Both terminals are modern, well-signed and equipped with a wide range of dining, retail and service facilities.
If you are travelling to Antalya for a holiday, you will almost certainly arrive at Terminal 2, which handles the majority of European and Middle Eastern charter and scheduled services. Planning your transfer from the moment the plane doors open is the first step toward a smooth, stress-free holiday. The sections below cover every realistic transfer option in detail, with 2026 pricing and practical tips for each.
Transfer Option 1: Car Rental — The Freedom Choice
Renting a car at Antalya Airport gives you complete independence from the moment you land. Car rental desks are located in the arrivals halls of both terminals; alternatively, you can book online in advance and simply collect the keys on arrival. The handover process takes between 15 and 25 minutes once your documents — driving licence, passport and credit card — are ready.
Driving from the airport to Belek takes around 40 minutes via the E87 / D400 coastal road, which is well-signed and straightforward even for first-time visitors. If you are staying in Belek for a week or more and planning day trips to Aspendos, Side, Alanya or the Taurus Mountains, renting a car at the airport is almost always more economical than paying for individual transfers or taxis every day.
Azra Rent a Car provides vehicle handover directly at Antalya Airport. Browse our fleet, choose the model that suits your group size and luggage, and your car will be ready and waiting when you arrive.
Transfer Option 2: Taxi
Official taxis are readily available outside both terminals at designated ranks. Always use metered, licensed yellow cabs and never accept informal offers from individuals approaching you inside the terminal.
In 2026, an airport taxi to Antalya city centre costs approximately 350–450 TRY (roughly €10–13). The ride to Belek is around 600–800 TRY (€17–23) one way. Night-time fares (typically after midnight) run at approximately 30 percent above the daytime rate. Extra charges may apply for oversized luggage. Taxis are a comfortable one-off solution, especially for late arrivals, but using one for every excursion during a week-long stay adds up quickly.
Transfer Option 3: Public Bus (Havas / AKBUS)
Havas (Havaş) airport shuttle buses run regular services between Antalya Airport and the city centre. The 2026 single fare is around 100–130 TRY per person, payable at the terminal kiosk by cash or card. Journey time is 30 to 45 minutes depending on traffic.
The critical limitation for most holiday visitors is that Havas buses terminate in Antalya city centre — they do not serve Belek, Side, Manavgat or other resort areas. Reaching Belek by bus therefore involves a connection, extra waiting time and the challenge of handling large suitcases across multiple vehicles. Local AKBUS city buses are an option for budget travellers, but the combination of transfers and luggage makes them impractical for most holidaymakers arriving after a long flight.
Transfer Option 4: Private Transfer and Shared Shuttle
Private transfer services are pre-booked with a hotel or a specialist transfer company. A driver meets you in arrivals holding a name board and takes you door to door. This is particularly convenient for families with young children or groups travelling with a lot of luggage.
A private transfer from the airport to Belek in 2026 costs approximately 500–900 TRY (€14–26) one way for a standard saloon or estate car. Shared shuttle services — where you travel alongside other passengers heading to nearby resorts — are available from around 150–250 TRY per person, but your journey will be longer if other drop-off points are not on the direct route to your hotel.
Transfer Options Compared
| Option | Approx. Cost to Belek | Journey Time | Comfort | Flexibility |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Car Rental | Daily rate (full holiday) | 40 min | High | Complete freedom |
| Taxi | €17–23 one way | 40 min | Medium–High | None |
| Private Transfer | €14–26 one way | 40–50 min | High | None |
| Shared Shuttle | €4–7 per person | 60–90 min | Medium | Low |
| Havas Bus + Connection | €3–6 per person | 90–120 min | Low | Very low |
Terminal Layout and Practical Details
Terminal 1 (domestic) is the smaller and quieter of the two. Terminal 2 (international) is a large, multi-level building where the distances between check-in, passport control and baggage reclaim can be considerable — factor in extra time if you have a tight connection. Free baggage trolleys are available throughout; lift access and mobility assistance services are available for passengers who need them.
Walking between the two terminals takes around 5 to 10 minutes and is clearly signposted. Currency exchange counters and ATMs are available in both terminals, but airport exchange rates are typically unfavourable. A practical approach is to change a small amount at the airport for immediate needs (a coffee, a SIM card, taxi tip) and exchange the rest at a bureau de change in the city, where rates are considerably better.
SIM card kiosks for Turkcell, Vodafone and Türk Telekom are located in the arrivals hall of Terminal 2. Tourist data packages start from around €5–8 and give you solid 4G coverage across the Antalya region, which is invaluable for navigation and staying in touch.
Tips for Late-Night and Early-Morning Arrivals
Antalya receives a large number of late-night charter flights, particularly in peak summer. If you are landing after midnight, public bus services will be limited or unavailable. Taxis and private transfers operate 24 hours a day and are the reliable choice in this situation.
For car rental late-night collections, confirm in advance whether the desk at the terminal will be staffed at your arrival time. At Azra Rent a Car, late-night handovers are available by prior appointment — please specify your flight details when you make your booking so we can arrange the collection smoothly.
After a night flight, your priority is usually to reach your accommodation and rest. Having a rental car already waiting means no queue, no negotiations and no detours to other passengers' hotels before reaching yours.
Choosing the Right Car for Your Transfer Needs
When selecting a rental car for an airport transfer, think about your total luggage volume alongside passenger numbers. A family of four with a week's worth of suitcases, a pushchair and carry-on bags can quickly overwhelm a small economy car. In cases like this, a mid-range estate, a compact SUV or a minivan provides the comfort margin you need.
Families travelling with infants or toddlers should request a baby seat or child booster at the time of booking — these items are required by Turkish law and cannot always be sourced on the spot. Contact us when reserving your car and we will ensure the right seat is fitted and ready.
Directions: Antalya Airport to Belek
Leaving the airport, follow signs for the D400 / E87 (Antalya–Alanya direction). Continue east along this main coastal road for approximately 35 to 40 kilometres until you see Belek turn-off signs. The road is dual carriageway for most of the route and is clearly signposted in both Turkish and English. Google Maps and Waze both give highly accurate results on this corridor. Journey time is typically 40 to 55 minutes, with occasional light congestion on summer evenings near the Antalya city bypass.
Common Mistakes at Antalya Airport — and How to Avoid Them
The single most common mistake is trying to rent a car on the spot without a prior booking. In peak summer, desks can be busy, popular vehicle classes may already be taken and walk-in prices are almost always higher than pre-booked rates. Booking online in advance takes five minutes and can save you a significant amount of money and time.
The second common mistake involves currency exchange. Airport bureau rates are typically 20 to 30 percent less favourable than city-centre rates. Change only what you need for the first few hours at the airport and exchange the rest in Antalya or Belek at a competitive rate.
Finally, do not rush through baggage reclaim — particularly in large groups with multiple bags. Take your time, confirm all luggage is collected, and follow the clearly marked exit signs to arrivals, car rental desks or the taxi rank. The terminal is well organised and stress is usually self-inflicted by rushing unnecessarily after a long flight.
Returning Your Car at the End of Your Holiday
When it is time to return home, allow 20 to 30 minutes for the vehicle drop-off process. This covers the car inspection, mileage check and fuel verification. Aim to be at the airport at least 90 minutes to 2 hours before your flight's scheduled departure time.
Refuel the car before entering the airport approach road — there is a petrol station on the main D400 just before the airport turn-off. Leave nothing personal in the vehicle; check the boot, door pockets and under the seats before handing over the keys. Our team at Azra Rent a Car will complete the drop-off efficiently and issue any relevant documentation on the spot. For any queries, contact us before your return journey.
Frequently Asked Questions
You can reach Belek in about 30 minutes by transfer, taxi, or rental car.
Yes, we offer 24/7 service.