How to Get from Antalya Airport to the City Centre (Without Getting Ripped Off)

Turkey
How to Get from Antalya Airport to the City Centre (Without Getting Ripped Off)

The Quick Answer

The cheapest option is the Havaş airport bus at around 130–150 TL (roughly £3–4). It runs every 30 minutes, takes about 45 minutes to the city centre, and drops you at the main bus terminal next to the tram line. From there, the tram gets you to Konyaaltı or the old town area for a few pence more.

If you want door-to-door, a pre-booked private transfer runs £20–35 depending on your destination. Worth it if you’re arriving late, travelling with kids, or carrying more bags than is strictly sensible.

Option 1: Havaş Airport Bus

The Havaş service is the go-to for anyone not on a package deal.

Where to find it: Exit arrivals and turn left. Havaş buses are clearly marked — large white coaches with the Havaş logo.

Route: Airport to Antalya Otogar (the main bus station). Journey takes 40–50 minutes depending on traffic.

Schedule: Buses run roughly every 30 minutes, timed around flight arrivals. First bus is around 07:00; the last meets the final evening flights, typically around 01:00 — though check the Havaş website, as schedules shift seasonally.

Price: Around 130–150 TL (£3–4). Pay the driver in cash (Turkish Lira) or use a contactless card.

From the Otogar: The Antray tram stop is right next to the bus station. One tram ride takes you to the city centre, Konyaaltı, or the junction for the old town. Pick up an AntalyaKart from machines at any tram stop.

Good for: Solo travellers, couples, anyone who doesn’t mind an extra tram leg and wants to keep costs down.

Option 2: Pre-Booked Private Transfer

If you’re heading to a specific hotel — especially in Lara Beach, Belek, or Kaleiçi — booking a transfer in advance is usually the easiest call.

How to book: Several companies operate online: BiTaksi, GetTransfer, or your hotel directly. Hotel bookings often come with a fair rate and mean there’s someone waiting with your name on a board.

Approximate costs:

  • Kaleiçi / city centre: £20–25
  • Lara Beach hotels: £20–30
  • Konyaaltı: £20–25
  • Belek: £30–40

What to expect: Air-conditioned car or minivan, direct to your door. Journey time is 20–40 minutes depending on where you’re staying.

Good for: Families, late-night arrivals, anyone with a lot of luggage who’d rather not navigate a tram.

Option 3: Regular Taxi

Taxis queue outside arrivals, but this is where most people overpay.

The meter rule: By law, taxis must use the meter. If a driver quotes you a flat fare at the airport, decline and ask for the meter — or move to the next cab in the rank.

Approximate metered fares:

  • City centre / Kaleiçi: 400–600 TL (£10–15)
  • Lara Beach: 500–700 TL (£12–18)
  • Konyaaltı: 400–600 TL (£10–15)
  • Belek: 800–1200 TL (£20–30)

A few things that’ll save you grief:

  • Always insist on the meter before you get in
  • Have your hotel address written down or on your phone screen — don’t rely on pronunciation
  • Don’t get in a cab with a driver who approaches you inside the terminal; use the official rank outside
  • Night tariff (roughly 50% higher) applies after midnight
  • Keep small Lira notes — “no change” is a reliable airport taxi tradition

Good for: Small groups splitting the fare, or when the Havaş isn’t running.

Option 4: Car Hire from the Airport

If you’re planning to get beyond Antalya itself — the ancient sites, the coast road, the mountains — picking up a car at the airport makes sense and costs you nothing extra in transfer fees.

Companies: All the major brands (Avis, Budget, Europcar, Sixt) have desks in arrivals, plus Turkish operators like Garenta, which often undercut the international names.

A few things to know:

  • Book online in advance — walk-up rates at the desk are noticeably higher
  • Read the insurance carefully. CDW (Collision Damage Waiver) excess can be steep; you may want to pay for the reduced-excess option
  • Turkish fuel is expensive — a smaller car saves real money over a week
  • Driving in Antalya city is manageable, but parking in Kaleiçi is a genuine headache

Good for: Independent travellers exploring the region, and anyone staying a week or more who wants flexibility.

Option 5: Hotel Shuttle

Many Lara Beach and Belek all-inclusive hotels include airport transfers in their package. Check your booking confirmation — it’s often already there and easily missed.

You’ll get transfer details by email before travel. A rep meets you in arrivals and takes you to a shared minibus or private car. Return transfers are usually arranged through hotel reception a day before departure.

Good for: Package holidaymakers — it’s often already paid for and you don’t need to think about it.

What to Avoid

Unlicensed drivers approaching you inside arrivals and offering a “cheap transfer.” They’re unregulated, uninsured, and reliably more expensive than the legitimate options once you’re in the car.

Currency confusion. Some drivers quote in euros or pounds to make the number sound smaller, then charge the full amount in Lira at an unfavourable rate. Agree on the currency before you set off, and watch the meter.

The scenic route. If your hotel is in the city centre and the ride runs past 30 minutes, something’s off. Keep Google Maps open on your phone so you can see where you’re going.

Quick Comparison Table

Option Cost (approx) Time Best For
Havaş Bus + Tram £3–5 50–70 min Budget travellers
Pre-booked transfer £20–35 20–40 min Families, convenience
Taxi (metered) £10–30 20–40 min Small groups, flexibility
Car hire £15–40/day Immediate Road trips, longer stays
Hotel shuttle Free (included) 20–40 min Package holidays

Frequently asked questions

How far is Antalya Airport from the city centre?
About 13 km, or 20–30 minutes by car depending on traffic.

Is there an Uber in Antalya?
No. Uber doesn’t operate in Antalya. Use the BiTaksi app for taxi booking, or use the official rank outside arrivals and insist on the meter.

Can I use UK contactless cards on the Havaş bus?
Usually yes — Visa and Mastercard contactless are widely accepted. Carry some Turkish Lira as backup in case the card machine is having a bad day.

Are airport transfers included in TUI / Jet2 holidays?
Often yes — check your booking confirmation. If not, both operators offer add-on transfers that are reasonably priced.

Read our complete Antalya Turkey Travel Guide for more.

Written by

Clint Edgar

Travel writer, dog-friendly travel expert, author of Dog-Friendly Weekends & Dog Days Out Brightwell-Cum-Sotwell, England, United Kingdom

30+ years travelling
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