Five ways to get from Antalya airport to your hotel in Belek or Side
Antalya Airport is connected to the city center by the D400 highway. The drive takes about 20 minutes (as of 09/2026, official airport website). But if your hotel is in Belek, Side, or Alanya, that's only the first leg of the trip.
Many people buy plane tickets separately from a package and end up without an included transfer. Then you have to figure out how to get to your hotel on your own, and distance, number of suitcases, and arrival time all matter.
Below are five workable options with honest catches. You'll see which transport makes sense for central Antalya and which for the farther resorts.
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How to get from the airport to your hotel
💡 In short:
- Hotel in central Antalya: take the Antray tram or a taxi.
- Belek, Side, and Alanya: a private transfer or shuttle is more convenient.
- The dolmuş is cheap, but with suitcases and without knowing the route it's a hassle.
- Transport and prices: 09/2026, verified on the official airport website.
Buses, the Antray tram, and dolmuş
Public transport works well within Antalya itself, so it's a good fit for a hotel in the city. The Antray tram and city buses connect the airport to the center; schedules and routes are on the airport's transport page (as of 09/2026). Buses also run beyond Antalya, but with transfers, and the trip becomes noticeably longer.
Then there's the dolmuş. That's the name for a small minibus that runs on a fixed route and picks up passengers like a shared taxi. For locals it's a cheap way to get around; for a tourist with luggage it turns into an ordeal.
© rheins · CC BYPhoto: rheins, CC BY (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0), Wikimedia CommonsWe don't recommend the dolmuş for traveling with suitcases. The reason is simple.
- In high season the bus is packed to the brim, and with luggage you'll be in other passengers' way.
- Stops aren't marked the way you're used to in Europe, so finding the right bus isn't easy.
- You flag down the minibus with a wave of your hand, which means you need to know the route in advance.
- You pay inside the bus, and drivers often don't speak English.
The only plus is that the driver stops anywhere along the route. If your hotel is in central Antalya, you can easily take the tram and save on a taxi.
Taxi from Antalya Airport
Taxi stands are located at the exits of all terminals, a board with fares hangs by the stand, and drivers have airport badges (as of 09/2026, taxi section on the airport website). It's best to agree on the fare before getting in, especially if you're going far.
For a hotel in Antalya or nearby, this is the simplest option. The car waits at the exit, you get in and go without transfers or waiting.
AIIllustrative image: AI-generatedTo Belek and Side, a long metered ride will cost more than a transfer. If you're flying with family and luggage, compare both options in advance. You can also book a car through the official airport taxi service.
Private transfer to Belek and Side
If your hotel is far from Antalya, a private transfer usually wins. The car takes you straight to your hotel, without stops at other people's hotels, so you spend less time and stress.
AIIllustrative image: AI-generatedThe price per car is higher than a shuttle, but it's predictable. The fare is fixed at booking, and the number of passengers affects it less than you might think. For a family with kids it's more convenient, since a shared bus ride with little ones is always exhausting.
AIIllustrative image: AI-generatedThe driver waits for you in the arrivals hall with a sign, and you'll get to your hotel in a comfortable minibus or van. You can book a private transfer from Antalya Airport in advance, so you won't have to deal with it on the spot.
Tours and tickets in Side
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Car rental at Antalya Airport
A car is worth renting if you plan to regularly go on excursions on your own. Many rental companies operate at the airport, with counters right in the terminals (as of 09/2026, list of airport rental companies).
If you spend almost all your time at an all-inclusive hotel, a rental is unnecessary. It's cheaper and easier to take a taxi or transfer, and book excursions on site; the hotel can give you information.
Booking a car in advance and comparing prices online is more convenient: compare car rental prices in Antalya. That way you'll see the full cost including insurance before the trip.
Shuttle bus from a tour operator
Even without a package, you can get to your hotel on a shuttle or bus from a tour operator. Tickets are sold online, and it's cheaper than a private transfer.
The catch is that the shuttle drops passengers off at several hotels one after another. How many hotels are on the route is usually not disclosed, so travel time is unpredictable. If your hotel is far from the airport, a shuttle makes sense; in central Antalya it's easier to take a taxi.
You can book transfers and excursions in advance on GetYourGuide.
How long it takes and what to choose
Option | Who it's for | Honest catch |
|---|---|---|
Tram and bus | Hotel in Antalya, minimal luggage | Many transfers outside the city |
Taxi | Short trip, center and nearby areas | A long metered ride costs more than a transfer |
Private transfer | Belek, Side, Alanya, families with kids | Higher price than a shuttle |
Car rental | Frequent excursions on your own | Extra expense for an all-inclusive hotel |
Shuttle bus | One or two passengers | Long ride with stops at hotels |
⁉️🤔 Frequently asked questions
Can you get from Antalya Airport to Belek by bus?
There is no direct bus to Belek. First you'll get to the bus station or central Antalya, then transfer to a dolmuş or a scheduled bus. With suitcases this kind of trip is exhausting, so people usually take a private transfer or taxi to Belek.
How much does a taxi from Antalya Airport to Side cost?
The exact amount will be shown by the meter or told by the driver before you get in. The drive to Side is long, so a taxi ride ends up more expensive than a private transfer with a fixed fare. Compare both options in advance so you don't overpay on the spot.
Which is cheaper: a shuttle or a private transfer?
A shuttle costs less because passengers ride together. A private transfer is more expensive, but it takes you directly.
Do I need a rental car if I'm staying at an all-inclusive hotel?
Usually not. A car makes sense if you go on excursions on your own every day.
Is there transport between the airport terminals?
Yes. A free shuttle runs between Terminal 1 and Terminal 2 every 20 minutes (as of 09/2026, Antalya Airport data). The stops are at the departure exits, so the transfer takes only a few minutes.
In short: what's worth booking
If your hotel is in central Antalya and you have little luggage, take the tram or a taxi. If you're going to Belek, Side, or Alanya, book a private transfer in advance so you don't overpay on the spot.
If you're planning a lot of excursions, compare car rental options and calculate the full cost including insurance. If your budget is tight and time isn't pressing, a shuttle from a tour operator will do.
Booking a transfer in advance saves you from haggling with a driver at the exit and from extra transfers. You can book a transfer from Antalya Airport online before you even fly.
A small editorial team writing guides for independent travel. We travel ourselves, but we haven’t been everywhere, so we check prices, opening hours and how to get there against official sources.