From Antalya Airport to the center: travel time, fares and drop-off point
The terminal is behind you, and the hotel in central Antalya is still 12-14 kilometers away. Taxi, tram, bus, and pre-booked transfer solve this problem differently: in some cases you pay by the meter, in others you see the price upfront.
The drive from the city center to the airport takes about 20 minutes by car along the D400 highway (according to the official Antalya Airport website, 09/2026). During rush hour the time increases, so evening arrivals and morning departures should be considered separately.
Below are four working ways to get to the center, including nighttime options. Further down you'll find travel times, fares, and the exact pickup points, so you don't have to figure it out on the go with your suitcases.
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Distance and time: how long it takes from the airport
Antalya Airport (AYT) is located northeast of the center and is connected to the city by the D400 highway (according to the AYT transport section, 09/2026). On the map it's 12-14 km to the center. The exact figure depends on where you're going: the old town of Kaleiçi, the resort areas of Lara or Konyaaltı.
Here speed is determined not by distance but by the type of transport. The table below shows the spread in time and price level.
Option | Travel time | Cost | Frequency |
|---|---|---|---|
Antray, tram T1 | 30-35 minutes | low | every 10-15 minutes |
Havaş bus | 25-40 minutes | medium | on schedule |
City bus 600 | 35-50 minutes | low | every 20-30 minutes |
Taxi | 15-20 minutes | high | on demand |
Pre-booked transfer | 20-30 minutes | medium and high | by booking |
The time ranges in the table are approximate: they are affected by traffic on the D400 and the hotel's location. Verified on 09/12/2026 on the airport website and in the Antray schedule.
💡 In short:
- The cheapest options are the Antray tram and bus 600: the ticket is the same, and the card works on both types of transport.
- The fastest option is a taxi from the stand at the terminal exit or a pre-booked transfer.
- At night the choice narrows to taxi and pre-booking; the tram and buses run until late evening (according to the city transport operator).
- Prices and operating hours: 09/2026, verified on the official airport website.
Antray tram: the cheapest way into the city
Line T1 (Fatih-Havalimanı-Expo) connects the airport with the city and the Expo exhibition center; the stop at the terminals is called Havalimanı (according to Antalya Ulaşım, 07/2026). Signs to the tram are already in the arrivals hall, so you won't have to search for the stop blindly.
© Bestalex · CC BY-SAPhoto: Bestalex, CC BY-SA (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0), Wikimedia CommonsA full trip across the city costs 42 lira under the fare the Antalya city council adopted in March 2026, and 20 lira for students (Antalya Büyükşehir Belediyesi, 03/2026). Payment is by Antalyakart only; cash is not accepted on board. You can buy the card at vending machines and sales points at stations; top-up locations are listed on the Antalyakart page.
Check the balance on your card in advance: one card lets one passenger through, so each person needs their own. The tram does not run at night; check the operator's schedule for the last departures.
- Who it's for: daytime arrivals without a rush, and solo travelers or pairs.
- Not for: arrivals after midnight, when the line is already closed.
Havaş buses and city route 600
The Havaş bus stops at the terminal and runs to the center and to the Otogar bus station on its own schedule. Intervals change from season to season, so check the current times with the operator before your trip.
City route 600 departs from the stop just outside the terminal building. The ticket is the same as on the tram, and the Antalyakart works the same way here. Time-wise the bus loses to the tram: it sits in the same traffic as a taxi. On the plus side, the route goes deeper into the city, and you get off closer to your hotel.
If you arrive at Terminal 2, first get to Terminal 1 or the domestic terminal: a free shuttle runs every 20 minutes from the departure areas (according to the airport transport page, 09/2026). Walking between terminals with luggage is not worth it; it is a separate road.
- Who it's for: budget travel and hotels deeper in the city where the tram does not go.
- The catch: during the morning rush hour the bus gets packed, and the cabin is cramped with suitcases.
Taxis and pre-booked transfers: the price of peace of mind
Taxi stands are located outside the arrivals exits in all terminals; drivers have airport ID badges, and a fare board hangs next to the stand (according to the taxi section, 09/2026). Get into a car with a meter: ask the driver to turn it on right away, before you pull out.
A taxi wins at night, with children, and with heavy luggage. During the day in D400 traffic, the time savings are smaller, and you pay more. The night fare is higher than the daytime fare, so confirm the amount at the stand before getting in.
A pre-booked transfer comes at a fixed price and includes a driver with a sign in the arrivals hall. Kiwitaxi transfer prices are visible before you book, so you know the amount in advance. Order a child seat together with the car; the stand may not have one.
The form below will match a transfer to your flight.
Tours and tickets in Antalya
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Car rental: if you're planning to explore the coast
Rental counters are located inside the terminal, and you can pick up the car right after arrival (according to the airport, 09/2026). Booking online is usually cheaper than at the counter on the spot.
A car is useful if you're continuing along the coast after Antalya: Kemer, Side, Alanya. For getting around the center, you don't need a car: the tram and bus are cheaper and don't require parking. Compare car rental prices.
How to choose the right option for your trip
If budget matters most, take the T1 tram or route 600. If time matters more, choose a taxi or a pre-booked transfer. If you're traveling with kids, a pre-booked transfer solves the child seat issue. If you're planning trips along the coast, rent a car.
A quick check before you leave takes a minute. Look at your arrival time and the traffic forecast. Arriving after 11:00 PM or departing at 6:00 AM? Then the choice is obvious. During the day and without rushing, the tram will get you to the center for the price of a ticket.
Where to stay after you land
Antalya's center is convenient for short trips: the old town of Kaleiçi, the waterfronts, and the markets are all nearby. The resort areas of Lara and Konyaaltı are farther from the tram line, so you'll need a transfer or a taxi to get there from the airport. For hotels and prices by date, see the selection on Trip.com.
⁉️🤔 Frequently asked questions
How long does it take to get from Antalya Airport to the city center?
The airport is 12-14 km from the center on the map. A taxi takes 15-20 minutes without traffic, the tram takes 30-35 minutes, and the bus takes 35-50 minutes. The return trip from the center to the airport takes about 20 minutes by car via the D400 highway (according to the official Antalya Airport website, 09/2026). Add extra time during rush hour.
Does public transport run from the airport at night?
The tram and buses run until late evening; check the exact hours on the carrier's website. For arrivals after midnight, two reliable options remain: a taxi at the stand outside the terminal or a transfer booked in advance. You won't have to wait for a car: the driver meets you in the arrivals hall.
How do you pay for the tram and bus?
Only with an Antalyakart card. Cash is not accepted, and drivers don't issue tickets. You can buy the card at vending machines and sales points at stations, and top it up in advance.
How much does a taxi from the airport to the center cost?
The fare is metered; there's no fixed price. A fare board is posted near the stand, and drivers carry airport badges (according to the fare information on the airport website, 09/2026). Ask the driver to start the meter before you leave and confirm the night surcharge in advance. The ride won't get cheaper, but there won't be any surprises.
What should you choose if your hotel is in Lara or Konyaaltı?
The T1 tram will take you to the center, but then you'll need to transfer to a city bus or take a taxi. With two suitcases, a transfer eats up time, so for these areas it's easier to take a taxi or a pre-booked transfer. The price difference is worth it for a stress-free arrival at your hotel.
In short: what to book
For a daytime arrival, the T1 tram or bus 600 with an Antalyakart card is enough. For a night flight, take a taxi from the stand or pre-book with a driver in the arrivals hall. Renting a car only makes sense for trips along the coast.
If you're short on time, sort this out in advance. If you're watching your budget, take Antray. If Kemer, Side, and Alanya are on your itinerary, you need a car.
You can book an airport-to-hotel transfer on Kiwitaxi.
It's more convenient to rent a car on the coast.
Antalya hotels with prices by date are listed on Trip.com.
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.