How to Get to Antalya

Almost everyone arrives by air. The airport is only about 13 km east of the centre, so the transfer is short, although in summer traffic it can take longer than you'd expect.

By air

Antalya Airport (AYT) has two international terminals and a domestic terminal. In summer there are direct flights from most of Europe, many of them charters. The rest of the year you may need to connect in Istanbul, which is about an hour and a quarter away by plane.

The airport tram

The AntRay light rail line starts at the airport and runs into the city. For Kaleiçi, get off at İsmetpaşa, a few minutes' walk from the old town. The ride takes around 50 minutes, slower than a taxi but very cheap. Trams have no luggage racks, so it works better with a carry-on than with two big suitcases. Pay with an AntalyaKart, the city's rechargeable transport card, sold from machines at the station.

Buses and taxis

Havaş airport buses run to the city on a regular schedule, and several city bus routes (the 600 towards the bus station, the 800 towards the beaches) also serve the airport. Check the Havaş website and the city transport app for current routes. Taxis wait outside every terminal and run on the meter. It's the easiest option at night or with children. Many hotels also arrange transfers.

By bus from elsewhere in Turkey

Long-distance coaches arrive at the Otogar, the main bus station north of the centre. It's on the tram line, so getting into town is easy. Buses run from Istanbul (an overnight ride), Izmir, Denizli for Pamukkale, Kaş, Fethiye and Göreme in Cappadocia. There's no passenger railway to Antalya.

Getting around the city

The tram and buses cover most of what you need. Buy an AntalyaKart and top it up, since it's cheaper than paying by bank card, which some buses and trams also accept at a higher fare. The old-fashioned nostalgic tram runs along the seafront boulevard past Hadrian's Gate and is a pleasant way to cross the centre. Dolmuş minibuses fill the gaps, and you pay the driver.

Driving

Worth it for the ancient sites, not for the city. Kaleiçi is largely closed to traffic, and parking in the centre is hard in summer. Pick up a hire car at the airport on the day you leave town, not the day you land.