Antalya Airport (AYT), located just 13 kilometers northeast of the city centre, serves as a crucial gateway to the stunning Turkish Riviera. With more than 30 million passengers passing through every year, it’s emerged as one of the busiest airports in Turkey.
With all the world class facilities you’d expect from any major international airport, Antalya Airport offers a seamless experience getting you from the tarmac to the nearby beaches. If you’re eager to explore the Mediterranean coastline, here’s everything you need to know about flying into Antalya.
Antalya Airport is not small. It features three terminals – Terminal 1 and Terminal 2 for international flights and Terminal 3 for domestic flights. There is a walkway connecting Terminal 1 and the domestic terminal for passengers, while Terminal 2 is in a completely separate building about 2.5 kilometers away.
To reach Terminal 2 from the other terminals you’ll need to take a car, taxi or bus route 600. The bus stops at each terminal before going to Antalya Bus Station, and a taxi shouldn’t cost too much, as it’s just a 5-minute drive between the two buildings. There’s no official shuttle service taking passengers between terminals, so I highly recommend double checking your departure terminal before arriving at the airport to avoid the hassle of transferring.
There are both domestic and international airlines flying in and out of Antalya. You’ll find direct flights to and from Istanbul airports and other destinations in Turkey, as well as to cities in Europe, the Middle East and beyond.
Antalya Airport is around 13 kilometers east of the city centre. You have plenty of transport options to get in and out of the city, depending on your budget. The good news is that there’s a pretty reliable bus network servicing the airport with three different routes.
Bus number 600 goes to and from the Otogar (main bus station), bus route 400 runs between Konyalti (west of the city centre) and the airport via the city centre, and route number 800 services Lara District, south of the airport. These run throughout the day on a fairly regular schedule.
For a little more efficiency, the extension of the Antry Light Rail network to the airport has been a welcome addition. You can take the Airport Line (Fatih-Antalya Airport) which operates every 15–20 minutes throughout the day, with transfer stops to other lines. Terminals 1 and 2 both have light rail stations down on the lower floors.
Being not too far from the city centre, taking a taxi won’t break the bank either. You can easily find taxis waiting outside each of the terminal exits or arrange a private transfer with your hotel or resort. Most resorts on the Turkish Riviera will offer airport pick up and drop offs for a fee.
The Turkish Riviera is renowned for its stunning beaches and interesting historical sites scattered along the rugged coastline. There are numerous attractions within an hour of the airport, meaning you can transit from the plane to the beach in no time.
I recommend starting any trip to Antalya in Kaleiçi, the historic old town. Wander the narrow cobblestone streets lined with charming Ottoman-era houses that are now filled with souvenir stores and delightful cafes. Down at the marina, you can take in the beautiful views of the Mediterranean Sea and enjoy a stroll along the harbor or dine with a view.
If it’s the beach you want, head to Konyaaltı Beach, just a short drive away, known for its clear waters and vibrant atmosphere, perfect for sunbathing and water sports. Lara Beach is even closer to the airport, and with its blue-flag status for clear water, it’s the perfect place to relax on a lounge chair under a sun umbrella and go for a dip to cool off on an extended layover.
Antalya Airport operates just like any other major international airport. There are two obligatory security checks; one at the terminal entry and another before passport control and the gate area. You’ll need to place all metal objects and electronics into plastic trays for screening, including laptops, mobile phones, cameras, keys, and belts. Make sure your liquids comply with the standard security rules of being under 100 milliliters each.
For international departures and arrivals, you’ll then need to go through the usual passport and immigration checks. Visa requirements differ for each nationality, but passport holders from the US and many European countries, including the UK, don’t require a visa for up to 90 days anymore. Other nationals have to apply for and obtain an e-visa prior to arriving, but it’s pretty simple to do for the most part.
For domestic flights, you must still present some form of ID for checking, generally preferred to be a passport for foreign nationals, but this is much quicker than the formal immigration process.
Antalya Airport’s duty-free shopping always surprises me. There are more than 20 stores dedicated to duty free shopping, with everything from luxury brands in cosmetics and fragrances to high quality electronics and alcohol. I always like to allow a bit of time for some browsing to try to score some bargains before heading home.
You’ll also find a host of familiar brand stores across all terminals, including domestic. Check out the local Turkish brands in fashion and jewelry and find well-known stores like Lee Wrangler and Samsonite. In case you missed out on collecting souvenirs in the old town of Antalya, there are several shops selling local handicrafts as well.
The duty-free shopping area is generally open at all times, but I have found that many of the smaller shops close overnight, so your these options can be more limited after hours.
There’s no shortage of food at Antalya Airport. The usual array of international fast food joints like Starbucks and Burger King are available, but I much prefer to stick to Turkish cuisine with several restaurants serving traditional food. Try the doner kebabs at The Kebap Factory or Via Donerci, with both offering take away or table service.
For something sweet, the locally made ice cream at Mado is always a treat. In the domestic terminal, you can pick up some delicious baklava, with its layers of crispy, buttery pastry and crushed nuts soaked in syrup, at Malatya Pazari.
The rich aroma of Turkish coffee is strong as you walk through the food courts, especially in the early morning hours. I usually grab a cup from Take Off, which can be found in each of the terminals, to keep energized for the flight.
Wi-Fi at Antalya Airport is a bit limited. Passengers can use the free internet for just 30 minutes across any of the terminals. You’ll need a valid local phone number or passport to log into the service. Find the free Wi-Fi kiosks throughout the halls where you can receive a Wi-Fi code.
If you require a bit more connection, I usually find free Wi-Fi at one of the sit-down restaurants and cafes. Many of them will advertise Wi-Fi for customers, which is a good excuse to buy a coffee or a kebab while you send a few messages.
For a bit more comfort, you can find free Wi-Fi included in the CIP Lounges, with one in each terminal. You can reserve a spot in the lounge or purchase a one-off pass, which provides access to a comfortable lounge area, refreshments, charging stations that aren’t crowded and play areas for kids.
Antalya Airport takes the health and well-being of its passengers seriously. The airport features 24/7 medical facilities, in cooperation with MMS Clinics, an affiliate of Anadolu Hospital. These facilities are equipped to handle a variety of needs, from minor injuries and ailments to more serious situations that may require immediate attention.
You’ll also find pharmacies in each terminal, supplying over-the-counter medications and health-related products. Language support is often available, so you don’t have to worry about trying to communicate your needs via a translation app.
This KAYAK-commissioned article is presented as-is, for general informational purposes only, and may not be up-to-date. The opinions contained in the article are original to the author and reflect their authentic experience, which may vary significantly from the experience of others.
IATA code | AYT |
---|---|
Serves | Antalya |
Terminals | 1, 2, D |
Hub for | flynas, Condor, LOT |