First Day in Antalya: A Calm Arrival-Day Plan

After landing at Antalya Airport (AYT) you walk or take a bus to the terminal, queue for passport control and then collect your luggage from the belt. How long this takes depends on the time of day and how many flights land together; in the summer peak it can be noticeably longer than in spring or autumn. Keep your passport, any documents your airline asked for and your hotel address ready in one place.

Once you have your bags, follow the exit signs through customs into the arrivals hall. Our Antalya Airport arrival guide describes the terminal layout in more detail.

With a private transfer there is no queue for a taxi and no hunting for the right bus. Your driver waits in the arrivals hall holding a sign with your name. Because we track your flight, a delay is not a problem: the driver adjusts and waits for you free of charge, and the price agreed in advance stays the same.

A few small things make this moment easier:

• Keep your phone switched on after landing so you can see WhatsApp messages once you are connected.
• If you have extra bags, a pushchair or golf clubs, mention them when booking so the right vehicle comes; there is no luggage fee.
• Child seats are free on request; mention the children's ages when you book so the right seats are already in the car.

Landing after midnight? Read our tips for a late-night arrival; night transfers cost the same as daytime ones.

Typical drive times from Antalya Airport (high season and city traffic can add time):

• Lara: ≈ 14 km, ≈ 20 min
• Kaleiçi (old town): ≈ 16 km, ≈ 25 min
• Konyaaltı: ≈ 27 km, ≈ 35 min
• Belek: ≈ 33 km, ≈ 40 min
• Kemer: ≈ 58 km, ≈ 70 min
• Side: ≈ 65 km, ≈ 75 min
• Alanya: ≈ 125 km, ≈ 120 min

Use the drive to rest. If you are heading to Alanya and would like a short stop on the way, tell us when booking. The car takes you right to the hotel entrance, so you never need to find the building yourself. You can choose a Minivan (1–6 passengers), a VIP Mercedes-Benz Vito (1–7) or a Mercedes Sprinter (8–16); all are explained on our airport transfer page.

Check-in times are set by each hotel, not by the transfer, so ask your hotel before you travel. If you arrive early in the morning and the room is not ready, ask reception whether you can leave your luggage and use the pool or restaurant while you wait. If you arrive late, it helps to let the hotel know your expected arrival time so they keep the room.

Once you have your key, take ten minutes for practical things: find the beach and the restaurant, check the times of meals that matter to you, and note the reception phone number. Put passports and valuables in the room safe if there is one.

The first evening is not the time for a big programme. Choose something close:

• Resort hotels in Belek, Side, Kemer or Lara: a walk along the beach at sunset and dinner at the hotel. You will see the place properly in daylight tomorrow.
• Staying in the city: if your hotel is in or near Kaleiçi, a stroll through the old town lanes down towards the old harbour is an easy first outing.
• Konyaaltı: the long beach promenade is pleasant for an evening walk.

Drink plenty of water, especially if you arrive in summer, and avoid long stretches in the sun on day one.

Before you leave home, check with your mobile provider what roaming costs in Turkey; some travellers prefer a local SIM or an eSIM bought in advance. Having mobile data on arrival makes it easier to reach your driver or the hotel.

Carry a little cash in small notes for small purchases and tips, and ask your bank before you travel whether your cards work abroad. For the transfer, you pay in the vehicle in cash, or by card if agreed in advance; there is no prepayment.

Do not plan a day trip for the morning after an evening flight. Give yourself one easy day to recover, then explore. When you are ready, a car with driver can take you to places like the Düden waterfalls or Perge; agree pick-up and return times when booking. If you are spending a few days in the city, our 3-day Antalya plan picks up where this article ends.

One last tip: book the return transfer at the same time as the arrival, so the last day is already sorted before you even land.