Why Rent a Car at Antalya Airport?
Antalya is Turkey’s tourism capital — the gateway to the Turkish Riviera, where pine-forested mountains meet turquoise waters, ancient ruins sit beside modern resorts, and the sun shines 300 days a year. The region stretches from Side in the east to Kaş and beyond in the west, with beaches, archaeological sites, and adventure activities that would take weeks to explore exhaustively. Renting a car at Antalya Airport (AYT) is how you experience more than just your hotel complex.
The airport is about 15 kilometres east of Antalya city centre, making it well-positioned for resorts both east and west. The D400 coastal road runs along the entire Turkish Riviera, making road trips spectacularly scenic. Whether you’re heading to the beach clubs of Lara, the ancient ruins of Perge and Aspendos, or the mountain villages of the Taurus range, a car gives you the freedom to explore.
Arriving at Antalya Airport
Antalya Airport handles flights from across Europe, Russia, and the Middle East — it’s one of Turkey’s busiest tourist airports. There are two international terminals and one domestic. The terminals are modern and efficient, though queues can build during peak arrival times. Car rental desks are in arrivals — international companies and local Turkish firms are represented. Pre-booking is essential in summer when demand peaks.
The D400 coastal road runs right past the airport, making it easy to head east towards Side (1 hour) or west towards Antalya city (20 minutes) and further to Kemer (45 minutes), Kaş (3 hours), and beyond.
Driving from Antalya — What to Expect
The main coastal road (D400) is modern and well-maintained. Most resort access is straightforward. Speed limits: 50 km/h in towns, 90 km/h on open roads, 120 km/h on motorways. Turkish drivers can be assertive, but the tourist routes are generally manageable for visitors.
Mountain roads: If you’re heading into the Taurus Mountains or along the Lycian Way coast west of Antalya, roads can be narrow and winding. Take your time and enjoy the views.
Parking: Most resorts and attractions have car parks. In Antalya Old Town (Kaleiçi), park at the edge and walk in — the narrow streets weren’t designed for cars.
Where to Go from Antalya Airport
Antalya Old Town (Kaleiçi)
20 minutes from the airport. The historic centre with Ottoman-era houses, Roman walls, Hadrian’s Gate, and the iconic clock tower. The old harbour is now a marina surrounded by restaurants. Narrow streets perfect for wandering. Parking is limited in Kaleiçi itself — use the car parks at the edge.
Lara and Kundu Beaches
15-20 minutes east. The upmarket beach zone — luxury hotels, beach clubs, and a long stretch of sand. Lara Beach is public; Kundu is mostly hotel-front. Good for families and those wanting resort-style beach access.
Konyaaltı Beach and the West Coast
25 minutes west. Antalya’s main city beach — kilometres of pebbly sand with mountains behind. Beach clubs, cafés, and the Antalya Aquarium nearby. The road west leads to Kemer and eventually the Lycian coast.
Aspendos and Perge
45 minutes east. Two of Turkey’s best-preserved ancient sites. Aspendos has a Roman theatre still used for performances. Perge was an important Roman city with a stadium and baths. Both are easily reached from the main road.
Side
1 hour east. A resort town built around ancient ruins — the Temple of Apollo sits on the harbour, Roman columns dot the beaches. The old town has narrow streets and shops. Popular but still atmospheric at sunset.
Kemer and the Mountains
45 minutes west. A resort town with beaches and the Tahtali cable car (1,639 metres up the mountain for views across the coast). The surrounding Taurus Mountains offer hiking, canyoning, and traditional villages.
Demre and Kaş
2.5-3 hours west. The far end of the Turkish Riviera. Demre has the Church of St Nicholas (original Santa Claus). Kaş is a charming town with boutique hotels, Lycian tombs, and access to Kekova island’s sunken ruins. The coastal drive is spectacular but winding.
Olympos and Çıralı
1.5 hours west. Treehouse hostels, a long beach, and the Chimaera — eternal flames burning from the ground. Alternative and atmospheric. The ruins of Olympos are scattered through the forest.
Practical Tips for Antalya Car Rental
Peak season: June-August is extremely busy. Book months ahead. May and September are warm with fewer crowds.
Fuel: Petrol stations are plentiful on main roads, rarer in the mountains. Fill up before long drives.
Documents: International Driving Permit often required for non-Turkish licences.
Frequently Asked Questions
How far is Side from Antalya Airport?
About 1 hour east via the D400 coastal road.
Is it worth driving to Kaş?
Yes — it’s 2.5-3 hours, but the coastal road is stunning and Kaş is charming. Make a day of it.
Can I visit Pamukkale from Antalya?
Yes, about 3.5 hours. Possible as a long day trip or overnight.
Book Your Antalya Airport Car Hire
Ready to explore the Turkish Riviera? We work with trusted rental companies at Antalya Airport to bring you competitive rates with no hidden fees. Compare vehicles, book online, and discover beaches, ruins, and mountains beyond your hotel.