How to get from Antalya Airport to Old Town Kaleiçi
Getting from Antalya Airport (AYT) to the historic lanes and harbor views of Old Town Kaleiçi is straightforward once you choose between the cheap AntRay tram, frequent buses, or door-to-door taxis and private transfers; this guide walks you through each option with typical times, fares and step-by-step directions so you can start exploring Antalya with minimal stress.
At A Glance (Antalya Airport to Old Town Kaleiçi)
| Mode | Duration | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| 🚊 AntRay Tram Line 1 (Airport → City Centre) | ~30–40 minutes platform-to-Kaleiçi | Budget travelers, light luggage, daytime arrivals |
| 🏷️ Cost: ~TRY 15–20 per person with AntalyaKart » AntalyaKart info | ||
| 🚕 Airport Taxi / Private Transfer | ~25–40 minutes door-to-door | Late arrivals, lots of luggage, first-time visitors |
| 🏷️ Cost: ~TRY 450–650 per car (up to 3–4 pax) depending on traffic and time of day » fare guidance | prebook transfers | ||
| 🚌 Shared Shuttle & Hotel Transfers | ~35–60 minutes (multiple hotel stops) | Groups, prebooked packages, mid-range comfort |
| 🏷️ Cost: from ~€10–20 per person depending on route and hotel area » airport transfer options | alt. transfer listings | ||
| 🚗 Car Rental / Self-Drive | ~25–35 minutes driving | Road trips along the Turkish Riviera |
| 🏷️ Cost: small car from ~€25–40 per day plus fuel and parking » compare Antalya Airport cars | scooter/motorbike rentals | ||
Which Option or Route Should You Choose?
- Fastest / Most Convenient: Airport taxi or private transfer gets you straight to your hotel in Kaleiçi with no changes, ideal after a long flight or with heavy bags.
- Cheapest / Good for Solo Travelers: The AntRay tram Line 1 is very affordable and reasonably quick if your accommodation is in or near the Old Town.
- Best for Groups & Families: Prebooked shuttles and private vans can work out cheaper per person than multiple taxis and include meet-and-greet.
- Best if You’re Road-Tripping: Renting a car at Antalya Airport makes sense if you’re continuing to other resorts (Kas, Kemer, Side) after a night or two in Kaleiçi.
How to Book and Practical Tips
- Prebook in high season (May–Oct): Taxis and shuttles can be busy when many flights arrive. Compare door-to-door transfers on 12Go or book a car/van in advance with GetTransfer or Welcome Pickups.
- Use contactless or AntalyaKart on public transport: The tram and buses use the city’s smartcard system; you can buy or top up an AntalyaKart at machines in the terminal and stops. Check zones and fares on the official AntalyaKart site.
- Check your hotel’s exact location: Some “Kaleiçi” hotels are inside the pedestrian old town (no car access). Ask if they have a recommended drop-off point or shuttle service from Cumhuriyet Meydanı or Hadrian’s Gate.
- Plan for traffic: Antalya’s coastal roads can clog up around sunset and weekend evenings. Allow extra time for taxis and shuttles if you have dinner reservations or tours.
- Store bags if you have time to kill: If you land early and can’t check in yet, consider luggage storage around the city, such as Radical Storage near Konyaaltı Beach, then head into Kaleiçi hands-free.
- Book onward trips early: For buses or transfers onward to resorts like Alanya or Belek, compare schedules and prices on 12Go Antalya routes or use the airport transfer filters on Trip.com.
🚊 Option #1 — AntRay Tram Line 1 (Fast, Cheap, Scenic)
Budget-friendly Fairly quick Daytime only
- Overview: The AntRay light-rail Line 1 runs directly from Antalya Airport into the city center. From the airport stop (Havalimanı), ride towards Fatih and get off at İsmetpaşa or Kalekapısı; from there it’s a short walk into Kaleiçi.
- Duration: Around 30–35 minutes from the airport to İsmetpaşa/Kalekapısı plus 5–10 minutes’ walk, depending on your hotel’s location in the Old Town.
- Operating hours: Typically early morning to late evening with departures every 7–15 minutes during the day; service may thin out late at night.
- How to book/pay (with price): No advance booking; tap in with an AntalyaKart or contactless at the station gates. Expect around TRY 15–20 per person one-way. For fares and card locations see AntalyaKart official info.
- Pros: Very cheap, avoids road traffic, drops you close to the Old Town, easy to navigate.
- Cons: Standing room at busy times; not ideal with very large or multiple suitcases; less convenient late at night when frequency drops.
Step-by-step: AntRay Tram from Antalya Airport to Kaleiçi
- After exiting arrivals, follow the signs for Tram / Antray; the tram stop is just outside the terminal building.
- Buy or top up an AntalyaKart at the ticket machine beside the platform, or check whether your contactless card/phone is accepted.
- Validate your card at the turnstile and enter the platform heading towards Fatih (not Expo).
- Ride the tram until İsmetpaşa or Kalekapısı stop; both are a few minutes’ walk from Kaleiçi’s main gates and the Clock Tower.
- From İsmetpaşa/Kalekapısı, follow signs to Kaleiçi or landmarks like Hadrian’s Gate and the Old Harbour; narrow pedestrian streets lead down into the historic core.
Getting to the main embarking points (Airport Tram Stop)
- From all airport terminals: Follow ground-side signs for the tram. Terminals 1, 2 and the domestic terminal all connect to the same Havalimanı tram stop via short walkways.
- If your flight arrives late: Check the last tram times on airport displays or online; if you miss the last service, switch to a taxi or prebooked transfer.
- Tickets & validation: Ensure your AntalyaKart has enough balance for everyone in your group; you can tap multiple times with one card.
- Locations/Trip Planner: 🔗 Google Map / 🔗 OpenStreetMap
🚕 Option #2 — Airport Taxi & Private Transfers (Most Convenient)
Door-to-door 24/7 Higher cost
- Overview: Official yellow taxis line up outside each terminal, and many companies offer prebooked private transfers. Both take you directly to the nearest point accessible by car to your Kaleiçi hotel.
- Duration: About 25–40 minutes depending on traffic along the main airport highway and city center streets.
- Indicative price: Expect roughly TRY 450–650 to central Antalya/Kaleiçi in normal traffic. Night-time and holiday surcharges may apply.
- How to book (with price): You can walk up to the official taxi rank outside arrivals, or prebook online. Services like Welcome Pickups, GetTransfer, and transfer listings on 12Go or Trip.com let you lock in a fixed price in advance.
- Ride-hailing apps: In Turkey, taxi apps like BiTaksi operate mainly in larger cities and may have limited coverage in Antalya; visitors more often rely on regular metered taxis or prebooked transfer services.
- Pros: Fastest and simplest, no need to navigate public transport, great with kids or bulky luggage.
- Cons: More expensive than tram/bus; occasional queues at peak arrival times.
Step-by-step: Taxi or Private Transfer
- On landing, clear immigration and customs, then follow the signs for Taxi or meet your prebooked driver at the specified meeting point in arrivals.
- If using the public taxi rank, join the queue and confirm that the driver uses the meter or agrees a fixed fare before departure.
- Give your destination clearly: either your hotel name and address in Kaleiçi or a known landmark like Hadrian’s Gate (Üçkapılar) or Clock Tower (Saat Kulesi).
- For prebooked services via Welcome Pickups or GetTransfer Antalya, your driver will typically monitor your flight and wait with a name sign.
- Once in Kaleiçi, cars may not be able to enter narrow streets. Expect to be dropped at the nearest accessible gate or square and walk a short distance to your accommodation.
Getting to the main embarking points (Taxi Ranks & Pick-up Zones)
- Terminal taxi ranks: Official yellow taxis wait outside each terminal building; follow “Taxi” signs from arrivals.
- Prebooked meeting points: Check your confirmation email or app for the exact meeting point (often just outside arrivals under a specific sign or column).
- Paying the fare: Many taxis accept cash in Turkish Lira; some accept cards, but don’t rely on it unless confirmed. Prebooked transfers are usually prepaid online.
- Locations/Trip Planner: 🔗 Google Map / 🔗 OpenStreetMap
🚌 Option #3 — Shared Shuttle & Hotel Transfers
Hotel drop-off Good for groups Slightly slower
- Overview: Many Antalya hotels and tour operators offer shared or private shuttle vans from the airport to central hotels, including those near Kaleiçi. You travel with other passengers whose hotels are along the same route.
- Duration: Typically 35–60 minutes depending on traffic and how many hotel stops are scheduled before yours.
- How to book (with price): Shuttles must be booked in advance, often when reserving your hotel or package. Independent transfers on platforms like GetYourGuide, 12Go or “Airport transfer” options on Booking.com hotels start around €10–20 per person or a fixed rate per vehicle.
- Pros: Cost-effective for groups, often includes meet-and-greet, driver knows the tourist areas well.
- Cons: You must match your flight time to scheduled departures, and you may be the last drop-off; less privacy than a private taxi.
Step-by-step: Shuttle or Hotel Transfer
- When booking your accommodation in Antalya or Kaleiçi on sites like Booking.com or Trip.com, check if they offer “airport transfer” and add it to your reservation if desired.
- Alternatively, reserve a standalone airport transfer on GetYourGuide Antalya or compare van options on 12Go.
- Receive your confirmation with meeting instructions; many shuttles have a desk or representative in arrivals with your name or company logo.
- On arrival, follow the instructions to locate your driver/desk, check your name and hotel, and wait at the designated meeting point until departure.
- Ride to your hotel; if your accommodation is inside the pedestrianized core of Kaleiçi, the shuttle will drop you at the closest gate or accessible street.
Getting to the main embarking points (Shuttle Meeting Points)
- Tour desks in arrivals: Some operators have small counters just outside customs; look for your company name (or the platform you booked through) on signs.
- Hotel-branded shuttles: Check your email or voucher for the exact pickup bay number or column outside the terminal.
- Timing: Shared shuttles may wait for several arrivals; if your flight is delayed, inform the operator via the contact details in your voucher.
- Locations/Trip Planner: 🔗 Google Map / 🔗 OpenStreetMap
🚗 Option #4 — Car Rental / Self-Drive
Flexible Great for road trips Not ideal inside Old Town
- Overview: Antalya Airport has multiple international and local car-rental desks in each terminal. Driving into town is fairly straightforward via the D400 highway, but cars cannot enter much of Kaleiçi’s pedestrian area.
- Duration: Around 25–35 minutes to the edge of Kaleiçi in normal traffic.
- How to book (with price): Reserve in advance on Booking.com Car Rental to compare companies, or look at motorbike/scooter options for later in your trip on BikesBooking. Expect from €25–40/day for a small car, plus fuel, insurance, and possible parking fees.
- Pros: Total freedom for side trips to waterfalls, beaches and nearby ruins; ideal if continuing along the coast.
- Cons: Parking can be tricky and paid near Kaleiçi; local driving style may feel assertive; no need for a car if you’re staying only in the Old Town.
Step-by-step: Renting a Car at Antalya Airport
- Compare offers and prebook with your preferred provider on Booking.com Car Rental or your chosen rental company’s website.
- On arrival, follow signs to Car Rental desks in your terminal; present your passport, driver’s license (and International Driving Permit if required), and booking confirmation.
- Inspect the car for existing damage and ensure it is marked on the form; check fuel policy, tolls and insurance coverage.
- Drive towards Antalya city center following signs for Antalya / City Centre, then towards Kaleiçi or Old Town. Use a navigation app for the last turns.
- Park in a public car park or paid street parking near Kaleiçi (for example close to Hadrian’s Gate or Karaalioğlu Park) and walk into the pedestrianized area.
Getting to the main embarking points (Car-Rental Car Parks)
- Rental car pick-up: Many companies have desks inside arrivals with cars in nearby parking areas; some require a short shuttle ride to an off-airport lot.
- Parking near Kaleiçi: Use city car parks or marked spaces just outside the Old Town walls; avoid driving into narrow alleys unless your hotel confirms access.
- Returning your car: Leave extra time on departure day to navigate traffic, refuel if needed, and complete check-in paperwork at the rental desk.
- Locations/Trip Planner: 🔗 Google Map / 🔗 OpenStreetMap
FAQ (Antalya Airport to Old Town Kaleiçi)
How long does it take to get from Antalya Airport to Kaleiçi?
Most journeys take around 30–40 minutes. The AntRay tram is usually about 35 minutes plus a short walk, while taxis and private transfers can be as quick as 25 minutes in light traffic but slower at peak times.
What is the cheapest way to reach Old Town Kaleiçi?
The cheapest option is the AntRay tram Line 1 from the airport to İsmetpaşa or Kalekapısı, using an AntalyaKart or contactless payment. It is inexpensive and frequent during the day, though less convenient with very heavy luggage.
Is taking a taxi from Antalya Airport safe?
Official airport taxis are generally safe and regulated. Always use the official ranks outside arrivals, make sure the meter is on or agree a fixed fare in advance, and avoid unlicensed drivers who approach you inside the terminal. Prebooked services with companies like Welcome Pickups or GetTransfer add another layer of reliability.
Can cars drive into Kaleiçi?
Much of Kaleiçi is pedestrianized or restricted to local vehicles, so taxis, transfers and rental cars usually stop at the nearest accessible gate or parking area. Your hotel can advise the best drop-off point and walking route from there.
Do I need a car if I’m only staying in Kaleiçi?
Not really. Kaleiçi itself is best explored on foot, and public transport or organized tours are enough for many nearby sights. A rental car becomes more useful if you plan multiple day trips or a longer coastal road trip.