Getting from Antalya Airport to Lara: A Local’s Guide

Lara is often described as Antalya’s front yard, but it is a district of two halves. To the west, you have the high rocky cliffs of the Eski Lara area, home to local apartments and trendy cafes overlooking the Mediterranean. To the east lies the Kundu resort strip, where the massive, all-inclusive 'themed' hotels sit shoulder-to-shoulder along the sand. While it looks close on a map, the airport is tucked just behind these zones, making it one of the shortest commutes in the region—provided you don't get caught in the afternoon school run or the heavy resort supply traffic.

Route Overview

The journey is short but can be deceptive. You'll exit the airport and typically take the Havaalanı Yolu toward the Kardelen junction. From there, your route splits: you either head south toward the Düden Waterfalls and the cliff-top hotels of Central Lara, or you swing toward the East (Kundu) via the Lara Turizm Yolu. The latter is a flat, straight run lined with greenhouses and, eventually, the towering silhouettes of the Titanic, Delphin, and Concorde hotels. Traffic usually bunches up at the 'Deepo' junction near the airport exit, especially when the charter flights land in waves on Saturday afternoons.

Journey Details

  • Distance: 15 km
  • Estimated duration: 25 minutes

Vehicle Options

Sedan Car

Capacity: 1-3 Passengers

Solo travelers or couples with standard luggage (2-3 suitcases).

Mid-size Van (Vito Style)

Capacity: 1-7 Passengers

Families, shoppers, or those with bulky items like golf clubs or strollers. This is the 'workhorse' of Antalya transport.

Large Minibus (Sprinter Style)

Capacity: 8-13 Passengers

Large groups or multiple families traveling together to the same resort. Enough room for 10+ large bags.

Travel Tips

  • Check your hotel name carefully; many 'Lara' hotels are actually in Kundu, which is a further 10-minute drive east.
  • If taking a yellow taxi, ensure the meter is started (though many have fixed-rate boards for Lara/Kundu resorts).
  • Avoid the 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM window if you can; the commute from the airport can double in time due to local staff finishing shifts at the resorts.
  • Note that Lara is very walkable once you are at the hotels, but the road from the airport is a highway with no pedestrian access.

Frequently Asked Questions

Where exactly do I meet my driver at Antalya Airport?
The meeting point at AYT is outside the terminal exit. Look for your name on a signboard or head to the specific arrival gate numbered in your booking. Unlike some European airports, drivers cannot wait at the curb; they use a designated holding area and pull up once you are ready.
Are child seats mandatory and available?
Yes, and you should request them in advance. In Turkey, standard taxis rarely carry car seats. If you are traveling with toddlers, booking a dedicated car service is the only way to guarantee a ISOFIX seat or booster is waiting for you at the terminal.
How long does it take to reach the hotels?
The 'Lara' name covers a huge area. If you are staying at the famous 'themed' resorts, you are likely in Kundu, which is about 20-25 minutes away. If you are staying in an apartment or boutique hotel near the cliffs (Lara Caddesi), you are closer to the city center, roughly 15 minutes away.
Is it possible to get a transfer at 3:00 AM?
Absolutely. Operations run 24/7. However, do not expect public transport or the Havaş shuttles to be frequent after midnight. Having a pre-booked ride is highly recommended for late-night landings to avoid the shift-change chaos at the taxi ranks.
What size vehicle should I book for a family of four with luggage?
A standard sedan fits three passengers with three medium suitcases. If you have golf clubs, a stroller, or more than four bags, you need a larger van like a Vito. Turkish traffic police are strict about passenger limits, so don't try to squeeze five people into a sedan.