Getting from Antalya Airport to Kemer: A Local's Guide

Antalya is a sprawling province, and first-time visitors are often surprised by the scale. While the airport sits on the eastern side of the city near the Lara district, Kemer lies to the southwest, tucked between the Beydağları Mountains and the Mediterranean. To get there, you have to bypass the entire city of Antalya. You’ll head west, skirting the edge of the Kepez district and the Konyaaltı coastline before hitting the scenic mountain road. It’s a straight shot once you’re out of the city, but the transition from the airport's flat plains to Kemer’s pine-forested cliffs is a dramatic 60-kilometer shift.

Route Overview

The route follows the D400 highway. After leaving the airport, you'll pass through the city's northern arteries. The most common bottleneck is the junction near the Antalya Aquarium and the Migros shopping center. Once you pass through the industrial port area (Liman), the road narrows slightly as it hugs the coastline. There are three tunnels on this stretch—Tünel 1, 2, and 3—which have significantly cut down travel time in recent years. The mountain scenery here is world-class, with the Taurus peaks on your right and the sea on your left.

Journey Details

  • Distance: 60 km
  • Estimated duration: 70 minutes

Vehicle Options

Standard Sedan

Capacity: 1-3 Passengers

Couples or solo travelers with standard luggage. Usually a sedan or compact car. Best for those who want to leave immediately without waiting for a shuttle.

Mid-Size Van

Capacity: 4-7 Passengers

Families with children or small groups. These mid-sized vans (Vito style) offer enough floor space for strollers and multiple large suitcases. A much better choice for the hour-long drive to ensure everyone has legroom.

Large Minibus

Capacity: 8-13 Passengers

Large groups, multiple families traveling together, or those with oversized gear like golf clubs or diving equipment. These high-roof vehicles (Sprinter style) avoid the need for two separate cars.

Travel Tips

  • Watch out for 'Tourist Prices' at the airport taxi stand; always confirm if the price is per person or for the whole car (it should be for the car).
  • If you are staying in Tekirova, add at least 20 minutes to what the GPS tells you for your return flight; the road can get winding.
  • The airport has two international terminals (T1 and T2). Make sure you know which one you are landing at, as they are a few kilometers apart.
  • In summer, the humidity shift from the air-conditioned terminal to the outside air is intense. Have water ready before you step out to find your driver.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long is the drive from Antalya Airport to Kemer?
It usually takes between 60 to 75 minutes. However, during the peak of summer, especially on Friday evenings when locals head to their summer houses, the D400 highway through the city center can get sluggish, adding an extra 20 minutes to the trip.
Is it easy to find a taxi at the airport?
Standard taxis at the airport terminal work on a meter but often prefer fixed prices for long distances like Kemer. If you choose a taxi, ensure the meter is running or agree on the total beforehand. For those traveling with more than three people or lots of luggage, a pre-arranged car service is usually more practical as standard yellow taxis are often small sedans with limited trunk space.
Can I get a child seat for the journey?
Yes, legitimate transport providers are required by Turkish law to provide car seats if requested in advance. Local laws are strict about this for commercial transport, though you'll rarely see them in standard street taxis unless you bring your own.
Are there transport options for late-night arrivals?
Absolutely. If your flight lands at 2:00 AM, you won't find the Havaş shuttle running frequently, and the tram doesn't operate that late. Pre-booking a ride or using the 24-hour taxi stand are your only real options at that hour.
Does it matter which part of Kemer I am staying in?
Kemer is spread out. If you are staying in Beldibi or Göynük, you'll reach your hotel 15-20 minutes sooner than if you are staying in Tekirova, which is actually about 15km past Kemer center. Check your specific district before timing your return trip.