How do I get from Istanbul to Antalya?

Flying is by far the best option. Multiple airlines operate direct flights from Istanbul Airport (IST) and Sabiha Gökçen (SAW) to Antalya Airport (AYT). Flight duration is 1 hour 20 minutes. From Antalya Airport, a private transfer to your hotel on the Turkish Riviera takes 30–60 minutes depending on location.

How long does it take to get from Istanbul to Antalya by car?

Istanbul to Antalya by private car is approximately 725 km and takes 8–10 hours via the D330/O-21 motorway through Burdur. A scenic coastal route via Marmaris adds time but goes through beautiful Aegean scenery. Long-distance VIP road transfers are available for groups or for those wishing to stop en route (Pamukkale, Afrodisias).

Which airlines fly from Istanbul to Antalya?

Turkish Airlines, Pegasus Airlines, AJet, and SunExpress all operate multiple daily flights from Istanbul (IST and/or SAW) to Antalya (AYT). Pegasus and AJet offer the cheapest fares from €35–60. Turkish Airlines offers full-service options from €70. During summer, charter flights also operate directly from Antalya.

How much does a taxi from Antalya Airport to the city center cost?

A licensed taxi from Antalya Airport (AYT) to Antalya city center costs approximately €30–45 by meter. To Konyaaltı or Lara beach areas: €35–50. To Belek resort area: €60–80. To Alanya: €130–160 — and prices rise sharply in peak season. A pre-booked private transfer gives you a fixed confirmed price, a driver waiting at the airport meeting point, and luggage assistance from the plane.

Is there a bus from Istanbul to Antalya?

Yes — Kamil Koç, Pamukkale Turizm, and Metro Turizm operate overnight buses from Istanbul to Antalya. Journey time is approximately 10–12 hours. Departs from Istanbul Büyük Otogar (main bus terminal, Esenler). Fares from 400–800 TRY (~$12–25). Comfortable reclining seats, but 10+ hours on the road vs a 1h20m flight — most tourists find the flight far better value for time.

What is special about Antalya and the Turkish Riviera?

Antalya is the gateway to the Turkish Riviera (Turquoise Coast) — one of the Mediterranean's most beautiful regions. Highlights include: old Kaleiçi quarter with Roman harbor, Düden waterfalls, Aspendos ancient theater, Perge Roman ruins, Side ancient city, the beaches and luxury resorts of Belek, Kemer, and Alanya, and crystal-clear turquoise sea water.

Istanbul to Antalya 2026 — Flights & Transfer Guide

Istanbul › Antalya: At a Glance

Option	Duration	Cost	Best For
Flight IST/SAW › AYT	1h 20m	€35–120	Everyone — fastest & easiest
VIP Road Transfer	8–10h	From €435	Road trip, groups, scenery
Overnight bus	10–12h	€12–25	Budget only, very slow

Antalya is Turkey's tourism capital and gateway to the turquoise Turkish Riviera. Whether you're staying in Antalya city, Belek's 5-star resorts, or exploring the ancient ruins of Aspendos — the journey from Istanbul is quick and straightforward. Here's everything you need for 2026.

Sunset over the Antalya bay with the Taurus mountains behind — The mountains close the bay in: resorts east and west are separate drives, not one strip.

Step 1: Fly Istanbul › Antalya

The 1h20m flight is the obvious choice. Multiple daily departures from both Istanbul airports make it easy to fit into any schedule.

IST (Istanbul Airport) › AYT (Antalya): €50–120 · Turkish Airlines, AJet · 1h 20m
SAW (Sabiha Gökçen) › AYT (Antalya): €35–80 · Pegasus, SunExpress · 1h 20m

Booking Tip: Book flights 4–8 weeks ahead in peak season (June–September). Prices can triple in the last 2 weeks before departure. Mid-week flights (Tue–Wed) are typically cheapest.

A restored Ottoman house in Antalya's old town — Staying in Kaleiçi means old streets and no coach access — the transfer stops at the gate.

Step 2: Antalya Airport › Your Hotel / Resort

Once you land at Antalya International Airport (AYT), you need to reach your hotel. Transfer prices by zone:

Destination	Distance	Private Transfer	Taxi (approx)
Antalya City Center	12 km	€40	€30–45
Konyaaltı Beach	18 km	€40	€35–50
Lara Beach	15 km	€40	€30–45
Belek Resorts	35 km	€47	€55–75
Kemer	50 km	€59	€70–90
Side	70 km	€59	€90–120
Alanya	130 km	€97	€130–160

Heading to Antalya Airport from Istanbul? We'll pick you up from anywhere in Istanbul and get you to your flight on time. Flight tracking, door-to-door pickup, professional VIP vehicles.

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Top Things to Do in Antalya

Kaleiçi Old Quarter: Roman harbor, Ottoman houses, Hadrian's Gate — the heart of historic Antalya
Düden Waterfalls: Spectacular waterfalls plunging directly into the sea — boat tours available
Aspendos Theater: Best-preserved Roman theater in the world, still used for concerts today
Boat tours / Blue Cave: Turquoise coast boat trips from Antalya marina — secluded coves and caves
Belek Beach Resorts: Europe's top all-inclusive resort area — 5-star hotels on golden sand
Perge & Side ruins: Ancient Greco-Roman cities 30 km east of Antalya

Frequently Asked Questions

Flying is by far the best option. Multiple airlines operate direct flights from Istanbul Airport (IST) and Sabiha Gökçen (SAW) to Antalya Airport (AYT). Flight duration is 1 hour 20 minutes. From Antalya Airport, a private transfer to your hotel on the Turkish Riviera takes 30–60 minutes depending on location.
Istanbul to Antalya by private car is approximately 725 km and takes 8–10 hours via the D330/O-21 motorway through Burdur. A scenic coastal route via Marmaris adds time but goes through beautiful Aegean scenery. Long-distance VIP road transfers are available for groups or for those wishing to stop en route (Pamukkale, Afrodisias).
Turkish Airlines, Pegasus Airlines, AJet, and SunExpress all operate multiple daily flights from Istanbul (IST and/or SAW) to Antalya (AYT). Pegasus and AJet offer the cheapest fares from €35–60. Turkish Airlines offers full-service options from €70. During summer, charter flights also operate directly from Antalya.
A licensed taxi from Antalya Airport (AYT) to Antalya city center costs approximately €30–45 by meter. To Konyaaltı or Lara beach areas: €35–50. To Belek resort area: €60–80. To Alanya: €130–160 — and prices rise sharply in peak season. A pre-booked private transfer gives you a fixed confirmed price, a driver waiting at the airport meeting point, and luggage assistance from the plane.
Yes — Kamil Koç, Pamukkale Turizm, and Metro Turizm operate overnight buses from Istanbul to Antalya. Journey time is approximately 10–12 hours. Departs from Istanbul Büyük Otogar (main bus terminal, Esenler). Fares from 400–800 TRY (~$12–25). Comfortable reclining seats, but 10+ hours on the road vs a 1h20m flight — most tourists find the flight far better value for time.
Antalya is the gateway to the Turkish Riviera (Turquoise Coast) — one of the Mediterranean's most beautiful regions. Highlights include: old Kaleiçi quarter with Roman harbor, Düden waterfalls, Aspendos ancient theater, Perge Roman ruins, Side ancient city, the beaches and luxury resorts of Belek, Kemer, and Alanya, and crystal-clear turquoise sea water.

Istanbul to Antalya 2026

Istanbul › Antalya: At a Glance

Step 1: Fly Istanbul › Antalya

Step 2: Antalya Airport › Your Hotel / Resort

Top Things to Do in Antalya

Frequently Asked Questions

Private transfers in Antalya.

Private tours around Antalya.

Antalya Old Town & Düden Waterfalls

Köprülü Canyon Rafting

Demre, Myra & Kekova Boat Trip

More to do in Antalya.

Keep reading

Istanbul to Antalya 2026

Istanbul › Antalya: At a Glance

Step 1: Fly Istanbul › Antalya

Step 2: Antalya Airport › Your Hotel / Resort

Top Things to Do in Antalya

Frequently Asked Questions

Private transfers in Antalya.

Private tours around Antalya.

Antalya Old Town & Düden Waterfalls

Köprülü Canyon Rafting

Demre, Myra & Kekova Boat Trip

More to do in Antalya.

Keep reading