MileHacker Logo
Getting There & Away

Getting There & Away

Mediterranean Coast, Turkey

Air Travel

Major Airports

Air travel forms the most common way for international visitors to reach Alanya. Two airports serve the region, bringing different levels of convenience and flight options.

Antalya Airport AYT

  • Main international airport for Turkish Riviera.
  • Approximately 125 kilometers (78 miles) west of Alanya.
  • Major hub for package holiday companies and budget airlines from Europe.

Gazipaşa-Alanya Airport GZP

Gazipaşa-Alanya Airport (GZP) stands much closer to Alanya. It forms a smaller yet increasingly important airport for travelers.

Closer Option

  • Approximately 40 kilometers (25 miles) east of Alanya.
  • Mainly serves domestic flights and a growing number of direct international flights.
  • Especially from Europe during the peak summer season.

AYT Airlines

A vast array of international airlines serve AYT. Turkish Airlines, Pegasus Airlines, SunExpress, and Corendon Airlines (Turkish carriers). Many European charter and budget airlines operate frequent services.

GZP Airlines

Mainly served by Turkish Airlines, Pegasus Airlines, SunExpress, and AnadoluJet for domestic routes. A selection of European budget airlines offer seasonal international routes.

Connecting Flights

Direct flights to Antalya (AYT) are widely available from most major European cities. Travelers from North America, Asia often find connecting flights via Istanbul or major European transit hubs.

Transfer Options to Alanya

From Antalya Airport AYT

  • Havaş or Havaist Buses: Reliable, cost-effective shuttle services to Alanya Bus Terminal (2-3 hours).
  • Shared or Private Shuttle Services: Pre-booked, door-to-door service, more expensive.
  • Taxi: Available outside terminals, expensive for this distance (agree fare beforehand).
  • Car Rental: Major companies at AYT, DiscoverCars.com offers competitive rates for independent exploration.

From Gazipaşan Airport GZP

  • Havaş Buses: Direct connection to Alanya city center (45-60 minutes).
  • Taxi: Readily available outside terminal, more affordable than from AYT.
  • Shared or Private Shuttle Services: Pre-booking option for door-to-door.
  • Car Rental: Available at GZP, also for independent travel.

Airport Facilities

Shopping & Dining

Duty-free shops, restaurants, cafes for last-minute purchases or meals.

Travel Services

Car rental agencies, currency exchange offices, and ATMs for convenience.

Comfort & Lounges

Lounges available at Antalya Airport (AYT) for eligible passengers, offering comfort before flights.

Land Transportation

Long-Distance Buses

Turkey features an extensive, modern, and efficient intercity bus network. This makes land travel a viable and popular option, notably for domestic connections.

Companies & Routes

  • Alanya Otogar (Bus Terminal) finds good connections to major cities across Turkey.
  • Major Companies: Kamil Koç (FlixBus Turkey), Metro Turizm, and Pamukkale Turizm.
  • Comfort: Buses offer air conditioning, Wi-Fi, entertainment, and complimentary snacks.

Self-Driving in Alanya

Car rental offers flexibility for exploring the region independently.

Requirements

  • Valid national driver's license. International Driving Permit (IDP) highly recommended.
  • Major credit card necessary for security deposit.
  • Minimum age for rental typically 21-25, varies by company.

Road Conditions

Main highways connecting Alanya to other cities are well-maintained. Roads within city centers may face congestion. Turkish drivers may be assertive.

Safety Tips

  • Highways generally good.
  • Practice defensive driving.
  • City roads can be congested.

Driving Laws & Parking

Familiarity with local driving laws and parking conventions is prudent for a smooth experience.

Regulations

  • Drive on the right side of the road.
  • Seatbelts are mandatory for all occupants.
  • Paid parking zones common in city center.

Important Land Notes

  • No train station in Alanya.
  • Border crossing information not directly for Alanya access.
  • Drinking and driving is illegal and strictly enforced.
  • Standard passport control at land borders if arriving by car.
  • Visa checks apply at land borders where relevant.
  • Inquire with car rental companies about insurance and roadside assistance.

Sea/River Arrivals

Ferry & Cruise Ports

Alanya features a commercial port that occasionally hosts cruise ships. For individual travelers, a prominent regular sea connection involves the seasonal ferry service to Kyrenia (Girne) in Northern Cyprus.

Sea Connections

  • Cruise Ships: Occasional visits as part of Mediterranean itineraries.
  • Seasonal Ferry: Connects Alanya to Kyrenia, Northern Cyprus.
  • Check Schedules: Verify availability in advance, often seasonal.

River Transportation

River transportation finds no applicability for public transport or international arrivals in Alanya. The Dim River is a popular natural attraction for leisure activities.

Dim River Tours

  • Dim River: Offers boat tours for leisure and scenic enjoyment.
  • Mainly for tourism, not a mode of transport to/from the city.
  • Riverside dining experiences in the Dim River Valley.

Immigration at Sea

Standard passport control and customs procedures apply for international arrivals by sea, similar to airport arrivals.

Land Connections

Taxis and local dolmuş (mini-buses) are available at Alanya port, providing connections to the city center for arrivals.

Departure Timing

International flights: 2-3 hours before. Domestic flights: 1-1.5 hours. Bus departures: 30-45 minutes before.

Departure Information

Airport Facilities

Both Antalya Airport (AYT) and Gazipaşa-Alanya Airport (GZP) offer amenities for departing passengers. These cater to various needs.

Services Available

  • Restaurants and Cafes: Options for a final meal or snack before your flight.
  • Duty-Free Shops: For last-minute souvenir purchases or tax-free goods.
  • Lounges: Available at AYT for eligible passengers.

Financial & Essentials

Ensuring you have all necessary travel documents readily accessible for a swift departure process.

Checklist

  • ATMs and Currency Exchange: For any last-minute cash needs.
  • Passport: Have it ready.
  • Boarding Pass: Print or mobile.

Affiliate Resources

Flight Deals

Find affordable flights using Dollar Flight Club.

Compare Flights

Compare flight options from various airlines with Skyscanner.

Car Rentals

Secure your rental car in advance through DiscoverCars.com.

Departure Readiness

No specific exit fees or taxes are typically paid separately; these are included in your airfare.