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Local Transportation

Local Transportation

Mediterranean Coast, Turkey

Public Transportation Overview

Antalya's public transport mainly consists of Trams (Antray) and Public Buses (Antobus). The Antray system features two main lines: T1B (Airport-Fatih line) connecting Antalya Airport, city center, and Otogar. T3 (Varsak-Zerdalilik line) runs through the city center. There is also the T1A (Nostalgia Tram), a historic tram line for scenic routes.

An extensive network of public buses covers the entire city and its surrounding districts, reaching almost every neighborhood and attraction, including the beaches (Konyaaltı, Lara) and the Otogar.

Public Transit Facts

  • Ticketing: Antalyakart is a reloadable smart card. Purchase and load at tram stops, kiosks, or shops.
  • Fares: Single ride on tram or bus typically costs between TRY 20-30. Cash payments generally not accepted.
  • Hours: Trams and buses operate from early morning (06:00-06:30) until late evening (23:00-00:00).
  • Frequency: Frequent services during peak hours (every 10-20 minutes).

Route Maps & Hubs

Use Google Maps for accurate public transport directions. Major hubs include Clock Tower, MarkAntalya Shopping Mall, and Otogar.

Accessibility

Newer buses and trams have low floors and ramps. Older vehicles/stops and Kaleiçi's cobblestones pose challenges.

Navigating Efficiently

Confirm bus/tram number and destination. Use navigation apps. Hold onto your Antalyakart.

Taxis & Ride-Sharing

Licensed Taxis
  • Identification: Yellow cars with "TAKSI" signs on roofs and official meters inside.
  • Hailing: On the street, at designated taxi stands, or by phone.
  • Fares: Metered system with day and slightly higher night rates. Payment is typically in cash (TRY).
Ride-Sharing Apps
  • BiTaksi: Popular local taxi-hailing app, connecting with official yellow taxis.
  • Uber: Operates in Antalya as Uber Yellow Cab, connecting with licensed yellow taxis.
  • Safety: Apps provide fare estimates, driver details, and cashless payment, enhancing transparency.

Walking & Cycling

Kaleiçi

Best explored on foot with its pedestrianized cobblestone streets.

Beach Promenades

Excellent for walking, jogging, or cycling along Konyaaltı and Lara beaches.

Bike Paths

Dedicated bike paths exist along the coastal promenades.

No-Go Areas

Highways and major arterial roads are not suitable for pedestrians or cyclists.

Specialized Transportation

Antalya presents unique transport options for specific experiences or excursions, ranging from guided tours to scenic cable car rides.

Tour Buses & Hop-on-Hop-off

  • Several companies offer tour bus services visiting major tourist attractions.
  • Hop-on-hop-off buses provide flexibility, allowing you to alight at points of interest.
  • These are useful for covering many sites in a day without worrying about individual transport.
  • Often include audio guides in multiple languages.

Boat Taxis & Water Transport

  • From Antalya's Old Harbor, numerous boat tours depart regularly.
  • These offer scenic trips along the coast to attractions like the Lower Düden Waterfalls.
  • Various sizes of boats are available, from large tour boats to smaller private charters.
  • These are leisure activities, not "taxis" for general commuting.

Cable Cars & Accessibility Services

  • Olympos Teleferik (Tahtalı Cable Car) is a popular excursion south of Antalya.
  • It takes you to the summit of Tahtalı Mountain for panoramic views.
  • This is a leisure activity rather than a transport option within Antalya city.
  • Information on dedicated accessible transportation services can be limited.
  • Newer public transport and modern attractions are increasingly accessible.
  • Contact hotels or specialized tour operators for travelers with mobility needs.

Hailing & Payment Security

Confirm Destination

Always confirm your destination with the driver before starting the ride. Show the address on a map or write it down.

Meter Use

Ensure the driver uses the meter at the start of your journey. Politely decline if a driver insists on a fixed price for short journeys.

Payment Method

Payment is typically in cash (Turkish Lira, TRY). Confirm credit card acceptance before starting your journey if you do not have cash.

Safety Considerations for Local Transport

Official Taxis

  • Always use official yellow taxis identifiable by "TAKSI" signs.
  • Avoid unmarked cars offering rides.
  • For airport transfers or longer distances, negotiation of a fixed price is possible.
  • Always insist on using the meter for shorter journeys.

Ride-Sharing Apps

  • You have a record of your ride, the driver's details, and the fare.
  • Share your trip details with a friend if traveling alone, especially at night.
  • These apps connect you with licensed yellow taxis, similar to traditional hailing.

Driving & Cycling Safety

Road Safety

Major roads and highways around Antalya are generally in good condition. Be aware of speed cameras and enforce speed limits.

Practice defensive driving due to local driving habits.

Cycling Safety

Dedicated bike paths exist along the Konyaaltı and Lara beach promenades. Cycling on busy city roads can be challenging due to traffic.

Wear a Helmet and follow traffic rules when cycling.

Parking Safety

Paid parking lots are available in city centers. Street parking can be challenging to find.

Avoid parking in no-parking zones to prevent towing.

Important Reminders

General Taxi Tips
  • Always ensure the taxi meter is running at the start of your journey.
  • If a driver insists on a fixed price for a short journey, politely decline.
  • Have small denominations of Turkish Lira for taxi fares.
Cycling & Pedestrian Zones
  • Be aware of pedestrians on shared bike paths, especially along promenades.
  • Highways and major arterial roads lack sidewalks or bike lanes, making them unsafe.
  • Hilly or unpaved areas are not practical for casual walking or cycling.

Critical Safety Alerts

  • Turkish drivers can be more aggressive; practice defensive driving at all times.
  • Do not use a mobile phone while driving without a hands-free system.
  • Drunk driving is strictly illegal with a zero-tolerance policy.
  • Always use official yellow taxis. Avoid unmarked cars offering rides.
  • Exercise standard urban precautions when walking alone late at night.
  • Be aware of common tourist scams, like inflated taxi fares.
  • Stay aware of your belongings in crowded tourist areas like Kaleiçi.
  • Heavy winter rains occasionally cause localized flash floods; monitor weather.

Final Local Transport Tip

Purchasing an Antalyakart upon arrival at the airport or main bus terminal simplifies your public transport experience and is for most rides.

Load enough credit for your expected journeys to move around the city with ease.