Taxi, Shuttle or Private Transfer from Antalya Airport

Antalya Airport is the main gateway to the Turkish Riviera, serving millions of holidaymakers every year. Once you land, your next step is getting to your accommodation. The coastline is vast, and depending on where you are staying, your journey could take fifteen minutes or over two hours.

To help you make the right choice for your arrival, we have put together an honest comparison of the three primary transport options: the airport taxi, the shared shuttle bus, and the private transfer.

The Shared Shuttle Bus: Best for Solo Travellers on a Budget

The shared shuttle bus is a popular choice for budget-conscious travellers, and in several scenarios, it is genuinely the most sensible option. If you are travelling alone or as a couple with minimal luggage, booking a seat on a shuttle bus can keep your transport costs low.

However, shuttle buses operate on fixed schedules and often wait for passengers from multiple flights to arrive before departing. Because the bus stops at various hotels along the route to drop off other passengers, your travel time will be significantly longer than a direct drive.

If you are heading to a distant resort and do not mind spending extra time on the road in exchange for a lower price, the shuttle bus is an excellent choice. But if you are travelling with young children or have a tight schedule, the waiting times and multiple stops can be tiring.

The Airport Taxi: Best for Short, Spontaneous Journeys

Official yellow taxis are parked directly outside the arrivals terminals at Antalya Airport. They operate twenty-four hours a day and do not require pre-booking, making them highly convenient for spontaneous trips.

A taxi is often the easiest option if your destination is close to the airport. For example, a drive to Kundu is only 10 km and takes about 15 minutes by car, while Lara is 13 km away, taking about 20 minutes by car. Even a trip to Antalya city centre is relatively short at 15 km, taking about 25 minutes by car.

While taxis are convenient for these short distances, they have limitations. Standard saloon taxis have limited boot space, which can be a problem if you have large suitcases or a pram. Additionally, baby seats, child seats or boosters are rarely carried by standard airport taxis. If you require these for safety, you may have to wait or look elsewhere.

Pre-Booked Private Transfers: Best for Families and Longer Routes

A private transfer involves booking a vehicle and driver solely for your group before you travel. When you land, your driver meets you at the arrivals hall and takes you directly to your vehicle.

This option is highly practical for families, groups, or anyone travelling to resorts further along the coast. For instance, the journey to Konyaaltı is 22 km and takes about 30 minutes by car, while Belek is 35 km away, taking about 35 minutes by car.

As you travel further, comfort becomes even more important. The drive to Kemer is 55 km (about 55 minutes by car), and Side is 65 km away (about 60 minutes by car). For the longest routes on the Riviera, such as Avsallar (105 km, about 95 minutes by car), Alanya (125 km, about 110 minutes by car), or Mahmutlar (135 km, about 122 minutes by car), a private vehicle offers a quiet, direct journey without the delays of a shuttle.

At Riviera Transfers, we provide private transfers tailored to your specific party size. For families travelling with infants or young children, we can fit appropriate safety seats—including baby seats, child seats and boosters—on request. Please note that child seats are a paid extra and will be added to your agreed trip price.

Summary: Which Option Should You Choose?

Your decision ultimately depends on your budget, party size, and destination.

Choose a shared shuttle if you are travelling alone, have plenty of time, and want to keep your costs as low as possible.

Choose an airport taxi if you are travelling to a nearby resort like Lara or Kundu, have standard luggage, and prefer not to book anything in advance.

Choose a private transfer via rivieratransfers.com if you are travelling with family, have significant luggage, or are heading to more distant resorts like Alanya or Kemer. Having a driver waiting for you ensures a smooth, direct transition from the aeroplane terminal to your hotel lobby.