Getting Around Antalya: Antray Tram, Buses, Airport Transfers and What Actually Works

Antalya is spread out along the Mediterranean coast, and most visitors split their time between the airport, Kaleiçi old town, the beaches, and the resort towns further out. The transit system covers all of that, but it's a mix of a light rail line, a heritage tram, city buses, and cash-only minibuses that each cover different ground.

The short version: get an AntalyaKart or just tap a contactless bank card, take the Antray tram from the airport, and keep some cash on hand if you're heading to Kemer, Side, or Alanya. The rest of this guide fills in the details.

AntalyaKart and Payment Options

Cash isn't accepted on municipal buses or trams. You need an AntalyaKart or a contactless bank card.

•       AntalyaKart fare: about 42 TRY (around €1.10) per ride.

•       Contactless bank card: about 50 TRY (around €1.30) — a bit more than the card.

•       Disposable tourist ticket (Kullan-At): about 46 TRY (around €1.20), for a single ride with no card needed.

•       Free transfer: one free transfer within an hour on eligible routes, after a short initial buffer.

Where to buy and top up: AntalyaKart kiosks at the airport, the Otogar (bus terminal), and major tram stops; newsstands and shops around the city; or the AntalyaKart mobile app if you'd rather go fully digital.

From the Airport (AYT) into the City

The airport is about 13 km east of the city center.

•       Antray tram (Line T1A): runs from the Domestic and International Terminal 1 straight to the Otogar, İsmetpaşa (Kaleiçi / city center) and Meydan. This is the fastest and cheapest way in, and it skips highway traffic entirely.

•       Bus 600: AYT to the Otogar via the city center (about 42 TRY / €1.10).

•       Bus 800: AYT direct to Lara Beach and Sarısu/Konyaaltı (about 42 TRY / €1.10).

•       Havaş shuttles: express buses to the Otogar and to 5M Migros in Konyaaltı.

•       Official taxis: available 24/7 right outside arrivals.

•       Pre-booked private transfers: a chauffeured minivan straight to your hotel in Lara, Belek, Side, Alanya or Kemer — the easiest option for families, groups, or a lot of luggage.

One thing worth knowing: the tram station sits outside Terminal 1, not Terminal 2. If you land at Terminal 2, either take the free shuttle bus over to Terminal 1, walk it (15–20 minutes), or just use Bus 600 or 800, both of which stop at both terminals.

Antray Light Rail and the Heritage Tram

•       Antray T1A / T1B: Fatih – Otogar – İsmetpaşa (city center) – Airport on the T1A branch, or EXPO on the T1B branch. This is the line for airport arrivals, reaching the city center, and connecting to the Otogar.

•       Antray T3: Varsak – Atatürk State Hospital – Müze (Konyaaltı). Useful for the northern districts and for reaching the Antalya Museum.

•       Nostaljik Tramvay (heritage tram): Zerdalilik – Işıklar – Kaleiçi – Cumhuriyet Square – Antalya Museum. A scenic ride along the old clifftop route, more for the experience than for getting somewhere fast.

All three take an AntalyaKart or a contactless bank card, same as the buses.

Buses vs. Taxis

Municipal buses and the Antray tram both run on AntalyaKart or a contactless card, at a fixed fare of about 42 TRY (€1.10) a ride.

Taxis run on the meter:

•       Starting fee: about 40 TRY (€1.05)

•       Per kilometer: about 50 TRY (€1.30)

•       Minimum short-hop fare (indi-bindi): about 200 TRY (€5.20)

Taxis take cash in TRY or sometimes EUR, and some accept card — worth confirming with the driver before you get in. Uber works in Antalya, but it dispatches the same licensed yellow taxis rather than private drivers. Either way, make sure the meter is switched on when the ride starts.

Getting to the Big Sights

•       Kaleiçi (Old Town): Antray T1A or T1B to İsmetpaşa, or the Nostaljik Tramvay to Kale Kapısı.

•       Konyaaltı Beach and the Antalya Museum: Nostaljik Tramvay or bus KL08 to Müze — from there it's a short walk (or elevator) down to the beach.

•       Lara Beach and the Lower Düden Waterfall: bus KL08 or LC07 eastbound toward Lara, getting off at Düden Park, where the waterfall meets the sea.

•       Upper Düden Waterfall (Kepez): bus VF66 or CV14 north from the city center.

•       5M Migros mall and aquarium: bus KL08, KC06 or TK51 all stop right outside.

One pattern worth knowing: route codes starting with KL run along the coast between Konyaaltı and Lara — KL08 is the main one you'll probably end up using more than once.

Getting to Kemer, Belek, Side and Alanya

For anywhere outside central Antalya, head to the İlçeler Terminali (district terminal), inside the main Otogar.

•       Kemer: Kemer Express minibuses every 15–20 minutes from the Otogar or the 5M Migros stop, about 120–150 TRY (€3.15–4.00).

•       Belek and Serik: regional minibuses from the Otogar, about 120–160 TRY (€3.15–4.20).

•       Side and Manavgat: a Manavgat-bound minibus or coach from the Otogar, about 180–220 TRY (€4.70–5.75), then a local dolmuş on to Side.

•       Alanya: intercity coaches every 30 minutes from the Otogar's intercity hall, about 250–320 TRY (€6.50–8.40).

•       Land of Legends: a Serik/Belek minibus from the Otogar or the 5M Migros stop — just ask to be dropped at the Land of Legends junction.

These regional minibuses don't take AntalyaKart, so carry cash — small notes in TRY, and EUR is often fine too.

A Few Things I'd Tell a Friend

•       Your Istanbulkart won't work here. Antalya runs on its own system — you'll need an AntalyaKart, a contactless card, or a disposable ticket.

•       Tap a bank card if you don't want to bother with a transit card. It costs a bit more per ride (about 50 TRY vs. 42), but it's one less thing to carry.

•       Carry cash for the district minibuses. Kemer, Side, Alanya and Land of Legends all run on cash-only minibuses.

•       Service runs roughly 06:00 to 23:30 or midnight. A few night routes run along the coast in peak summer.

•       The Antray tram from the airport is the fastest, cheapest way into the city — it skips the highway traffic completely.

FAQ

Is there a tram directly to Antalya Airport?

Yes. Antray Line T1A runs straight to Terminal 1 and the Domestic Terminal.

Does the tram reach Terminal 2?

No — the station is outside Terminal 1. From Terminal 2, take the free shuttle bus over, walk it (15–20 minutes), or use Bus 600 or 800, which stop at both terminals.

Can I use my Istanbulkart in Antalya?

No. Cards from other cities aren't valid here — you'll need an AntalyaKart, a contactless bank card, or a disposable ticket.

How late does public transit run?

Antray trams and the main bus lines (like KL08) run from about 06:00 to 23:30 or midnight. A few night buses run along the coast during peak summer.

How do I get to Land of Legends?

Take a Serik/Belek minibus from the Otogar's district terminal or the 5M Migros stop, and ask to be dropped at the Land of Legends junction.