Public transportation in Antalya, a guide for tourists

The resort season in Antalya is about to come into full force, and if you are going to relax in this sunny corner of Turkey for the first time - knowing how the local transportation is organized will save you a lot of time, money and nerves. This article is a detailed instruction for tourists: how to get from the airport, where and what is the best way to go, how to pay the fare, what apps to install and how buses differ from dolmushas.

🚌 Municipal buses (Antalya Büyükşehir Belediyesi)

This is one of the most convenient and inexpensive ways to get around the city. Buses cover almost all districts of Antalya: from the airport you can reach the center on route 800, in Konyaalti - on route 600. The KL08 route runs in the center, connecting Lara and the old town.

Payment:

The Antalya Kart transportation card (analog of the Turkish Istanbulkart) is required. You can buy it at vending machines at major bus stops, at the airport, newsstands and special "Antalya Kart Satış Noktası" kiosks. The cost of the card is about 35 liras and it can be refilled through the same machines or through the app.

Apps:

• Antalya Kart (iOS/Android) - to recharge the card, check the balance, view routes.
• Moovit / Yandex.Maps - for planning routes and schedules.

🚎 Dolmushi (shuttles)

These are private shuttles that run between neighborhoods and suburbs. They run most often from early morning to late afternoon. You can stop a dolmush right on the road by signaling the driver with your hand. They are cheaper than cabs and run faster than municipal buses, especially during peak hours.

Popular routes:

• Antalya - Kemer
• Center - Lara
• Center - Konyaalti (on a parallel line to the buses)

Payment:

• cash only (Turkish Lira), you may not be given change.

Apps:

• there are none - routes are better to look in Yandex.Maps or check with locals.

🚋 Tram (AntRay and Nostalgic Tramway)

The modern AntRay tramway connects the airport, bus station, city center, shopping centers (MarkAntalya, Mall of Antalya) and even Konyaalti beach. There is also a short historical branch, a nostalgic tramway running from the beach to the old town.

Fees:

• antalya Kart only, entrance through the front door, you have to put the card to the validator.

Best routes:

• Airport - Center - Konyaalti Beach (AntRay)
• Kaleici - Karaalioglu Park - Mermerli Beach (Nostaljik Tramvay)

Applications:

• Antalya Kart
• Yandex.Maps
• Moovit

🚖 Taxi and Yandex Go

Cabs in Antalya are yellow, official, and can be caught on the street or hailed through apps. Prices are fixed on the meter, but as tourist traffic increases, some drivers try to negotiate 'round the clock' - always insist on a taximeter. Yandex Go works in Antalya, and for many Russians it is the most convenient way to order a cab without the language barrier and navigation problems.

Cab apps:

• Yandex Go (works stably)
• BiTaksi (Turkish analog)

🚗 Car rental

For independent trips to the mountains, out of town or to the beaches in Kemer and Finik, renting a car is the best choice. There are many local and international rental companies in Antalya. It is advisable to book in advance online.

Important to know:

• A passport, international license, credit card will be required.
• The roads are of high quality, but parking is difficult in the center.

Apps:

• Rentalcars, Discover Cars
• Google Maps or Yandex.Maps for routes

🛵 Electric scooters and bicycles

There are many scooter and bike rental services in the tourist areas of Antalya. These are a great option for short trips along the promenade or between beaches.

Popular services are:

• Martı, BinBin, HOP - require in-app registration and passport scanning.

Payment:

• via in-app card, per-second billing.

Where best to use:

• in Lara, Konyaaltı, Atatürk Park and along the streetcar line.

✈️ How to get from the airport

• Bus #600: airport - bus station - Konyaaltı
• Bus #800: Airport - Lara - Center
• Streetcar: Havalimanı station connects the airport to the city
• Cab / Yandex Go: about 300-400 liras to the center

📱 Which apps to use for navigation

• Yandex.Maps - works stably in Turkey, shows routes of all types of transportation, including dolmushi.
• Moovit - shows waiting times for transportation, bus and streetcar routes.
• Google Maps - can also be used, but transportation data is sometimes less up-to-date than in Yandex.
• Antalya Kart - for paying and tracking municipal transportation.

Public transportation in Antalya is diverse, convenient and accessible even to those who came for the first time. The main thing is to buy Antalya Kart, install 2-3 useful applications (including Yandex Go and Yandex.Maps) and you will be able to move around the city easily and without extra costs. Enjoy your vacation and safe travels!