How to get to Alanya

Sunny Alanya, located on the picturesque Mediterranean coast of Turkey, has long captured the hearts of travellers from around the world. This city is renowned for its sweeping sandy beaches, azure sea, and unique historical heritage that blends harmoniously with modern tourism infrastructure.

Walking along the walls of the ancient fortress with its breathtaking panoramas, exploring mysterious caves, or enjoying dinner in a delightful restaurant by the harbour — Alanya offers many scenarios for the perfect holiday. Immerse yourself in the atmosphere of Eastern hospitality and enjoy every moment of your stay at this amazing resort.

The most convenient way to reach the resort is by flying into the local Gazipaşa-Alanya Airport (GZP). It is located just 40 kilometres from the city centre, allowing tourists to reach their hotel in less than an hour after landing. This compact yet modern airport handles domestic flights as well as international charters during the peak tourist season.

An alternative and often more accessible option is arriving at Antalya International Airport (AYT). Located approximately 120 kilometres to the west, it serves as the region's main air gateway and receives a vast number of flights from across the globe. Although the transfer to Alanya takes about 2.5–3 hours, many travellers choose this route due to the wide range of flight connections and frequency.

There is no direct rail connection to the resort, so it is impossible to reach Alanya exclusively by train. The nearest major transport hub receiving high-speed trains from Istanbul and Ankara is located in the city of Konya. This is a popular option for those wishing to combine a beach holiday with sightseeing of historical landmarks in Central Anatolia.

An alternative arrival point could be Isparta, which is also served by railways, although the transfer from there will take longer. The final leg of the journey from the stations to the coast will need to be completed by bus or car, allowing you to enjoy impressive views of mountain passes along the way.

The country's bus network is renowned for its comfort, making a trip to Alanya by land transport a pleasant part of the journey. The most popular route leads from neighbouring Antalya: buses cover the distance of 135 kilometres in an average of 2.5–3 hours, travelling along the picturesque coastline.

If you are travelling from Central Anatolia, it is most convenient to depart from the city of Konya. The 260-kilometre journey takes about 4–5 hours and will be remembered for its breathtaking views while crossing the Taurus Mountains. Regular services are also established with the city of Isparta, from where the road to the warm sea takes approximately the same amount of time.

Travelling by car gives you the freedom of movement and the opportunity to enjoy the magnificent landscapes of the Turkish Riviera. The most popular and scenic route leads from Antalya: covering 135 kilometres along the high-quality D400 coastal highway takes just 2–2.5 hours. If you choose to use a taxi or private transfer for this section, the trip will cost approximately 60–90 Euros.

The road from the central part of the country is no less impressive, as it passes through the majestic passes of the Taurus Mountains. The journey from the city of Konya takes about 4 hours, covering 260 kilometres, shifting from steppe landscapes to mountain serpentine roads. The route from Isparta is also convenient: the distance of 240 kilometres is usually covered in 3.5–4 hours of relaxed driving.

Preparing for your trip to Alanya will help you avoid minor inconveniences and focus on your holiday. We have compiled key recommendations to make your stay at this sunny resort comfortable, safe, and fulfilling.

1. Clothing and Seasonality: In summer, choose items made of light natural fabrics and be sure to wear a hat, as the sun here is very strong. In winter and spring, a windbreaker and sweater will be useful for evening walks, and when visiting mosques, clothing should be modest, covering shoulders and knees.
2. Transport: The most convenient and affordable way to get around the city is by local minibuses known as "dolmuş", which run along the entire coast. If you decide to take a taxi, look for yellow call buttons on posts and ensure the driver always switches on the taximeter upon boarding.
3. Finances: The official currency is the Turkish Lira; it is best to exchange money at official exchange offices (Döviz) in the city centre, avoiding the airport and hotels for better rates. Cards are accepted in supermarkets and restaurants, but always carry cash for markets, small shops, and bus fares.
4. Health and Safety: Pharmacies are marked with the letter "E" (Eczane), and in many of them, staff speak English or Russian. Drink only bottled water and do not forget to reapply sunscreen every couple of hours, even if the sky is cloudy.
5. Communication: In tourist areas, hotel and shop staff often speak English, Russian, or German. Nevertheless, learning a few words such as "Merhaba" (Hello) and "Teşekkür ederim" (Thank you) will show respect and earn you the special appreciation of the locals.
6. Local Etiquette: It is customary to remove shoes when entering a mosque or a private home. Bargaining is part of the culture in bazaars and souvenir shops; the process can be fun and profitable, but prices in supermarkets and pharmacies are fixed.
7. What to Avoid: Do not photograph local residents, especially women, without their explicit permission. Also, refrain from showing disrespect towards state symbols, the flag, and portraits of Atatürk, which are treated with great reverence by Turkish people.
8. Extra Tip: To visit the famous fortress, take the cable car (Teleferik) closer to sunset. This will save your energy on the uphill climb and offer you a view of the city and sea in the most picturesque rays of the setting sun.

Following these simple rules will allow you to feel confident in any situation and avoid misunderstandings. Alanya is famous for its hospitality, and by showing a little attention to local customs, you are guaranteed to have the warmest memories of your holiday.