Antalya Airport Night Transfer: Complete Guide 2026
A very large proportion of flights into Antalya Airport (AYT) arrive between 22:00 and 06:00. This is not a coincidence — it is a deliberate feature of the charter holiday industry. UK operators (Jet2, TUI) often schedule arrivals at 23:30–01:30 to maximise use of aircraft time. Russian charter operators (Nordwind, IFly) frequently schedule 00:00–03:00 arrivals. Budget carriers fill their cheapest slots with night departures from origin airports that arrive in Turkey in the early hours. The result: a substantial share of the millions of tourists who arrive at AYT each year do so in darkness, tired, sometimes with children, often with a lot of luggage. This guide is written specifically for that situation. It explains what the night surcharge actually is, why roads are better at night, what to expect in the nearly-empty arrivals hall at 02:30, and how to manage the journey to your hotel when the restaurants are already closed.
Quick Answer
Antalya Airport night transfers (22:00–06:00) carry a 30% surcharge: Belek €104 (43 km), Side €130 (65 km), Alanya €208 (130 km) sedan. Roads quieter — 10–15 min faster than daytime. Driver waits at Terminal 2 Arrivals, ground floor, exit after customs, in the transfer company meeting area, with name sign. Transfers available 24/7. Payment is made securely online at booking.
Contents
- 1. Table of Contents
- 2. The Night Surcharge: What It Is and Why It Exists
- 3. Road Conditions at Night: Actually Better
- 4. The Arrivals Hall at Night: What It Looks Like
- 5. Flight Tracking at Night: How It Works
- 6. Night Arrival at Your Hotel: What to Expect
- 7. Safety of Night Transfers: The Honest Assessment
- 8. Booking a Night Transfer: Step by Step
Table of Contents
1. The Night Surcharge: What It Is and Why It Exists
2. Road Conditions at Night: Actually Better
3. The Arrivals Hall at Night: What It Looks Like
4. Flight Tracking at Night: How It Works
5. Night Arrival at Your Hotel: What to Expect
6. Safety of Night Transfers: The Honest Assessment
7. Booking a Night Transfer: Step by Step
The Night Surcharge: What It Is and Why It Exists
A 30% surcharge applies to all transfers where the vehicle departs Antalya Airport between 22:00 and 06:00. The departure time is when the vehicle leaves the airport — approximately 20–30 minutes after your actual landing time, depending on baggage and customs.
Why the surcharge exists: nighttime driving requires a driver who is available and rested for a late shift. Between midnight and 5 AM, the driver pool is smaller — there are simply fewer drivers available compared to daytime. The surcharge reflects driver availability and the premium for guaranteed service at any hour.
The surcharge is always shown at booking before you confirm. You will never be surprised. If your booking shows a daytime price at confirmation, you pay the daytime price regardless of when the vehicle actually departs.
For example, the Belek daytime sedan rate of €80 multiplied by 1.30 gives a night price of €104 — the surcharge is always shown before you confirm.
Night price examples:
| Route | Vehicle | Passengers | Luggage | Day price (EUR) | Night price (+30%) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lara Beach | Sedan | 1–3 pax | 3 bags | €55 | €72 |
| Lara Beach | Minivan | 1–6 pax | 6 bags | €70 | €91 |
| Konyaaltı / City | Sedan | 1–3 pax | 3 bags | €50 | €65 |
| Konyaaltı / City | Minivan | 1–6 pax | 6 bags | €65 | €85 |
| Belek | Sedan | 1–3 pax | 3 bags | €80 | €104 |
| Belek | Minivan | 1–6 pax | 6 bags | €105 | €137 |
| Kemer | Sedan | 1–3 pax | 3 bags | €85 | €111 |
| Kemer | Minivan | 1–6 pax | 6 bags | €110 | €143 |
| Side | Sedan | 1–3 pax | 3 bags | €100 | €130 |
| Side | Minivan | 1–6 pax | 6 bags | €130 | €169 |
| Alanya | Sedan | 1–3 pax | 3 bags | €160 | €208 |
| Alanya | Minivan | 1–6 pax | 6 bags | €200 | €260 |
| Kaş | Sedan | 1–3 pax | 3 bags | €220 | €286 |
| Kaş | Minivan | 1–6 pax | 6 bags | €280 | €364 |
Road Conditions at Night: Actually Better
Here is something most people do not know before their first late-night Antalya transfer: night arrivals are actually faster than the daytime equivalent.
The D400 at night: the D400 coastal highway — the main route east to Lara, Belek, Side, and Alanya — is virtually empty between 22:00 and 05:00. Trucks, tourist coaches, local traffic, and the notorious Saturday morning checkout rush simply do not exist at night. Your driver drives the speed limit (90 km/h on the highway sections) without interruption.
Typical night journey times vs. daytime:
| Route | Daytime typical | Night typical | Saving |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lara Beach | 28 min | 15 min | ~3 min |
| Belek | 45 min | 38 min | ~7 min |
| Kemer | 50 min | 42 min | ~8 min |
| Side | 65 min | 55 min | ~10 min |
| Alanya | 90 min | 78 min | ~12 min |
The Kemer coastal road at night: the mountain coastal section between Beldibi and Kemer town is winding and picturesque. Drivers know this road extremely well. At night with no oncoming coaches, it is actually more comfortable than during the day when tour buses take up the full lane on corners.
The Kaş mountain section: the dramatic coastal cliffs between Kemer and Kaş involve 45 minutes of winding mountain road. This is safely navigable at night by experienced local drivers who know every curve. For passengers: sit in the front, do not look at the drop if you are acrophobic.
Worst-case at night: if there is a road incident on the D400 or the Kemer coastal section, add 15–20 minutes. Night transfers are still faster than daytime worst-case, but allow buffer if you have an early hotel check-in deadline.
The Arrivals Hall at Night: What It Looks Like
Terminal 2 at midnight is a different experience from Terminal 2 at noon. Fewer people, quieter, easier to navigate.
Baggage reclaim: if your flight had 200 passengers, most of them are tired and moving slowly. The carousel starts within 10–15 minutes of parking. Night baggage delivery is actually sometimes faster than daytime because there is less aircraft traffic on the apron.
Customs: the green channel at night has virtually no queue. Two minutes from the belt to the exit.
The arrivals hall: your driver is there. At 02:30 in the morning, the row of transfer drivers is much thinner than at 14:00 — your driver is easier to spot. The taxis outside are also thinner, and critically, there are fewer unlicensed touts working the crowd at night. That said: the rule is the same — your driver holds a sign with your name and waits for you to come to them.
The driver's perspective: experienced transfer drivers know the night routines. They are not tired and resentful — it is a paid shift that they have agreed to. Night work attracts drivers who prefer quieter conditions. Do not feel guilty about a 03:00 pickup.
Flight Tracking at Night: How It Works
Flight tracking works the same at night as during the day. The system monitors your flight number in real time.
If your night flight is delayed: very common — particularly for UK night charters that are waiting for the inbound aircraft from a daytime flight that was delayed. If your 23:45 departure from Manchester is delayed to 01:30, your driver is automatically notified when the airline updates the departure time. You do not call anyone.
60 minutes free waiting: starts from actual landing. If your aircraft lands at 03:00, you have until 04:00 without any extra charge. This more than covers the slowest possible customs and baggage scenario.
If your flight lands and then waits on the tarmac: this happens occasionally when there is no available gate. The flight tracking counts from when the aircraft actually parks, not from when it touches down. Your driver will not leave early.
Severely delayed night flights (4+ hours): your driver goes home and sleeps, returning at the adjusted time. They are not sitting in a car park for 4 hours at 03:00. The system reschedules automatically.
Flight cancellation at night: if the airline cancels your flight, message support via WhatsApp immediately. Full refund with no cancellation fee for airline-caused cancellations.
Night Arrival at Your Hotel: What to Expect
Check-in at night: all major Turkish resort hotels operate 24-hour reception. Arriving at 03:00 is completely standard. Your room is ready, your key card is ready, the night receptionist is expecting late arrivals from charters. This is Turkey's tourism industry — they have been doing this for 40 years.
Food after midnight: this is where a bit of planning helps. Most hotel restaurants close at 22:00–23:00. However:
- 5-star all-inclusive resorts typically have a late-night snack bar open until 02:00–04:00
- Room service is available at nearly all 5-star properties, often 24 hours
- Vending machines with drinks and snacks are available in most hotel lobbies at night
- The driver can stop at a 24-hour service station if you need emergency food or formula
The hotel pool/beach: you will not be able to use it on arrival night. Plan for the first full day.
What to pack in your hand luggage for a night arrival: phone charger, any medication needed for the evening, baby/toddler essentials, snacks, water. Your main suitcases go straight to the hotel room but you may not unpack them until morning.
The next morning: after a night arrival, most guests are jet-lagged and sleep late. Turkish resorts start breakfast at 07:00 (not 06:00 like some northern European properties). You have time.
Safety of Night Transfers: The Honest Assessment
Parents, solo travellers, and anxious tourists frequently ask: is it safe to take a transfer in the middle of the night in Turkey?
The honest answer: yes, for a pre-booked private transfer with a licensed operator.
Why it is safe:
- Your driver is registered and licensed. You have their name and phone number before they arrive.
- You have a fixed price agreed in writing before you arrive. There is nothing to dispute.
- The vehicle is tracked. Your booking reference and driver details are in writing.
- Turkish motorways and major routes are well-lit between Antalya and the major resorts.
- The D400 east to Belek, Side, and Alanya is a well-maintained national highway with regular service stations and police checkpoints.
Why it is less safe to take an unlicensed taxi at night:
- Fewer people are around to witness a dispute
- Less tourist police presence at 02:00
- Higher pressure to accept a price without time to think
Rule: at night, the rule about not following anyone who approaches you is MORE important, not less. Your legitimate driver has your name on a sign.
Booking a Night Transfer: Step by Step
1. Enter your flight number at booking. The system detects whether your flight arrives within the night surcharge window (22:00–06:00 departure from airport) and shows the correct price automatically. There is nothing manual you need to do.
2. Do not try to avoid the surcharge by entering a different time. The system detects the actual departure time from the airport, not the booking time. Attempting to enter an earlier time and then arriving at midnight will result in a price adjustment.
3. Child seats for night arrivals: request at booking as normal. The driver fits the seat before the pickup, regardless of time.
4. WhatsApp number must be correct. At 02:30 in the morning, a missed message about a flight change matters more than at 14:00. Double-check your WhatsApp number at booking.
5. Confirm your terminal. Check your boarding pass for T1 or T2 at Antalya Airport.
6. Pack a night bag. At 03:00, you will not want to unpack a suitcase for essentials. Keep phone charger, medication, baby needs, and water in your hand luggage.
Driver meeting point at night: Terminal 2 Arrivals, ground floor, exit after customs, in the transfer company meeting area — fewer drivers at night means your driver is easier to spot.
Payment: made securely online by card (Visa, Mastercard) at booking and charged in EUR. No payment to the driver is required. Note: rubles are not accepted — ensure your card can process EUR transactions if travelling from Russia.
Child seats for night arrivals: available — request infant (0–13 kg), toddler (9–18 kg), or booster (15–36 kg) at booking.
Private vs alternatives at night:
| Option | Price | Journey time | Waiting time | Drop-off type | Night surcharge | Risk of overcharging |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Private transfer | €104 (Belek sedan) | 38 min | 60 min free | Door-to-door resort | +30%, shown at booking | None — fixed price |
| Metered taxi (night) | €120–200 | 38–50 min | None | Kerbside | Tariff 2 (no cap) | High |
| HAVAS bus | Not available 22:00–06:00 | — | — | Bus stop only | — | — |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the night surcharge for Antalya Airport transfers?
A 30% surcharge applies to all transfers departing the airport between 22:00 and 06:00. It is always shown at booking before you confirm. Examples: Belek sedan €104, Side sedan €130, Alanya sedan €208.
Is it safe to book an Antalya Airport transfer at night?
Yes — pre-booked private transfers with licensed operators are safe at any hour. You have the driver's name, phone number, and a fixed agreed price before you arrive. Roads are quieter at night and the transfer is typically faster. The risk at night comes from unlicensed touts — who become less common, not more, at quiet night hours.
Are drivers actually available at 02:00, 03:00, 04:00?
Yes. Transfers are available 24/7, 365 days per year including Turkish public holidays. The driver pool is smaller between 00:00 and 05:00, which is why advance booking is recommended. Same-day booking for these hours may occasionally not be available — book in advance when possible.
My flight lands at 23:45 — does the night surcharge apply?
The surcharge applies based on when the vehicle departs the airport, not when the plane lands. If your flight lands at 23:45, baggage and customs take 25–30 minutes, and the vehicle departs at approximately 00:15 — the night surcharge applies. The booking system calculates this automatically.
What happens if my night flight is delayed by 3 hours?
Your driver tracks the flight automatically. For a 3-hour delay, the driver adjusts their own schedule and returns at the revised time. The 60-minute free waiting starts from actual landing, so you have full coverage. No extra charge for the delay.
How long does the transfer take at night?
Night transfers are typically 10–15 minutes faster than daytime due to empty roads. Belek: 38 minutes. Side: 55 minutes. Alanya: 78 minutes. Kemer: 42 minutes.
Will my hotel be open for check-in when I arrive at 02:00?
All major Turkish resort hotels operate 24-hour reception. Arriving at 02:00 is routine — there will be a night receptionist, your room will be ready, and the check-in takes 5 minutes. Many 5-star all-inclusive properties also have a late-night snack bar open.
I am traveling with a baby on a night flight. Any special advice?
Book a child seat (specify infant carrier for babies under 13 kg). The vehicle is climate-controlled and quiet. Night arrivals with sleeping babies are very common — drivers handle this routinely. Pack feeding essentials in your hand luggage, not checked baggage. If you need to stop for a nappy change, the driver will pull over at a service station.
Is the D400 coastal road dangerous at night?
No. The D400 east to Belek, Side, and Alanya is a well-maintained national highway. It is better at night than during the day — no tourist coaches, no farm vehicles, no traffic. The Kemer coastal section and Kaş mountain road require an experienced local driver, which all AntalyaTransfers drivers are.
Can I book a night transfer on the same day?
Usually yes, but advance booking is recommended for night hours. The driver pool between 00:00 and 05:00 is smaller. Book at least 24 hours in advance for midnight–dawn arrivals to guarantee availability.
Book your night transfer from Antalya Airport
Belek night €104 · Side night €130 · Available 24/7 · secure online card payment at booking
Book night transfer →