Antalya Airport (AYT) Arrivals Guide: Terminals, Transfers, SIM and Currency
Everything you need for a smooth landing at Antalya Airport (AYT): finding your terminal, choosing the right transfer to your hotel, and sorting your SIM and Turkish lira before you go.
Published 2026-06-22
Arriving at Antalya Airport (AYT): Terminals and First Steps
Antalya Airport, code AYT, sits about 13 km east of the city centre and is one of the busiest gateways on the Turkish Riviera. It has two international terminals, T1 and T2, plus a separate domestic terminal, so it pays to check which terminal your airline uses before you travel. International flights from Europe and beyond are split between T1 and T2, while domestic connections from Istanbul and other Turkish cities use the domestic building.
After you land, the order is simple: passport control first, then down to baggage reclaim to collect your luggage. Once you pass through, you walk out into the arrivals hall, where pre-booked private transfer drivers wait holding name signs. From here you simply find your driver and head straight to your vehicle, with no need to queue at a taxi rank or hunt for the right bus.
Getting From the Airport to Your Hotel in Side
You have several ways to reach your hotel from AYT. A private transfer is the most relaxed option: it is door to door, the price is fixed in advance, and a driver meets you in arrivals so you go straight from the plane to your accommodation in Side or anywhere along the coast. A shared shuttle is cheaper but slower, as it stops at multiple hotels along the way, while car hire suits travellers who want to explore independently and a city bus serves the centre on a budget.
For most visitors heading to Side, a pre-booked private transfer is the easiest choice, especially after a long flight or when travelling with children, luggage or in a group. Summer arrivals at Antalya are particularly busy, so booking a meet and greet transfer in advance means you avoid waiting around and know exactly what you will pay. With Side roughly an hour east of the airport, settling into a comfortable car straight away makes a real difference to the start of your holiday.
Staying Connected: Turkish SIM Cards and eSIMs
Getting online quickly makes everything easier, from sharing your hotel address with a driver to checking maps and restaurant reviews. You can buy a Turkish SIM card or activate an eSIM to get local data and a Turkish number, which is handy for navigation and staying in touch during your trip. Many travellers prefer to arrange an eSIM before flying so they land already connected, while a physical SIM can be bought once you arrive.
If you rely on your home roaming plan instead, check the rates carefully, as charges outside the EU can add up fast. Either way, having mobile data from the moment you exit arrivals means you can confirm your transfer, follow your route to Side, and look up local information without searching for Wi-Fi.
Money Matters: Turkish Lira and Paying Like a Local
The local currency is the Turkish lira, and it is worth having some on hand for small purchases, tips and places that prefer cash. You can withdraw lira from ATMs at the airport or in town, and cards are widely accepted in hotels, larger restaurants and shops along the coast. Carrying a mix of cash and card gives you flexibility wherever you go.
A few simple habits help your money go further: compare ATM withdrawal fees, keep smaller notes for tips and markets, and pay in lira rather than your home currency when machines offer the choice. With your transfer already booked at a fixed price, you will have one less thing to budget for on arrival, leaving you free to enjoy Side.