For anyone in the UK craving Mediterranean sunshine, a London to Antalya holiday is one of the easiest trips abroad to plan. The flight takes around four hours, the airport sits close to the city and most beach hotels are less than an hour away. This guide walks you through every step from your front door to your hotel lobby: which London airport to choose, when to go, what to expect at Antalya Airport and how to reach your hotel.
Which London airport should you fly from?
Most flights to Antalya leave from Gatwick, Stansted and Luton. In summer there are direct departures from these airports almost every day; in autumn and winter the number of direct flights drops and the remaining ones are grouped on certain days of the week. If you prefer Heathrow, you will mostly find connecting flights via Istanbul. A connection makes the journey longer, but it often gives you more choice of departure times.
When you compare options, look beyond the fare and think about how far each airport is from home. Stansted is usually easier for East London, Gatwick for South London and the south-east. Very early departures can be hard to reach by public transport, so factor in how you will get there. You can compare current schedules and fares on our London to Antalya flights page, and the return leg on Antalya to London flights.
Flight time and time difference
A direct flight between London and Antalya takes roughly four to four and a half hours. Turkey keeps the same time all year round, while the UK changes its clocks, so Antalya is two hours ahead in summer and three hours ahead in winter. A morning departure from London lands in the afternoon, which is the easiest way to enjoy a first swim on day one.
When to go
The sea in Antalya is comfortably warm from late May to late October. July and August are the hottest and busiest months and coincide with the UK school holidays, so families tend to book them early. For a calmer break with warm but gentler weather, June, September and October are excellent choices. November and December are still mild; swimming is not for everyone then, but it is a lovely season for the old town, ancient sites and day tours.
Before you travel: passport and documents
British passport holders can usually visit Turkey for short tourist stays without a visa. Rules can change, so check the UK government’s latest foreign travel advice and your passport’s validity before you fly. Turkish citizens and dual nationals can enter with their Turkish ID card or passport. Travel insurance is a small cost that gives real peace of mind, especially if you plan activities such as rafting or diving.
Arriving at Antalya Airport
Antalya Airport (AYT) lies just east of the city centre. International flights use two international terminals, and passport control and baggage reclaim can take a while on busy summer days. After passport control you will find currency exchange desks, cash machines and mobile phone counters in the arrivals hall. Turkish lira in cash is handy for small purchases, while cards are accepted in most hotels and restaurants.
From the airport to your hotel
The most relaxed way to reach your hotel is a pre-booked private transfer. Your driver meets you in arrivals with a name sign and takes you and your luggage straight to the hotel; if your flight is delayed, the pick-up time moves with it. Approximate distances:
- Lara: about 15 km, usually around 20 minutes. Antalya Airport to Lara transfer
- Antalya city and Konyaaltı: about 15 to 25 km, 25 to 40 minutes depending on traffic. Antalya Airport to Antalya transfer
- Belek: about 35 km, 35 to 45 minutes.
- Kemer: about 60 km, roughly an hour. Antalya Airport to Kemer transfer
- Alanya: about 125 km, close to two hours. Antalya Airport to Alanya transfer
Taxis and city buses are available too, but for late arrivals, families with children or larger groups a fixed-price private transfer is usually the more comfortable and predictable option.
Where to stay
Antalya is not a single beach but a string of areas with very different characters. Konyaaltı suits travellers who want city life nearby, Lara is the choice for fine sand and large resorts, Kemer offers green coves where the mountains meet the sea, and Alanya is lively and often easier on the budget. If you are weighing up the region against the Aegean coast, our Antalya vs Bodrum guide compares the two. You can compare every hotel by price, rating and facilities on our Antalya hotels page.
Booking flight, hotel and transfer together
You can of course book the flight, the hotel and the transfer separately. Planning them together, though, means the times line up, the transfer follows your flight and you have one booking reference to keep track of. On our holiday packages page you will find ready-made packages from London with flights, hotel, tours and airport transfers. If you would rather choose each part yourself, Build Your Trip lets you pick the flight, hotel, tours and transfer one by one.
Things to do in Antalya
Adding a few excursions between beach days makes the holiday far richer. The historic old town of Kaleiçi with its narrow lanes and old harbour, the Düden Waterfalls, the ancient cities of Perge and Aspendos, rafting in Köprülü Canyon and boat trips along the coast are the favourites. You will find guided tours with hotel pick-up on our Antalya tours page.
Quick checklist
- Plan how you will reach your London airport for your departure time.
- Check your passport’s validity and the current entry rules.
- Book your transfer in advance with your flight number.
- Find out your hotel’s check-in time; if you land early, pack your swimwear in your hand luggage.
- Sort out a local SIM or a roaming bundle before you leave.
With a little planning, the journey from London to Antalya takes less than half a day, and you can spend your first evening looking out over the sea.
