Distances & Drive Times
| Route | Distance | Drive Time |
|---|---|---|
| Antalya → Olympos/Çıralı | 80 km | 1–1.5 hrs |
| Antalya → Kaş | 190 km | 3 hrs |
| Antalya → Kalkan | 220 km | 3.5 hrs |
| Antalya → Fethiye | 290 km | 4 hrs |
| Kaş → Kalkan | 25 km | 30 min |
| Kalkan → Fethiye | 80 km | 1.5 hrs |
| Fethiye → Ölüdeniz | 15 km | 20 min |
Option 1: Rental Car (Best Choice)
The D400 highway runs the length of the coast and is well-maintained, scenic, and safe. A rental car gives you the freedom to stop at beaches, ruins, and viewpoints along the way — many of which are inaccessible by public transport.
Rental tips:
- Where to rent: Antalya Airport has all major companies (Avis, Budget, Europcar) plus local options. Book online in advance for best rates.
- Cost: Typical range $20–$50/day depending on season and vehicle type
- Insurance: Take full coverage (kasko). Roads are good but narrow in places.
- Fuel: Gasoline is expensive in Turkey. Budget accordingly.
- Driving style: Turkish driving can be assertive. Be aware of overtaking and speed. The coast road has many curves.
- Parking: Free in most small towns. Paid parking zones in Antalya city.
The coastal drive itself is a highlight — cliff-edge roads with turquoise sea views, pine forests, and mountain switchbacks. Some travelers consider it one of the best drives in the Mediterranean.
Option 2: Dolmuş (Minibus)
Dolmuş are shared minibuses that connect towns along the coast. They're cheap but can be slow and infrequent.
- How they work: Fixed routes, flexible stops. Flag one down on the roadside or pick up at the town's dolmuş station.
- Cost: Typically $0.50–$1.50 per town-to-town ride
- Frequency: Every 20–30 min on busy routes (Fethiye–Ölüdeniz), hourly or less on rural routes
- Payment: Cash to the driver
Good for: Town-to-town travel (Fethiye–Ölüdeniz, Kaş–Kalkan) on a budget. Bad for: Reaching beaches and ruins off the main highway.
Option 3: Intercity Bus
Major bus companies (Kamil Koç, Pamukkale, Metro) run between Antalya, Fethiye, and other cities. Useful for longer one-way journeys.
- Antalya → Fethiye: 3.5–4 hours, $4–$7
- Antalya → Kaş: 3–3.5 hours, $3–$6
- Comfort: Modern coaches with AC, WiFi, and tea service
Option 4: Boat
Some coastal spots are best reached by sea:
- Olympos/Çıralı → Adrasan: Boat trips available
- Fethiye → Butterfly Valley: Daily boats from Fethiye/Ölüdeniz
- Fethiye 12 Islands tour: Full-day boat trip from Fethiye harbor
- Kaş → Kekova (sunken city): Day trip by boat
Suggested Coastal Itinerary
A classic 5–7 day coast road trip:
- Day 1: Fly into Antalya, explore Kaleiçi old town
- Day 2: Drive to Olympos/Çıralı, beach day, evening Chimera
- Day 3: Drive to Kaş, explore old town, sunset drinks
- Day 4: Kekova boat trip (sunken city) from Kaş
- Day 5: Drive to Kalkan (Kaputaş Beach stop), then Fethiye
- Day 6: Ölüdeniz, paragliding, or 12 Islands boat trip
- Day 7: Return car in Fethiye or drive back east
