Dalaman or Antalya Airport: Which Is Best for Kalkan and Kaş?
For Kalkan, Dalaman Airport (DLM) is the better choice: it is about 125 km away, roughly a 2-hour drive, compared with about 215 km and 3 h 30 min from Antalya Airport (AYT). For Kaş the gap is smaller – about 150 km from Dalaman and 200 km from Antalya – so Antalya can be worth it when its flights are cheaper or better timed, or when you travel in winter and Dalaman has fewer direct UK flights.
Dalaman vs Antalya at a glance
| Dalaman Airport (DLM) | Antalya Airport (AYT) | |
|---|---|---|
| Distance to Kalkan | about 125 km | about 215 km |
| Drive to Kalkan | 1 h 45 min – 2 h | about 3 h 30 min |
| Private transfer to Kalkan | from £80 per vehicle | from £100 per vehicle |
| Distance to Kaş | about 150 km | about 200 km |
| Drive to Kaş | about 2 h 30 min | 3 h – 3 h 30 min |
| Private transfer to Kaş | from £85 per vehicle | from £100 per vehicle |
| Direct UK flights | mostly April to October | all year, more routes |
| Best for | Kalkan stays, villas, families, short transfers | winter trips, cheaper or better-timed flights, Kaş stays |
Which airport should you choose?
Staying in Kalkan
Fly into Dalaman whenever you can. It is around 90 km closer than Antalya and saves about 1 h 30 min on the road each way – roughly three hours over a return trip, which matters most after an early start or with children.
Staying in Kaş
Dalaman is still nearer (about 50 km and 45 minutes less), but the difference is small enough that the flight should decide. If Antalya has a cheaper fare, a more convenient time or a direct flight from your local UK airport, it is a sensible choice.
Travelling in winter
Most direct UK flights to Dalaman run in the summer season. From roughly November to March you will usually find more direct options to Antalya, which is one of Turkey’s busiest airports, while Dalaman often needs a connection via Istanbul.
Late-night arrivals and families
Many UK flights land in the evening or at night. A two-hour transfer from Dalaman means you reach your hotel or villa much sooner than after a three-and-a-half-hour drive from Antalya. Our transfers run 24 hours a day from both airports.
The two routes compared
Dalaman to Kalkan: via Fethiye
The D400 heads east past Göcek and Fethiye, crosses the Eşen plain near Patara and reaches Kalkan on the coast. It is a fast, mostly two-lane main road with no ferry or toll, and Kaş is a further 25 km beyond Kalkan.
Antalya to Kalkan: the Lycian coast road
From Antalya the D400 runs south-west through Kemer, Kumluca, Finike and Demre, then along the cliffs to Kaş and Kalkan. It is one of the most scenic drives in Turkey, with mountain sections and sea views, but it is longer and slower.
Private transfer prices from each airport (2026)
| Route | Sedan (up to 2) | Vito minivan (up to 7) | Sprinter (up to 16) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dalaman → Kalkan | £80 | £90 | £140 |
| Dalaman → Kaş | £85 | £95 | £150 |
| Antalya → Kalkan | £100 | £120 | £170 |
| Antalya → Kaş | £100 | £110 | £170 |
Prices are one way, per vehicle (not per person), fixed in advance and include luggage and waiting time.
Total travel time: a quick example
Direct flights from London take around four hours to either airport, so the transfer makes the real difference. Door to door, a London–Kalkan trip via Dalaman is roughly six hours of flying and driving; via Antalya it is closer to seven and a half.
Booking tips
- Compare fares into both airports for your dates before you book – prices can differ a lot.
- Check the landing time: after a late arrival the shorter Dalaman transfer is far more comfortable.
- You can fly into one airport and home from the other; we pick up and drop off at both.
- Add your flight number when booking so your driver can follow any delay.
Fixed price from £80, free cancellation up to 48 hours and free child seats.
See prices and bookFrequently asked questions
Is Dalaman or Antalya Airport closer to Kalkan?
Dalaman is much closer: about 125 km and 1 h 45 min to 2 h by road, compared with about 215 km and 3 h 30 min from Antalya.
Is Dalaman or Antalya closer to Kaş?
Dalaman is closer at about 150 km (around 2 h 30 min). Antalya is about 200 km away, a drive of 3 h to 3 h 30 min.
Are there direct flights from the UK to Dalaman in winter?
Direct UK flights to Dalaman run mainly from April to October. In winter there are far fewer, so many travellers connect via Istanbul or fly direct to Antalya instead.
How much is a private transfer from Dalaman Airport to Kalkan?
From £80 per vehicle for up to 2 passengers, £90 for a Vito minivan for up to 7 and £140 for a Sprinter for up to 16 (2026 prices, one way).
Can I arrive at Antalya and leave from Dalaman?
Yes. Many guests book an open-jaw trip; we can collect you from Antalya and take you to Dalaman for your return flight, or the other way round.
Do you offer transfers for night flights?
Yes. Transfers run 24 hours a day from both Dalaman and Antalya airports, including late-night and early-morning flights.