You have found the perfect hotel in Alanya. You are ready to book. Then you get to the flight search and hit a roadblock. Option A: Antalya Airport (AYT) Option B: Gazipaşa-Alanya Airport (GZP)
For years, getting to Alanya meant flying into Antalya followed by a grueling bus ride. But in 2026, Gazipaşa is a serious contender. However, it’s not always the clear winner.
Here is the definitive breakdown of the pros, cons, and transfer realities to help you decide which route is best for your holiday.
The Big One: Antalya Airport (AYT)
Antalya is the major hub of the Turkish Riviera. It’s huge, modern, and handles millions of passengers.
The Pros
- Flight Availability: You can fly to AYT from almost any airport in the UK (Manchester, Gatwick, Birmingham, Bristol, etc.) with multiple airlines (Jet2, EasyJet, TUI, Pegasus, SunExpress).
- Cheaper Flights: Because there is so much competition, you can often snag a bargain flight to Antalya, especially if you book late.
- Reliability: Large planes, less affected by wind, rarely diverted.
The Cons (The Transfer Nightmare)
This is the dealbreaker. Antalya Airport is located on the other side of Antalya city.
- Transfer Time: To get to Alanya (Cleopatra side), it takes about 1 hour 45 minutes in a private taxi with no traffic. To get to Mahmutlar, it’s 2 hours 15 minutes.
- The Shuttle Bus Reality: If you are on a shared tour operator bus (TUI/Jet2), you will stop at hotels in Belek, Side, and Manavgat first. This can turn your transfer into a 3 to 4-hour marathon. Not fun with screaming kids.
The Local Hero: Gazipaşa-Alanya Airport (GZP)
Located just east of Alanya, this small airport was a game-changer when it opened to international flights.
The Pros
- Speed: From landing to your hotel lobby, it is incredibly fast. The transfer to Mahmutlar is 25 minutes. To Alanya center, it’s 40 minutes.
- Stress-Free: It’s a tiny airport. You get off the plane, grab your bag, and you are out the door in 20 minutes. No long walks, no massive queues.
- The View: The landing approach over the sea and mountains is spectacular.
The Cons
- Limited Flights: Direct flights from the UK are fewer. You are mostly looking at Jet2, Corendon, or Pegasus. They don't fly every day from every UK airport.
- Price: Because seats are limited, GZP flights can sometimes be £30-£50 more expensive per person.
- Wind Issues: It’s a smaller runway surrounded by mountains. Very rarely, in high winds, flights can be diverted to Antalya (though this is much less common now than in the past).
The Transfer: How to Get to Your Hotel in 2026?
Whichever airport you choose, avoid the "haggle at the airport" taxi strategy. It will cost you a fortune.
From Antalya (AYT)
- Private Transfer (Recommended): Book online before you fly (companies like 724transfer or local Alanya firms). A private Mercedes Vito for the family costs around £50-£60. It’s direct and air-conditioned.
- Shared Shuttle: Cost effective (~£10-£15 per person), but be prepared to wait for other passengers and make stops.
From Gazipaşa (GZP)
- Havaş Bus: The official airport bus is reliable, cheap (roughly £3-£4), and drops you at the Alanya bus station (Otogar). Great for solo travelers.
- Private Taxi: Quick and easy. Costs around £30-£40.
The Verdict: Which Should You Choose?
Choose Gazipaşa (GZP) if:
- You are staying in Mahmutlar, Kargicak, or Oba. It is literally on your doorstep.
- You hate long bus journeys.
- You can find a flight that matches your dates.
- The extra £40 on the flight is worth saving 3 hours of your holiday time.
Choose Antalya (AYT) if:
- You are on a tight budget and found a super cheap flight.
- You are staying in Okurcalar, Avsallar, or Konaklı (the west side of Alanya), as the difference in transfer time becomes smaller.
- You need specific flight times that GZP doesn't offer.
My advice for 2026: Always check Gazipaşa first. If the price difference is less than £50, take it. That extra time by the pool on your first day is priceless.