Antalya Airport to Demre (Myra) Transfer

Demre sits on a fertile coastal plain dotted with greenhouses, with the ruins of ancient Myra on its edge. Myra was one of the most important cities of Lycia and later a notable Roman and Byzantine centre. Visitors come above all for two sights: the cluster of house-style tombs carved into the cliff face, and the large, well-preserved Roman theatre directly below them.

The town's other famous landmark is the Church of St. Nicholas, built over the site associated with the 4th-century bishop of Myra who inspired the legend of Santa Claus. The church is an important place of pilgrimage and a fine example of Byzantine architecture.

A short drive away is Çayağzı, the small harbour from which boats sail to the sunken city of Kekova. Together, the tombs, the theatre, the church and the nearby coast make Demre a rewarding day or overnight stop for anyone interested in history.

From Antalya Airport the route heads west around the city and then follows the coastal highway towards Kemer and on along the Lycian shore. The total distance to Demre is about 145 km and the drive normally takes around 130 minutes, depending on traffic and the exact location of your accommodation.

The first part of the journey runs on fast, modern road. Beyond Kemer the highway climbs into the Beydağları mountains, winding through pine forest with frequent views of the Mediterranean far below. This is one of the more scenic drives on the coast, with a few twisting mountain sections, so it is comfortably done in a private vehicle rather than by changing buses.

Your driver handles the whole door-to-door journey directly and drops you at your hotel or guesthouse in Demre. Because the town spreads from the seafront up to the ruins, it helps to give us your exact address when you book.

Prices are per vehicle and one way, not per person. An economy car for up to three passengers starts from €53, while a Mercedes Vito minivan, suitable for larger groups, families or extra luggage, starts from €69. The fare is fixed when you book, so it does not change with traffic or the time of day.

Every transfer includes a free meet and greet: your driver waits in the arrivals hall with a name sign. We track your flight, so if you land early or late the driver adjusts and you are not charged extra for normal delays. Child seats are provided free of charge on request, which is useful on this longer, partly mountainous route.

There is no prepayment required. You pay the driver directly at the end of the trip, in cash or by card, and the agreed price is all you pay.

Because Demre is around 130 minutes from the airport, it is worth arranging your transfer in advance rather than looking for a taxi on arrival, especially for late-night flights. Bring any essential medication and a bottle of water in your hand luggage, as the mountain section of the drive is long.

There is no luggage limit on the price, but if you are travelling with several suitcases or a larger group, choose the Vito so everything fits comfortably. We can also arrange your return transfer to the airport; book it together with your arrival and we will plan the pickup time around your flight, allowing for the journey back.

Many travellers combine Demre with the nearby resort towns of Kaş and Kalkan, or take a boat trip to Kekova from Çayağzı harbour. If you plan to explore the wider region, a return transfer or a day with the same driver can be more convenient than separate taxis.

The two main historic sites in Demre are the ancient city of Myra and the Church of St. Nicholas, and each charges its own entrance fee. At Myra you can view the famous Lycian rock tombs and walk into the Roman theatre; allow roughly an hour to an hour and a half to see both at a relaxed pace.

The Church of St. Nicholas is in the town centre and takes less time, though it is often busy with tour groups and pilgrims, especially around December. Early morning or late afternoon are usually quieter and cooler for visiting both sites in summer.

The ruins are open-air and involve some uneven ground and steps, so wear comfortable shoes and bring sun protection and water in the warmer months. The sites are family-friendly, and children often enjoy the cliff tombs and the link to Santa Claus, making Demre a good cultural stop for all ages.