Situated in the heart of Türkiye’s turquoise coast is the stunning seaside town of Fethiye.
This international tourist destination welcomes hundreds of thousands of visitors per year with its pristine beaches, picturesque landscapes, extreme sports and vibrant local culture.
If you’re flying to Fethiye then you may be surprised that Fethiye doesn’t have its own airport.
Key takeaways
The Dalaman Airport (DLM) is the closest airport to Fethiye, located 28 miles (45 kilometers) or about an hour’s drive from the city.
Other nearby airports include Rhodes International Airport (RHO), Antalya Airport (AYT) and Milas-Bodrum Airport (BJV).
Dalaman Airport (DLM): The nearest airport to Fethiye in Türkiye
The Dalaman Airport (DLM), also known as Mugla Airport, is an international airport around 3.5 miles (5.5 km) south of the Dalaman town center in the southwest region of Türkiye.
It’s one of the busiest airports in the country, beaten only by big city airports like Istanbul Airport, with direct flights from the United Kingdom, Ireland, Germany, and other major locations in Europe. It has two terminals, domestic and international, and offers trips to over 120 worldwide destinations.
Positioned just 28.14 miles (45.3 km) from Fethiye, this well-known airport is the nearest and most accessible gateway to the city. The total travel time is between 45 minutes to an hour, depending on the traffic.
Transportation options from Dalaman Airport to Fethiye
From Dalaman Airport, you can either rent a car, hail a taxi, or ride a public bus to get to Fethiye. You can use the airport’s shuttle bus services or arrange a door-to-door private transfer to your hotel.
Car rental services
Car rental facilities are available at the Dalaman Airport twenty-four hours a day. They offer a range of vehicles, from sedans to SUVs, sports cars, electric cars, and more.
The top rental companies include Avis, Budget, Sixt, Europcar, and Green Motion, among others. Prices are roughly 700 Lira ($25 USD) per day, depending on the type of vehicle.
You can book a car online in advance and pick it up as soon as you arrive. Note that you need to be at least 21 years old with a valid driver’s license and photo ID to rent a car in Türkiye.
Renting a vehicle gives you the freedom to travel at your own pace and explore scenic spots along the way, plus it makes commuting with heavy luggage easier.
Taxi rides
If you prefer a taxi ride to Fethiye, expect to spend around 500 Lira ($18 USD) for the journey. Note that tipping your driver is welcome but not mandatory in Türkiye.
Remember to bring cash with you on trips, as not all taxis accept card or in-app payments. You should let the driver know beforehand if you can only pay by card.
A taxi ride is one of the safest and fastest ways to reach Fethiye and is a good option if you’re not familiar with the route to get there. We found taxi drivers in Fethiye to be friendly. You can get good tips about Fethiye’s attractions from taxi drivers as they know the area really well.
Muttas public bus service
Another alternative that’s best for travelers on a budget is Dalaman’s public bus service, named “Muttas.” Tickets cost only 120 Lira ($4 USD) per person.
Public buses operate daily, beginning at 4:30 in the morning. You’ll find them conveniently parked in front of the airport’s Domestic Arrivals area.
One downside to consider is that the public bus will drop you off at Fethiye’s Intercity Bus Terminal, which means you’ll need to take an additional taxi ride to get to your hotel.
Airport shuttle bus service
In the car park at Dalaman Airport, you’ll find Havas airport shuttle buses bound for Fethiye.
This mode of transport is not only cost-effective but also convenient. Like public buses, tickets cost only 120 Lira ($4 USD), and the bus schedule is coordinated with domestic flight arrival times.
Havas buses leave the airport around 25 minutes after every domestic flight. You can buy your ticket directly from the bus driver, but make sure you have Turkish Lira handy.
If you’re carrying large bags or heavy luggage, that won’t be an issue with a Havas bus. They have a designated storage space for passengers’ belongings.
Helpful tip
If you’re wanting to travel like a local then try the airport shuttle bus. We found it a fun experience, although it was a little more effort as we wanted to clarify with the driver where we were headed and had to wait for the other passengers to arrive and for all the luggage to be loaded onto the bus.
Door-to-Door private transfers
For a more luxurious and comfortable travel experience, you can book a Dalaman Airport private transfer to take you directly to your hotel or accommodation in Fethiye.
Compared to regular taxis, private transfers offer higher levels of service like greeting you with a sign at the airport’s arrival area and even giving special tours.
Transfer services also allow you to choose from high-end cars, including limos, minibuses, executive sedans, and disability-compatible cars with elderly care assistance.
These vehicles usually have additional amenities like free Wi-Fi, refreshments, and child seats.
To sum up, the easiest way (in our opinion) to get to Fethiye from Dalamam Airport is by car, followed by either a taxi or an airport shuttle bus service.
I’m a writer and graphic designer currently living in Turkey with my family. I enjoy learning language, great food (chicken kebab is a favourite at the moment) and experiencing places less-traveled.
