Dalaman Airport to Fethiye: A Tourist's Complete Transfer Guide

First time visiting Turkey's Turquoise Coast? Here's everything you need to know about getting from Dalaman Airport to your Fethiye accommodation — written for tourists who want clear answers, not confusion.

The Basics

Your airport: Dalaman (airport code: DLM) Your destination: Fethiye and surrounding resorts Distance: 45 kilometres Journey time: 50-75 minutes

Dalaman Airport has two terminals — domestic and international. Most transfers depart from outside the domestic arrivals terminal, which is connected to international arrivals by a short walk.

Your Transfer Options (Simplest to Most Complex)

Simplest: Private Transfer

Someone meets you at arrivals with your name on a sign. They take your bags, walk you to a clean car, and drive you directly to your hotel. That's it.

Cost: €230-460 depending on vehicle size Book: Online before you travel Best for: Anyone who wants zero hassle

Simple: Airport Taxi

Taxis wait outside arrivals. Approach, agree on the destination, get driven.

Cost: Around €350 (fixed rate) Book: No booking needed Caution: Significantly more expensive than private transfers for identical service

Medium: Shared Shuttle

Pre-booked minibus shared with other tourists. Door-to-door service but with waiting time and multiple hotel stops.

Cost: €15-25 per person Book: Online before you travel Best for: Solo/couples wanting door-to-door on a budget

More Effort: HAVAS Shuttle Bus

Airport shuttle to Fethiye bus station. Comfortable enough, runs regularly.

Cost: €8-12 per person Book: No booking needed, pay the driver Caution: Ends at bus station, not your hotel

Most Effort: MUTTAS Public Bus

Cheap municipal bus to Fethiye bus station. Slow, basic, multiple stops.

Cost: €5-8 per person Book: No booking needed, pay the driver Caution: Longest journey, least comfortable, ends at bus station

What Tourists Get Wrong

Mistake 1: Thinking the bus goes to their hotel

Both HAVAS and MUTTAS terminate at Fethiye otogar (bus station). From there, you need a taxi or local dolmuş to reach beach resorts like Ölüdeniz.

This adds €20-35 and 20-30 minutes to your journey. Factor it in.

Mistake 2: Taking an airport taxi

Airport taxis charge €350 — more than a private transfer that includes meet-and-greet, flight tracking, and better service.

If you're paying premium prices, get premium service. Book a proper transfer instead.

Mistake 3: Not booking for late flights

Bus services reduce significantly after 10pm. Tourists arriving at 11pm sometimes find themselves stranded with only €350 taxis available.

Pre-book if your flight lands late.

Mistake 4: Assuming they can pay by card

Buses are cash-only (Turkish Lira preferred). Airport ATMs work fine, but have some cash ready.

For Families: What You Need to Know

Travelling with children changes the equation. Suddenly, hauling suitcases through bus stations while managing tired kids sounds awful.

My recommendation: Private transfer. Here's why:

• Driver meets you inside the terminal (no searching)
• Help with luggage
• Child seats included free (request when booking)
• Direct to hotel (kids can sleep)
• No time pressure or connections

The cost (€260-350 for a family car/minivan) divided between adults works out to €65-87 each. That's not much more than taking a bus plus taxi.

For Couples: Budget vs Convenience

Tight budget, Fethiye centre? HAVAS bus at €8-12 each. Walk or cheap taxi to hotel.

Tight budget, beach resort? Shared shuttle at €15-25 each. Door-to-door beats bus + taxi.

Some budget flexibility? Private transfer at €115-145 each (split €260-290). Comfort, convenience, no hassle.

Seasonal Considerations

Summer (June-September): Busiest period. Book private/shared transfers further in advance. Buses more crowded. Prices may be 10-20% higher.

Shoulder (April-May, October): Ideal. Good weather, easier bookings, fair prices.

Winter (November-March): Reduced schedules across all services. Check carefully before travelling.

Step-by-Step: What to Do

If You've Pre-Booked a Transfer:

1. Clear immigration and collect luggage
2. Walk to arrivals (follow signs to meeting point on your voucher)
3. Look for driver holding sign with your name
4. Confirm destination, let them take your bags
5. Relax for 50-60 minutes
6. Arrive at hotel

If You're Taking HAVAS/MUTTAS:

1. Clear immigration and collect luggage
2. Exit terminal and turn right toward domestic arrivals
3. Look for HAVAS or MUTTAS buses
4. Confirm "Fethiye" with driver, pay in cash
5. Journey takes 60-90 minutes
6. Arrive at Fethiye bus station
7. Find taxi or dolmuş to hotel

Return Journey

Book your return at the same time as outbound — usually cheaper as a package.

Allow:

• 3 hours before international departures
• 2.5 hours before domestic departures

This includes transfer time plus airport buffer.

Quick Reference Card

Safe travels. The Turquoise Coast is worth the journey.