Mahmutlar and Kargıcak are two resort areas east of Alanya, stretching along the D400 coastal road. For holidaymakers heading here, Gazipaşa-Alanya Airport (GZP) is much closer than Antalya Airport (AYT). A Gazipaşa airport to Mahmutlar transfer usually takes between 30 and 45 minutes, and Kargıcak lies slightly closer to the airport. The process consists of a few simple steps: booking, sharing your flight details, meet and greet at the terminal, loading your luggage and a direct ride to your hotel door. Knowing in advance which information to provide and when makes the first hour after landing completely stress-free.
Where Gazipaşa Airport Is Located in Relation to Mahmutlar and Kargıcak
Gazipaşa-Alanya Airport sits between Alanya and the town of Gazipaşa, close to the coast. Mahmutlar and Kargıcak are both on the route from central Alanya towards Gazipaşa. This means the vehicle leaving the airport does not need to pass through the city centre; it simply follows the coastal road straight to the area. Kargıcak is the closer of the two to the airport, while Mahmutlar lies a little further west, towards Alanya town centre.
It is also possible to reach the same area from Antalya Airport, where many international flights land. However, this route runs through Manavgat and central Alanya and usually takes more than two hours. For travellers comparing flight options, this difference in journey time matters. A short transfer is a noticeable relief, especially for families with young children or passengers who have just come off a long flight.
What to Know About Journey Time and Route
In normal traffic, the drive from Gazipaşa Airport to hotels in Kargıcak generally takes 25 to 40 minutes. For Mahmutlar, it can vary between 30 and 45 minutes. These times are approximate. Whether your hotel is on the coastal road or up in the hillside residential area, the season and the time of day all affect the journey.
In summer, particularly in July and August, traffic on the D400 can build up in the evenings. The narrow streets of Mahmutlar and the aparthotels on the hillside may add a few minutes of driving after leaving the main road. Providing the full hotel name and address when booking helps the driver find the right entrance easily. If you are staying in a rental flat or residence, it is also helpful to add the block and complex name.
Information to Provide When Booking
With a private transfer, all the planning is done before the journey begins. Providing the following details accurately when booking makes everything run smoothly:
- Flight number and scheduled arrival time
- Number of adults and children, and the children's ages
- Number of suitcases, plus special items such as golf bags, pushchairs or large sports equipment
- Full hotel name and address, including flat or block details if applicable
- Phone number, ideally one you can be reached on via WhatsApp or Viber
These details also determine the vehicle class. The right vehicle for a family of four is different from the right one for a group of eight friends, and luggage volume is often just as decisive as the number of passengers. Missing information can lead to a last-minute vehicle change, so it is worth checking the list once more before completing your booking.
How the Airport Meet and Greet Works
Compared to Antalya Airport, Gazipaşa Airport has a smaller and simpler terminal. Getting to the exit after passport control and baggage reclaim usually takes very little time. With a private transfer, the driver waits in the arrivals area holding a name sign. Once you have collected your luggage, you meet the driver at the meeting point and walk together to the vehicle in the car park.
The driver loads your luggage into the vehicle and the journey goes straight to your hotel. There are no stops at other hotels and no waiting for other passengers. For first-time visitors to Turkey, needs such as a local SIM card, currency exchange or a quick stop at a supermarket can be built into the plan if mentioned in advance. Requests like these may add a few minutes to the journey, so it is best to include them in your booking notes.
Flight Delays and Late-Night Arrivals
Flights are sometimes delayed. Sharing your flight number when booking means the pick-up can be adjusted if your arrival time changes. If you know about a delay in advance, letting the transfer company know by phone or message makes things easier for everyone. If passport control or baggage reclaim takes unexpectedly long, a quick message to the driver is all it takes.
Some flights land at Gazipaşa Airport late at night. At these hours, transport options around the airport can be more limited than during the day. A pre-booked transfer means you will not have to look for a ride or wait for a vehicle after midnight. For late arrivals, it is also a good idea to let your hotel reception know about your late check-in.
On-Board Comfort, Luggage and Travelling with Children
Free Wi-Fi is available in the transfer vehicles, so passengers can message their hotel, let family know they have arrived or share their location. Air-conditioned vehicles are essential for escaping the intense heat you feel when leaving the airport in summer. In VIP class vehicles, the seating layout and interior space make for a more comfortable ride after a long flight. For more information on what is included, you can take a look at our Antalya VIP transfer options.
Baby seats and child seats are available on request. Please make this request when booking, stating the child's age and approximate weight, so that the vehicle can be prepared with the right seat. Families travelling with a pushchair and extra luggage should choose a larger vehicle class to avoid an overcrowded boot.
Taxi, Bus or Private Transfer: The Practical Differences
To get from Gazipaşa Airport to Mahmutlar and Kargıcak, you can choose between a taxi, airport buses and a private transfer. Each has its place, and the differences can be assessed with a few practical criteria:
- Knowing the price in advance: With a private transfer, the fare is confirmed at the time of booking. With a metered taxi, the final amount can vary depending on traffic and route.
- Waiting: A private transfer vehicle is reserved for you and is ready at the meeting point. Buses run on fixed schedules, so depending on your flight time, the wait can be long.
- Changes: Public transport may require a change in central Alanya, whereas a private transfer is door to door.
- Luggage: For large families with lots of suitcases, being able to choose the vehicle class in advance is a major advantage.
- Pricing model: Private transfers are priced per vehicle, not per person, so the cost per person changes for larger groups.
For a solo traveller with little luggage, public transport can be a suitable option. Families, groups and passengers arriving at night, however, usually prefer a pre-arranged transfer. The same criteria apply to those flying into Antalya Airport, and Antalya airport transfer options can be assessed in the same way.
Frequently Asked Questions
Below are answers to the questions most often asked by holidaymakers travelling to Mahmutlar and Kargıcak via Gazipaşa. For prices and general information, you can also read our detailed article on Gazipaşa airport transfer.
How far in advance should I book my transfer?
In the summer season, booking a few days in advance makes it easier to secure the vehicle class you want. During public holidays and school holidays, demand rises, so earlier planning is recommended.
Does the return transfer work the same way?
Yes. On the way back, the vehicle picks you up from your hotel at the agreed time. Although Gazipaşa Airport is small, it is recommended to be at the airport at least two hours before departure for security and check-in. The pick-up time is set with this and road conditions in mind.
Can I travel from Gazipaşa Airport to other areas as well?
In addition to Mahmutlar and Kargıcak, transfers can also be arranged to nearby areas such as central Alanya, Kestel and Oba. For more distant destinations, journey time and vehicle choice are assessed separately.
Factors That Affect Price and Journey Time
The transfer fare is not a single fixed figure. The vehicle class, the number of passengers and suitcases, the travel date and the exact location of your destination all directly affect the price. As the website can display prices in different currencies such as TRY, USD, EUR and GBP, exchange rate differences may also be reflected in the amount. Night-time journeys and requests for extra stops are other factors that can change the plan.
Journey time varies in a similar way. There can be a difference of a few minutes between a hotel near the coastal road in Kargıcak and an aparthotel on the hillside in Mahmutlar. Heavy traffic on summer evenings can lengthen the journey, while in winter the roads are usually clearer. Because transfer time and price depend on the date, vehicle class, number of passengers and destination, please check the latest information on the Regions & Prices page of the Number One Transfer website before booking.
