Dalaman Airport, the gateway to the Turkish Riviera, is one of the most significant airports in Turkey.
As a matter of fact, it’s the 7th biggest in Turkey, covering a very large area, which means that it can be a bit confusing and difficult to navigate around and find where you’re supposed to go.
This comprehensive guide to Dalaman Airport will provide all the essential information you need to navigate this bustling hub without worry and enjoy your journey to the fullest.
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Arrival and Departure
One of the first things you'll notice when you land at Dalaman Airport is its well-organised system for arrivals and departures. The airport has two terminals: Terminal 1 for international flights, and Terminal 2 for domestic flights. Each terminal has four floors and 13 gates, ensuring smooth and efficient operations.
Dalaman Airport's terminals have modern and simplistic designs with maximum comfort and convenience in mind. Both terminals are kitted out with modern facilities, including duty-free shops, restaurants, car rental services, and more. Free Wi-Fi is also available in the restaurants and cafes in the arrival and departure halls, as well as in the VIP lounges.
While disembarking, you’ll notice very frequent signs towards the exit. By following these down the long hall towards the luggage delivery, you’ll be able to get to the main floor easily.
International and Domestic Flights
Whether it’s for a flight to the UK or a domestic flight, Dalaman Airport has got you covered.
The airport has international flight connections to 23 different countries and 68 different destinations around the world. On the other hand, domestic connections are handled by Turkish Airlines, Pegasus Airlines, and Anadolu Jet.
For holidayers coming to Turkey, tour providers like TUI and Easyjet most often use Dalaman Airport as opposed to the nearby Bodrum Airport.
Arrival and Departure Timings
To keep track of flight timings, the official airport website offers real-time updates on arrivals and departures. It's advisable to arrive at the airport at least two hours before domestic flights and three hours before international flights.
VIP Transfer Options
It might be a bit overwhelming to know where to go once you step foot here for the first time. If that’s a concern, it might be a good idea to plan your hotel transfer with a VIP transfer service.
These are basically services that take you from the airport to your hotel, with quite a bit more luxury than if you were to go with a taxi.
You don’t have to worry about anything else once you book a VIP transfer. Most vendors are very professional and helpful, and always have English-speaking drivers.
There are a few ways to arrange a VIP transfer:
Many package holidays come with VIP transfers pre-arranged. It might be a good idea to check whether your holiday package includes one as well.
Alternatively, you can book a VIP transfer from any one of the excursion vendors online. To make sure you don’t run into any delays or other issues, make sure you book from a credible vendor. Viator and Tripadvisor might be worth checking out to book from the best vendors.
If neither of these work, you can go ahead and book a VIP transfer from the airport itself. There are several popular transfer agencies near the exit on the ground floor. Keep in mind that the last-minute prices here might be considerably more than booking beforehand.
Restaurants, Shopping and Duty-Free
Dalaman Airport has many dining and shopping options. Whether you're in the mood for a quick snack or a full meal, there's a café or a restaurant that caters to your taste. The food court has everything from fast-food burger spots to dimly lit gourmet restaurants.
For shopping, the airport houses a variety of shops offering everything from traditional Turkish sweets to designer swag. The duty-free stores are well-stocked and offer a rich selection of chocolates, perfumes, alcoholic beverages, cosmetics, souvenirs, and more.
Parking At the Airport
For domestic flights, finding a place to park your car at Dalaman Airport is made easy thanks to the large parking lots located at both terminals. The prices for parking vary depending on the duration of your stay.
The largest parking lot is located at the Domestic Terminal and has space for 550 vehicles.
Hotels Near Dalaman Airport
While there are no hotels directly within the airport, there are several accommodations within a 3-4 kilometres radius. These range from luxury resorts to small apart-hotels, catering to different budget and preference needs.
One such option is the Dalaman Airport Lykia Resort Hotel & Spa, a modernly furnished 4-star hotel with a sauna and a fitness room, located only 4 kilometres from the airport.
Another is, of course, the Dalaman Hilton. With its own private beach, five-star gym and spa, elegant design, and eat-till-you-drop policy, there really is nowhere better if you have to stay near the airport for a night or two.
Distance from Nearby Holiday Towns
Below, you can find the distances from Dalaman to some of the nearby holiday towns and cities:
Marmaris: 89 km
Dalyan: 24 km
Akyaka: 65 km
Patara: 70 km
Fethiye: 45 km
Bodrum: 195 km
Antalya: 235 km
How To Contact Dalaman Airport
Dalaman Airport's official website provides comprehensive information about all its services. In case of any queries, you can contact them at +90 252 792 55 55.
Wrapping Up: Dalaman Airport - All You Need To Know
Now you have all the information you need, all that remains is to say, Welcome to Turkey!
With this guide in hand, you're now well-equipped to navigate your way through Dalaman Airport. Whether you're just passing through or starting your holiday in the beautiful Turkish Coast, Dalaman Airport offers a seamless and enjoyable travel experience.
Dalaman Airport - Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a visa for a layover at Dalaman Airport?
For most nationalities, a transit visa is not required if you're not leaving the airport's international transit area. However, this can vary depending on your nationality, so it's best to check with your airline or embassy beforehand.
Is there a place to store my luggage at Dalaman Airport?
Yes, there are luggage storage facilities available at the airport for a nominal fee, allowing you to explore the airport or nearby areas without the burden of your luggage.
Is there Wi-Fi at Dalaman Airport?
Yes, free Wi-Fi is available in the restaurants and cafes in the arrival and departure halls, as well as in the VIP lounges. However, you may need to provide some personal information to access the network.
Is Dalaman Airport closed?
No, Dalaman Airport is not closed. It is currently open and operating as normal throughout the year. However, please note that flight schedules can change at any time, so it is always best to check with your airline for the latest information before you travel.
Is Dalaman Airport busy?
Yes, Dalaman Airport is very busy, especailly during the holiday season. It is the fourth busiest airport in Turkey. Most of these passengers are holidayers visiting the popular holiday towns of Marmaris, Fethiye, and Ölüdeniz, all of which are located within a short drive of the airport.
Is Dalaman Airport big?
Dalaman Airport is a medium-sized airport. It has one terminal and two runways. The terminal is spread out over a wide area, and has a variety of facilities and services, including shops, restaurants, cafes, and currency exchange bureaus.
Is Dalaman Airport expensive?
Dalaman Airport is not particularly expensive, especially compared to many of the other busy airports in the Mediterranean. The prices for food, drinks, and other services are comparable to other airports in Turkey, but they're, in general, much higher than the prices you'd pay outside of the airport. However, it is important to note that the prices for taxis and rental cars can be high, especially during the summer months.