Living in Central Antalya Without a Car: Trams, Buses and AntalyaKart

Yes, you can live in central Antalya without a car. In the central neighbourhoods of Muratpaşa, shops, street markets, schools, healthcare and Kaleiçi are within walking distance; trams cover the city's main east–west axis and a dense bus network does the rest. You pay for all of it with a single card, AntalyaKart.

How easy car-free life is depends largely on where you live. This guide covers Antalya's tram lines, buses, AntalyaKart and the practical side of living on foot in the centre.

At a glance

• T1 tram line: from Fatih into the city centre, then on to the airport and Expo
• T3 tram line: from Varsak via the university and hospitals to Müze
• Nostalgic tram: suspended since summer 2026, temporarily replaced by the NT07 bus
• Payment: AntalyaKart, a mobile card or a contactless bank card
• Within walking distance in the centre: Kaleiçi, shopping centres, street markets, schools
• Where a car is missed most: weekend trips to nature and villages

Which tram lines does Antalya have?

Antalya has no metro; its rail network is made up of tram lines known as AntRay. Two main lines run through the city today.

T1: Fatih – city centre – airport and Expo

The first line opened in 2009 between Fatih and Meydan and was later extended east. Today T1 starts at Fatih, runs through central stops such as Otogar, Şarampol, Muratpaşa, İsmetpaşa and Doğu Garajı, and after Meydan continues through Altınova before splitting towards the airport (T1A) and the Expo site (T1B). If you live in the centre, that means a direct rail link to the airport with no change.

T3: Varsak – Müze

Completed in 2021, the T3 line starts in Varsak in northern Kepez, passes stops at Akdeniz University, the University Hospital and the Training and Research Hospital (Eğitim Araştırma), and ends at the Müze stop on Konyaaltı Caddesi. It is the most practical line for students, healthcare staff and anyone with a hospital appointment.

What is happening with the nostalgic tram?

The nostalgic tram, which had run since 1999 between Zerdalilik and Müze past Kaleiçi and Cumhuriyet Meydanı, was suspended in summer 2026. The municipality has said the line will not be scrapped and that it plans to replace the old vehicles with new ones. In the meantime, the NT07 bus route serves the same corridor as a temporary measure. No reopening date has been confirmed yet.

Where do the buses go?

Wherever the tram does not go, a bus does. Bus routes connect the Konyaaltı and Lara beaches, Döşemealtı, the inner neighbourhoods of Kepez and the district centres. Besides the tram, bus routes also serve the airport.

Route numbers and itineraries change from time to time, so the most reliable sources are the official AntalyaKart mobile app and the municipality's transport channels. The app lets you check your balance, top up and plan journeys in one place.

How does AntalyaKart work?

AntalyaKart is the electronic payment card used on the trams and municipal buses.

• Where to get one: at the card centres in Batıgar and Doğu Garajı, at authorised sales and top-up points, or through the mobile app.
• Mobile card: on phones with NFC you can buy a digital card in the app, so no physical card is needed.
• Personalised card: available at the card centres with ID and a passport photo; discounted cards for students, teachers and retirees require supporting documents.
• Contactless bank card: you can also tap a bank card directly, but the fare is higher and you get no transfer rights.
• Transfers: with AntalyaKart, changes made within a set time window are discounted.

Single-journey and multi-journey cards are also available for short-term visitors. Fares are updated every year, so check the current tariff with the official sources.

What is it like to live on foot in the centre?

In Muratpaşa's central neighbourhoods, most everyday needs are within walking distance. Neighbourhood markets set up on fixed days of the week, shopping centres and supermarkets are close by, and Kaleiçi and Karaalioğlu Park are ideal for an evening walk. For more on city-centre life, see our guide to living in Lara and Muratpaşa.

Heat and the seasons

The only serious obstacle to getting around on foot in Antalya is the summer heat. Walking around midday in July and August is tiring, and many locals run their errands early in the morning or late in the afternoon. Spring, autumn and winter are very pleasant for walking.

When do you need a car?

When you want to head to Döşemealtı, the mountain villages or remote coves at the weekend, renting a car makes sense. Many people in the centre prefer to rent on the days they need one rather than own a car full time. That also removes parking, insurance and maintenance costs; for the other running costs of a home, see our article on the real costs of owning a home in Antalya each year.

The pros and cons of car-free living

It is worth weighing up both sides before you decide:

• Pro: No hunting for parking in the busy centre.
• Pro: Fuel, insurance, inspections and parking drop out of the budget.
• Pro: The airport, the university and major hospitals can be reached by tram.
• Con: Trams and buses can be crowded during the morning and evening rush hours.
• Con: Getting to the beaches from the centre usually means a bus ride.
• Con: Options thin out late at night, so check last departures in advance.

Addresses that suit car-free living

If you are planning a car-free life, location decides everything. Two different examples:

• City centre: Meridien Nova in Yüksekalan is about 500 metres as the crow flies from the Doğu Garajı stop on the T1 line and about 1 km from Kaleiçi. The market, shops and historic centre are within walking distance, and the project comes with advantageous payment options.
• Airport and mall axis: according to the project details, Skyport Residence in Altınova is 100 metres from a tram stop, 50 metres from Mall of Antalya and 3 km from the airport, with Deepo Outlet right next door.

Frequently asked questions

Does Antalya have a metro?

No. Antalya's rail system consists of tram lines. The T1 line connects the centre with the airport and the Expo site, and the T3 line links Varsak with Müze via the university and hospitals.

Can I take the tram from the city centre to the airport?

Yes. The T1A line starts at Fatih, runs through the stops in the city centre and goes straight to the airport. Bus routes to the airport also operate.

Can I use public transport without an AntalyaKart?

Yes, you can pay with a contactless bank card. However, the fare is higher than with AntalyaKart and no transfer rights apply.

Will the nostalgic tram run again?

The municipality has said the line, suspended in summer 2026, will not be scrapped and that the vehicles are due to be replaced. There is no firm date yet; until then, the temporary NT07 bus route serves the corridor.

Cover photo: Sharon Hahn Darlin, CC BY 2.0, Wikimedia Commons (cropped).