Holidays in Antalya by Own Transport

Driving from Sofia to the Antalya area takes approximately 12-13.5 hours to Kemer, Lara, and Belek, and about 14-15 hours to Alanya, the easternmost resort (from Plovdiv the drive is about 1.5 hours shorter). Thanks to modern motorways and the Osman Gazi Bridge, the route is remarkably fast and comfortable.

The preferred and fastest route from Bulgaria is: Kapitan Andreevo border checkpoint ➔ Istanbul ring motorway bypass ➔ crossing the Sea of Marmara via the Osman Gazi suspension bridge (O-5) ➔ past Bursa ➔ Bozüyük ➔ Kütahya ➔ Afyonkarahisar ➔ Sandıklı ➔ Burdur ➔ Antalya. From there, the wide D400 coastal highway provides direct multi-lane connections to all resorts.

Having your own vehicle gives you total flexibility in any area: in Kemer you enjoy pine-covered mountains and pebble coves; in Lara and Belek you access elite beachfront Ultra All Inclusive sandy resorts; in Side you find wide, shallow sandy beaches for children and an ancient historic town; and in Alanya you enjoy vibrant nightlife and Cleopatra Beach.

Yes, an HGS sticker is mandatory for toll motorway sections in Turkey. You can purchase and top it up right after border control at PTT post offices or major service stations. At the Osman Gazi Bridge, toll fees can also be paid directly at the toll plaza with a credit or debit card.

Bulgarian citizens can cross the border with either a valid national ID card or an international passport (with at least 6 months validity). For the vehicle, you need: the Vehicle Registration Certificate (Part 2 / small slip), valid Green Card insurance covering Turkey, a driving licence, and a notarised power of attorney with certified translation if the vehicle is leased, company-owned, or borrowed.

Highway infrastructure in Turkey meets the highest European standards. The main D400 coastal artery connecting Kemer, Antalya city, Belek, Side, and Alanya is wide, multi-lane, and paved with smooth asphalt. Traffic flow is well-regulated with clear signage and modern overpasses.

With your own car, you easily access ancient amphitheatres in Perge and Aspendos, the Düden and Kurşunlu waterfalls, the Tahtalı aerial cable car in Kemer, white-water rafting in Köprülü Canyon, and the massive theme park The Land of Legends in Belek.

Fuel prices in Turkey are dynamic and comparable to those in Bulgaria. We recommend filling your tank before crossing the border. Along the route, there are abundant 24/7 service plazas (Shell, Opet, Petrol Ofisi) with quality fuel and card payments. Verified 5-star All Inclusive resorts in Antalya offer dedicated complimentary on-site parking for their guests.

Absolutely. Even on an Ultra All Inclusive basis, having your car frees you from rigid tour coach schedules. You can independently decide when to explore neighboring beaches, shopping malls, or historical sites, returning to your resort whenever you wish.

The motorways are wide and relaxed to drive. We recommend alternating drivers and taking short breaks at 24/7 highway service plazas every 3-4 hours. If traveling with young children, a relaxing transit pause or short overnight stay in cities along the route such as Afyonkarahisar or Bursa makes the journey effortless.