Dalaman Airport (DLM) is the western gateway to Kaş, located about 185 km away. The drive takes 2.5 to 3 hours and passes through Fethiye and the charming coastal town of Kalkan before arriving in Kaş.
This route is slightly shorter and a little easier to drive than the alternative from Antalya, making it a popular choice for visitors arriving on direct European flights to Dalaman. Below you will find all the details on how to make the journey by transfer, bus, or rental car.
By Private Transfer
A private transfer is the easiest and most relaxing way to get from Dalaman Airport to Kaş. Your driver meets you in the arrivals hall, helps with your luggage, and drives you directly to our pansiyon — no bus schedules, no connections, no stress after a long flight.
The cost is typically between €40 and €60 per car, which is very reasonable for two or more people sharing. Solo travellers may find shared transfer services available during peak season, though a private car is still the most reliable option.
The drive takes about 2.5 hours in good conditions. Vehicles are modern and air-conditioned, and most drivers are happy to make a brief stop in Fethiye or Kalkan if you would like to stretch your legs or grab a coffee along the way.
We recommend this option and can arrange it for you. Simply share your flight details when you book your stay. Your driver will be at the airport holding a sign with your name, ready to go as soon as you clear customs. For late-night arrivals, booking a transfer in advance is especially important — taxis at the airport can be significantly more expensive.
Booking tip: During July and August, we recommend confirming your transfer at least one week ahead. Peak season means high demand for drivers, and last-minute bookings may be difficult or cost more. In the shoulder months (May, June, September, October) arranging a transfer is usually possible with just a few days' notice.
By Bus
There is no direct bus from Dalaman Airport to Kaş, but the journey is possible with one connection in Fethiye. This is the most budget-friendly option, and it works well if you do not mind a longer travel time and enjoy seeing a bit of Fethiye along the way.
Step 1 — Dalaman Airport to Fethiye: Take the Havaş shuttle from outside the airport arrivals terminal to Fethiye Otogar (bus station). Shuttles are timed to coincide with flight arrivals and the journey takes about 1 hour. Tickets cost around 100–150 TL and can be purchased at the Havaş desk or directly on the bus.
Step 2 — Fethiye to Kaş: From Fethiye Otogar, catch a bus headed for Kaş. Several companies operate this route with regular departures, especially from May to October. The ride takes 2.5 to 3 hours and costs around 150–250 TL. Buses are air-conditioned and comfortable, with space for luggage in the hold.
Total travel time is roughly 4 to 5 hours door to door, depending on how long you wait for your connection in Fethiye. If you arrive at Dalaman in the early afternoon, you should be in Kaş by evening with time to spare.
Off-season warning: Between November and April, both Havaş shuttles and Fethiye–Kaş buses run less frequently. Check schedules before you fly, and have a backup plan — such as a pre-booked transfer or a taxi from Fethiye — in case connections do not line up conveniently.
At the Fethiye connection: If you have time between buses, Fethiye is worth a quick explore. The bus station is close to the town centre, and there are cafés and shops nearby where you can pass the time. The Fethiye fish market is within walking distance and makes for an interesting detour if your wait is an hour or more.
By Rental Car
Picking up a rental car at Dalaman Airport is straightforward — all the major international companies and several reliable local operators have desks in the arrivals hall. Having a car gives you freedom to explore the coast at your own pace and makes day trips from Kaş much easier once you arrive.
From the airport, head south toward Fethiye and then follow the D400 east along the coast. The road from Fethiye to Kaş is one of Turkey's most beautiful coastal drives, with sweeping views of bays, islands, and forested mountains unfolding before you.
Having a car is especially valuable once you are settled in Kaş. It opens up easy access to Kaputaş Beach, Patara's 18 km of sand, Saklıkent Gorge, and the ancient Lycian ruins at Xanthos and Letoon. Without a car, some of these require tour bookings or infrequent dolmuş connections.
Practical tips for drivers:
- The Dalaman route is slightly easier to drive than the Antalya route, with fewer extreme mountain passes and fewer hairpin bends.
- Petrol stations are plentiful along the D400 — no need to worry about filling up before you leave the airport area.
- If you are arriving on a late evening flight, consider spending one night in Fethiye and driving to Kaş the next morning. The coast road is far better appreciated in daylight.
- A car is excellent for day trips from Kaş — Patara Beach, Kaputaş, Saklıkent Gorge, Xanthos — but not necessary in the town itself, which is entirely walkable.
- Dalaman Airport has both short-term and long-term car parks if you need to leave your vehicle there before or after your trip.
The Drive — What to Expect
The route from Dalaman to Kaş is scenic from start to finish, though the character of the road changes as you go. Here is a breakdown of the three stages:
Dalaman to Fethiye (1 hour): A relatively easy road through agricultural land, low hills, and pine forest. Traffic is usually light outside of Fethiye itself. As you approach the town, you will see it spread out along its wide bay — a pleasant but not particularly dramatic stretch of the journey.
Fethiye to Kalkan (1 hour): After Fethiye the D400 begins to hug the coast, and this is where the real magic starts. The road climbs and dips through fragrant pine forests with sudden, stunning views of turquoise bays and rocky islands. You will cross over high ridges near the Ölüdeniz area (though the famous lagoon itself is off the main road) and wind through several small villages. This section has some sharp curves but is well-surfaced and clearly marked throughout.
Kalkan to Kaş (30 min): The final stretch is the most beautiful part of the entire journey. The road winds along cliff edges high above the sea, offering panoramic views at almost every turn. You will pass through the small hillside resort town of Kalkan — a lovely place to stop for a Turkish coffee or a late lunch on a rooftop terrace with sea views. From Kalkan it is just 30 minutes more to Kaş, with the Greek island of Meis (Kastellorizo) appearing on the horizon as you approach.
Worth a stop — Kalkan: This charming hillside town has a completely different character to Kaş. It is quieter, more upscale, and built on steep narrow streets cascading down to a small harbour. If you are not in a rush, spending 30 minutes walking its lanes and having a tea overlooking the bay is a wonderful way to break the drive. Several rooftop restaurants offer sweeping views across to the islands.
Arriving in Kaş: As you descend toward Kaş, the town appears below you on a peninsula jutting into the sea, with the tiny Greek island of Meis sitting just offshore. It is one of the most memorable arrival views on the entire Turkish coast. Follow the main road down into town and look for parking near the amphitheatre or the marina — see our parking guide for details.
Tips for the Journey
- Daylight driving is best. While the road is well-maintained, it is winding and poorly lit at night in some sections. If your flight arrives after dark, consider staying overnight in Fethiye — there are plenty of affordable hotels near the bus station and harbour.
- Allow time for stops. The coast road between Fethiye and Kaş has several designated viewpoints, and the town of Kalkan deserves at least a quick pause. Do not rush this drive — it is one of the highlights of the trip.
- Check Havaş schedules in advance if you are planning to take the bus. In the off-season (November–April) there are fewer airport shuttles and Fethiye–Kaş connections. The Havaş website and app show current timetables.
- Book your transfer early during July and August. Peak season means high demand for drivers, and last-minute transfers can be more expensive or harder to find.
- Carry some Turkish lira. While most places along the route accept cards, a few smaller petrol stations and roadside cafés are cash-only. Airport exchange offices work, though rates are slightly better in Fethiye or Kaş town.
- Download offline maps. Mobile signal is mostly reliable along the D400 but can drop out in some mountain sections between Fethiye and Kalkan. Having the route saved offline on Google Maps or Maps.me removes any worry about losing navigation.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to get from Dalaman to Kaş?
By private transfer or rental car the journey takes about 2.5 to 3 hours. If you travel by bus, expect 4 to 5 hours total because there is no direct service — you need to connect through Fethiye.
Is there a direct bus from Dalaman Airport to Kaş?
No, there is no direct bus. You first take the Havaş shuttle from Dalaman Airport to Fethiye bus station (about 1 hour), then catch a separate bus from Fethiye to Kaş (about 2.5–3 hours). Departures are frequent in summer but less so in the off-season.
Is the drive from Dalaman easier than from Antalya?
Yes, slightly. The Dalaman route is a bit shorter and the road between Fethiye and Kaş, while still winding, has fewer extreme mountain passes than the Antalya route. The scenery is equally spectacular, especially the coastal stretch after Kalkan.
Should I fly into Dalaman or Antalya for Kaş?
Both work well. Dalaman is slightly closer (2.5–3 hours vs 3–3.5 hours) and the drive is marginally easier. Antalya often has more flight options and cheaper fares, especially from European cities. Choose whichever has the better flights for your dates — the difference in driving time is small.