Rhodes Town to Antalya: Ultimate Driving Guide

The Rhodes Town to Antalya route is unique: it begins on the Greek island of Rhodes and ends on the Turkish Riviera. The actual driving portion starts after a 2-hour ferry crossing from Rhodes to Fethiye or Marmaris. The D400 coastal highway from Fethiye to Antalya is one of the most scenic drives in the Mediterranean, hugging the Taurus Mountains.

Historically, this route traces ancient Lycian trading paths. The modern highway was completed in 2014, cutting travel time from 4 hours to under 3. Note: you must take a vehicle ferry from Rhodes to Marmaris (3.5 hours) or Fethiye (2 hours). Ferry schedules vary seasonally. Book in advance for summer.

Learn how to find the best stops and hidden gems between cities

Road surface is mostly asphalt with occasional gravel near construction sites. Speed cameras are common near towns. Night illumination is present until Antalya but dim in tunnels. Use headlights at all times.

• Family stops: The Sea Turtle Research Center at İztuzu Beach (near Dalyan) is interactive for kids. Also, Antalya Aquarium is a hit.
• Pet-friendly: Most beach cafes in Ölüdeniz allow dogs. Service stations like Mocamp have grassy areas.
• Hidden off-route: The abandoned ghost town of Kayaköy (5 min from D400 near Fethiye) is a spooky but safe detour.

Fatigue management: Rest zones at 30 km intervals. Good spots: the viewpoint at Göcek overlooking the marina (parking available), and the rest area at D400/Finike junction (has toilets and coffee). For a nap, use the large Huzur Park in Kemer (free parking).

Fuel stations are plentiful on the D400, with major brands like Petrol Ofisi, Shell, and Opet every 20-30 km. Expect fuel costs around 13-15 TL per liter (Oct 2023). A 200-km drive in a compact car will cost roughly 400-500 TL. The mountainous sections increase consumption by 15%.

• Ferry tip: Arrive at Rhodes port 1.5 hours before departure.
• Visa: Non-Turkish nationals need e-Visa or sticker visa for Turkey.
• Toll: D400 has no tolls; some tunnels near Antalya are free.

Road quality on D400 is excellent, with well-marked lanes and guardrails. Inland mountain passes like the climb near Saklıkent have tight curves; use lower gears. Night driving is safe but watch for stray animals.

The D400 skirts turquoise coves and pine-clad mountains. The shift from coastal cliffs to the open plains of Antalya is dramatic. Must-see stop: Butterfly Valley viewpoint (N 36° 32' 05" E 29° 07' 42") offers a panoramic photo spot.

• Geographical shifts: Starting from Fethiye’s rocky bays, passing through the alluvial plain of Finike, then entering the citrus groves of Antalya.
• UNESCO sites: Xanthos-Letoon near Fethiye (30-min detour) is a UNESCO World Heritage site; also the ancient city of Myra (near Demre).

Local commerce: Roadside stalls sell fresh pomegranates, oranges, and handmade carpets. Near Kumluca, look for wooden olive oil bowls. The small town of Çıralı has authentic gözleme (Turkish pancake) shops.