Road trips from Dalaman by rental car
The best road trips from Dalaman follow the D400: east to Göcek, Fethiye, Ölüdeniz, Saklıkent Gorge and on to Kalkan and Kaş, or west to Dalyan's Iztuzu beach, Köyceğiz lake, Marmaris and Akyaka. Most are easy day trips of 30 minutes to 2.5 hours each way from Dalaman Airport. With a rental car from €38 per day, you can combine beaches, ancient cities and mountain scenery on your own schedule.
What is the best day trip east of Dalaman?
Heading east, the classic day is Fethiye and Ölüdeniz: about an hour to Fethiye on the D400, a coffee by the harbour, then over the hill via Kayaköy's abandoned village to the lagoon at Ölüdeniz. Inland from Fethiye, Saklıkent Gorge and the ancient city of Tlos make a cooler day in high summer.
For a longer trip, continue along the D400 past Patara's dunes and long beach to Kalkan and Kaş, about 2 to 2.5 hours from the airport; the coast road between them is one of the most scenic drives in Türkiye.
- Göcek: about 25 km, 25 minutes
- Fethiye: about 55 km, 1 hour
- Ölüdeniz and Kayaköy: about 65 km, 1 hour 10
- Saklıkent Gorge: about 95 km, 1 hour 45
- Kalkan: about 130 km, 2 hours; Kaş: about 155 km, 2.5 hours
What is the best day trip west of Dalaman?
Going west, Dalyan is about 30 minutes away: see the Lycian rock tombs above the river, then drive the 13 km road to Iztuzu beach, a protected turtle-nesting beach that closes at night in season. Combine it with the mud baths and Köyceğiz lake on the way back.
Further west, the D400 runs along Köyceğiz lake to Marmaris, about 1.5 hours from the airport, and the small resort of Akyaka on the Gökova gulf is a similar distance.
- Sarıgerme beach: about 20 km, 25 minutes
- Dalyan: about 30 km, 35 minutes
- Köyceğiz: about 38 km, 40 minutes
- Akyaka: about 75 km, 1 hour 15
- Marmaris: about 95 km, 1 hour 30
Can I do a one-way road trip along the coast?
Yes. One-way rentals let you pick up at Dalaman Airport and drop off in Fethiye, Ölüdeniz, Hisarönü, Göcek, Dalyan, Sarıgerme or Marmaris, or start in one of these places and finish at the airport. A popular plan is a few nights in Dalyan, then a few in Fethiye or Ölüdeniz, returning the car at the airport on the way home.
Which car is best for road trips from Dalaman?
For couples, an economy car is fine on the D400 and in villages. If you plan mountain roads to Saklıkent, Faralya or the Bozburun peninsula, an SUV such as the Duster or Qashqai, or an automatic, makes the climbs easier. Families and groups can choose the 7-seat Jogger, a van, or the 9-seat Hyundai Staria.
When is the best time for a road trip from Dalaman?
Spring (April to early June) and autumn (September to October) are ideal: warm, with lighter traffic and easier parking. July and August are hot and busy, so start early, keep water in the car and plan beach time for the morning. In winter, some coastal businesses close, but the roads are quiet and the scenery is green.
Frequently asked questions
How long does it take to drive from Dalaman to Kaş?
About 2.5 hours for roughly 155 km along the D400 via Fethiye and Kalkan.
Can I drive to Saklıkent Gorge in a day from Dalaman?
Yes, it is about 95 km and 1 hour 45 minutes each way; combine it with Tlos for a full day.
What is the most scenic road near Dalaman?
The D400 between Kalkan and Kaş, and the road from Ölüdeniz to Faralya above Butterfly Valley, are among the most spectacular.
Is Pamukkale a day trip from Dalaman?
It is possible but long, at roughly 3 hours or more each way inland; many visitors prefer an overnight stop.
Do I need a 4x4 for road trips from Dalaman?
No, the main sights are on paved roads; an SUV only adds comfort on steep or rough village lanes.
Can I take the rental car on a ferry to Greece?
Usually not; taking a rental car out of Turkey requires the rental company's written permission, which is rarely given.