| Once you’ve booked your treatment, the practical questions start. Which airline? Which hotel? What to pack? We’ve helped thousands of UK patients answer these — here’s our guide. |
The logistics of travelling abroad for dental treatment aren’t complicated — but they’re different from a standard holiday, because some of the usual assumptions don’t apply. You’re not looking for the cheapest hotel in the centre. You’re not planning to pack your days with sightseeing. And a few things in your luggage — things you wouldn’t normally think to bring — will make the first couple of days considerably more comfortable.
This guide covers everything from the flight to the hotel to the zip-lock bag of soft foods for the journey home. It’s the practical briefing we wish more patients had before they arrived.
UK Airports and Flights to Antalya
Antalya is served by direct flights from most major UK airports throughout the spring and summer season — roughly April to October. Winter connections are more limited but still available from London and Manchester. Here’s a practical overview:
| UK Airport | Flight time | Airlines | Tip |
| London Gatwick | ~3h 30m | EasyJet, British Airways, TUI | Large choice — book 6–8 weeks ahead |
| London Stansted | ~3h 30m | Ryanair, Pegasus, SunExpress | Often cheapest — fewer frills |
| Manchester | ~4h | Jet2, TUI, Turkish Airlines | Best option for North/Midlands |
| Birmingham | ~3h 45m | Jet2, TUI, Pegasus | Good frequency May–September |
| Bristol | ~4h | TUI, Jet2 | Convenient for South West |
| Edinburgh | ~4h 30m | Jet2, TUI | Good summer frequency |
| Leeds Bradford | ~4h | Jet2, TUI | Solid option for Yorkshire |
| Newcastle | ~4h 15m | Jet2, TUI | Worth checking vs Manchester |
| Our recommendation: book an early morning departure. You arrive in Antalya by early afternoon, settle into the hotel, and feel human before your first appointment the next morning. Evening arrivals can feel rushed. |
Antalya Airport to Lara: What Happens When You Land
Antalya Airport (AYT) is approximately 25 minutes from Lara by road — straight out of the city rather than through it. It’s a smooth, straightforward transfer. We arrange it for all our patients as standard: your driver will be waiting at arrivals with a sign, and you’ll be at your hotel within half an hour of clearing baggage.
If for any reason you need to arrange your own transfer, licensed taxis are available at the airport. The metered fare to Lara should be approximately 300–400 Turkish Lira (roughly £8–12 at current rates). Avoid unlicensed drivers who approach you before you reach the official rank.
Where to Stay in Lara
Our clinic is in the heart of Lara, and we recommend staying within walking distance if possible. Here’s a realistic breakdown by budget:
| Budget | Per night (approx.) | What to expect | Best for |
| Budget (3★) | £35–£55 | Clean, comfortable, breakfast included. Smaller pool or none. | Shorter stays, solo travellers, budget-conscious patients |
| Mid-range (4★) | £55–£90 | All-inclusive options available, larger pool, sea views possible. | Most of our patients — good balance of comfort and value |
| Premium (5★) | £90–£160+ | Beachfront, spa, multiple restaurants. Ideal for recovery days. | Patients combining treatment with a proper holiday |
If you’d like specific recommendations based on your dates and budget, ask your patient coordinator. We work with several hotels in the area and can often advise on availability and pricing.
What to Pack: The Dental Treatment Edition
Most of your packing is standard holiday fare. A few additions specific to dental treatment are worth knowing:
| Dental-specific items | Why |
| Soft-bristle toothbrush | Post-treatment, especially after implants, firm brushing is uncomfortable. Pack a new soft brush. |
| Non-alcoholic mouthwash | Alcohol-based rinses can irritate surgical sites. Ask us for the recommended brand on arrival. |
| Any UK dental records or X-rays | If your NHS dentist gave you copies, bring them. Helps confirm the remote assessment. |
| Over-the-counter painkillers | Standard ibuprofen and paracetamol are available in Antalya pharmacies, but having your own is convenient for Day 3 evenings. |
| Zip-lock bag of soft snacks for the flight home | Post-implant or veneer patients: yoghurt pouches, soft cereal bars. Avoid crunchy snacks on the return journey. |
| Night guard, if you have one | If you already wear a night guard for grinding, bring it. Mention it at your first appointment. |
| Everything else: standard packing for a summer week in Turkey | |
| ✓ Lightweight clothing — Antalya averages 28–35°C in summer, cooler evenings in spring/autumn | |
| ✓ Swimsuit — Lara Beach is less than 10 minutes from the clinic | |
| ✓ Sunscreen (SPF 30+) | |
| ✓ Travel insurance documents — policy number and emergency contact | |
| ✓ Travel adaptor (Turkey uses Type F / Schuko sockets, same as mainland Europe) | |
| ✓ Any regular prescription medication — bring enough for the trip plus a few extra days | |
| ✓ A good book or download content for the laboratory free day |
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it safe to fly immediately after implant surgery?
Most patients fly home 24–48 hours after implant placement without any issues. Flying does not affect healing. We advise against flying within the first 24 hours and provide specific guidance on managing any discomfort during the journey. The majority of patients find the return flight entirely straightforward.
What’s the best time of year to travel?
May and June are our personal recommendation — reliably warm (25–30°C), swimmable sea, no peak season crowds. September and October are equally excellent. July and August are very hot (35°C+) and busy; perfectly fine but some patients prefer to avoid the peak. Direct UK connections run reliably from April through October.
Can I hire a car?
You don’t need one. Lara is a self-contained neighbourhood — everything you need for your stay is within walking distance or a short taxi ride. We provide airport transfers both ways. If you want to visit Kaleiçi old town or take a day trip to Aspendos, local taxis are inexpensive and easy to arrange through the hotel.
What currency should I bring?
Treatment is quoted and payable in sterling. For personal expenses in Lara — restaurants, shops, taxis — the Turkish Lira is accepted everywhere. Sterling and euros are also widely accepted at hotels and tourist-facing businesses, though the exchange rate at point of sale is usually less favourable than using an ATM. A Wise or Revolut card gives excellent exchange rates with no foreign transaction fees.
| Questions about your trip? Ask your patient coordinator — we help plan the logistics as well as the treatment. |