Airport Transfers on Your GoToBeach Holiday
How transfers work, what’s included, and what to do at the airport on arrival
The short version
Resort transfers are included in your GoToBeach package where shown in your booking details, and confirmed before you pay. Two main types are available across our five destinations: shared shuttle (standard, lowest cost, may stop at other hotels in your area) and private (direct, your party only, no other passengers). On arrival, look for the name shown on your transfer voucher — this may be GoToBeach, our local supplier, or the ground-handling company operating your transfer. Your return transfer pickup time from the hotel is confirmed locally during your stay, typically the day before departure.
The types of transfer we offer
The right transfer for your party depends on group size, budget, arrival time and how much you want to relax versus how quickly you want to be at the hotel. We’ll show you the available options for your destination during the booking process.
| Transfer type | How it works | Best for |
|---|---|---|
| Shared shuttle | A coach or minibus that picks up multiple parties heading to the same resort area and drops each at their respective hotels. You may wait briefly at the airport for other arrivals on similar flights, and there may be one or more stops at other hotels before yours, depending on the route and number of passengers. | Most travellers; lowest cost; group transfers in popular resort areas |
| Private transfer | A dedicated vehicle for your party only. Driver waits for you specifically, takes you direct to your hotel with no other stops. | Families with children, late arrivals, larger luggage volume, anyone who wants to head straight to the hotel |
| Premium / VIP private | Higher-specification vehicle (typically Mercedes, BMW or equivalent) with a private driver and meet-and-greet service. Includes welcome refreshments on selected routes. | Luxury bookings, celebration trips, honeymooners, business travellers, larger family groups |
| Self-arrange (no transfer) | You make your own way from the airport to the hotel (taxi, hire car, public transport). This option means no transfer is included in your package. | Travellers who plan to hire a car at the airport, or those staying somewhere unusual not on our standard transfer routes |
What’s on your booking confirmation is what counts. Your booking confirmation specifies exactly which transfer type is included (if any), the vehicle type, the maximum number of passengers, and any time restrictions. If anything on your confirmation is unclear, please call us before you travel and we’ll explain.
How transfers work in practice — arrival
Before you leave the UK
Two to three days before your departure, you’ll receive your transfer voucher by email. This includes:
- The transfer supplier’s local name and contact number
- Where exactly to meet your driver or representative at the destination airport
- Your transfer reference number
- Any special instructions for your specific route or hotel
We recommend you save a copy of the voucher on your phone and print a paper copy. International data roaming sometimes lets you down at exactly the moment you need it.
At the destination airport
Once you’ve collected your bags and cleared customs, head to the arrivals hall. Look for:
- A representative holding a sign with the name shown on your transfer voucher — this may be GoToBeach, our local supplier, or the ground-handling company operating your transfer at that airport
- Or, for premium private transfers, a driver holding a board with your name on it
The exact meeting point varies by airport — some airports have a dedicated transfer / tour operator desk; at others you’ll meet the rep just outside the customs exit. Your voucher specifies the meeting point for your airport. If for any reason you can’t see the rep within 15 minutes of your arrival in the hall, call the local supplier number on your voucher — or call us on +44 208 211 00 01.
The journey to your hotel
Shared shuttles typically wait until enough passengers from similar flights have arrived, then depart. There may be one or more stops at other hotels on the route before yours, depending on the route and number of passengers; the driver will tell you the planned drop-off order. Private and premium transfers depart as soon as your party is in the vehicle.
For most of our resort destinations, the journey time from airport to hotel is between 15 minutes and an hour. We’ve included typical times in the destination table below.
The return transfer — what to expect
Your return transfer (hotel to airport) is included as part of the same transfer booking. The key things to know:
- Pickup time is confirmed locally, usually 24–48 hours before your departure flight. Either the rep visits your hotel, or you receive a card at reception, or you’re asked to check the noticeboard at the hotel front desk.
- Pickup is typically 2–3 hours before your flight departure time, accounting for the journey, check-in time and security queues. Long-haul flights and very busy resorts may require an earlier pickup.
- Be at the agreed pickup point (usually the hotel lobby) at least 10 minutes before the time given. Drivers operate to a tight onward schedule and will not normally wait beyond a few minutes.
- If you have a very early or very late flight, the driver may collect from your hotel outside reception’s standard operating hours. Your hotel will normally still be aware of your pickup time.
If you haven’t heard your pickup time by the day before your departure, ask at the hotel reception first — the driver schedule is usually posted there. If they can’t help, call our local supplier number from your transfer voucher, or call us on +44 208 211 00 01 and we’ll chase it up.
If your flight is delayed or your arrival time changes
For shared transfers, the supplier monitors flights from major UK airports and will normally adjust the airport pickup time to account for delays under two hours. Significant delays may mean you’re moved onto the next available shuttle, or in some cases the supplier may arrange a private vehicle for the late arrivals.
For private transfers, the driver’s pickup time is usually adjusted to your delayed arrival, provided the local supplier has been notified and your flight number remains traceable. The dedicated booking remains yours throughout.
If your flight arrival is going to be delayed by more than two hours, or your flight is cancelled and rebooked onto a different time, please:
- Call the local supplier number on your transfer voucher as soon as you’re aware of the change
- And/or call our office on +44 208 211 00 01 or email hi@gotobeach.co.uk
For onward consequences of a delay — such as a hotel arrival outside normal check-in hours, or a missed transfer leg — your travel insurance is the appropriate route for any reimbursable expenses.
Typical transfer times by destination
The times below are an indicative guide based on standard road conditions and common resort locations within each area. Actual times vary with traffic, weather, time of day and the specific hotel within the resort.
| From airport | To resort area | Typical transfer time |
|---|---|---|
| Antalya Airport (AYT) | Lara / Kundu | 15–25 minutes |
| Kemer | 40–50 minutes | |
| Belek | 35–45 minutes | |
| Side / Manavgat | 60–75 minutes | |
| Alanya | 2 hours–2 hours 20 minutes | |
| Dalaman Airport (DLM) | Dalaman / Sarigerme | 5–20 minutes |
| Fethiye / Hisaronu / Olu Deniz | 50–75 minutes | |
| Marmaris / Icmeler | 75–90 minutes | |
| Didim | 2 hours 30 minutes–3 hours | |
| Bodrum Airport (BJV) | Bodrum centre / Gumbet / Bitez | 30–45 minutes |
| Turgutreis | 45–60 minutes | |
| Yalikavak | 50–70 minutes | |
| Heraklion Airport (HER) | Heraklion centre / Kokkini Hani | 10–30 minutes |
| Agia Pelagia | 25–35 minutes | |
| Hersonissos / Stalida / Malia | 30–50 minutes | |
| Agios Nikolaos / Lasithi | 60–75 minutes | |
| Rethymno | 75–90 minutes | |
| Chania Airport (CHQ) | Chania / Rethymno area | 20–60 minutes |
| Kos Airport (KGS) | Kardamena / Mastichari | 15–25 minutes |
| Tigaki | 20–30 minutes | |
| Kos Town / Lambi | 25–35 minutes | |
| Psalidi | 30–40 minutes | |
| Rhodes Airport (RHO) | Ixia | 10–15 minutes |
| Rhodes Town | 20–25 minutes | |
| Faliraki | 25–35 minutes | |
| Lindos / Kiotari | 75–90 minutes | |
| Malta Airport (MLA) | Sliema / St Julians / Gzira | 20–30 minutes |
| St Paul’s Bay | 25–30 minutes | |
| Mellieha | 35–45 minutes | |
| Gozo (includes ferry crossing) | 75–90 minutes | |
| Marrakech Airport (RAK) | Marrakech Medina / Hivernage | 15–25 minutes |
| Marrakech outskirts and resorts | 25–40 minutes | |
| Agadir Airport (AGA) | Agadir city / beachfront | 30–45 minutes |
| Taghazout | 40–55 minutes | |
| Hurghada Airport (HRG) | Hurghada centre / El Bahr | 10–20 minutes |
| Sahl Hashish / Makadi Bay | 25–40 minutes | |
| Safaga | 60–75 minutes | |
| Sharm El Sheikh Airport (SSH) | Hadaba / Sharks Bay | 5–15 minutes |
| Naama Bay | 10–15 minutes | |
| Nabq Bay | 10–20 minutes |
Special requirements
If you have any of the following needs, please tell us at the time of booking so we can pre-arrange the appropriate vehicle and brief the supplier:
- Wheelchair or mobility equipment — we’ll arrange a vehicle with appropriate space or a fully accessible transfer where available at your destination. Accessibility provision varies by country and supplier, so the earlier we know, the better the options we can offer.
- Child seats and booster seats — available on most routes when requested in advance. Local rules about child seat use in transfers vary by country; we’ll let you know what your destination requires.
- Larger groups (more than 8–10 passengers) — we’ll arrange a coach or multiple vehicles depending on group size and the route.
- Excess luggage or sports equipment — standard transfer vehicles carry one suitcase plus one piece of hand luggage per passenger. If you’re travelling with golf clubs, diving gear, ski equipment, surfboards or unusually large bags, tell us at booking so we can confirm a vehicle with adequate boot space.
- Pets — not all suppliers permit pets in transfer vehicles. If you’re travelling with an assistance dog, please let us know at the time of booking; for other pets, we’ll discuss the options for your specific destination.
- Very late or very early flights — transfers are available 24 hours, but please confirm at booking that your arrival time falls within the supplier’s standard window for your destination.
Important: tell us about special requirements at booking, not on arrival
Local transfer suppliers operate to a daily schedule and pre-allocate specific vehicles to specific routes. Last-minute requests for accessibility, child seats or oversized luggage may not be possible to accommodate, particularly in peak season. The single most useful thing you can do for a smooth arrival is to mention any special requirements when you book — we’ll confirm them in writing with the supplier ahead of your arrival.
Self-arrange option — when it makes sense
Not every booking includes a transfer; in some cases customers prefer to make their own way from the airport. Common reasons:
- Hiring a car at the airport — common for Crete, Rhodes, Malta and Morocco where guests want to explore the wider region during their stay.
- Staying somewhere unusual — off the standard resort routes, or a private villa, where local taxi or pre-booked transfer is easier than a shared shuttle.
- Arriving on an unusual flight time outside the supplier’s coverage window.
- Multi-centre trips where each leg has different arrival logistics.
If you prefer to self-arrange, simply tell us at the time of booking and we’ll quote your package without a transfer. We’re happy to provide guidance on taxi costs, hire car suppliers and local transport options for your destination.
Linked customer information
For complete information on what’s included with your booking, see our other customer information pages:
- Airlines and Flight Conditions — how dynamic packaging works and what to do if your flight changes.
- Baggage — hand luggage, checked baggage and how to add baggage to your booking.
- Airport Information — specific information on the airports we use for each destination.
- Travel Insurance — what travel insurance does and doesn’t cover.
Frequently asked questions
Is my transfer included with my GoToBeach package?
Where shown in your booking details, yes. Your booking confirmation specifies whether a transfer is included and which type (shared, private, premium). If a transfer isn’t on your confirmation, your booking is on a self-arrange basis; if you’d like to add a transfer to an existing booking, call us on +44 208 211 00 01 or email hi@gotobeach.co.uk.
How will I find the driver at the destination airport?
Two or three days before you fly, you’ll receive a transfer voucher by email with the exact meeting point at your destination airport. Look for a representative holding a sign with the name shown on your transfer voucher — this may be GoToBeach, our local supplier, or the ground-handling company operating your transfer. For premium private transfers, the driver holds a board with your name on it. Many airports have a clearly signposted transfer or tour operator meeting area.
What happens if I can’t find the driver?
Wait at the agreed meeting point for up to 15 minutes from your arrival in the hall. If the driver still hasn’t appeared, call the local supplier number on your transfer voucher (their number is on the voucher specifically for this situation). If you can’t reach them, call our office on +44 208 211 00 01 and we’ll trace your transfer in real time.
What’s the difference between a shared and a private transfer?
A shared transfer is a coach or minibus that picks up multiple parties heading to the same resort area; you may wait briefly at the airport for other arrivals and there may be one or more stops at other hotels before yours, depending on the route. A private transfer is a dedicated vehicle for your party only, leaving as soon as you’re ready and taking you direct to your hotel with no other stops. Private is faster and more flexible but costs more. Both types are offered across all five of our destinations.
Can I book a child seat for my transfer?
Yes, on most routes when requested in advance. Child seat availability and local regulations vary by destination. Please tell us about any children in your party at the time of booking, including age, and we’ll confirm the appropriate seat or booster with the supplier ahead of your arrival.
What happens to my transfer if my flight is delayed?
For shared transfers, the supplier monitors UK departure flights and adjusts the airport pickup time for delays of up to around two hours. For longer delays, you may be moved onto the next available shuttle, or the supplier may arrange a private vehicle for late arrivals. Private transfers are generally held or rescheduled for delayed arrivals, provided the local supplier has been notified and your flight number remains traceable; for very long delays or flights rebooked onto a different day, contact the local supplier on your voucher as soon as possible. Either way, the journey from airport to hotel is the same once you’re collected. If your flight arrival changes by more than two hours, call the local supplier on your voucher or call our office.
What time will my return pickup be from the hotel?
Return pickup times are confirmed locally, typically 24–48 hours before your flight, either by a rep visiting your hotel or via a card or noticeboard at reception. Pickup is normally 2–3 hours before your departure flight to allow for the journey, check-in and security. If you haven’t heard your pickup time by the day before departure, ask at hotel reception first or call the local supplier on your voucher.
Can my transfer accommodate a wheelchair?
Yes, where notified at booking. Accessibility provision varies by country and supplier; the earlier we know your needs, the better the options we can offer. Tell us at booking about any wheelchairs, mobility scooters, or other mobility equipment so we can arrange the right vehicle and ensure the supplier is prepared.
How long will the transfer to my hotel take?
Most resort transfers from the destination airport take between 15 minutes and an hour. The exact time depends on traffic, your specific hotel within the resort area, and whether you’re on a shared or private transfer. The table on this page shows typical times for each resort area we cover. The slower exceptions are Alanya (around 2 hours from Antalya), Didim (around 3 hours from Dalaman), Lindos and Kiotari on Rhodes (around 90 minutes), Rethymno on Crete (around 90 minutes from Heraklion), and Gozo in Malta (around 90 minutes including the ferry).
Can I cancel or change my transfer after booking?
Yes, where the booking still falls within the supplier’s amendment window. The closer to your departure date, the more limited the options. Please call us on +44 208 211 00 01 or email hi@gotobeach.co.uk as soon as you know about any change, and we’ll coordinate with the supplier on your behalf.
Need help with a transfer question?
Our reservations team can add transfers to a booking, upgrade to a private vehicle, arrange accessibility provision, or help if your travel plans change. Just get in touch.
Important — please read
Transfer services are operated by local ground-handling suppliers selected by GoToBeach at each destination, under their own operational standards and applicable local regulations. The vehicle category, route, journey time and meeting point on your booking are based on standard supplier provision at the time of booking; specific drivers, vehicles and routings may vary on the day according to operational conditions.
Transfer times in this guide are indicative and assume standard road conditions. Actual times vary with traffic, weather, time of day, and the precise location of your hotel within the resort area. The definitive transfer arrangement for your booking is the one shown on your booking confirmation and on the transfer voucher issued before you fly.
Where transfers are included as part of your ATOL-protected package, our usual booking conditions apply. If a transfer issue occurs on the day, contact the local supplier and our office immediately so we can try to resolve it in real time. Any consequential costs or expenses may need to be handled through the relevant supplier process or your travel insurance, depending on the circumstances.
Information based on typical supplier conditions at the date below; ground handling arrangements, route times and supplier coverage are subject to change. Last updated: May 2026. This page is reviewed on an annual basis or whenever a meaningful change makes a refresh necessary. Prepared by the GoToBeach Product Team.
