NEST Congress Center Belek: How to Get There, Where to Stay & What’s Nearby

If you’ve been invited to a congress, forum or trade fair in Antalya, there’s a good chance it’s at NEST. Opened in October 2019 in the middle of Belek’s resort strip, it’s one of the biggest congress venues in Turkey and hosts the Antalya Diplomacy Forum every spring, the 2026 International Astronautical Congress, and in April 2027 the aviation industry’s Routes Europe. This guide covers the practical side we get asked about most: how to get there, where to sleep, and what to do once the sessions finish. We’re a local Antalya team, so it’s written from the ground, not from a brochure.

NEST at a Glance

Which Events Are Held at NEST?

NEST is the go-to venue for Antalya’s largest international meetings. Recent and upcoming events include:

• Antalya Diplomacy Forum (ADF), held every spring. The 2026 edition (17-19 April) brought more than 6,400 participants from over 150 countries. The 2027 date hadn’t been announced when we last checked; past editions have all been in March, April or June.
• 77th International Astronautical Congress (IAC 2026), 5-9 October 2026, the first time the congress has been held in Turkey.
• Hotel Tech Antalya, a hotel equipment trade fair, listed for 10-12 December 2026.
• Routes Europe 2027, 20-22 April 2027, the aviation route-development event. See our Routes Europe 2027 delegate guide.
• Tourism Seasonality Summit 2027, 21-23 April 2027, running alongside Routes Europe.

One common mix-up: COP31 (9-20 November 2026) is centred on the Antalya EXPO site in Aksu, not at NEST, although some sessions are expected to use NEST too. If you’re coming for COP31, read our COP31 transport guide first, because the venue changes where you should stay.

Getting From Antalya Airport to NEST

Antalya Airport (AYT) is the only sensible airport for NEST, with direct flights from most of Europe. The drive east along the D400 coast road is straightforward, but the right option depends on your event and your arrival time.

• Official event shuttles: large congresses usually run airport transfers on set arrival days, and daily shuttles between partner hotels and the venue. They’re good value, but they run to a timetable, only serve the official hotel list, and won’t help if your flight lands late at night or a day early. Check your registration pack for what’s included.
• Taxi: metered yellow taxis wait outside both terminals. They’re fine for one or two people with light luggage. Fares rose in March 2026, so check the official fare board at the rank rather than relying on an old quote.
• Pre-booked private transfer: a fixed price agreed in advance, a driver tracking your flight, and the right size of vehicle for your group and luggage. This is what most delegations, speakers and exhibitors with display material choose.
• Public transport: there’s no tram or direct city bus from the airport to Belek’s hotel zone. It isn’t a realistic option with luggage and a schedule to keep.

For a fuller comparison see our Antalya Airport to Belek transfer guide, and if it’s your first time landing at AYT, the airport arrivals guide explains terminals and where drivers wait.

🚐 Ask for Delegation & Group Transport ›

Where to Stay for an Event at NEST

Belek, as close to NEST as you can get. This is the whole point of the venue: a cluster of large five-star resorts within walking or short-shuttle distance. If your event has an official hotel list, those are usually the ones on the daily shuttle loop, which makes mornings much easier. Belek is long and spread out, so “in Belek” isn’t the same as “next to NEST”. Check the actual distance to the venue on a map before you book. Our best hotels in Belek guide covers the main resorts.

Kadriye, on the western side of Belek, has more mid-range options and is still close. Lara and Kundu are around 30-40 minutes away; workable with your own transport, but you’ll lose time every morning and evening. Antalya city centre or Kaleiçi is too far for a multi-day congress unless you specifically want city evenings and are happy with a daily transfer.

Book early for big events. When something the size of the Diplomacy Forum or a major congress is on, the hotels around NEST fill up and prices rise. If the official block sells out, the fallback is usually Kadriye or Lara plus a booked daily transfer.

Practical Tips for Delegates

• Visa: check whether you need a Turkish e-Visa well before you travel, and only apply on the official site. See our Turkey e-Visa guide.
• Mobile data: congress Wi-Fi gets overloaded in plenary sessions. An eSIM set up before you fly means maps, messaging and event apps work from the moment you land. Our Holafly discount code page explains the easiest option.
• Security: high-level events such as the Diplomacy Forum come with security checks and road closures around the venue. Leave extra time, and carry your badge and passport.
• Weather: Belek is mild most of the year, but air-conditioned halls can be cold. Bring a layer even in spring or autumn.
• Last day: if your flight is late, ask your hotel about late check-out or luggage storage. Our late-flight guide has more ideas.

What to Do Near NEST on a Free Evening or Half Day

• Aspendos: the best-preserved Roman theatre in the Mediterranean is only about 20-25 minutes from Belek, an easy half day. See Aspendos & Perge from Belek.
• The Land of Legends: a shopping avenue, restaurants and evening shows a few minutes from the resort strip. See our Land of Legends guide.
• Golf: Belek is Turkey’s golf capital, and many courses accept day green fees. See golf in Belek.
• Kaleiçi: Antalya’s old town, about 45-60 minutes away, is the best choice for a proper dinner out by the old harbour. See our Kaleiçi walking guide.
• Side: the Temple of Apollo on the sea at sunset, about 40 minutes east. See our Side guide.

Prefer to join a shared group tour? Antalya operators list Aspendos and Side day tours with Belek hotel pickup:

Frequently Asked Questions

Where is NEST Congress Center?
NEST Congress & Exhibition Center is in Belek, Serik district, in the middle of Antalya’s five-star resort strip. The address is Belek Mahallesi, 07506 Serik, Antalya.

How far is NEST from Antalya Airport?
About 32 km, usually 35-45 minutes by road depending on traffic and security arrangements during large events.

Can I get to NEST by public transport?
Not realistically. The Antalya tram doesn’t go to Belek, and there’s no simple bus link from the airport to the hotel zone. Use your event’s official shuttle, a taxi or a pre-booked transfer.

Which hotels are closest to NEST?
Around 11 hotels lie within 2 km of the venue and 38 within 5 km, all in Belek. Your event’s official hotel list is the best place to start, because those hotels are normally on the daily shuttle route.

Is COP31 held at NEST?
COP31 (9-20 November 2026) is centred on the Antalya EXPO site in Aksu. Some sessions are expected at NEST, but check your accreditation for your actual venue before choosing a hotel.

Can you arrange transport for our delegation?
Yes. We arrange airport transfers, daily cars with driver and group transport with our TÜRSAB-licensed partner Sun Global Turizm (licence no. 11308). Send your dates, hotel and group size on WhatsApp for a fixed written quote.

Venue details and event dates checked on 12 October 2026 against the venue’s published information and organisers’ announcements. Antalya Experiences is an independent travel guide and is not affiliated with NEST or any event organiser.

Page last updated: October 2026