Belek lies 35 km east of AYT. There are two routes — the coastal D-400 and a back-road shortcut through Aksu. Both have their day.
The D-400 — default
Modern dual-carriageway. 35 km, ~35 min in normal traffic. Two service-station options, mostly farmland views. Driver fall-back when in doubt.
The Aksu back road — peak-hour shortcut
A 38 km route via Aksu-Serik. 5 km longer but 12 min faster between 11:00 and 13:00 when shuttle minibuses clog the D-400. Hugs the Aksu River, passes through orange groves — guests like it for the scenery.
When the back road actually costs you time
Friday morning at 07:30 the Aksu market traffic narrows the back road to walking pace. Avoid in those slots; the D-400 is empty at the same hour.