How far is Side from Antalya Airport?
Side is about 65 km from Antalya Airport (AYT), mostly via the D400 coastal highway. In light traffic that's roughly 55–70 minutes door to door; in peak summer traffic around the airport and Manavgat, it can stretch to 90 minutes. The distance itself is the same whichever way you travel — what changes is price, comfort, and how much of it is spent waiting.
Your four options
Realistically, travellers arriving at Antalya Airport and heading to Side choose between four options. Here's how they stack up.
| Option | Typical price | Time | Door-to-door? |
|---|---|---|---|
| Metered taxi | €70–110, variable | 60–90 min | Yes |
| Shuttle / dolmuş bus | €5–10 per person | 2–3 hrs, transfers | No — bus station only |
| Rental car | €25–45/day + fuel | 60–75 min | Yes, if you're comfortable driving |
| Private transfer | Fixed price, agreed upfront | 55–70 min | Yes, straight to your hotel |
Metered taxi
Taxis are readily available outside arrivals, but the meter runs on distance and time — so traffic near Manavgat can quietly add to your fare, and airport taxi ranks are a known spot for overcharging tourists unfamiliar with the going rate.
Shuttle or dolmuş bus
The cheapest option on paper, but it usually means a bus into central Antalya, a change at the otogar (bus station), and then a second bus to Side — plus dragging your luggage between each. Realistic for backpackers with time to spare, less so after a long flight with the family.
Rental car
Good if you plan to explore widely during your stay. Less appealing if you'd rather not navigate an unfamiliar highway system, tolls, and Turkish signage straight off an overnight flight — and you'll still need a taxi or transfer to reach the rental desk and back at the end of your trip.
See live prices for your group size on the Side route.
View Side transfer prices →Why most travellers choose a private transfer
A private transfer costs more than the bus, but for most families and couples it beats a taxi on both price certainty and comfort. You agree the price before you fly — no meter, no surprises — and your driver tracks your flight, so a delay costs you nothing extra. There's no otogar, no second bus, and no negotiating in a car park at midnight: your name is on a sign in arrivals, and 55–70 minutes later you're at your hotel door.
Practical tips for the Side transfer
- Book your transfer before you fly — prices are fixed and confirmed by WhatsApp, so there's nothing to arrange after a long flight.
- If you're travelling with more than 6 suitcases or a large group, ask about a minibus rather than a standard vehicle.
- Side's old town streets are pedestrian-only in places — your driver will confirm the closest drop-off point to your hotel.
- Book your return transfer at the same time to avoid arranging anything during your holiday.