Quick answer
Antalya Airport to Side is 65km along the D400 coastal highway heading east. Expect 55 to 75 minutes in normal traffic — longer in July and August when the coastal road gets congested. Side is one of the most popular resort destinations from Antalya Airport, sitting roughly midway between the airport and Alanya.
The route and what affects travel time
The D400 runs southeast from the airport through Manavgat before reaching Side. The road is predominantly dual carriageway, but summer traffic builds significantly between Antalya and Side — particularly on the approach to Side peninsula, which funnels all traffic down a single road into the resort.
Manavgat town centre is 5km before Side and can slow things in peak season. The final stretch into Side itself narrows.
Your drop-off point also matters:
- Side Old Town (the ancient peninsula): right at the end of the road
- Side beach hotels (stretching east toward Kumköy): can add 5–15 minutes
- Çolakli or Evrenseki hotel zones (further east): add 10–20 minutes
Transfer options compared
| Option | Approx. time | Approx. cost (2026) | Book in advance? | |---|---|---|---| | Private transfer | 55–75 min | €35–€55 | Yes — required | | Shared shuttle | 2h–3h | €10–€15 | Yes — recommended | | Metered taxi | 55–75 min | €55–€80 | No | | Public bus (AKSES + dolmuş) | 2h+ with changes | €4–€6 | No |
Private transfer
At 65km, a private transfer from Antalya Airport to Side delivers the combination of reasonable price, fixed cost, and door-to-hotel service that makes it the default choice for most families and couples.
Your driver waits in arrivals with a name sign — no hunting for taxis, no queue, no meter running. Flight delays are tracked automatically.
TaxiPorts operates fixed-price Antalya Airport to Side transfers with meet & greet included. See all destinations from Antalya Airport (AYT).
Shared shuttle
Shared shuttles serve Side from Antalya Airport, but Side is a significant distance from the airport and the peninsula layout means multiple hotel drop-offs. Expect 2 to 3 hours from airport to your hotel — realistic if you're travelling solo on a budget, less ideal for families arriving late.
Taxi
Taxis from Antalya Airport are metered and regulated. They work fine but come with the typical peak-season caveats: the taxi queue in July and August can stretch 30–45 minutes before you even get in a car. The 65km fare will typically run €55–€80.
Side: where you're arriving
Side is one of Turkey's oldest continuously inhabited settlements, with a history stretching back over 2,000 years. The ancient peninsula holds a remarkably intact Roman theatre (seating 15,000), the Temple of Apollo right at the seafront, and city walls that still define the old town.
It's also a full-scale beach resort — two beaches flank the peninsula, the western one calmer (Lara-style), the eastern one longer and more exposed.
What to know before you book your hotel:
- Side Old Town — charming, walkable, mostly pedestrianised, excellent restaurants, some noise from bars at night
- Kumköy — 3km east of Side, large hotel zone, broad beach, family-friendly
- Çolakli / Evrenseki — 5–8km east, mostly large all-inclusive complexes, quieter neighbourhood
The peninsula is pedestrianised, which means your taxi or transfer drops you at the entrance and you walk. Large hotels have their own shuttle from the drop-off point.
Temple of Apollo: open daily, spectacular at sunset. The columns are lit at night during summer.
Side Museum: housed in a restored Roman bath — one of the better small museums on the Turkish coast. Bronze and marble finds from the excavations, including the famous Three Graces relief.
Manavgat Waterfall and River: 10 minutes away by dolmuş. The waterfall itself is modest, but the river tea gardens are a pleasant detour.
FAQ
How far is Side from Antalya Airport?
The distance is approximately 65km by the D400 coastal road. Driving time is 55–75 minutes in normal conditions, up to 90 minutes in heavy summer traffic.
Is Side further than Belek from the airport?
Yes — Belek is around 35km from the airport (about 40 minutes). Side is 65km, roughly 25–30 minutes further than Belek.
Can I get to Side by public transport from the airport?
Yes, but it involves connections. AKSES buses run from the airport to Antalya city centre, and from there intercity buses serve Manavgat (Side's nearest bus hub). From Manavgat, dolmuş run into Side. Allow at least 2 hours and this isn't practical with much luggage.
What time does the last transfer run to Side?
Private transfers run 24/7 — there's no last departure time. Shared shuttles typically run until late evening in peak season but check when booking.
Is Side suitable for families?
Yes — it's one of the more family-friendly resorts on the coast. The beaches are clean, the old town is walkable and safe, and the range of accommodation (from boutique pensions to large all-inclusives) suits different budgets and styles.