Side is one of Turkey’s most visited destinations — a Roman-era peninsula with ancient temples, a beautiful old town, and long sandy beaches stretching east towards Alanya. It’s also 75 km from Antalya Airport, which puts it firmly in “plan this before you land” territory.
The shared shuttles that serve Side are notorious for stopping at every hotel between the airport and the town. After a long flight, sitting in a minibus for two hours while it zigzags through Belek, Manavgat, and half a dozen resorts before yours — is not the start to a holiday anyone wants. This guide shows you a better way.
✅ Fixed price · ✅ Driver meets you at arrivals · ✅ Free cancellation up to 24h
The Quick Answer
| Details | |
|---|---|
| Distance | 75 km |
| Travel time | 70–90 minutes |
| Private transfer | from €55 per vehicle |
| Airport taxi (metered) | 2,000–2,800 TL (approx. €65–90) |
| Shared shuttle | €12–18 per person — multiple stops |
| Best option for families | Private transfer |
| Best option for solo budget | Shared shuttle |
Option 1 — Private Transfer (Recommended)
Side’s popularity means the airport shuttle business is busy — and shared. Most shuttle services to Side make 4–8 stops at other hotels and resorts along the D400 before reaching yours. What looks like a 75-minute journey on a map becomes a 2-hour crawl in practice.
A private transfer goes directly from the airport to your hotel. No stops, no waiting for other passengers, no detours through Belek and Manavgat. Your driver is waiting at arrivals with your name, the price is fixed before you land, and your first view of Side is from your hotel terrace — not the window of a minibus.
What’s included:
- Fixed price — confirmed at booking
- Meet & greet inside arrivals terminal
- Flight tracking — delays handled automatically
- Direct route, no hotel stops
- Air-conditioned vehicle, luggage assistance
- Child seats available on request
- Free cancellation up to 24 hours before
Price: From €55 per vehicle (sedan, up to 3–4 passengers with luggage).
Option 2 — Airport Taxi
Official taxis are available 24/7 at AYT terminal exits. For Side, a metered fare typically runs 2,000–2,800 TL (€65–90) depending on traffic, time of day, and which part of Side you’re heading to. Night surcharges apply after 11pm.
The main risk on longer routes like Side: traffic on the D400 in summer means the meter keeps running. A journey that costs €65 in April can easily reach €90 in August peak traffic. Fixed price transfers remove this uncertainty entirely.
Best for: Travellers who didn’t pre-book and need a taxi immediately.
Option 3 — Shared Shuttle
Shared shuttles from Antalya Airport to Side cost around €12–18 per person and run throughout the day. On paper it sounds like a bargain. In practice, shared shuttles to Side are notorious for their stop count — Belek, Kumköy, Evrenseki, Çolaklı, Gündoğdu — often 5–8 hotels before yours.
For solo travellers or couples travelling light with no time pressure, it’s a workable option. For anyone else, the time cost outweighs the price saving.
Best for: Solo budget travellers with patience.
Which Option Should You Choose?
Family with children, resort hotel in Side? → Private transfer. 75 km with kids in a shuttle making 8 stops is no one’s idea of fun.
Couple, boutique hotel in Side Old Town? → Private transfer still wins at this distance. Direct to the old town peninsula, no detours.
Solo traveller, tight budget, no rush? → Shared shuttle. Allow 2 hours total and you’ll be fine.
Late night arrival? → Shuttles stop running late evening. Pre-book a private transfer — it’s the only reliable option after 11pm.
Group of 5–8 people? → Minibus transfer. Per-person cost drops to €12–15, direct route, everyone together.
How Far is Side from Antalya Airport?
Side is approximately 75 km east of Antalya Airport, following the D400 coastal highway through Antalya, Serik, and Manavgat. Under normal conditions the drive takes 70–90 minutes.
Important: Side’s old town sits on a narrow peninsula — vehicles cannot drive all the way in. Your driver will drop you at the entrance to the old town, from where most hotels are a 3–10 minute walk. If you’re staying outside the old town in the resort areas of Kumköy or Çolaklı, the driver can go directly to your hotel.
Traffic note: In July and August, the D400 east of Antalya can be slow on weekend afternoons. Allow 90–100 minutes for transfers during peak season.
Areas of Side — What to Tell Your Driver
Side splits into distinct areas. Be specific when booking:
- Side Old Town — the peninsula with ancient ruins, boutique hotels, restaurants. Cars cannot enter — drop-off at the town entrance.
- Kumköy — large resort area just north of Side, 72 km from airport
- Evrenseki — resort strip east of Side, 78 km from airport
- Çolaklı — further east, 80 km from airport
- Gündoğdu — 83 km from airport
Popular hotels: Barut Hemera (Side), Asteria Sorgun, Selectum Family Resort, Paloma Oceana. For Çolaklı and Gündoğdu, prices are slightly higher due to the extra distance.
Practical Tips
Specify old town or resort area. This is the most common confusion for Side transfers — drivers need to know if you’re going to the old town entrance or a resort hotel outside it.
Old town hotels: Most are 3–5 minute walk from the drop-off point. If you have heavy luggage, ask your hotel whether they offer a porterage service from the entrance.
Book 24–48 hours ahead in peak season. Side is one of Turkey’s busiest summer destinations — vehicles fill fast in July and August.
Return transfer. For your departure, allow at least 100 minutes from Side to the airport in summer. Book the night before, not the morning of your flight.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a transfer from Antalya Airport to Side cost? A private transfer starts from around €55 per vehicle. A metered taxi typically runs 2,000–2,800 TL (€65–90). Shared shuttles cost €12–18 per person but make multiple stops.
How long does it take to get from Antalya Airport to Side? 70–90 minutes by private transfer or taxi under normal conditions. Allow 90–100 minutes in peak summer traffic. Shared shuttles typically take 2 hours or more due to hotel stops.
Can cars drive into Side Old Town? No — Side Old Town is pedestrianised. Your driver drops you at the town entrance. Most hotels in the old town are within a 5-minute walk from there.
Is there a direct bus from Antalya Airport to Side? Not directly. You’d take the AntRay tram to Antalya Otogar (main bus station), then a bus to Side via Manavgat. Total journey time with connections: 2.5–3 hours. Not practical with luggage.
Can I book a transfer from Side back to the airport? Yes — return transfers are available through the same providers. Book at least 24 hours ahead and allow 90–100 minutes travel time in summer.
Ready to book your Antalya Airport → Side transfer?
Fixed price · Meet & greet at arrivals · Free cancellation up to 24h
Check Availability & Book Now →Related Guides
- Antalya Transfers — Complete Guide (All Routes) →
- Side Ancient City Day Trip from Antalya →
- Side from Antalya Old Town →
- Kemer vs Side — Which Resort Town is Better? →
- Are Taxis Expensive in Antalya? →
- Antalya Airport Transfer — All Options Compared →
Page last updated: May 2026