Side is one of the longest resort transfers from Antalya Airport (AYT) — roughly 65 km east along the coast to the Manavgat district. That distance means taxi costs run significantly higher than shorter routes like Belek or Kaleiçi, and journey times stretch to 70–95 minutes. Planning ahead saves both money and post-flight stress.
Fares as of May 2026. Confirm taxi fares at the airport rank before boarding.
Distance and Journey Time
| Distance | Time | |
|---|---|---|
| AYT → Side (taxi/transfer) | ~65 km | 70–95 min |
| AYT → Antalya Center (Havaş) | ~13 km | ~45 min |
| Antalya Center → Side (dolmuş) | ~75 km | ~90–120 min |
Option 1: Taxi (Fastest and Most Direct)
Licensed metered taxis are available 24/7 at the official rank outside arrivals.
- Estimated fare: ~3,700 TRY (metered)
- Journey time: ~70–95 minutes depending on traffic
At 3,700 TRY for a solo traveller, taxi is expensive on this route. For a group of four splitting the cost, that works out at roughly 925 TRY per person — more manageable, and door-to-door to your hotel.
Taxis are worth it for late-night arrivals, families with children, or heavy luggage. Always ensure the driver starts the meter; do not agree to fixed fares higher than the estimate.
Option 2: Private Transfer (Best for Groups and Families)
Pre-booked private transfers are the most popular choice for Side, particularly for families, large groups, and anyone staying at an all-inclusive resort.
- Typical fare: Often competitive with metered taxi for 3–4 passengers
- Journey time: ~70–90 minutes
- Service: Meet-and-greet in arrivals, direct drop-off at hotel
Booking in advance through a reputable operator locks in a price and avoids any post-flight negotiation at the taxi rank. Most large Antalya hotels offer guest transfers — check with your accommodation before booking separately.
Option 3: Havaş Shuttle + Dolmuş (Budget Route)
There is no direct public transport from AYT to Side, but a combination works if you're on a tight budget and have time to spare.
Step 1 — Havaş to Antalya Center Take the Havaş airport shuttle to Antalya city centre (Havaliman Caddesi) for 220 TRY in approximately 45 minutes. Buy tickets at the Havaş desk in arrivals.
Step 2 — Antalya Otogar to Manavgat / Side From Antalya city centre, make your way to Antalya Otogar (the intercity bus terminal). Frequent dolmuş minibuses and coaches run eastward along the coast to Manavgat (~75 km, ~90–120 min). From Manavgat, local dolmuş serve Side town (~4 km, ~10 min).
- Total cost (approximate): 350–450 TRY per person
- Total journey time: 2.5–3.5 hours with connections
- Note: Luggage management across multiple vehicles can be difficult with large bags.
This route is realistic only for very budget-conscious travellers with flexible timing and light luggage.
Comparison
| Option | Fare | Time | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Taxi | ~3,700 TRY | 70–95 min | Solo/couple, late arrival |
| Private transfer | Variable | ~70–90 min | Families, groups, hotels |
| Havaş + dolmuş | ~350–450 TRY | 2.5–3.5 hrs | Budget travellers |
Practical Tips
Book early in peak season. July and August see extremely high transfer demand from Antalya Airport. Pre-booking a private transfer ensures you have a driver waiting rather than queueing at a busy taxi rank.
Night arrivals. The taxi rank operates 24/7. Dolmuş services reduce significantly after dark — if you arrive late, taxi or a pre-booked transfer is the only reliable option.
Side town vs Side resort strip. Side has a compact historic town centre and a resort hotel strip along Sorgun beach to the east. Confirm your exact drop-off address with your driver, as the two areas are several kilometres apart.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long is the transfer from Antalya Airport to Side? Approximately 70–95 minutes by taxi or private transfer. The public transport route (Havaş + dolmuş) takes 2.5–3.5 hours.
How much is a taxi from Antalya Airport to Side? Around 3,700 TRY by metered taxi.
Is there a direct bus from Antalya Airport to Side? No direct service exists. The budget alternative is Havaş shuttle to Antalya Center (220 TRY, 45 min), then an onward dolmuş/coach to Manavgat and Side — total journey around 3 hours.
Is private transfer worth it for Side? For 2+ passengers, private transfer often costs the same as or less than a metered taxi, with the added benefit of a fixed price and a driver waiting in arrivals. It is especially popular for families checking into Side's large resort hotels.
How far is Side from Antalya Airport? Side is approximately 65 km east of Antalya Airport via the D400 coastal highway.
