Antalya Airport to Side and Manavgat
Side, with its ancient harbour town and long sandy beaches, is about 65–75 km east of Antalya Airport (AYT). Most visitors stay not in the old town itself but in the resort areas around it, such as Kumköy, Kızılot and Çolaklı, and in nearby Manavgat. The drive is straightforward along the main coastal highway; the public transport options depend heavily on the season.
Short answer: a taxi or private transfer takes about 60–75 minutes. In season, Havaş airport coaches serve the Side and Manavgat area, with departures timed to flight arrivals and fewer in winter. Otherwise, public transport means going via Antalya's bus station to Manavgat and changing to a minibus for Side, which takes much longer.
Antalya Airport to Side: all options at a glance
| Option | Journey time | Changes | With luggage | Late at night | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Private transfer | ~60–75 min* | None | Best, space per vehicle | Yes, flight tracked | Families, groups, resort hotels |
| Taxi | ~60–75 min* | None | Good | Yes | No booking; long metered ride |
| Havaş coach (seasonal) | ~1.5 hours or more | Usually 1 at the end | Good, luggage hold | Depends on flights | Budget travellers in summer |
| Bus via Antalya and Manavgat | ~3 hours or more | 2–3 | Tiring | No | Light luggage and plenty of time |
*Road times assume normal traffic on the coastal highway, which gets busy in peak summer.
Option 1: private transfer
Your driver tracks your flight, waits with a name sign in arrivals and drives you straight to your hotel at a fixed price per vehicle agreed in advance. With resorts spread across Kumköy, Kızılot, Çolaklı and Manavgat, going directly to your door is the main advantage. A Mercedes Vito seats up to 6 passengers with luggage, and larger groups can book a Sprinter.
See the fixed price on our Antalya Airport to Side transfer page.
Option 2: taxi
Taxis wait outside arrivals around the clock. It's a long metered ride, so expect a considerably higher fare than a trip into Antalya. Insist on the meter, turn down fixed prices inside the terminal and keep some cash handy.
Option 3: Havaş coach
In the main season, Havaş runs airport coaches to the Side and Manavgat area, with departures generally timed to flight arrivals. They're much cheaper than a car, but they stop at central points rather than at your hotel, and there are fewer departures in winter. Check havas.net for the current timetable before you travel.
Option 4: bus via Antalya and Manavgat
Outside Havaş hours, the public route is the AntRay tram or bus 600 to Antalya's bus station, a coach to Manavgat and then a minibus to Side. With connections, it easily takes 3 hours or more, so it only suits travellers with light luggage and plenty of time.
Where exactly are you staying?
- Side old town: the ancient peninsula is largely pedestrianised, so cars stop at the edge and you walk to hotels inside.
- Kumköy and Side beaches: hotels just outside the old town, easy by car.
- Kızılot, Çolaklı and Titreyengöl: large resort hotels along the coast; a car to the door is by far the easiest.
- Manavgat: the town inland from Side, known for its river and waterfall.
Back to the airport
Allow plenty of time for the return in summer, when the coastal highway and the airport are at their busiest. You can book the return together with your arrival on our Antalya Airport Transfer page, or see the Side to Antalya Airport price.
Staying elsewhere on the coast? Read our guides from Antalya Airport to Belek, Alanya, Kemer and the city centre.
Frequently asked questions
How long does it take from Antalya Airport to Side?
About 60–75 minutes by taxi or private transfer. Seasonal Havaş coaches take longer, and the public bus via Antalya and Manavgat takes 3 hours or more.
Is there a bus from Antalya Airport to Side?
In season, Havaş runs airport coaches to the Side and Manavgat area, timed to flight arrivals. Otherwise, you travel via Antalya's bus station and Manavgat.
How far is Side from Antalya Airport?
About 65–75 km, depending on where your hotel is.
Can a car drive into Side old town?
Mostly not. The ancient peninsula is largely pedestrianised, so cars stop at the edge and you walk the last stretch.
What if my flight lands late at night?
Coaches may not match late or delayed flights, so most late arrivals take a taxi or a pre-booked transfer. A pre-booked driver tracks your flight and waits for you.
Door to door, from arrivals to Side
Your driver waits with a name sign in Antalya arrivals, tracks your flight and drives you straight to your hotel in Side, Kumköy, Kızılot or Manavgat at a fixed price agreed in advance.
See the fixed price and book