Antalya Airport to Side: Bus, Taxi or Private Transfer? (2026 Guide)
Last Updated: July 4, 2026 · Exchange rate used: €1 ≈ ₺53.6.
Side — with its ancient ruins and long sandy beaches around neighbouring Manavgat — sits about 65–75 km east of Antalya Airport (AYT), roughly a 60–70 minute drive. Here's an honest 2026 comparison of the bus, taxi, and private-transfer options to help you reach your hotel.
Heading to Side or Manavgat? Check a fixed door-to-door transfer price — a driver waiting at arrivals, no meter.
💡 Key Takeaways
- Distance: ~65–75 km · Drive time: ~60–70 minutes.
- Public bus is cheapest but slow — Bus 600 to the Otogar, then a Manavgat-bound coach, plus a short local hop to your Side hotel.
- Taxi runs around €70–€80 on the meter for this distance, cash in Turkish Lira.
- Private transfer is the easiest door-to-door option — fixed price, meet & greet, direct to your hotel.
The three ways to get from Antalya Airport to Side
| Option | Time | Cost | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| 🚌 Bus (600 + coach) | ~2.5+ hrs with changes | Cheapest (a few €) | Solo budget travellers, light luggage |
| 🚕 Airport taxi | ~60–70 min | ~€70–€80 on the meter | Last-minute, don't mind the cost |
| 🚐 Private transfer | ~60–70 min direct | Fixed price, booked ahead | Families, groups, comfort |
1. Public bus — cheapest, with changes
Take Bus 600 from the airport to Antalya's Otogar, then an intercity coach toward Manavgat. From Manavgat you'll usually need a short local taxi or dolmuş to reach your Side hotel. It's inexpensive but adds up to 2.5 hours or more with the changes — awkward with suitcases after a flight.
2. Airport taxi — direct but metered
Yellow taxis reach Side in about an hour. Over 65–75 km the meter typically runs €70–€80, more with traffic or tolls, and you'll need Turkish Lira. Always insist on the meter rather than a flat quote.
3. Private transfer — easiest door to door
A pre-booked private Antalya to Side transfer takes you straight from arrivals to your hotel:
- Fixed price confirmed before you travel.
- Meet & greet at arrivals with your name sign.
- Direct, ~1 hour, with room for luggage and the whole group.
- Flight tracked, so a delay doesn't cost you your ride.
Arriving soon? Lock in your Side transfer and have a driver waiting at Antalya Airport:
Going elsewhere on the coast? See our full Antalya Airport transfer options.
Frequently Asked Questions
How far is Side from Antalya Airport?
About 65–75 km — roughly a 60–70 minute drive by taxi or private transfer along the D400 coastal highway.
Is there a direct bus from Antalya Airport to Side?
Not directly. You take Bus 600 to the Antalya Otogar, change to a Manavgat-bound coach, then a short local hop to Side — cheap but slow and with luggage changes.
How much is a taxi from Antalya Airport to Side?
Around €70–€80 on the meter, more with traffic, usually cash only. A pre-booked private transfer gives you a fixed price instead.
Is a transfer worth it for Side?
For families or groups, yes — the fixed per-vehicle price and direct door-to-door ride beat juggling buses or watching the meter over 70 km.
Related posts
