Antalya Airport to Side Transfer 2026: Temple of Apollo, Old Town, Manavgat Waterfall & Beach Guide
Temple of Apollo at Side silhouetted against a dramatic Mediterranean sunset
Side (pronounced "See-deh") is Turkey's most spectacular ancient-city-meets-beach-resort destination. Where else can you sunbathe between 2,000-year-old Roman columns and photograph a Greek temple against a Mediterranean sunset? This guide covers everything: the airport transfer, Side's neighborhoods, the best beaches, and the ancient ruins that make this place unforgettable.
Transfer from Antalya Airport to Side
Route & Timing
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Distance | 65-75 km (depending on hotel location) |
| Transfer time | 50-65 minutes |
| Road type | D400 highway (excellent condition) |
| Scenic rating | ⭐⭐⭐ (flat agricultural land, mountain backdrop) |
| Toll | None |
Transfer Options
| Option | Price | Time | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Private Transfer ⭐ | €30-40 | 50-65 min | Door-to-door, child seats free |
| Taxi | €65-85 | 50-65 min | Metered, can vary wildly |
| Havaş + Bus | €6-8 | 2-3 hours | Via Antalya bus station |
Side Sub-Destinations & Transfer Prices
| Side Area | From AYT | Time | Private Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Side Old Town (Selimiye) | 65 km | 55 min | €33 |
| Kumköy | 62 km | 50 min | €30 |
| Çolaklı | 55 km | 45 min | €28 |
| Evrenseki | 60 km | 50 min | €30 |
| Titreyengöl | 68 km | 55 min | €35 |
| Kızılağaç | 82 km | 70 min | €40 |
| Manavgat center | 70 km | 60 min | €35 |
Side Destination Guide
The Old Town (Ancient Side)
Side's ancient heart is unlike anything else in Turkey. The entire old town sits on a peninsula built on the ruins of a 7th century BC Greek city. As you walk its narrow streets, you're literally walking on history:
Must-See Ruins (FREE unless noted): - Temple of Apollo — 5 standing columns on the harbor edge, Turkey's most photographed sunset spot - Ancient Theater — 15,000-seat Roman amphitheater (€5 entrance), larger than Aspendos - Agora — ancient marketplace with remaining columns and statues - Harbor — Roman harbor, now lined with restaurants and boat tours - City Walls — imposing 2nd century AD fortifications - Side Museum — Roman baths converted into museum (€3)
Beaches
| Beach | Type | Character | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Side West Beach | Fine sand | Resort-backed, gentle waves | Families with children |
| Side East Beach | Sand | Less developed, more natural | Couples, quiet seekers |
| Kumköy Beach | Fine sand | Long stretch, resort zone | All-inclusive guests |
| Çolaklı Beach | Sand | Quieter, good snorkeling | Budget travelers |
| Titreyengöl Beach | Pebble/sand | Lagoon-backed, unique | Nature lovers |
Manavgat Waterfall & River
Just 3 km from Side — one of Antalya's most popular natural attractions: - Waterfall entrance: €1 - Manavgat River cruise: €10-15 (2 hours, lunch included) - River fish restaurants: Fresh trout served riverside (€8-12)
The Green Canyon (Oymapınar Dam)
45 minutes from Side, this emerald-green reservoir surrounded by pine-forested mountains offers: - Boat cruises: 3-hour tours with swimming stops (€15-20) - Swimming: Crystal-clear freshwater, deeply refreshing in summer heat - Transfer from Side: €15-20 each way
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Side vs Other Destinations
| Factor | Side | [Lara](/destinations/lara-beach) | [Belek](/destinations/belek) | [Alanya](/destinations/alanya) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Transfer time | 55 min | 15 min | 30 min | 110 min |
| Beach type | Sand | Sand | Mixed | Sand |
| History | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐ | ⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐ |
| Value | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Nightlife | ⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐ | ⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Family | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
Frequently Asked Questions
Planning your trip?
Book your private airport transfer now and save up to 50% compared to regular taxis.
How far is Side from Antalya Airport?
65-75 km depending on exact hotel location. Transfer time: 50-65 minutes. Price: €30-40 private transfer.
Is Side worth the longer transfer?
Absolutely — Side offers the best combination of ancient history and beach resort in Turkey. The 55-minute transfer is very comfortable, and much shorter than Alanya at 110 minutes. Read our All-Inclusive Comparison Guide.
Can I visit Side from Lara Beach as a day trip?
Yes! Side is 50-55 km from Lara Beach, about 40-45 minutes each way. Book a return day trip transfer for €50-60.
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Last updated: February 2026 | TurkeyTransfer — Antalya Airport to Side from €28
Planning your trip?
Book your private airport transfer now and save up to 50% compared to regular taxis.
