Dalaman Airport→Kumköy

You land at Dalaman, but your holiday is in Kumköy, the wide sandy beach district just north of old Side. That is a big move across the Turkish Mediterranean. The distance is 229 km and the drive takes about 241 minutes, so plan for a little over four hours in the car before any stops. This page explains what that journey is like, how to make it comfortable, and what waits for you at the other end.

Turkey Transfer arranges this route as a private transfer. The car is for your group only. A driver meets you in arrivals, the luggage goes into the boot, and the car takes you to your hotel entrance in Kumköy. You do not change vehicles, you do not wait for other passengers, and nobody else decides when you stop.

Most visitors to Side and Kumköy fly into Antalya Airport (AYT). Antalya is about 52 km from Kumköy, and the drive takes roughly 50 to 55 minutes. So it is fair to ask why you are looking at a transfer from Dalaman.

There are several honest reasons.

• You found a better flight to Dalaman, on a better day or at a better time.
• You are ending a stay in Fethiye, Ölüdeniz, Dalyan or Marmaris and moving east for the second half of the holiday.
• Your group is already travelling together and wants one car from the airport to the final hotel.
• You are combining two parts of the coast in one trip and Dalaman is simply where you arrive.

If one of these is you, this route makes sense. A long drive in a private car is a very different thing from the same distance on a shared shuttle. You choose when to stop, you keep your luggage beside you, and you are not tied to the pickup stops of other guests.

The figures on this page are the planning figures for the route. The distance is 229 km. The driving time is 241 minutes, which is four hours and one minute of moving time.

Add your own stops to that figure. A short coffee break adds 15 to 20 minutes. A relaxed meal adds more. A family with young children may stop two or three times. A realistic door-to-door plan is therefore a little over four hours, and some groups will want closer to five hours in the car.

Treat the 241 minutes as the baseline, not the promise. Summer traffic, roadworks and the number of stops all change the real time. Your driver will tell you how the road looks on the day.

Dalaman Airport (DLM) is the main gateway to the Turquoise Coast. It serves Fethiye, Ölüdeniz, Dalyan and Marmaris. It has a single terminal, and the arrivals area is easy to understand even for first-time visitors.

Your driver tracks your flight number. If the plane lands early or late, the pickup moves with it. After you collect your bags and walk out of the arrivals hall, look for the name sign. The driver helps with the luggage and walks you to the car.

Give us your Kumköy hotel name and address when you book. The driver already knows the area, so the last part of the journey does not depend on a map app. If you are staying in a small apartment hotel or a side street property, send the address as well as the name.

The drive leaves Dalaman and heads along the coast road toward Fethiye. This first stretch crosses flat farmland near the Dalaman river plain and then climbs into pine-covered hills. From the road you see flashes of the Mediterranean between the trees. This is the part of the trip where most people are still fresh and enjoying the view.

After Fethiye the character of the journey changes. The road follows the Lycian coast, where the Taurus Mountains come close to the water. You travel through pine forest, past secluded coves and along ridges where the sea lies far below. The road bends constantly here, so the driving is slower than the kilometres suggest. This is one reason the total time is more than four hours for 229 km.

Further east the landscape opens out. You approach the Antalya region, with its wide bay, citrus orchards and large greenhouses. You then continue east. The last section brings you toward Manavgat, where orange groves and the green river valley tell you that Side is close. Kumköy sits on the coast just before the old town, and the final minutes take you down to the beach strip.

Traffic changes the drive more than most visitors expect. Here is how to think about it.

• Early morning and mid-morning. The road is generally lighter. A morning departure from Dalaman gives you the most comfortable run and an afternoon arrival in Kumköy.
• Midday in July and August. The coast road carries the heaviest holiday traffic. Expect slower sections near the larger towns and around the Antalya area.
• Late afternoon. Local traffic joins holiday traffic in and around the bigger towns. If your flight lands in the afternoon, build in extra time.
• Evening and night. The mountain sections are quieter, but the drive is long and the road is winding. Your driver may suggest a break to keep the journey relaxed.
• Shoulder season. In spring and autumn the road is calmer. The 241-minute figure is easier to match.

None of these patterns are exact. They help you choose between a morning flight and an evening flight, and they help you set realistic expectations for the day.

A four-hour drive needs at least one proper stop. Because the car is yours, you decide where and when. Common choices are a roadside service area, a café in one of the coastal towns, or a lay-by with a sea view for photos.

Tell your driver early if you want a longer meal stop. Some guests like to eat lunch in a small town on the way and arrive in Kumköy in the late afternoon. Others prefer to drive straight through and have dinner in the hotel. Both plans work.

Practical advice for the road:

• Take a water bottle and a light snack in the cabin.
• Keep a jumper or light jacket within reach, because the car is air-conditioned.
• Charge your phone before you leave the terminal.
• Tell your driver if anyone in the group gets travel sick. A seat near the front and a break on the winding sections help.
• Keep passports and tickets in your hand luggage, not in the boot.

Kumköy lies on the Mediterranean coast in the Manavgat district of Antalya province. The name means "Sand Village" in Turkish, and the beach explains the name. Behind the shoreline you find pine trees, dunes and a long line of resort hotels.

At arrival, the driver takes you to your hotel entrance. The large resorts have reception areas near the main road or near the beach side. Smaller hotels and apartment properties sit in side streets. Because the driver works in this region, the drop-off point is practical and not just the nearest place to stop.

If you arrive before the standard check-in time, most hotels will store your bags. You can then walk to the beach or have a late lunch while the room is prepared.

The coast around Kumköy is not one uniform place. Four areas matter for most visitors.

Kumköy Beach Strip

This is the heart of the district. The beach is long, sandy and backed by pine trees. Large all-inclusive resorts sit close to the sand. It suits families, couples who want a quiet sea holiday, and groups who prefer a resort stay to a town stay. The pace is slower than in old Side.

Hotels we transfer guests to here include Barut Hemera, Crystal Sunset Luxury Resort & Spa, Kirman Sidemarin and Melas Resort Hotel. Hotel Side Star Elegance, Hotel Barut Arum, Orient Apart Otel and Holiday Point Hotel are also part of the regular mix. If your hotel is not on this list, just give us the name and address.

Toward Çolaklı

North and west along the same beach you reach Çolaklı. It has the same sandy shoreline with more space between properties. It suits travellers who want a quiet stay and are happy to take a short taxi ride for evenings out.

Side Old Town and the Peninsula

Side's historic peninsula lies just south of Kumköy. It has narrow lanes, small rocky coves, a harbour, bars and restaurants. It suits couples, friends and anyone who wants evening life and history within walking distance. It is livelier than Kumköy and the streets are busier at night.

If you want a calm beach by day and an evening out in Side, Kumköy is a good base. A short taxi ride connects the two.

Manavgat

Manavgat is the district town inland. It is where local people shop, and it hosts a weekly Tuesday market with produce, spices and textiles. It suits visitors who want to see everyday life as well as the beach. It also has the river and the waterfall nearby.

Kumköy is a beach destination first. The sand is soft and golden, and the shoreline is long enough that you can walk a long way without leaving the sand. The water usually enters gently, which helps with young children and less confident swimmers.

By Side's old town the beach changes. The peninsula has narrower, rockier coves, and the water feels different. If you like the sand of Kumköy and the history of Side, you can combine both in one day.

Sea temperature reaches about 28°C in August on this coast, so summer swimming is very comfortable. Late spring and early autumn are cooler, but still pleasant for a walk along the shore.

Side is one of the best-known ancient sites on this coast, and it sits only minutes from Kumköy. The columns of the Temple of Apollo stand close to the water, and the sunset light on them is a classic evening scene. The Roman theatre and the museum are also worth the time.

Plan a visit in the late afternoon, when it is cooler. Walk from the temple to the harbour and eat dinner afterwards. Wear flat, comfortable shoes, because the stones are uneven.

Other landmarks within reach:

• Manavgat Waterfall. A short drive inland from the coast. The falls are wide and loud. Riverside restaurants serve fresh trout, and boat trips run along the river.
• Titreyengöl. A small lake and pine grove near Side. It is a pleasant short stop and a good place for a walk in the shade.
• Aspendos Roman Theatre. About 30 to 35 minutes from Kumköy by taxi. It is one of the best-preserved Roman theatres in the world, and it still hosts opera and ballet in summer.

Eating out in Kumköy is easy. If you are on an all-inclusive plan, you will probably eat at the hotel. If you are on half board or bed and breakfast, you have more choice outside.

In Kumköy, look for beach restaurants, small family-run places and cafés near the main road. Fish and grilled meat are common choices. In Side, the harbour restaurants are the classic evening option. They give you a view of the water and the old walls. In Manavgat, riverside restaurants are known for fresh trout.

Kumköy itself is calm. If you want nightlife, go to Side. If you want sleep, stay in Kumköy.

A transfer of more than four hours is a real task for a family. Children need breaks, snacks and entertainment. A private car helps because you can adapt to the children and not the other way around.

On this route, a few practical points help.

• Child seats. Request a child or booster seat when you book. The seat is fitted before the trip, so you do not have to carry one through the airport.
• Timing. If your flight lands late, consider whether to drive straight through or rest first. Very young children may sleep for much of the journey, which can be a benefit.
• Breaks. Plan at least one proper stop. Let children walk and use the toilet. The driver can suggest a suitable place.
• Entertainment. Download films, games and music before you leave. Mobile signal can be weak in the mountain sections.
• Luggage. Pushchairs and car seats take space. Tell us about them when you book so the vehicle is the right size.

For larger families, mention the group size. The right vehicle matters on a four-hour journey.

Once in Kumköy, the shallow beach and the large resort pools suit children. The big all-inclusive properties often have kids' areas and activities. Land of Legends in Belek is a full-day option for families and takes about 45 to 50 minutes by taxi. Boat trips on the Manavgat River are another easy outing.

Many flights into Dalaman land late in the evening or early in the morning. A long transfer after a night landing is tiring, so plan carefully.

For a late arrival:

• Tell the hotel your expected arrival time, so the night reception staff are ready.
• Let us know your flight number, so the driver can follow it if the plane is late.
• Decide in advance whether to drive straight to Kumköy or stay one night near Dalaman or Fethiye. Some guests prefer to split the journey.
• Pack a light snack and a sweater in your hand luggage.

For an early flight out of Dalaman, the problem is the reverse. You must leave Kumköy in the middle of the night. A 241-minute drive means a very early start. Many travellers prefer to move toward Dalaman the day before, or to choose a later flight. If you must leave early, tell your driver the flight time when you book, and the pickup time will be planned from it.

There is no hurry in the cabin on a night drive. Dim the lights, recline the seat and sleep if you can. Tell the driver if you need a coffee stop.

When you travel home, the transfer runs in the opposite direction. The same 229 km and 241 minutes apply as the baseline. The airport timing deserves more attention than the outward journey, because a missed flight is worse than a late hotel check-in.

How to plan the departure:

1. Take your flight time and choose when you want to be at the terminal. For an international flight, many travellers aim to arrive well before departure to leave time for check-in and security.
2. Subtract the 241-minute drive from that time.
3. Add time for breaks and for traffic.
4. Add a small margin for unexpected delays.

This gives you a pickup time at the Kumköy hotel. Your driver will confirm it with you. Be ready in the lobby at that time, with your luggage and passport.

If you are leaving in the evening, the day is easier. You can swim in the morning, have lunch, and leave in the early afternoon. Remember that the road is busier in summer afternoons.

A long transfer can also be an opportunity. The road passes through some of the most scenic parts of the Turkish coast. Some guests turn the transfer into a slow trip with one long stop.

Near the Dalaman end of the route:

• Ölüdeniz Blue Lagoon. One of the best-known beaches on the Turquoise Coast.
• Butterfly Valley. A quiet cove reached by boat.
• Saklıkent Gorge. A cool gorge, good in hot weather.
• Kayaköy. The ghost village above Fethiye.
• Dalyan. Mud baths, river trips and the Kaunos ruins.
• İztuzu Beach. The turtle beach near Dalyan.

If you want to stop at one of these places before moving east, tell us when you book. Such a stop changes the total time, so the plan must be clear from the start.

Near Kumköy:

• Manavgat Waterfall and River. A short drive inland.
• Side. The ancient city, the temple and the harbour.
• Aspendos. The Roman theatre, about 30 to 35 minutes away.
• Köprülü Canyon. For rafting and hiking, about 45 to 60 minutes from Kumköy.
• Land of Legends. A theme and water park in Belek, about 45 to 50 minutes away.
• Manavgat Tuesday market. For produce, spices and textiles.

These trips are easier with a driver who knows the roads. You can ask about a day-trip transfer once you are settled in the hotel. Your driver will tell you the fastest and most sensible route on the day.

The coast has long, hot summers and short, mild winters.

• Spring (April to May). Mild days, green hills and fewer crowds. The sea is still cool. The road is calm, and the journey is more relaxed.
• Early summer (June). Warm and bright. Beaches are open and the sea is pleasant. Traffic grows toward the end of the month.
• High summer (July to August). Hot, busy and lively. The sea reaches about 28°C in August. The coast road has the heaviest traffic, and the drive can take longer. Start early and carry water.
• Early autumn (September to October). Warm sea, softer light and calmer roads. Many travellers think this is the best time for a long drive.
• Winter. Mild but wetter. Some hotels and restaurants close. Check that your hotel is open before you book.

The best period for beach holidays is May to October. If you want to combine the beach with sightseeing in Side and Aspendos, spring and autumn are more comfortable than August.

Before you confirm the transfer, check these points:

• Flight number, date and arrival time at Dalaman.
• Hotel name and full address in Kumköy.
• Number of passengers, including children.
• Number of large bags, and any special items such as golf bags, surfboards or pushchairs.
• Child or booster seats needed, and the ages of the children.
• A mobile number you can use in Turkey, so the driver can reach you.
• Any planned stops, such as lunch or sightseeing.

Give us these details once, and the pickup is planned around them. After a long journey, you do not need to look for a taxi rank or negotiate. A clean, air-conditioned car is reserved for you, and the driver takes you to your door in Kumköy.

Dalaman to Kumköy is a long road, and this page does not pretend otherwise. The distance is 229 km, the drive is about 241 minutes, and the journey crosses from the Lycian coast to the shore at Side. With the right plan, it becomes part of the holiday: mountain scenery, sea views, a good stop on the way and a calm arrival on a long sandy beach.

Book in advance, share your flight and hotel details, and decide how you want to handle breaks. Then collect your bags, find the name sign and settle into the car. Your Kumköy holiday begins when you leave the terminal.