Side is compact and well connected, so most visitors never rent a car. Here is how to get everywhere you need.
The dolmus (shared minibus)
The dolmus is the backbone of local transport — shared yellow minibuses running fixed routes for a small flat fare. The key route links Side, Manavgat, and the surrounding hotel zones (Sorgun, Kumkoy, Colakli), running frequently through the day in season. Flag one down anywhere on its route, pay the driver, and ask to be let off where you need. It is cheap and authentically local, but can be slow and crowded at peak times.
Walking
Side’s old town is entirely pedestrian and walkable end to end in 20 minutes. If your hotel is in central Side, you can reach the Apollo Temple, the beaches and the restaurants on foot. Hotels in Sorgun or Kumkoy are a short dolmus or taxi ride from the old town.
Taxis
Metered yellow taxis wait at ranks in the old town and outside larger hotels. They are convenient for short hops and late nights when the dolmus has stopped, though more expensive. Agree the approximate fare or insist on the meter before setting off.
Private transfers
For the airport, day trips, or group outings, a pre-booked private transfer is the most comfortable option — a fixed price agreed in advance, a Mercedes to your door, and no waiting. This is the easiest way to handle the 75-minute airport run or a day trip to Aspendos, Manavgat or Antalya, especially with luggage, children or a group.
Which to use when
- Beach and town hops: walk or dolmus
- Late night / quick errands: taxi
- Airport, day trips, groups: private transfer
Transfer note
We handle the airport run and full-day private hire across the Side area — fixed price agreed before you travel, flight tracking, a Mercedes with a local driver, free child seats, and free cancellation up to 24 hours. Tell us your plan and we’ll quote the exact price, so you can skip the car rental entirely and still see everything.