Bodrum Airport to Side
Distance: 465.7 kmTravel time: 6-7 hoursNearest metro: None
Overview
Bodrum Airport to Side is the longest private route we run from the peninsula, around 466 km and six to seven hours as the road tracks east past Antalya to the Roman ruins scattered through Side's old town. A name board is waiting for you in the arrivals hall, held by the same driver who has already tracked your inbound flight and who remains behind the wheel of one Mercedes for the entire cross-peninsula journey to Side. Side is known for its ancient theatre, the columns of the State Agora, and the Temple of Apollo standing at the water's edge, so guests booking a resort here are usually settling in for a longer stay rather than a quick visit. The fare for a journey this length is set out in writing before you travel, with a comfort stop offered along the way.
Highlights
- Roughly 466 km from Bodrum Airport, about six to seven hours
- Single private Mercedes for the entire day-long drive east
- Ends among the Roman ruins and Temple of Apollo in old Side
- Comfort stop available partway through this longer route
- Fixed fare agreed in writing before setting off from Bodrum
- Flight tracked, so pickup timing adjusts to any delay
- Suits guests settling into a longer Mediterranean coast stay
- Name board ready the moment you land at Bodrum Airport
Route details
About the destination
Side is a popular coastal resort town in Antalya Province, famous for its ancient Roman ruins, beautiful sandy beaches, and iconic seafront Temple of Apollo.
Hotels nearby
- Barut GOIA
- Side Star Resort
- Barut Hemera
Landmarks nearby
- Temple of Apollo and Athena
- Ancient Roman Theater
- Side Museum
- State Agora
- Monumental Fountain (Nymphaeum)
Restaurants nearby
- Elia Restaurant & Lounge
- Karma Restaurant
- Bistro 2000 Steakhouse
- Carpe Diem Restaurant
Nearest metro
None
Good to know
- Use the arrivals hall facilities and exchange counters before this six to seven hour drive.
- Pack food, drinks and activities for children on this longer eastward journey.
- Charge all devices in advance, as coverage can be patchy on stretches of the route.
- Ask your driver for a stop partway if the long journey feels tiring for the group.
- Book a hotel near the old town if you want to walk to the ancient ruins.
- Wear comfortable shoes for exploring Side's ruins once you settle in after the drive.
- Keep travel documents accessible in case of a checkpoint on the longer coastal road.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does the drive from Bodrum Airport to Side take?
Expect around six to seven hours for the roughly 466 km journey, since the road runs east past Antalya before reaching Side's peninsula and its ancient ruins. Because the crossing is long, the pickup point at Bodrum Airport stays simple and clearly marked before the eastward drive toward Side gets under way.
Is it possible to start earlier to avoid Antalya's traffic?
Yes, if your flight schedule allows, departing Bodrum Airport earlier in the day can help you clear Antalya before the busiest afternoon traffic builds up, and our team is glad to suggest timing once your flight details are confirmed.
Where does my driver wait inside Bodrum Airport?
Your driver for the Side route waits inside the arrivals hall holding a surname board, positioned so you can spot him right after customs and baggage claim. Meeting promptly at this point means the long eastward drive toward Side begins without any lost time.
Do I share the car with anyone else travelling to Side?
No, the Mercedes is reserved entirely for your group for the whole journey, with no other passengers picked up along the route. This keeps the ride to Side comfortable for children and adults alike.
Can the driver drop me near the Temple of Apollo?
Yes, if your hotel sits within Side's old town near the ruins, the driver can take you close to the site rather than only the main road. Your group has nothing else to arrange once you have reached Side and settled into the old town.
Does a late landing change my scheduled pickup at all?
Flight number tracking means a late landing only pushes back when the pickup starts, and your driver for the Side route stays waiting until you actually reach the terminal. This makes planning your stay in Side straightforward well ahead of the flight.
Is a child seat available for this longer route?
Yes, request one at booking and state your child's age, and a suitable seat is fitted before departure for the day-long drive to Side. Once fitted, the seat stays in place for the entire day-long drive, with no changeover needed before Side.
How is the price settled for a route this long?
Given the distance between Bodrum and Side, we confirm a single all-inclusive figure on WhatsApp once your travel dates are set, well before the pickup day, so there is no discussion of cost once the driver arrives. This applies whichever part of Side your accommodation happens to sit in.
Why would someone fly into Bodrum for a Side holiday?
Some guests combine an earlier stop in Bodrum with a longer stay in Side, using this private transfer instead of a second domestic flight. Travelling this way keeps your party in its own vehicle throughout, rather than being grouped with strangers making the same eastward run.
What is close to the drop-off point in Side?
Side's old town sits near the ancient Roman theatre, the State Agora and the seafront Temple of Apollo, all within walking distance of most hotels there. This gives you an early feel for Side before your stay even begins.
