VRENTY CAR is an independent comparison service. The search above is provided by our partner Localrent and lists local agencies side by side; you book directly with the provider. Always confirm the price, insurance and deposit before you pay.
📍 Side: an ancient seaside town on the Mediterranean, about 65 km from Antalya Airport (AYT).
Is a Car Worth It in Side?
The ruins and old harbour are a short walk and the dolmus minibuses reach Manavgat. But the waterfall, the Roman theatre at Aspendos and the mountain village of Selge are not on the usual tourist route.
Our advice: book for the days you leave the peninsula and ask the agency to deliver it to your hotel.
Drive Times from Side
Times are approximate and depend on traffic; use live navigation for the real figure.
| Destination | Approx. distance | Typical drive |
|---|---|---|
| Antalya Airport (AYT) | ~65 km | about 1–1.25 hours |
| Manavgat | ~5–8 km | 10–20 min |
| Aspendos | ~40 km | about 40–55 min |
| Alanya | ~60–65 km | about 1 hour |
| Selge (Altinkaya) | ~90–100 km | about 2 hours |
The Peninsula, the D400 and Mountain Roads
Cars are restricted on the old Side peninsula, and the main car park sits at the entrance to the old town. The D400 passes close by and is busy. The mountain road to Selge and the Koprulu Canyon is narrow and winding, with few barriers, and you should check conditions and fuel before you start.
- Park at the entrance and walk into the old town
- Fill up before the mountain drive to Selge
- Fines from police and cameras are sent to the agency, which charges you after the rental
Pick-Up and Delivery
Pick-up is usually delivered to your hotel in Side, or collected at Antalya Airport (AYT). Use the "Specify location" option in the search to choose, and check the car card for any fee. Do not rely on a named office unless it is written on the car card. If you arrive late, give the provider your flight number.
Documents and Age
- Valid driving licence, usually held for at least a year; minimum age is typically 21 (23 or 25 for larger or premium cars)
- a valid national driving licence and, depending on the agency and your home country, an International Driving Permit (IDP) — rules differ by licence type, so ask the agency what it accepts before you travel
- Passport and the booking voucher
- A payment method that matches the offer: many agencies block the deposit on a credit card; use the No deposit or No credit card filter if you need an alternative
Insurance and Deposit Explained
With basic insurance the excess — your share of any damage — can be large and the agency blocks a deposit. Full coverage brings the excess close to zero and, with many local agencies, means no deposit. Typical exclusions are tyres, glass, the underbody, interior damage and lost keys, and the cover is not valid off-road. Motorway and bridge tolls (HGS/OGS), fines and parking are billed separately. Photograph the car with the agent at pick-up and return and make sure all damage is in the acceptance document.
Driving in Side: Roads and Habits
The road from the airport is fast but busy with tour buses; take care at junctions with side roads and U-turn points.
- Traffic drives on the right; overtake on the left and give way as signed at roundabouts
- Speed limits are signed (typically 50 km/h in towns, about 90 km/h on main roads and up to 120 km/h on motorways); speed cameras and mobile radar are common, so keep to the signed limit
- Strict drink-driving rules with heavy penalties — the safest rule is zero alcohol before driving
- Seatbelts are compulsory and handheld phones are not allowed; children need a suitable seat
- Motorways and bridges use electronic tolls (HGS/OGS tags or similar); ask the agency how the car is equipped and how tolls are charged later
- Drivers can be aggressive: expect tailgating, late lane changes and minibuses (dolmus) stopping suddenly
- In mountain areas, winter driving rules and snow or ice can apply; ask the agency about tyres and chains
- Do not take the car off the paved road: insurance is not valid on unpaved tracks