How Far Is Alanya from Side? Distance, Travel Time and Route Options
How far is Alanya from Side? About 60–70 km, 1–1.5 hours by car. Airport distances, route options and a day plan are in this guide.
How far is Alanya from Side? The distance between Side and Alanya along the D400 coastal road is about 60–70 km. By private car or transfer it usually takes 1 to 1.5 hours. Traffic, summer crowds and breaks can extend the journey; check current conditions before setting off.
In this article I'm not just giving figures. I explain what the distance means for your day plan, how far it is from the airports to Side and Alanya, and what you can do in Alanya over a full day.
How many km and hours from Side to Alanya?
The route always follows the same line: you head from Side towards Manavgat, then continue east on the D400 towards Alanya. Most of the road runs parallel to the sea, a flat stretch lined with citrus and greenhouse farms. As you approach Alanya, the road nears the foot of the mountains and begins to wind.
In practice, think of it like this:
- Distance: about 60–70 km
- Time: 1 hour in free-flowing traffic, up to 1.5 hours at busy times or if you take a break
- Return trip: you spend roughly 2–3 hours on the road
So Alanya is within day-trip range from Side. But if you don't leave early in the morning, the time on the road takes a large slice of your day.
How far is it from the airport to Side and Alanya?
People searching "How far is Side from Alanya airport" are mostly mixing up two different airports. There are two airports in the region and the distances are very different.
Antalya Airport
From Antalya Airport to Side is about 60–65 km; by transfer it usually takes around 1 hour. From the same airport to Alanya you need roughly 120–130 km, which can take 1.5–2 hours. So if you are staying in Side, Antalya Airport is closer to you than Alanya.
Gazipaşa-Alanya Airport
This airport is about 35–40 km from Alanya. To Side it is around 100 km and can take more than 1.5 hours. If you are staying in Side and flying into Gazipaşa, be sure to factor this time in. Flight schedules and transfer times can change, so confirm the exact plan before booking.
How do you get from Side to Alanya?
There are three main options:
- Private transfer: Door-to-door service, the most comfortable choice for those with luggage.
- Intercity bus and dolmuş: You need to go to Manavgat from Side first, then transfer to Alanya. It takes some planning, but you travel alongside local people.
- Rental car: The road is simple and well signposted. Finding parking in central Alanya and the narrow streets can be a hassle in peak season.
For a detailed comparison, see our article "How to Get from Alanya to Side."
How do you make the most of a day in Alanya?
Spending 1–1.5 hours travelling and then just sitting on the beach often feels like too little. There is plenty to do in Alanya, and if you choose the right tour the journey time won't feel like a cost.
By sea from Alanya: castle and coves
The Alanya : Relaxing Cruise With Transfer (5 hours) sails from Alanya harbour on a two-deck boat across the Mediterranean and shows you the historic castle side of the city from the water. The peninsula and walls, which are hard to make out from the shore, are much clearer from the sea. If you want to go in the morning and return in the afternoon, this route is an easy option.
Mountains and canyon: Sapadere
If you want to escape the heat and crowds, the Alanya: Sapadere Canyon Tour with Lunch and Cave Visit (6 hours) takes you up into the Taurus Mountains. The route passes through banana and avocado orchards and stops at a historic stone bridge and a gözleme break. A cave visit is also included in the programme. In October the mountain area is cooler than the coast, so I recommend taking a light jacket.
Evening in Alanya: night jeep safari
The Alanya: Night Jeep Safari, Boat Trip and Dinner (5 hours) starts in the evening; according to the programme, departure is at 18:30. The route runs from the coastal road at Damlataş and Kleopatra beaches up to the western entrance of Alanya Castle, and a boat trip and dinner are included. In October darkness falls early, so this tour that coincides with sunset suits the season well. Factor in the return journey to Side; you may need to arrange a transfer for the trip back at night.
Stay in Side and visit Alanya, or the other way round?
Side has its own ancient city, beaches and hamams; Alanya stands out for its castle, caves and mountain routes. Rather than trying to cover both in the same day, it is more efficient to choose one as your base and set aside a single day for the other. If you come back tired from Alanya, a hamam stop in Side, such as the Side: Turkish Hamam with Kese Peeling, Foam Massage and Transfer (1.5 hours), is a good way to end the day. The kese scrub, foam massage and transfer are all included in this package.
What should you consider when booking?
- Pickup point: Tour pickup is usually defined for Alanya hotels. If you are joining from Side, check the pickup information and service options on the booking page.
- Times: Departure times can vary by season. In October the day ends early, so set your return time accordingly.
- Weather: Sea tours may change their programme depending on wind and wave conditions. Check the weather forecast on the morning of your tour.
- What to bring: Swimsuit, towel, sunscreen and comfortable shoes are sufficient for most tours.
Frequently asked questions
Can you get from Side to Alanya on foot or by bicycle?
No, it isn't practical. The distance is over 60 km and most of the road is the D400 main road. You will need a motor vehicle or a transfer.
Is Antalya Airport closer to Side or to Alanya?
It is closer to Side. From the airport, Side is about 60–65 km away and Alanya is 120–130 km.
Can you visit Alanya from Side as a day trip and return the same day?
Yes, it is possible. Allow 2–3 hours for the round trip on the road and leave early in the morning. If you choose a tour, plan the finish time together with the return journey.
What time is the best to leave Side for Alanya?
Leaving early in the morning helps you avoid traffic and the heat. In October it gets dark early, so it's a good idea to set your return time around daylight. Confirm current times before you set off.
