How to get from hotels near Side/Manavgat, Turkey to Old Town Side by bus or dolmuş (without a car)?

From messages by 3 participants in 2 sources · Last activity: 61 days ago

TL;DR

If your hotel is on the highway, look for the dolmuş/bus stop sign (often no shelter) near the pedestrian underpass — dolmuş and buses running Alanya–Manavgat–Side pass by, though reaching Side often requires a transfer in Manavgat. A taxi (~8 km) is a cheap alternative.

What the community said

From a hotel in the Evrenseki area you can take dolmuş route Evrenseki 3 to Old Town Side — the stop is about 100 m from the hotel, and hotel names served are listed on the door. Ride to the final stop, Side's bus station (Side Antik), which is 100 m from the sights; it's worth confirming with the driver that they're going to Side Antik. Fare is 70 lira. The return dolmuş departs from the same spot — just tell the driver your hotel's name and they'll stop right there.

Route Evrenseki 3, 70 lira, terminus Side Antik bus station

If your hotel is in Çolaklı or Kumköy, you can reach either Side or Manavgat — just walk around the area to find the nearest stop. In villages (not on the highway) a dolmuş will often stop if you simply raise your hand. At Side's bus station you can transfer to a dolmuş going directly to Novomall; sometimes it's easier to get off along the road and walk about 15 minutes — check the map beforehand if the route runs in a straight line.

Çolaklı/Kumköy, dolmuş transfer to Novomall at Side bus station

Some highway-side hotels have no proper bus stop — just exit the pedestrian underpass and stand under the sign. Buses to Side or Novamall usually require a transfer, while buses to Alanya run direct, passing several malls on the way.

Bus sign near underpass

A dolmuş (shared minibus) runs between Manavgat and Side, about 8 km apart — ask your hotel reception for the nearest stop. A taxi is also an option and stays cheap over such a short distance.

~8 km, Manavgat–Side dolmuş

From hotels near Alanya, reaching Side takes longer than reaching Alanya itself. If you specifically need Side, cross to the opposite side of the highway and flag down an Alanya–Manavgat bus (they pick up passengers if seats are free), then transfer at Manavgat's bus station or catch a direct bus to Side.

Manavgat bus station

A trip via Manavgat can be tiring — the bus winds slowly through town to reach the station, it's hot outside, and the round trip can easily eat up a whole day.