Car Rental in Side, Turkey

Where to drive

• Drive to Aspendos Ancient City to marvel at its incredibly well-preserved Roman theater, approximately 45 kilometers (a 40-minute drive) from Side.
• Explore the stunning Manavgat Waterfall and its surrounding picnic areas, just about 10 kilometers (a 15-minute drive) inland from Side.
• Take a scenic trip to Alanya Castle and Cleopatra Beach, roughly 65 kilometers (a 1-hour drive) east along the coast.
• Venture into the Taurus Mountains to visit the traditional village of Ormana and its Button Houses, approximately 80 kilometers (a 1.5-hour drive) north of Side.
• Discover the ancient city of Perge near Antalya, about 60 kilometers (a 50-minute drive) west, offering another impressive archaeological site.

What documents you need

To rent a car in Turkey, you will generally need a valid passport, a driver's license held for at least one year (some companies may require two years), and an International Driving Permit (IDP) if your license is not in English or does not have a photograph. The minimum age for rental is typically 21, though some companies may require drivers to be 23 or 25 for certain car classes, often with a young driver surcharge.

How much rental costs

Car rental prices in Side fluctuate significantly by season and car class. Economy cars can start from approximately 15-20 EUR per day during the off-peak season, while SUVs and premium vehicles might range from 40 EUR to 80 EUR or more daily, especially in summer. Expect prices to be highest from June to September.

Demand by month

Traffic rules and fines

In Turkey, driving is on the right side of the road. Speed limits are generally 50 km/h in urban areas, 90 km/h on rural roads, and 120 km/h on motorways, but always observe local signage. The legal alcohol limit for drivers is very low, effectively zero for most foreign drivers. Headlights are required during adverse weather conditions. Seatbelts are mandatory for all occupants, and child seats are legally required for children up to 135 cm tall or under 36 kg.

Parking

Parking in Side's ancient town center is very limited and often restricted to pedestrians. Outside the immediate historical area, you'll find various paid parking lots, especially near popular attractions and beaches. Many hotels offer free parking for guests. Free street parking can be found further away from the main tourist hubs, but always check for 'No Parking' signs or restrictions.

Fuel stations

Fuel stations are readily available throughout Side and the surrounding region. Both gasoline (benzin) and diesel (motorin) are widely sold. Fuel prices are regulated by the government and are generally consistent across stations, though they can fluctuate. Payment can typically be made with cash or major credit/debit cards.

Which car to choose

For driving around Side and nearby attractions, an economy or compact car with manual or automatic transmission is perfectly adequate and easy to park. If you plan to venture into the Taurus Mountains or prefer more comfort on longer journeys, a mid-size sedan or a small SUV would be a better choice, offering more power and space. Consider an automatic transmission for ease of driving on potentially unfamiliar roads.

Frequently asked questions