Driving from Istanbul to Side: distance, route and where to stop

Updated 17 October 2026

Short answer: Istanbul to Side is roughly 700–740 km by car, 9–10 hours with stops. The usual route crosses the Osmangazi Bridge and runs through Bursa, Kütahya, Afyonkarahisar and Burdur down to Antalya; Side is about an hour beyond Antalya.

How far is Side from Istanbul, and how long does it take?

Distances depend on your starting point and road choice; check live times in your maps app before leaving.

Which route do you take?

• Istanbul → Osmangazi Bridge → Bursa: tolled bridge and motorway, the fastest part of the trip.
• Bursa → İnegöl → Bozüyük → Kütahya → Afyonkarahisar: dual carriageway; in winter check the weather around Bozüyük and Afyon.
• Afyonkarahisar → Sandıklı → Dinar → Burdur → Antalya: the stretch over the Taurus; the descent is winding and easier in daylight.
• Antalya → Serik → Manavgat → Side: the coast road, busy in summer.

Our rental cars carry an HGS toll tag; bridge and motorway tolls are charged separately at the end of the rental.

Where should you stop?

A short break about every two hours is a good habit. Natural stops are the Bursa exit, Kütahya or Afyonkarahisar (the halfway point, ideal for a meal) and around Burdur. In summer an early start helps you avoid the afternoon traffic entering Antalya.

Getting around Side by car

The ancient city itself is restricted to traffic; leave the car in the car parks at the entrance and walk to the theatre, the Temple of Apollo and the harbour. The car pays off in the surroundings: Manavgat Waterfall, Titreyengöl, the ancient theatre of Aspendos and Köprülü Canyon are all an easy day out by car.

Which car class suits this trip?

• Family and luggage: an SUV or mid-size saloon with a large boot is comfortable over distance.
• Two people: an economy car saves fuel.
• Mountain pass and long motorway: an automatic reduces fatigue.

Current models are on the rental cars page.

Before you set off in a rental car

Otofilorent's pick-up points are in Istanbul: you collect the car at one of our 18 points and return it in Istanbul. On rentals of 3 days or more we deliver the car to your address in Istanbul free of charge. Mention your long-distance plan when booking; the terms of your rental are shown on the booking screen and in your contract. 24/7 roadside assistance is included; 0850 305 00 45 is open around the clock.

Frequently asked questions