Car Hire in Side

Planning a vacation in Turkey? Rent a car in Side — a resort town with a cozy atmosphere and rich history. On the Localrent website, you can easily select a vehicle of the right class and book it in advance for your desired dates. A rental car allows you to move freely, avoid dependence on public transport, and travel comfortably — whether to the beach, archaeological sites, or shopping centers.

If you want to pick up your car right upon arrival or return it before departure, you can specify the airport as your pickup or return location in your booking. The nearest airport is located in Antalya, just 70 km from Side. The modern highway makes the journey approximately 1.5 hours. Book your car online in advance to avoid spending vacation time searching for suitable transportation.

Why Rent Through Localrent

On our website, you can quickly select and book a vehicle. The menu features dozens of relevant filters. You can easily compare offers from different rental companies and choose the best option.

Benefits of renting through Localrent:

1. Transparent pricing. On the website, you immediately see a complete and detailed calculation of the order cost. Prices are fixed when paying the advance.
2. Wide selection. From compact models to luxury class vehicles.
3. Small advance payment. Only 15–20% of the total cost, with the remainder paid when picking up the vehicle.
4. Low deposits. You can choose options without a deposit or with a small security amount (up to €200).
5. Basic insurance included in the cost.

Throughout the entire rental period, you can contact us for necessary support.

Requirements for Car Rental in Side

You need to book the car online directly on the website. After paying the advance, you'll receive a voucher via email.

When picking up the vehicle, you'll need:

• Passport
• Driver's license
• Rental voucher in electronic or paper format
• Payment method (check available payment options for specific rental companies in the vehicle details when booking)

Minimum age and driving experience depend on the specific vehicle. Most offers are available for drivers aged 21 and older with at least 1 year of experience. Use filters to find vehicles matching your criteria.

Traffic Rules and Navigation Tips in Turkey

Before hitting the road, familiarize yourself with basic rules and restrictions on Turkish roads. They're straightforward but important to consider, especially when traveling in a rental vehicle.

Speed limits:

• Up to 50 km/h in cities
• Up to 90 km/h outside city limits
• Up to 120 km/h on toll roads

Safety regulations:

• Children under 1.5m tall and weighing up to 36 kg may only ride in the back seat
• Special restraint devices required for passengers under 135 cm tall
• Prohibited to hold phones while driving, even for navigation
• Maximum blood alcohol level: 0.5 promille
• Headlights not mandatory during daytime with good visibility, but required in tunnels
• Seat belts mandatory for all passengers
• Overtaking permitted only on the left with clear visibility
• Roundabout navigation: Those already on the roundabout have right of way. In southern Turkey, this rule is often ignored, so stay alert.

Local driving insights: Turkish drivers can be emotional and impulsive on the road. Expect sudden lane changes, unexpected turns without signals, and frequent attempts to run yellow lights. However, local drivers generally have excellent spatial awareness and maneuver skillfully even in heavy traffic. Horn usage isn't always a sign of displeasure but rather a way to attract attention, especially at roundabouts.

Overall, if you drive confidently, follow rules, and don't rush, driving in Turkey presents no major difficulties.

Parking in Side

Side is a popular resort, and finding free parking spaces in the center can be challenging during peak season. The shortage is particularly acute around the old town (Side Antik Kenti) and the waterfront, where many cafes, souvenir shops, and attractions are concentrated.

Where to park:

• Hotels and apartments: Most accommodation in Side offers private parking for guests
• Shopping centers and supermarkets: Often free parking during shopping hours
• Bus station area: One of the few places to find free spots closer to the center
• Paid city parking: Usually paved or gravel lots with attendants

Parking restrictions: No parking in zones with yellow or red markings, or near "D" signs (bus stops).

Gas Stations

Turkey has a well-developed network of gas stations. Major chains include Opet, Shell, Petrol Ofisi, Total, BP, Aytemiz, and GO. Fuel quality is consistently good across all networks. Payment accepted in cash or by bank card.

Gas stations are available both on highways and within cities, including Side. Even when traveling to less touristy regions, running completely out of fuel is virtually impossible.

How to Book a Car in Side - Step by Step

The booking process is straightforward and requires no registration.

Booking steps:

1. In the top menu, select pickup and return cities, specify rental start and end dates
2. Set filters: transmission type, car class, insurance options, no-deposit options, etc.
3. Choose a suitable offer and add needed additional services
4. Pay the advance
5. Receive voucher via email (required when picking up the vehicle)

Rental manager will meet you at the specified location and hand over the car

What to Explore in Side with Your Rental Car

Side and its surroundings are perfect for independent car trips. With a rental car, you're not tied to tour schedules and can visit secluded natural spots or spend extra time at historical monuments.

Key destinations accessible by car:

1. Green Canyon (60 km from Side): A picturesque mountain reservoir in a national park near Manavgat. The scenic road to the dam runs through hills and pine forests, with spectacular canyon and turquoise water views from the observation deck. Boat trips available on the peaceful lake surrounded by cliffs.
2. Aspendos (33 km away): Home to one of the world's most impressive ancient theaters, built in the 2nd century and still used for concerts and festivals. Nearby ruins include an aqueduct, basilica, and marketplace. Excellent roads and clear signage make this an easy trip for beginners.
3. Lake Titreyengöl (7 km from Side center, Sorgun district): A lagoon lake surrounded by parks, hotels, and walking paths. The name means "trembling lake" due to gentle ripples that persist even in calm conditions. Perfect for nature relaxation, picnics, or leisurely walks.
4. Ancient Amphitheater in Side: A major attraction right in the city center. Built in the 1st-2nd centuries AD, it seated up to 20,000 spectators and is remarkably well-preserved. Easily accessible on foot after parking in the old town area.

Additional options include Manavgat Waterfalls, Kumkoy Beach, or longer trips to Köprülü Canyon National Park for rafting, trekking, and stunning views.

Affordable Car Rental in Side

Compare rental costs easily on Localrent. Select your dates and preferred pickup/return locations to immediately see which rental companies offer the most favorable terms. Many provide airport and hotel delivery services.

Useful Rental Tips

Renting a car in Side is an excellent way to explore Turkey at your own pace. For a smooth experience, consider these important points:

Book in advance

Summer demand is high, especially for popular automatic transmission models. Earlier booking means better selection and lower prices. Optimal timing: 2-4 weeks before travel.

Prepare documents

Check your license validity in advance. Original documents required for rental - copies and electronic licenses not accepted.

Check fuel level at pickup

Vehicles typically come with partial tanks - return in same condition. Photograph the dashboard and exterior during handover to avoid return disputes.

Frequently Asked Questions