How to Use Local Minibuses (Dolmuş) in Alanya, Side, and Antalya – Everything You Need to Know

Traveling through the Turkish Riviera? One of the best ways to experience the local vibe is by hopping on a dolmuş – the shared minibuses that are both affordable and efficient. Here's your complete guide to where these minibuses depart from, how often they run, and how to catch them in Alanya, Side, and Antalya.

What Is a Dolmuş?

A dolmuş is a shared minibus operating like a small bus, offering flexible, frequent service between towns, tourist areas, and city centers. They're budget-friendly, safe, and a unique part of local Turkish culture

Alanya Dolmuş Routes and Departure Points

In Alanya, most dolmuşes depart from the main Dolmuş Station (Dolmuş Durağı) near the Alanya Grand Bazaar, close to Atatürk Boulevard.  Popular Routes:

Alanya Center → Oba, Tosmur, Kestel, Mahmutlar (every 10-15 mins)Alanya Center → Konaklı, Avsallar, Incekum (every 20-30 mins)

Alanya → Antalya (available via intercity minibuses or buses)

Operating Hours:Daily from 07:00 AM to 11:00 PMHigher frequency in summer

Side Dolmuş Information

Side does not have a central bus station, but minibuses can be found just outside the Old Town entrance, near the Side Bus Terminal (Otogar).Popular Routes:

Side → Manavgat (every 10 mins)

Side → Antalya (via Manavgat)

Side → Kumköy, Evrenseki, Çolaklı, Gündoğdu

Operating Hours:

07:00 AM to 10:30 PM, every day

Most services run every 10-20 minutes

Antalya City Dolmuş Stops

In Antalya, minibuses operate alongside city buses. Most routes start from the Antalya Otogar (Main Bus Station) and travel to various districts.

Popular Routes for Tourists:

Antalya Center → Konyaaltı Beach

Antalya Center → Lara Beach

Antalya → Side or Alanya (via intercity minibus or bus)

Operating Hours:

Daily from 06:30 AM to Midnight

More frequent in peak tourist season

Tips for Using Dolmuş in Turkey:

Pay the driver in cash (Turkish Lira) when boarding.

There are no official stops – just wave to hop on or say “inecek var” to get off.

No fixed timetable, but very frequent (especially in summer).

Prices range from 15–50₺ depending on distance.

Final Word:

Using dolmuşes in Alanya, Side, and Antalya is not only cheap and practical – it's also a fun way to mingle with locals and see hidden corners of Turkey. Whether you're heading to a beach, bazaar, or historical site, the dolmuş gets you there with ease.