Although Turkey has an efficient public transportation system, hiring a rental car in Turkey is definitely the best way to explore the country if you want more flexibility and explore beyond the main tourist attractions.
This guide will tell you everything you need to know about renting a car in Turkey and answer any questions you might have about driving in Turkey.
For instance, is it safe to rent a car in Turkey, what are the road conditions like, what is the speed limit, how much does gas/petrol cost, where to park, etc.
I’ll also tell you how to find the best and cheapest car rental companies, how much it costs, the requirements for hiring a rental car, etc.
So keep reading to find out everything you need to know about renting a car in Turkey and advice about driving in Turkey.
Top Pick
BEST TURKEY CAR RENTAL DEAL!
When renting a car in Turkey, I recommend booking through Discover Cars as they compare the rates of both local and international companies so you get the best deal (including free cancellation)!
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Read more about Turkey:
- The best 7-day Turkey itinerary on a budget
- 4 days in Istanbul: Complete guide
- Best things to do in Ephesus Turkey
- Top things to do in Pamukkale + travel guide
- What to do in Cappadocia in 3 days?
- What to know before booking a Cappadocia hot air balloon flight?
- Top things to do in Oludeniz + suggested 4-day itinerary
Table of Contents
Renting a Car in Turkey – FAQ
Is it worth renting a car in Turkey?
When hiring a rental car in Turkey, you’ll have the freedom to travel at your own pace. There’s no relying on public transportation and their erratic schedules which can sometimes eat a huge chunk of your vacation time.
While driving in Turkey, you’ll also have the opportunity to explore more off the beaten path and stop wherever you like which is no doubt the best way to uncover some hidden gems.
Is it safe to rent a car in Turkey?
It’s relatively safe to rent a car in Turkey. The roads are in good condition except in the more rural areas where you might come across some narrow bumpy roads.
Some of the roads in Cappadocia, for example, are quite steep and bumpy but still easy to navigate as there isn’t a lot of traffic. Once you leave Goreme town center, the roads become much wider with fewer to no potholes.
The only thing you have to be careful of when driving in Turkey is the minibus (dolmus).
Some of the bus drivers tend to speed excessively and will sometimes try to overtake you without using their blinkers which can be a bit nerve-wracking, especially when driving along mountainous roads.
Because of that, you should be extra careful when driving. Also make sure to always wear your seat belt, and avoid drinking alcohol or using a handheld phone while driving.
Related post: The ultimate Turkey Itinerary
What’s the cheapest car rental company in Turkey?
If you’re looking for the best and cheapest car rental company in Turkey, I recommend using Discover Cars. It allows you to compare the rates of different car rental companies, both local and international so you get the lowest price.
While all rental cars in Turkey already have mandatory insurance, you can also purchase the full coverage insurance provided by Discover Cars for about US$ 7 per day to cover excess charges for damage, towing expenses, theft, etc.
CLICK HERE TO COMPARE CAR RENTAL RATES IN TURKEY
How much does it cost to rent a car in Turkey?
The cost of renting a car in Turkey is about US$ 15-30 for a small economy car, depending on the time of the year.
If you’re visiting during the peak season (June to August), the cost of renting a car will be higher.
The final price will also depend on the car make and size, the number of days, and any add-ons such as full coverage insurance, GPS, baby seat, etc.
Some car rental companies may also charge a fee for younger or older drivers.
What types of cars are available for rent?
The most common types of Turkey car rentals are Hyundai, Renault, and Peugeot. Note that most cars are manual transmissions and it costs slightly more to rent an automatic car.
How to book your Turkey car rental?
The process of renting a car in Turkey is very easy with Discover Cars. Simply go to their website and input your pick-up and drop-off locations along with your preferred dates to get a list of the best car rental companies sorted by price.
Requirements for renting a car in Turkey
A valid driver’s license
Depending on your nationality, you’re allowed to drive in Turkey with your foreign driver’s license for up to 6 months (source).
If your license isn’t written in Latin letters, you’ll need an International Driving Permit (IDP). You may also require an IDP if your license doesn’t have your photograph.
British nationals are also required to have an IDP to drive in the country.
Credit card or debit card
When renting a car in Turkey, the car rental company will put a hold on your credit card or if you’re using a debit card, they will charge the deposit amount.
The security deposit will then be refunded when you return the car without any damage.
In case of damage, you might not always get your deposit back but if you purchase the full coverage insurance offered by Discover Cars, you can easily file a claim and get a refund.
You must be at least 21
Although the legal driving age in Turkey is 18 years old, most car rental companies will only rent to people over the age of 21 while some may also require the license to have been issued for at least 1 year.
Insurance is mandatory
All car rental companies in Turkey are required to have insurance but if you want extra peace of mind, you can purchase the full coverage insurance provided by Discover Cars and use it on top of the one offered by the car rental company to cover any excess charges.
Passport
You are required to show your passport when picking up your rental car or if you’re stopped by the police.
Related post: The ultimate Cappadocia itinerary
Renting a Car in Turkey: City Guide
Renting a Car in Cappadocia
It’s best to rent a car in Cappadocia as there are no public buses that will take you to the main tourist attractions like Goreme Open Air Museum, Love Valley, Kaymakli and Derinkuyu Underground Cities, Ihlara Valley, etc.
There’s only one public bus that runs between Goreme and Uchisar and between Goreme and Nevsehir but it departs only every 30 minutes or so.
If you’re not renting a car, the next cheapest option would be to join a group tour. This sometimes means sitting in a bus with 15 other tourists and being dragged around gem stores and souvenir shops with minimal sightseeing time.
Of course, this also depends on the tour operator which is why you should always read reviews before booking any tour.
Having your own Turkey car rental will give you more freedom as you’ll be able to customize your own private tour and spend however long you choose at any attraction of your choice.
CHECK CAR RENTAL RATES IN CAPPADOCIA
Renting a Car in Fethiye and Oludeniz
In Fethiye and Oludeniz, you can easily get around by bus (dolmus) but some of them only run every 30 minutes to one hour, so having your own car is ideal.
Another advantage of renting a car in Fethiye is that you can stop wherever you like. There are plenty of stunning lookout points along the coast that you woulnd’t be able to get to without a rental car.
CHECK CAR RENTAL RATES IN FETHIYE
Renting a Car in Izmir
Renting a car in Izmir is also a good idea if you want to visit the nearby Ephesus ruins or Pamukkale Travertines. With a car, you’ll be able to visit both attractions as soon as they open and thus skip the crowds.
CHECK CAR RENTAL RATES IN IZMIR
Renting a Car in Istanbul
If you’re wondering whether you should rent a car in Istanbul, the answer is no!
Why? Because traffic in Istanbul city center is a nightmare, especially during peak hours, and not worth the stress when public transportation is cheap and reliable.
I highly recommend using the metro or ferry as those aren’t subject to huge traffic jams.
For context, I once took the bus in Istanbul at around 4 p.m and what was supposed to be a 30-minute journey ended up lasting well over 1 hour.
I even had to get off the bus and walk to my hotel. I can only imagine what it would be like sitting in a car while being stuck in traffic for hours.
The narrow lanes and one-way roads also make navigating the city quite challenging, plus it’s not always easy to find a parking spot in Istanbul.
The only time I would recommend renting a car in Istanbul is if you’re planning to leave the city and do a Turkey road trip.
CHECK CAR RENTAL RATES IN ISTANBUL
Related post: The ultimate Istanbul itinerary
Tips for Driving in Turkey
Drive on the right-hand side
Driving in Turkey is on the right-hand side of the road.
Speed limits in Turkey
The speed limit signs in Turkey are expressed in km/h. Below are the general speed limits in Turkey:
- Within towns and cities: 50 km/h
- Outside towns and cities: 90 km/h
- Motorways: 120 km/h
Speed cameras are quite common in Turkey as well as police checkpoints. If you get caught speeding, you’ll have to pay a fine.
You may sometimes see cardboard cutouts of police cars on the side of the road which is used to discourage people from speeding.
Emergency Number
The emergency number in Turkey is 112.
Drink driving limit in Turkey
The blood alcohol content limit in Turkey is 0.05%. The BAC limit is zero for commercial drivers only. I still strongly recommend not drinking any alcohol while driving in Turkey.
Fuel Prices
Gasoline and diesel cost about 20 TL per liter which is about US$ 1 but the price varies slightly from city to city.
Toll roads in Turkey
There are several toll roads in Turkey, especially along motorways. All Turkey car rentals should be equipped with an HGS toll sticker which automatically pays for the toll fee.
When you return your rental car, you’ll be provided with the total toll fee and you can pay directly with the car rental company.
Seat belts are mandatory
You are required to wear your seat belt at all times whether you’re the driver or passenger. Children under 5 years old are required to use a car seat.
Handheld phones aren’t allowed
Handheld phones aren’t allowed while driving in Turkey.
Parking in Turkey
Except in Istanbul, parking is readily available in most towns and cities. You may be able to park for free in certain places (be sure to enquire with a local before doing so) and there are also several parking lots that require a fee of about 10-25 TL.
Ephesus ruins and Pamukkale travertines, for example, have multiple paid parking lots that can accommodate hundreds of cars.
Top Pick
BEST TURKEY CAR RENTAL DEAL!
When renting a car in Turkey, I recommend booking through Discover Cars as they compare the rates of both local and international companies so you get the best deal (including free cancellation)!
Additional tips for renting a car in Turkey
- Be sure to check the ratings before booking your Turkey car rental. Choose a car rental company with at least a “very good” or “excellent” rating.
- Always read the car rental terms and conditions carefully. As mentioned above, some companies may charge an additional fee for younger or older drivers while other may not.
- Check the car carefully upon delivery and take photos or videos of any dents and scratches however minor they might be.
I hope you found this guide to renting a car in Turkey and tips for driving in Turkey helpful. As always, I recommend booking through Discover Cars to get the best deal and if you have any questions, just ask in the comments below.
Read more about Turkey:
- 27 Tips for visiting Istanbul
- 20 Free things to do in Istanbul Turkey
- How to get from Istanbul to Ephesus by bus, plane, car, or tour
- 16 best photo spots in Istanbul
- Is Babadag Cable Car in Oludeniz worth visiting?
