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Cheapest car rental at Istanbul Airport
Compare prices for Istanbul Airport at VIP Cars and reserve a deal at the lowest price. Whether you are looking to rent a car for pleasure or business at IST, with us, you can find low-cost deals from top-rated global and local companies such as Sixt, Green Motion, Budget, etc. in Turkey.
Use the booking form to view updated prices and choose from a range of vehicles, including luxury cars, convertibles and other self-drive options. Flexible choices are available, from no deposit rentals to domestic cars, ensuring a smooth experience for every traveler.
Why book a self drive car rental in Istanbul, Turkey?
Istanbul is a picturesque city with lots of amazing things to see and do. With a vehicle at your disposal, you can easily explore the city's mesmerizing landmarks and hidden pearls. A trip to popular places of interest including Galata Tower, Blue Mosque, Ortakoy Mosque, Çemberlitaş Hamamı and Hagia Sophia in your car hire will surely make your trip worthwhile. Move around at your own pace and plan your trip to Istanbul exactly as you have in mind.
Istanbul Airport Rental Car Center
The Istanbul Airport Rent a Car Center is a modern, centralized facility that houses counters for multiple car rental providers. It is designed for easy access and smooth vehicle pick-up, located inside the Arrivals Hall, conveniently between International and Domestic Arrivals.
Terminal Distribution:-
International Arrivals
The majority of car rental counters are located here, ideal for travelers arriving from abroad. Counters include Autovia, Essence Car Rental, Avec Rent a Car, Eva Car Rental, Wheego and Garenta are located here.
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Domestic Arrivals
Domestic travelers can find counters for Central Rent a Car, Eco Plus Car, Ecovia, Eren Rent a Car, Expy Car Rentals, NokAutos, Elitcar Rental, Ülger Rent A Car, 5S Otomotiv, Rent Go, Cimla Rent a Car, Oto Car Rental and Street Rent a Car.
How to pick up rental car at Istanbul Airport?
- Follow signs to the Rent-A-Car / Araç Kiralama area in the Arrivals Hall (between International and Domestic arrivals).
- Go to your car rental provider’s counter and complete the booking process.
- Present your passport, driving license and reservation details.
- Collect your rental agreement and car keys from the desk.
- Walk to the Turquoise Car Park, located opposite the terminal.
- Locate your assigned vehicle in the designated rental bay.
- Inspect the car for any existing damage and confirm fuel level before departure.
After hours pick up
If the rental counter is closed, follow the instructions provided in your booking confirmation or voucher. Simply meet the provider’s representative at the designated point or use the self-service instructions shared in advance and pick up your vehicle.
How to return rental car at Istanbul Airport?
- As you approach the airport, follow signs for car rental returns.
- Park in your provider’s allocated lot.
- Complete return formalities at the desk.
After hours return
Simply park in the designated lot and place your keys and rental agreement in the drop-off box. Confirm availability with your provider in advance.
Car hire categories at Istanbul Airport
VIP Cars has a wide range of vehicle types, catering to business travelers, families and tourists arriving in this city. Based on typical rental demand at Istanbul Airport, economy and compact cars remain the cheapest cars to rent at IST and the most booked category, followed by sedans and SUVs.
Here is a breakdown of vehicle categories available with us.
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Mini, economy & compact cars
The most in-demand category at Istanbul Airport is this category, due to its affordability, fuel efficiency and ease of driving in Istanbul’s heavy traffic. Ideal for solo travelers and couples.
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SUV rentals
Preferred by families and travelers heading outside Istanbul, offering higher ground clearance, comfort and spacious interiors. These are quite popular for road trips to Cappadocia, Black Sea coast, etc.
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Luxury rentals at IST
Available for travelers seeking a premium driving experience at Istanbul Airport. These vehicles are commonly booked for business meetings, VIP travel and special occasions in Istanbul.
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Van & minivan rentals
Ideal for group travel, corporate transfers and large families needing extra seating and luggage capacity.
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Convertible IST car rentals
A niche but popular choice during spring and summer months, especially for leisure travelers exploring coastal routes and scenic drives around Istanbul.
Car hire deals at IST Airport
At Istanbul Airport, travelers can choose from a wide range of flexible and budget-friendly car rental deals, whether for a short city visit or an extended stay in Istanbul. Our reliable suppliers at the airport offer competitive pricing across all rental durations.
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Short-term car rental (24-hour, weekend & weekly rentals):
Ideal for quick trips, business visits or short stays in the city. These rentals offer maximum flexibility and are the most popular choice for airport pick-ups.
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Long-term car rental in Istanbul (monthly rentals):
Best suited for extended stays, corporate assignments or long vacations. Monthly rentals at Istanbul Airport typically offer better daily rates and added cost savings compared to short-term bookings.
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Last minute car rental deals
Available for travelers booking on short notice at Istanbul Airport. These deals are useful for flexible itineraries and often include competitive rates based on real-time availability from airport suppliers.
One Way Car Rentals from Istanbul Airport
A one-way deal is the perfect option for travelers who wish to cover more than just one location in their Istanbul car hire. You can opt for a different drop-off location from the search box and enter your preferred return location to see all the available one-way deals. Note that the majority of suppliers charge an additional fee for such deals. Here are some ideas for your rental car at Istanbul Airport:
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Istanbul Airport to Sabiha Gokcen Airport (SAW)
Distance: 90 km Travel time: 2 to 2.5 hours -
Istanbul Airport to Izmir Airport (ADB)
Distance: 490 km Travel time: 5.5 to 6.5 hours -
Istanbul Airport to Bursa Yenisehir Airport (YEI)
Distance: 200 km Travel time: 3 to 3.5 hours -
Istanbul Airport to Istanbul City Center
Distance: 42 km Travel time: 45 minutes to 1.5 hours -
Istanbul Airport to Taksim
Distance: 40 km Travel time: 50 minutes to 1.5 hours -
Istanbul Airport to Cappadocia
Distance: 750 km Travel time: 8 to 10 hours drive
About Istanbul Airport
| IATA Code: | IST |
|---|---|
| Address: | Tayakadın Mahallesi, Terminal Caddesi No: 1, 34283 Arnavutköy, Turkey |
Istanbul Airport is one of the largest and most modern airports in the world, located in the Arnavutköy district on the northwest side of Istanbul. Opened in April 2019, it replaced Atatürk Airport as the city’s primary international airport. It features a single, large terminal serving both domestic and international flights, along with four operational runways, making it a major global aviation hub.
The airport is approximately:
- 40 km from Taksim (modern heart of Istanbul)
- 49 km from Sultanahmet (historic core of the city)
Travel time to central Istanbul is around 45-60 minutes by car, depending on traffic conditions.
Facilities & Services at IST
- Duty-Free Shopping Stores
- Valet Parking
- Currency Exchange
- Lost & Found
- Postal Services & Cargo
- Short & Long-Term Parking
- YOTEL Istanbul Airport (in-terminal hotel)
- Luggage Storage
- IGA Lounge
Istanbul Airport is well-connected to the city via buses, metro lines, private transfers and shuttle services, ensuring smooth onward travel for passengers arriving in the city.
VIP Cars’ tips for Istanbul Airport car rentals
- Best IST car rental deal Many local and international providers at this airport provide inclusions like Theft Protection, Collision Damage Waiver (CDW) and road side assistance. Hence, it is important to compare these thoroughly as per your journey details to get the best deal for your trip.
- Check supplier's operating hours at IST While many rental desks operate 24/7, some off-site providers (with shuttle service) may have limited hours. Always verify timings in your Rental Confirmation Voucher before arrival or return.
- Choose the right car for driving in Istanbul The city has heavy traffic and narrow streets, especially around areas like Taksim and Sultanahmet. Compact or automatic cars are usually easier to handle for city driving, while SUVs are better for longer intercity trips.
- Be aware of toll roads leaving the airport Highways connecting Istanbul Airport to the city and beyond (like O-7 Northern Marmara Motorway) are toll roads. Most rental cars come with an HGS toll device, but confirm this with your provider to avoid fines.
- Luxury Istanbul Airport car rentals If you want to book premium car at IST and wish to get the same model that is shown on our website, look for the deals that come with 'Guaranteed Models’ tags. Usually, deals come with 'or similar’ tags which guarantee the car specifications and not the model.
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Book in advance
Book in advance
Demand at Istanbul Airport rises significantly during the summer travel season (June to September) and major holiday periods. This is especially true for routes connecting IST with tourist hubs and coastal destinations.
Booking your car rental 2-3 weeks in advance during these months helps ensure better availability, wider vehicle choice and more competitive pricing. - Understand parking and pick-up location: The airport has a large layout, so always double-check your designated return area within the rental car park near the terminal to avoid last-minute confusion.