Car rental in Istanbul: A complete guide for tourists

Looking for self-driving car options in Istanbul? While the city’s public transport system is well-built, you still cannot get the freedom, convenience & comfort of a personal vehicle.

Here, we will talk about car rental in Istanbul and what all you should know as a tourist, including costs, insurance, road rules and some tips to save time and money.

Why should you rent a car in Istanbul?

First things first, why should you opt for a car rental when there are buses, trams or trains available? Istanbul is a vast city that stretches across two continents, Europe & Asia and covers over 5,000 square kilometers.

While public transport is useful, it doesn’t always reach the coastal areas, scenic viewpoints or your day trip destinations as planned in your itinerary. On the contrary, having a private vehicle is a blessing in so many ways:

• You have the flexibility to travel anytime
• You get easy access to off-the-beaten-path locations
• It is a comfort for families or groups
• Your time is saved compared to public transport
• Full freedom to explore nearby cities

When should tourists rent a car?

If you are only staying in the city for 1 or 2 days, public transport may be enough. However, a car rental is highly recommended if you plan to:

• Visit Sapanca Lake
• Drive to Bursa or Uludag
• Explore Sile or Agva beaches
• Take a road trip to Cappadocia or the Aegean coast
• Stay outside central districts like Sultanahmet or Taksim

How much does a car rental in Istanbul cost?

The price of a rental car totally depends on factors like peak season, type of vehicle selected, duration of your stay, extra add-ons, demand etc. Given below, we have provided an estimate for a weekly rental cost in Istanbul from IST.

Average weekly prices:

• Compact/economy cars starting from USD 17.31 per day
• Standard/Intermediate starting from USD 24.53 per day
• SUV starting from USD 27.69 per day
• Luxury cars starting from USD 79.33 per day

Tips to save money

• Always make a priority to book online in advance
• If possible, try to avoid airport last-minute bookings
• Make it a point to compare prices across different platforms to get discounted deals
• Go for weekly rentals for longer stays, as hiring daily is expensive
• Travel in shoulder months to avoid the crowd

Where can you rent a car in Istanbul?

You will find various locations to pick up your hired vehicle in the city. If you are flying in, consider Istanbul Airport or Sabiha Gokcen Airport.

If you are already in the city, you can choose any of these pickup locations Taksim, Sultanahmet, Kadikoy or Besiktas.

There are many suppliers who offer delivery to the doorstep of your hotel. Always confirm it with your provider if such service is available for more convenience.

Required documents for tourists

To rent a self drive car in Istanbul, you’ll need a valid passport, a driver’s license which must be held for at least 1 year, International Driving Permit in case your DL is not in the Roman alphabet and a credit card in the main driver’s name to hold a refundable security deposit.

Driving in Istanbul: What to expect

Driving in the city is easy but first-time visitors must pay attention to these things:

• Traffic is heavy during rush hours, mainly from 8 to 10 AM & 5 to 8 PM
• Parking is limited in old neighborhoods like Sultanahmet, Cihangir and Balat/Fener
• In some places, streets may be narrow and confusing

Some useful suggestions

• Always use Google Maps or Waze for directions and to know about traffic before driving to a certain area
• Plan your drive before or after the rush hours
• Choose an automatic transmission instead of a manual
• Look for official municipal parking spots for peace of mind

Free parking tips in Istanbul: How can tourists save money

Parking in the city can be a little costly if you don’t know where to look. While many areas charge hourly fees through municipal parking services like İSPARK, there might be many of you who are on a tight budget and are looking for ways to find free parking in Istanbul. Yes, it is quite possible if you plan carefully!

Here’s how tourists can park smart and avoid unnecessary costs.

Look for residential streets outside tourist zones

You will rarely come across free parking spots in busy district centers like Sultanahmet, Taksim, Besiktas & Kadıkoy. The trick is not to park inside these locations but to drive just 5 to 10 minutes away from these hotspots. Doing so, you’ll find:

• Quiet residential streets
• Untimed curbside parking
• Free overnight spots

Park slightly outside these centers and walk the rest of the way.

Choose hotels with free parking

Before booking your stay, filter accommodations by “free parking included.” Many hotels outside the old city and some popular ones within the center offer complimentary parking for their guests. This alone can save you $15 to $20 per day.

Use the shopping mall parking

Some famous shopping malls like Cevahir Mall in Sisli, Forum Istanbul in Bayrampasa, Emaar Square Mall on the Asian side and Istinye Park provide free or low-cost parking for several hours. You can easily take the benefit by parking in these malls, exploring nearby areas and then returning before the free time limit expires.

Park overnight when fees end

FYI, some İSPARK street parking areas stop charging late at night. You can get a free or low fee mostly around 10 PM or midnight. Always check the posted signs for time limits and fee schedules.

Watch for “No İSPARK” zones

Not every street is managed by the city’s paid parking system. So, if you don’t see any parking attendants, payment meters or any İSPARK signs, that spot is free public parking. Before leaving your vehicle there, just make sure there are no “No Parking” or tow-away signs.

Fuel & tolls in Istanbul for tourists

Before starting your journey, you should have knowledge about how fuel stations and toll roads in Turkey work. Being prepared well in advance saves you time & helps you avoid any surprises later.

Fuel in Istanbul

You will find multiple fuel stations throughout the city and along highways. Most offer of them offer Petrol also called Gasoline – “Benzin” & Diesel locally known as “Motorin”.

There are full-service attendants present so you don’t have to pump yourself. Simply tell the staff how much fuel you want. Credit cards are widely accepted.

As fuel prices in Turkey can be slightly higher than many countries in Europe or the US, so we recommend opting for fuel efficient cars to reduce costs on longer trips.

Tolls & bridges

You must know that several highways, tunnels & bridges in the city use an automatic toll system called HGS, which is the Fast Pass System.

This system is mainly on the Bosphorus bridges, Eurasia Tunnel, major highways and intercity motorways.

Also note that there are no cash booths, so many rental cars in Istanbul come equipped with an HGS tag and toll charges are automatically tracked. Your provider will charge the total to your card after you return the vehicle.

Ask your rental supplier how toll payments are handled to avoid extra service fees.

Helpful suggestions for renting a car in Istanbul

• Before driving off, inspect the car carefully and take photos
• Check fuel & mileage policy
• Confirm insurance coverage provided by your supplier
• Read customer reviews of the rental company
• Choose pickup and drop-off locations wisely, as it affects the final price

You might want to know

• What is the minimum age to rent a car in Istanbul?

  The minimum age to rent a car in Istanbul varies from supplier to supplier. Most of them allow if you are 21 years & above. Luxury or premium cars require drivers to be at least 25 years old.

• Should I purchase a car rental Insurance in Istanbul?

  Basic insurance is mostly included in your rental price, as most car rental companies in Istanbul provide standard coverage such as Collision Damage Waiver and third-party liability protection.

  You can always consider upgrading to full or “Super CDW” coverage for lower liability. Reviewing the coverage carefully keeps your hired vehicle protected and saves you from unexpected costs.

• Which is the best Istanbul parking app that I can use?

  The most recommended parking apps that you can use in Istanbul are İstPark, Parkera, ParkIst and ParkYeri. These are perfect for comparing parking spots in private & public garages and prices. You can even use any of the apps for directions & avoiding the city traffic.

• Which are the best cars for Tourists in Istanbul?

  While small cars are best for Istanbul’s narrow streets, it also depends on your travel plans. For example, economy cars are perfect for city driving, compact sedans are great for couples or small families. For road trips or mountain areas, you can book an SUV and automatic vehicles are recommended for beginners.