Can tourists rent a car in Turkey? Requirements, costs & driving tips

Are you a foreigner wondering if it is possible to rent a car in Turkey? So let us tell you that renting a vehicle is the most practical & easy option for international travellers. It is a great way to explore the spots that are not accessible by public transport.

But there are rules, documents, costs and tips you should know before making a reservation. This complete article covers everything.

Requirements to rent a car in Turkey

• You should have a valid driving license with no major endorsements.
• Some suppliers ask for an International Driving Permit even if your license is in Roman characters; it is a mandatory document.
• Foreigners must show the passport entry stamp and a travel ticket (flight ticket, ferry or train ticket, etc.) that is no more than six months old to rent a vehicle.
• A passport or any government ID is asked for identity verification.
• You must be at least 21 years of age to hire a car. There might be a young driver surcharge applicable for drivers under a certain age limit, usually 25.
• A credit card in the name of the main driver is required for a security deposit.

Cost of renting a car in Turkey

The cost for a Turkey car rental varies depending on the type of vehicle you choose, your rental duration, the season in which you are travelling & the location.

On average, the price for an economy or compact car starts from USD 8.74 per day, making it an affordable option for city sightseeing and short trips. SUVs or larger vehicles start from USD 14.93 per day, ideal for road trips or travelling with family. While luxury cars and premium models can cost USD 73.5 or more per day.

You must remember that prices tend to rise during summer months, public holidays and peak tourist seasons in destinations like Antalya or Cappadocia. Additional costs to consider include insurance add-ons, tolls, fuel and young or senior driver fees.

Is it easy to drive in Turkey?

Driving in the country is generally easy for foreign visitors. You will not face any problem on modern highways and in tourist regions such as Ankara. Here, roads are well maintained and clearly signposted.

However, driving can be a little challenging in busy metropolitan areas if you are not used to traffic. For example, in Istanbul, heavy traffic, narrow streets and limited parking are common. Outside major cities, routes are quite scenic, making road trips a popular choice among travellers.

With basic awareness of local traffic habits, Turkey toll systems and navigation apps, you will be able to manage driving safely.

Road rules foreign drivers should know

• You need to drive on the right-hand side & overtake from the left.
• It is extremely important to wear seat belts and using a mobile phone while driving is only allowed with hands-free systems.
• Follow the speed limits mentioned on the signboards as speed cameras are widely used. Generally, the range is from 50 km/h in cities, 90 km/h on rural roads & 120 km/h on highways.
• Traffic police conduct checks are common & there is strict enforcement of drink-driving laws.
• An electronic toll system called HGS is pre-installed in your rental car to calculate the tolls & billed later.
• Parking rules are different for every city, with paid street parking and parking apps commonly used in major destinations.

Where foreigners usually pick up their rental cars in Turkey

Foreigners usually pick up their cars from major airports and popular tourist cities, as these locations offer the widest fleet and competitive prices.

Airports such as Istanbul Airport, Antalya Airport & Izmir Adnan Menderes Airport are the most preferred points because they provide convenience immediately after arrival and include global as well as a few local agencies.

If you are already in the country, you can choose to rent cars in city downtowns or resort areas (some providers even provide doorstep delivery directly to where you are staying) to start road trips. It gives flexibility to explore coastal routes, historical sites and smaller towns across the country.

Save money on your Turkey rental car by following these tips

• Always book asap to get the best vehicle options & deals when your trip dates are finalised.
• Compare prices on various websites before making a final reservation.
• You can opt for fuel-efficient vehicles for city travel.
• If you have a short distance to cover, select a vehicle with a limited mileage plan; it is going to be cost-effective.
• Selecting a downtown or any neighbourhood pickup location is more economical if you are already in the country.

People also ask

• Can I rent a car without a credit card in Turkey?

  Most of the suppliers require a credit card to hold a security deposit for a rental car in Turkey. The amount gets blocked on the main driver’s credit card and gets released in full after the completion of the rental period.

• Can I rent a car in Turkey without an International Driving Permit?

  Most suppliers ask for an International Driving Permit for renting a car in Turkey. You need to present both your IDP and domestic license at the rental desk during pick-up.

• Is it a good idea to rent an SUV to explore cities in Turkey?

  SUVs can be useful if you plan to travel outside cities, drive in mountainous regions or take longer road trips to places such as Cappadocia, but for city sightseeing, smaller cars are generally the more practical and cost-effective choice.

• What is the security deposit amount for hiring a vehicle in Turkey?

  The security deposit amount can differ based on factors like the type of car you choose and the rental company you go with. For the most accurate information, be sure to check the rental terms provided by your selected supplier.

• Can I take my rental car outside Turkey?

  Most rental companies in Turkey restrict cross-border travel due to insurance and customs regulations.