How to pay tolls in a rental car in Turkey?

Before you start your journey in Turkey, there’s one thing you must understand that how toll payments work in the country.

Many travellers assume that paying tolls here is just the same as anywhere else, by slowing down, tapping a card or paying cash at the booth. But in reality, the tolls are fully electronic.

This article explains everything you need to know about paying tolls in a rental car in Turkey, so you are fully prepared!

Turkey’s electronic toll road system

While driving across highways, bridges and tunnels of the country, you will only notice a cashless & automated toll collection system. So instead of stopping to pay, vehicles are charged electronically as they pass through toll gates.

This system relies on:

• HGS also known as the Fast Pass System, is the most widely used option
• OGS stand for Automatic Pass System, which is older and less common

FYI, today, nearly all rental cars use HGS because it is fast, simple & hassle-free.

What is HGS and how exactly it works

HGS stands for Hızlı Geçiş Sistemi in the local language. It uses a small sticker or electronic tag attached to the windshield.

Here’s what happens when you drive through a toll:

Cameras scan your license plate and the HGS tag is detected. The toll fee is automatically deducted and you can continue driving without stopping at all.

Basically, there are no barriers, tickets or any payment windows. You just drive through smoothly.

How toll payments work with rental cars in Turkey

If you are travelling in a hired vehicle, the process is usually handled for you because rental companies typically provide:

• A pre-installed HGS tag
• Automatic toll tracking
• Post-trip billing

So how will you pay the charges?

You don’t need to worry about topping up or paying manually, as the toll charges are calculated during your rental period and then added to the final bill. It could also be deducted from your security deposit or charged directly to your credit card.

Therefore, it is advised to read your booking voucher carefully for accurate details because the method of paying these charges varies by suppliers' policies.

Where you’ll encounter tolls in Turkey

While exploring you will likely pay tolls in a rental car in Turkey on major highways, Otoyol roads, intercity expressways, bridges in Istanbul, the Eurasia Tunnel and long-distance routes between popular cities.

Here are some common toll routes:

• Istanbul → Ankara
• Istanbul → Izmir
• Istanbul bridges (Bosphorus crossings)
• Gebze–Orhangazi–Izmir Motorway

Tolls in Turkey for foreigners (in Turkish Lira)

Important tips for rental car drivers

• Before driving off, always verify with your supplier whether HGS is installed and active in your vehicle.
• Understand extra charges as some providers can add small administrative or service fees.
• Make sure to use marked lanes only. You can look for signs labeled as HGS or HGS/OGS.
• You don’t have to stop at toll gates as traffic flows continuously.
• Do not remove or touch the HGS tag as the sticker is registered to the car. Removing or damaging it can prevent toll detection which will result in fines.
• You can use navigation apps like Google Maps to get information related to toll roads or estimated costs.

Should tourists buy their own HGS tag?

To be honest, buying your own HGS tag doesn’t seem like a practical idea. This is because firstly, you will have to visit a Turkish post office (PTT), register the tag and then manage the balance. It is going to be a long process. On the otherhand, as a tourist, you can simply use the rental supplier’s already installed tag and pay the toll charges later.

People also ask

• Do rental cars in Turkey come with an HGS toll tag?

  Yes, most rental cars in Turkey have an installed HGS, also known as the Fast Pass System tag. This sticker is attached to the windshield and automatically records your toll charges.

• What happens if a rental car passes a toll without HGS in Turkey?

  If the HGS tag doesn’t work or has insufficient balance, the system flags the vehicle and issues a penalty. Fines can be several times higher than the original toll fee. Therefore, it is very important to confirm all such details with your rental supplier.

• Are toll roads in Turkey expensive for tourists?

  Short crossings like bridges or tunnels cost only a small amount, while longer intercity highways cost slightly more but save significant travel time. Moreover, tolls in Turkey are considered affordable compared to many European countries and are totally worth it for faster, smoother driving.

• How to pay tolls in a rental car in Turkey online?

  You don’t need to pay tolls online separately when driving a rental car in Turkey. Most hired vehicles come with an HGS (electronic toll tag) installed and all toll charges are automatically recorded and billed by the rental company.

  After your trip, the total toll amount is either added to your final invoice or charged to your credit card. You just have to use HGS lanes and drive through, no manual or online payment is required.

• How can I do an HGS Turkey online check for a rental car?

  If you’re driving a rental car in Turkey, you usually cannot perform an HGS Turkey online check yourself because the HGS tag is registered under the rental supplier’s account, not your name. This means only the provider can access the balance and toll history.

  If you want to review your toll usage, request your supplier for a detailed statement or receipt at drop-off.