Why rent a car in Turkey?

Turkey is a large, diverse and fascinating country, but so far foreign travelers have discovered only small parts of it. Tourists know about the imperial charm of Istanbul, the idyllic beaches of Antalya and the lunar landscapes of Cappadocia, but, admittedly, nothing more. Fortunately, Turkey is becoming an increasingly accessible destination, and if you respect the local culture and keep some caveats in mind, you can visit both major tourist attractions and remote destinations, having a great time traveling between them on your own trip.

The best ways to enter Turkey

Istanbul Ataturk Airport: Turkey's largest international airport, one of the busiest in Europe, serves flights to destinations on all continents of the world.

Antalya Airport: The main point of access to the Mediterranean beaches of Turkey, Antalya Airport serves flights to many countries in Europe, Asia and the Middle East.

Dalaman Airport: Small but cozy, this international airport is another access point to the southwest coast of Turkey.

By land: If your rental car supplier allows it, then you can rent a car in a neighboring country and then drive to Turkey. However, keep in mind that different visa requirements may apply to citizens of different countries. It is a good idea to contact your Ministry of Foreign Affairs in advance to find out about any international borders you would like to cross. Some major international airports near Turkey are Thessaloniki Airport in Greece, Sofia Airport in Bulgaria and Tbilisi Airport in Georgia.

The best cities and places to visit

Istanbul: Mixing the best of Asia and Europe, Istanbul is one of the most exciting cities in the world.

Izmir: Historic and monumental, this port city still has many remnants of its ancient past.

Mediterranean Coast: From Marmaris in the west to Iskenderun in the east, the Turkish Mediterranean is the biggest tourist attraction in the country.

Black Sea coast: The coastal area of the Black Sea is wild and beautiful, and the cities of Trabzon and Samsun are very worth a visit.

Lake Van and Eastern Turkey: Lake Van and the town of the same name can be a starting point for your exploration of Eastern Turkey, a more rural but fascinating region that is home to a variety of cultures.

Ephesus: Located near the city of Kusadasi, Ephesus is one of the main tourist attractions in Turkey. At one time it was the second largest and second most important city in the Roman Empire. Now it is an archaeological park worthy of many hours of walking.

Bodrum: A popular tourist destination located on the Aegean coast, Bodrum offers both historical attractions and magnificent beaches. The city can be reached by sea from the nearby Greek islands of Kos and Rhodes, and travelers can rent a car in the port of Bodrum. Neighboring Mamaris is also on the Turkish Riviera, definitely worth a drive from Bodrum.

The most popular car rental

The most popular rental car in Turkey is the Hyundai i20, followed by the Ford Fiesta and Opel Corsa.

Border crossing

Turkey borders with Greece, Bulgaria, Georgia, Armenia, Azerbaijan (via the exclave of Nakhichevan), Iran, Iraq and Syria. The border with Armenia is closed.

Each of these countries has its own visa policy. Depending on your nationality, you may need a visa or even not be allowed to cross the border. We strongly recommend contacting your Ministry of Foreign Affairs in advance to find out if you can enter any particular country in the region. Generally speaking, Greece, Bulgaria and Georgia are Turkey's most accessible neighbors, but the ability to cross any particular border still depends on your citizenship and the visa policy of a particular country.

Many car rental service providers in Turkey do not allow you to cross the national border in a rented car. Be sure to read this policy in your rental terms and agreements. Learn more about cross-border rentals in our FAQ section.

Most Governments and international institutions strongly recommend refraining from any non-essential travel to Syria and Iraq, as military conflicts continue in both countries.

The most popular types of car rental

The most popular type of car in Turkey is economy, followed by compact and mini.

Turkey is a mountainous country, so if you plan to drive outside of major cities, some areas can be challenging, and choosing a larger rental may be a good choice.

The best driving routes

Istanbul-Antalya (698 km / 434 mi) The road from the country's largest city to the Mediterranean coast will allow you to see most of Western Turkey along the way.

Istanbul-Ankara (451 km / 280 miles) Although the distances in Turkey can be quite long, you can do this route in less than five hours.

Ankara-Izmir (586 km / 364 miles) The route between Izmir and Ankara will take you about seven hours, but you can break it up by visiting some of the small Turkish villages and natural areas along the way.

What is the cheapest month to rent a car in Turkey?

The cost of renting a car in Turkey depends on the time of year. This chart compares price changes from month to month to find the best deal.

The cheapest month of the year to rent a car in Turkey is February - prices start from 2334.78 ₽ for an economy class car. This is 40% cheaper than the average for the year, and 68% cheaper than renting a car in November (when prices start at 7311.12 ₽ for the compact class). This information can help you identify the low season. But these are just average numbers. The exact price of your trip will depend on the duration of the rental and the number of days before the start of the rental period. Just enter your dates in the form at the top of the page to see the exact prices and offers.