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Car Rental in Turkey

From the turquoise Aegean coast to Istanbul's bazaars and the lunar landscapes of Cappadocia, Turkey is best explored by car. Compare offers from trusted local rental companies and choose the perfect vehicle for your trip.

Terms

Rental terms in Turkey

The basic rules of most rental providers in the country. Exact terms of a specific offer are shown in the city search before payment.

  • Driver age — from 21 years.
  • Driving experience — from 2 years.
  • Drivers under 25 pay a young-driver surcharge.
  • Fuel policy: “full-to-full”.
  • Basic insurance (CDW/TP) is included in the price.
  • A Full CDW package reduces the excess to zero.
  • No-deposit rentals are often available.
  • National driving licence.
  • Driver’s passport.
  • International Driving Permit (IDP) — if your licence is not in Latin script.
  • A bank card in the driver’s name for the deposit.
On the road

Driving rules in Turkey

A driver’s guide for the country — common traveler questions: currency, fuel, speed limits, toll roads.

Driver’s guide — Turkey
Currency Turkish Lira (TRY)
Speed limits 50 city · 90 rural · 110 expressway · 120 motorway (km/h)
Blood alcohol limit up to 0.5 ‰
Daytime headlights not required
Vignette (toll roads) not required

Traffic rules: Turkey

  • Right-hand traffic with standard European road rules.
  • Speed limits: 50 km/h in urban areas, 90 km/h on rural roads, up to 110 km/h on divided highways, and 120 km/h on motorways (otoyol). On some privately operated motorways, the limit may be up to 140 km/h.
  • The legal blood alcohol limit is 0.05%; for drivers with less than 5 years of experience and professional drivers, it is 0.00%.
  • Seat belts are mandatory for all passengers, including those in the rear seats.
  • Mobile phones may only be used with a hands-free system.
  • There is no vignette system. Toll motorways, bridges, and tunnels use the electronic HGS payment system. An HGS tag is usually already attached to the rental car’s windshield, and toll charges are deducted from the deposit or added to the final rental bill.
  • Winter tires are not mandatory for passenger cars but are recommended from November 15 to April 15. On mountain routes, including Cappadocia and eastern Turkey, local authorities may require them.
  • On rural roads, it is common practice to drive with low-beam headlights on during the day.
  • Radar detectors are prohibited.
  • Traffic fines and unpaid HGS tolls must be settled online or through a bank. Rental vehicles with outstanding debts may not be allowed to leave the country.
Questions

Frequently asked questions about car rental in Turkey

License, deposit, border crossing, driver age and toll roads.

Do I need an International Driving Permit to rent a car in Turkey?

If your national driving licence is issued in the Latin alphabet, it is valid together with your passport for visits of up to 6 months. If your licence is in Cyrillic, an International Driving Permit (IDP) or a notarised translation is required.

What is the minimum age to rent a car?

Most rental companies require drivers to be at least 21 years old with at least 2 years of driving experience. Drivers under 25 may be charged a young driver surcharge.

Is a security deposit required?

Local rental companies usually require only a small deposit, and many vehicles are available with no deposit at all. Exact conditions are shown when selecting a specific car.

How do toll roads and the HGS system work?

Motorways, bridges, and tunnels in Turkey use the electronic HGS toll system. Rental cars usually already have an HGS tag installed, and toll charges are deducted from your deposit or added to your final invoice.

Where can I pick up and return the car?

The most common pick-up locations are Antalya, Istanbul, Izmir, Dalaman, and Bodrum airports, as well as popular coastal resorts. Hotel delivery may also be available.

Can I drive a rental car to neighbouring countries?

Usually not. Most local rental companies do not allow vehicles to leave Turkey. If cross-border travel is important, check the rental conditions before booking.

Which insurance should I choose?

Basic CDW/TP insurance is included in the rental price. You can add full coverage with zero excess to avoid paying for minor damage.

When is the best time to book?

Demand is highest in July, August, and during the May holidays, especially in Antalya and Dalaman. During peak season, it is best to book several weeks in advance.

Nearby

Similar destinations

Neighboring and kindred countries of the Balkans and the Caucasus with built-in car search.

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Choose a city in Turkey — inside is a preset search with offers from local rental providers.

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