How to find a cheap car hire deal in Istanbul (IST)
Just stepped off your flight? Pick up a cheap Istanbul rental car and get going for around $244 a day. From short drives to open-road adventures, we'll help you find a rental that keeps up with your trip.
The cheapest daily price for a rental at Istanbul is $39.
Staying on a bit longer? Grab a weekly rental from $272 and say yes to more adventures across Istanbul.
Here's your insider tip for booking at the right time. Two weeks in advance is when you're most likely to find the best price on a IST car hire.
At Istanbul, you can choose from trusted providers such as Hit, Avec car rentals and Eren Rent a Car.
Whether you book with Hit or another supplier, double-check the coverage on your Istanbul car hire. Some companies include a collision damage waiver (CDW), while others offer it as a paid add-on.
Booking a one-way car hire can be the key to cheaper deals. Check 'Return car to a different location' when browsing for a car for hire in IST. Providers sometimes have to move vehicles between branches, which means you can lock in some excellent one-way prices.
Cut down on fuel costs by choosing a car hire in Istanbul that has a 'Fair fuel policy.' You pick up your ride with a full tank and bring it back full, so you only pay for what you use.
Hit the highway without tracking every mile and racking up extra charges. Go to the 'Policies' filter and choose 'Unlimited mileage' to find a car that lets you explore further.
Best value car hire options right now
You'll find the best deal with this company. Prices average $225 a day.
Sitting in second place, this provider offers daily rates of around $97.
The third option also stacks up well on price. Hop into one of their rentals for roughly $153 a day.
The Fullsize rental category is a dependable choice if you can't decide what kind of wheels you need. It's also the vehicle type that's booked the most at IST.
Compare car hire types from Istanbul (IST)
Small: Whether you're zipping around the city or taking a quick trip, this cheap Istanbul rental car category delivers big value in a small package. Including mini and economy classes, you can expect good fuel efficiency and easy handling.
Medium: Choose from compact and intermediate cars that combine space, comfort and fuel efficiency. Easy to handle in cities and roomy enough for longer drives, they're a reliable pick for most journeys.
Large: Long drives are effortless in this IST car hire category. Also known as full-size, they're built with bigger engines for better driving. The extra legroom and comfort make them an excellent option for families and groups of friends.
SUV: SUVs are your four-wheel fix for wanderlust. All-wheel drive and everyday versatility equip them for urban streets and scenic backroads alike.
Van: With options like commercial vans and trucks, this category of car for rent in Istanbul is built to handle heavier loads and bigger groups. They're spacious, versatile, and ready to tackle whatever task lies ahead.
Insurance and optional extras
Car rental excess insurance isn't mandatory, but is something you should consider. If you're in an accident, no matter how minor, it can help you avoid paying a big excess fee. Different IST car hire providers have varying insurance policies and coverage levels, so check the details before booking.
Take your ride to the next level with handy extras like a reverse camera and GPS unit. They can make your trip easier and more enjoyable when you rent a car in Istanbul.
Good to know
Age requirements for homes often vary by company and even car type, so be clear on the rules before you book. Some suppliers in Türkiye (Turkey) may rent to younger drivers for an extra fee. If you're outside the typical age bracket, simply uncheck 'Driver aged between 25–70' and then enter how old you are to browse your options.
Add a car seat to your IST car rental booking if you're planning to travel with the kids. Rules can change from place to place, but using a child seat suited to their age, size and weight is always the safest choice.
You'll likely be asked for these three things when collecting your rental car: your physical driver's license, extra photo ID, and a credit card to cover the deposit amount. Debit cards aren't commonly accepted. Your booking will flag any other must-haves.
If you haven't driven before in Türkiye (Turkey), remember that traffic here keeps to the right side of the road.
Keep within local speed limits of about 45kph through urban areas and around 100kph on highways. Road signs will show if a different limit applies.
A blood alcohol concentration (BAC) limit of 0.05% applies in Türkiye (Turkey). The only sure way to stay legal to drive is to skip the drinks.
The Turkish lira (TRY) is the currency you'll be using for day-to-day expenses and activities. Pay with a debit or credit card where you can, but carry a little cash when electronic payments aren't an option.
Drive smarter from the start
After you've grabbed the keys to your IST car hire, it's time to create your own itinerary. Central Istanbul is about 40 kilometres southeast and a drive of around 45 minutes if that's where your trip starts.
Allow roughly 1 hour 30 minutes to get from Istanbul to the city centre during rush hours.
Around 6pm is one of the busiest times for traffic around this destination. Try to avoid peak times generally for a smoother trip.
Don't need a set of wheels the moment you land? Think about collecting a car hire in Istanbul instead of at the airport. That way, you won't be paying for days you don't use.
For even more choice, compare the car hire options at Istanbul Sabiha. This airport also operates flights into Istanbul.
Hit the road: Where to drive from Istanbul (IST)
Begin with some of the most popular attractions in Istanbul, such as Hagia Sophia Museum and Historic Areas of Istanbul. Whether you take your car or get there another way, you'll want to see these highlights before you move on.
Navigate your way to Bursa. Around 121 kilometres south of IST, you'll find well-known sights like Old Bursa Historic Houses and Archeological Museum.
Alternatively, grab the wheel of your Istanbul car hire and drive around 80 kilometres southeast to Gebze. Featuring Osman Hamdi Bey Museum and Ballıkayalar Canyon Camp Bolgesi, its highlights live up to the buzz.
When the drive's been this good, why hit the brakes? Take off to Balikesir, about 193 kilometres south of IST. From Çamlık Hills to Zagnos Pasha Mosque, your journey will end on a high note.
