How to find a cheap car hire deal in Istanbul
Whether you need a compact for zipping around town or bigger wheels for bigger plans, we'll help you find a cheap rental car in Istanbul. Pick from options averaging $235 a day and go your own way for less.
$38 is the cheapest daily price listed for a home in Istanbul.
For longer trips, book a weekly home from $261 and fit more into your itinerary.
If you want to get the timing right, book around two weeks ahead to score the best price on a Istanbul car hire.
Line up your ride with Hit, Essence or Eren Rent a Car. They're some of the most trusted providers in the city.
Whether you choose Hit or a different supplier, be sure to check the coverage on your Istanbul car hire. Some companies include a collision damage waiver (CDW), while others offer it as a paid extra.
Booking one-way could land you a discount on your home. Providers sometimes offer lower prices when vehicles need to be moved between sites. Simply click 'Return car to a different location' when searching the range of cars for rent in Istanbul.
Search for a vehicle with a 'Fair fuel policy.' You'll pick up and drop off your ride with a full tank, so you pay only for what you use. No surprise fuel add-ons when you hand back the keys either.
Travel without limits by picking a home with 'Unlimited mileage.' Located under the 'Policies' filter, these rides let you go as far as you want without paying more.
Best value car hire options right now
You'll get the best value with this company. Prices average $187 a day.
Offering daily rates of around $104, this provider comes in next.
The third option also shows up on the list of top-value suppliers. Pick up one of their homes for roughly $109 a day.
If you're not quite sure which wheels are right for you, choose something from the Economy home category. It's the most commonly booked type of car in Istanbul.
Flying to Istanbul? Think about an airport pick-up
Keep arrival day hassle-free by picking up a car hire at Istanbul Airport. If you're flying to Istanbul through this airport, simply pick up your ride after landing and go. The drive to the city centre is about 40 kilometres and takes around 45 minutes.
Or buckle up and make a speedy getaway with a car hire from Istanbul Sabiha Airport. It'll take roughly 1 hour to drive the 48 kilometres or so to the centre.
Compare car hire types in Istanbul
Small: Whether you're weaving through city traffic or taking a short trip, this car category offers big value in a small package. Including mini and economy classes, you can look forward to easy handling and excellent fuel efficiency.
Medium: Not too big, not too small, this just-right ride is calling your name. Typically including compact and intermediate cars, they offer a mix of interior space and fuel efficiency and are suited to couples and small families.
Large: Offering greater driving comfort and improved tech features, this Istanbul car hire category includes full-size cars. With larger back seats and ample storage space, they let you load up and transport everyone, and everything, with ease.
SUV: When wanderlust strikes, an SUV goes wherever you do. It's your ultimate road trip companion, ready for highways, backroads, and anything in between. These sports utility vehicles also promise extra space and improved safety features.
Van: If you're searching for a car for rent in Istanbul that can handle a small crowd (and all their gear), a van has space where it counts. Including commercial vans and trucks, they're a great choice for group outings, moving or business use.
Insurance and optional extras
Excess insurance covers the fee you'd have to pay if your Istanbul car hire is damaged or stolen. While not compulsory, it can be a real lifesaver if something goes wrong. Keep in mind that insurance policies vary between providers, so make sure you understand exactly what's offered.
Take your ride to the next level with nifty extras like a reverse camera or navigation unit. They can make your drive more efficient and enjoyable when you rent a car in Istanbul.
Good to know
Home age requirements generally aren't a one-size-fits-all. Companies can set their own policies, and if you're under the minimum age, you could encounter extra costs or restrictions. Check the exact rules for each supplier before booking your home in Türkiye (Turkey).
Add a car seat to your Istanbul car hire booking if you're planning to travel with the kids. Guidelines vary from one place to another, but using a child seat suited to their size, age and weight is always the safest way to travel.
You'll need to hand over a few things when collecting your rental car: a valid driver's license, another form of photo ID, and a credit card that can cover the security deposit. Debit cards usually aren't accepted. Any other requirements will be listed in your booking.
Spend some time getting acquainted with your home. Fix your seat and mirrors, test the brakes and blinkers, and get a feel for its handling before you drive away. And remember to stick to the right side of the road in Türkiye (Turkey).
Follow the local speed limits. Usually that's around 45kph in urban areas and 100kph or so on highways, unless signed otherwise.
A blood alcohol concentration (BAC) limit of 0.05% applies in Türkiye (Turkey). The safest way to stay legal to drive is to avoid drinking altogether.
One of the busiest times for traffic in this destination is around 6pm. Make driving easier by avoiding peak periods in general.
You'll be using the Turkish lira (TRY) for all your purchases here. You may find it useful to carry a mix of cards and cash to ensure you're covered in all situations.
Best hotels in Istanbul for drivers
Pull in, unpack, and ease into your stay at İstanbulites Hotel. Offering parking as well as internet access and express check-out, this hotel is around 6 kilometres from central Istanbul.
The Peninsula Istanbul is another good fit if your plans involve plenty of exploring. It features valet parking, along with a ticket office and a nightclub. Check in here and you'll be roughly 2 kilometres from the city centre.
Explore the full range of hotels in Istanbul and choose the stay that suits your travel style. Filters make it easy to tailor your search to what you need — like 'Parking,' 'Valet parking,' or 'Outdoor parking.' There's even an 'Electric vehicle (EV) charging station' filter to find hotels with charging access.
After you've found a car hire deal in Istanbul and your hotel, it's time to plan your first stops. Hagia Sophia Museum, Historic Areas of Istanbul and Hagia Sophia History Museum are a classic introduction to the city.
Hit the road: Where to drive to from Istanbul
Around 88 kilometres south of central Istanbul, Bursa deserves a spot on your itinerary. Make your way to can't-miss sights like Old Bursa Historic Houses and Archeological Museum.
Popular accommodation options with parking in Bursa include Almira Hotel Thermal Spa & Convention Centre and Hilton Bursa Convention Centre & Spa.
Or pick up your cheap car hire in Istanbul and drive around 48 kilometres southeast to Gebze. Featuring Osman Hamdi Bey Museum and Ballıkayalar Canyon Camp Bolgesi, its attractions are worth the drive.
Unwind after a big day out in Gebze at Hyatt House Gebze or Ramada Plaza by Wyndham Istanbul Asia Airport. These hotels are a good choice for guests bringing their own car.
When the drive's been this good, why hit the brakes? Set out for Balikesir, about 177 kilometres southwest of Istanbul. From Çamlık Hills to Zagnos Pasha Mosque, it'll round out your trip nicely.
The only thing left on your to-do list now is sleep. Elit Asya Hotel and Willmont Hotel have room for both you and your wheels while visiting Balikesir.
