Car rental in Istanbul: tips, prices, routes

You are leaving in Istanbul and want to move easily on site? Then follow our guide to car rental in Istanbul!

Built on 7 hills, the city of Istanbul welcomes you among its alleys brought by History and its modernity. It is the largest city in Turkey with its 2,651 km2 for 15 million inhabitants. Renting a car to discover Istanbul turns out to be a good solution. As the Turkish road network is in very good condition, it is pleasant to drive on Turkish highways, less crowded than the majority of those in Europe.

Are you dreaming of a road trip by car in this city? So, here's all you need to know about car rental in Istanbul.

Where to rent a car in Istanbul?

At the airport

If you are planning to rent a car in Istanbul, count between 60 and 90 minutes to reach downtown from the airport. Several car rental companies are located at the airport. The best known are Europcar, Sixt, Hertz or Goldcar. To ensure your arrival in the city of Istanbul, prefer online booking, especially with sites like Rentalcars .

In the city centre

You may have taken the subway, taxi or bus to reach the centre from the airport. There too, several companies await you, including Thrifty, Budget, as well as those mentioned above.

Nevertheless, in view of the greatness of the city, it would be preferable to rent a car at the airport of Istanbul. This will prevent you from losing yourself in this big city or having to take the taxi between the airport and the center.

Itinerary in Istanbul by car: some ideas of road trip

What better than a car rental in Istanbul to visit the city in the least corners? So, feel free to travel a number of kilometers incalculable and see all the essential things to do in Istanbul. The road is yours! Also, here are some ideas of itineraries that we recommend to spend an excellent holiday.

Itinerary from 2 to 4 days in Istanbul

• The uncontourable of your trip: the Blue Mosque. It is the most famous of the city and charm by its mosaics and its grandeur. On the other hand, go in the morning, for many tourists visit her;
• The Galata Tower : from the top of its 60 meters, discover a 360° view of the city of Istanbul. On a sunny day, you can even see the Princes Islands;
• No passage to Istanbul without discovering the pleasure of Grand Bazar ! Among its 60 indoor streets, discover 5,000 shops, 60 restaurants, 18 fountains, 12 mosques and even a school. Be reassured, it is not open only to tourists. The premises also come for their daily shopping. Carpets, leather, ceramics, souvenirs and jewelry, you'll have full view of it! However, be careful not to lose you, stay well together and take benchmarks;
• At the end of the day, come clean your body among the sweet scents of the hammams of Istanbul. A time of calm and pause after the Great Bazar, isn’t it ideal? Two hammam addresses in Istanbul: Ayasofya Hurrem Sultan Hamami and Kılıç Ali Paşa Hamamı;
• Don’t forget to spend a last night in the streets, along the Bosphorus. After a gentle walk in the Bebek area at sunset, for example.

7-day itinerary in Istanbul

If you leave a week in Istanbul, then we suggest some additional ideas to those previously cited:

• The Topkapi Palace: made of pavilions built around four green courses, he saw several generations of sultans live for 400 years. Here you will find the imperial harem, the “inner treasure” that houses the jewels of the crown and the collection of weapons crafts. We also advise you to walk to the end of the fortress. Indeed, a breathtaking view awaits you on the Marmara Sea, the Bosphorus and the Golden Horn;
• La Citerne Basilique : Underground, visit this magnificent piece, proof of the ingenuity of the Ottoman people. Indeed, it stored in the past drinking water that aqueducts had brought from the present day. Bulgaria until Istanbul. Tasted light, classical music added to the background noise of the drops of water, it is obvious that you will be charmed! And don’t hesitate to walk in the aisles and watch the fish swim between the 336 columns;
• Istanbul Archaeological Museum: it exposes one of the richest collections in the world of classical antiques. Inside, there is the Sarcophage of Alexander the Great and a Trojan Horse. To see absolutely!

Itinerary for two weeks and more

Have you visited all the major monuments above? So here are some ideas for a longer stay:

• The uncontournable cruise on the Bosphore : it will offer you another view of the city. The European and Asian banks of the famous fairway have a lot to offer: ancient palaces and houses as well as the Tour de Léandre are just some of the wonders to be discovered. These are excellent choices of visits to complete your holiday planning. Also count on the cruises very popular in summer to admire the sunset on the Azure Sea;
• The Palace of Dolmabahçe: by its warm tones and its immense crystal chandeliers, the « Versailles atmosphere » seems to be part of the walls. With its 600 meters long, it contains no less than 285 rooms and 43 lounges. It was built in 1856 by the Sultan Abdülmecit I, wishing to prove that the Ottoman Empire still had its full potential. Indeed, the palace cost the equivalent of 35 tons of gold. A must for any visit to Istanbul.

How to compare and book your rental car online in Istanbul?

Have you finished organizing your itinerary? Then you only have to rent a car in Istanbul. To find the best value for money, we recommend the use of a price comparison such as Rentalcars . Indeed, it brings together car rental companies in Istanbul and compares them.

With this platform, it is also possible to adjust your search according to your specific criteria. First, choose the dates and type of vehicle . Then look among the many car rentals online.

How much does a rental car cost in Istanbul?

Per day

Car rental companies in Istanbul adjust their prices according to the season and category of the vehicle. Note that some renters will charge you a supplement if you want to drop the car in another city, for example.

Count about 10 € and 15 € per day for your rental. And if you want to be insured for flights and collisions, then count 10 € More.

Per week

Provide an amount between 90 and 120 € on average per week. Of course, the price may vary depending on the type of vehicle and the time you want to rent a car in Istanbul.

Drive to Istanbul: traffic rules to be known

• Children under 36 kg shall be seated in a car seat;
• Speed limitations remain close to us. Therefore: 50 km/h in agglomeration, 90 km/h out of agglomeration, but only 110 km/h on the highways;
• In Turkey, cars roll on the left side. Give me a hand!
• If you get out of town, pay attention to animals that can cross your road and to agricultural vehicles;
• Parking is partly free and each large city of Turkey, such as Istanbul, is equipped with large double-decker parking.

Our tips for your car rental in Istanbul

To improve your car rental in Istanbul, here are some tips. But first of all, please take note of the following important points:

• Adding an full warranty is recommended in most cases;
• Always check insurance conditions when you want to rent a car in Istanbul;
• Make sure you take one unlimited mileage for more freedom;
• Rent a car in Istanbul in advance in order to get the best prices and make sure you have a trip without a drag.

Rent a car in Istanbul: what conditions do you need?

To rent a car in Istanbul, you must have at least 21 years and have a driver's license for at least one year. Are you under 25? Then there will be additional costs for young drivers. In addition, note that some renters impose an authorized age of 70.

Limited or unlimited mileage?

If your trip is 7 days or more, then we strongly advise you to rent a car in Istanbul with unlimited mileage .

However, if you visit Istanbul for a weekend, prefer a Limited mileage , this will reduce the amount of your expenses.

Do you need insurance to rent a car in Istanbul?

Get insurance for car rental in Istanbul. This will allow you to enjoy your vacation without having to worry about accident or flight, for example.

Where to park in Istanbul?

No need to search for free parking, there are no . However, if you want to find a car park quickly, we recommend ISPARK.

We also need to know that no parking meters exist in Istanbul : they are employees of the city hall who come directly to you when you park. They ask you the time you want to park your car and then announce the amount you pay. Are you late for your return? No worries, there is no fine, you will only pay the difference.

What is the most convenient car category to visit Istanbul?

It is not necessary to have a whole lot, since you will mainly stay in town. So you can rent a car in Istanbul according to your desires and needs. Nevertheless, we recommend a Category B car for ease.