How to find a cheap car hire deal in Istanbul
Searching for a cheap rental car in Istanbul? With prices averaging $152 a day, you're in gear for serious savings. Whether you're after a zippy economy ride, a spacious SUV, or something in between, we compare all the best deals to help you spend less.
The cheapest daily price for a rental in Istanbul is $34.
For longer trips, pick up a weekly rental from $125 and pack more sights into your itinerary.
If you want to get the timing right, book about two weeks ahead to score yourself 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 popular providers in the city.
Always check if a collision damage waiver (CDW) is part of your Istanbul car hire policy, whether you go with Hit or a different supplier. Some may charge separately for it instead of including it in the base rental.
Booking a one-way car hire is often a great hack for cheaper deals. Simply check 'Return car to a different location.' Providers sometimes need to move vehicles from one location to another, which means you can bag some fantastic one-way prices on a car 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.
Hit the highway without tracking every mile and racking up additional charges. Go to the 'Policies' filter and pick 'Unlimited mileage' to find a ride that lets you travel without limits.
Best value car hire options right now
Coming in first for value is this company, with average prices of $86 a day.
Coming in next, this provider offers daily rates of around $91.
The third option also keeps costs manageable. Expect to pay roughly $79 a day for one of their rentals.
If you're not quite sure which ride is right for you, consider something from the Economy rental category. It's the most commonly booked vehicle type in Istanbul.
Flying to Istanbul? Think about an airport pick-up
If you're flying into Istanbul, start exploring sooner by booking a car hire at Istanbul Ataturk Airport. The drive time from this airport to the city centre is around 40 kilometres and takes about 45 minutes.
Or make a speedy getaway with a car hire from Sabiha Gokcen International Airport. After collecting your keys, it'll take roughly 1 hour to drive the 48 kilometres or so to the centre.
Compare car hire types in Istanbul
Small: These cheap rental cars in Istanbul may be small in size, but they're big on practicality. Including mini and economy vehicles, they're nimble, light on fuel, and perfect for city driving or short trips.
Medium: Not too big, not too small, this is the kind of rental even Goldilocks wouldn't second-guess. Typically including compact and intermediate cars, they offer a mix of interior space and fuel efficiency and are great for couples and small families.
Large: Offering a more comfortable driving experience and enhanced tech features, this Istanbul car hire category includes full-size cars. With larger rear seats and plenty of storage space, they let you load up and transport everyone, and everything, with ease.
SUV: SUVs are adventure on four wheels. All-wheel drive and everyday versatility equip them for urban streets and country routes alike.
Van: Usually featuring commercial vans and trucks, this category of car for rent in Istanbul makes short work of heavy loads and large groups. They're tough, dependable, and ready to take on any task.
Insurance and optional extras
Excess insurance covers what you'd otherwise have to pay if your Istanbul car hire is stolen or damaged. While not compulsory, it's worth considering for extra protection. Just remember that insurance policies vary between providers, so make sure you understand exactly what's included.
Make travel easier when you rent a car in Istanbul by adding a few nifty extras. Think things like a GPS unit to be your trusty co-pilot, or reverse cameras that take the pain out of parking.
Good to know
Age requirements 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 fall outside the typical age range, simply uncheck 'Driver aged between 25–70' and then enter how old you are to unlock the right options.
Add a car seat to your Istanbul car hire reservation if you're travelling with small kids. Rules can change from one location to another, but using a child seat suited to their size and age is always the safest way to travel.
You'll need to show some documents when you get to the rental counter. As a rule, bring a valid driver's licence, a credit card with enough funds to cover the excess (debit cards usually aren't accepted), and additional photo ID. Your booking will confirm exactly what's required.
Driving in Türkiye (Turkey) may take some getting used to if it's your first time. Keep in mind you'll need to stick to the right side of the road.
Stay within the local speed limits. Most of the time that's around 45kph in built-up areas and 100kph or so on highways, unless road signs indicate differently.
The blood alcohol concentration (BAC) limit in Türkiye (Turkey) is 0.05%. Since alcohol's effects vary from person to person, the best way to be sure you're safe to drive is not to drink anything at all.
One of the busiest times to be on the road in this destination is around 6pm. Make driving smoother by avoiding rush hours in general.
You'll be using the Turkish lira (TRY) here. In addition to your debit and credit cards, consider taking some cash for minor purchases.
The language most often spoken in this country is Turkish.
Best hotels in Istanbul for drivers
Offering parking, Turkoman Hotel makes it easy to come and go as you please. This hotel is about 0.16 kilometres from central Istanbul and also comes with express check-out and a garden.
Burckin Hotel is also a smart pick if a few road trips are on your itinerary. It features parking, along with car hire options and a restaurant. Base yourself here and you'll be roughly 0.32 kilometres from the city centre.
Explore the full lineup of hotels in Istanbul and pick the stay that suits your plans. Filters make it easy to tailor your search to your needs — 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 the right hotel, it's time to plan where to go first. Hagia Sophia History Museum, Hagia Sophia Museum and Historic Areas of Istanbul are a memorable introduction to what the city has to offer.
Hit the road: Where to drive to from Istanbul
Shift gears and head toward Bursa. Around 88 kilometres south of central Istanbul, you'll find must-see sights like Old Bursa Historic Houses and Archeological Museum.
They've got hospitality down to a fine art at Almira Hotel Thermal Spa & Convention Centre and Hilton Bursa Convention Centre & Spa, two comfortable accommodation options with parking in Bursa.
Alternatively, pick up your cheap car hire in Istanbul and travel roughly 48 kilometres southeast to Gebze. Featuring Süleymaniye Camii and Osman Hamdi Bey Museum, its attractions speak for themselves.
Hyatt House Gebze and Ramada Plaza by Wyndham Istanbul Asia Airport are comfy places to stay in Gebze if you're settling in for a while. Choose one of these and skip the stress of finding somewhere to leave your ride.
Up for a bigger adventure? Balikesir is a top road trip destination that's about 177 kilometres southwest of Istanbul. Consider making a few pit stops at Sakarya Cami and 15 Temmuz Şehitler Parkı.
Drift off to sleep in Balikesir at either Asya Hotel or Elit Asya Hotel. They've got a bed waiting for you and a place for your wheels too.
