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Everything You Need to Know About Car Rental in Turkey
Turkey is the most popular travel destination for Iranians and one of the world’s top tourist hotspots, attracting millions of visitors from all over the globe each year. Many travelers choose Turkey’s major tourist cities—such as Istanbul, Antalya, Ankara, and Izmir—as their primary destinations. These large and beautiful cities are filled with dreamy beaches, ancient and historical sites, and unique tourist attractions that captivate every visitor with their charm and beauty.
Turkey’s diverse shopping centers, along with seasonal shopping festivals and discounts held throughout the year, offer great value to tourists and provide yet another reason to visit this remarkable country.
One of the most important decisions when traveling to Turkey is renting a car. Car rental is, in fact, a top priority for many travelers. In previous articles, we have thoroughly discussed the importance and details of this choice, and in this article, we will introduce you to the most important tips and regulations for renting a car in Turkey.
Undoubtedly, one of the main reasons for renting a car in Turkey is the high cost of taxis. The vast size of cities and the scattered location of tourist attractions and shopping centers often make access via public transportation difficult—and in some cases, nearly impossible. Renting a car from unreliable companies can further complicate matters.
Although renting a car in Turkey is generally easy, there are important points you must pay attention to in order to avoid mistakes, minimize risks, and ensure that you do not incur any financial loss.
Join Rentifa in this article and keep in mind the most important tips for renting a car in Turkey.
Essential Tips for Renting a Car in Turkey:
Booking a Rental Car at Airports in Turkey:
Car rental services are available at all major airports in Turkey’s large cities. However, what truly matters is your peace of mind upon arrival. If you book your rental car online before arriving at the airport, you can receive your vehicle immediately upon arrival at the airport or even at your hotel or accommodation—without stress or worry.
Due to Turkey’s popularity as a tourist destination and the high volume of visitors in major cities, especially Istanbul, during holidays and shopping festivals, car rental agencies may run out of vehicles or may not have a car that suits your needs. Therefore, pre-booking a rental car is always the first and most important choice.
Carrying a Driving License in Turkey:
Having a new bilingual (Persian–English) Iranian driving license is sufficient for renting a car in Turkey. Otherwise, you must obtain an international driving license before traveling, which does not take much time.
If you have been staying in Turkey for more than six months, you must apply for a Turkish driving license.
If you have the new bilingual Iranian license, you can rent a car without an international license. If you have the old Iranian license and did not obtain an international one, you can visit a notary office (Noter) in Turkey, have your license officially translated and notarized, and rent a car using the notarized translation.
Carrying a Passport for Intra- and Intercity Travel in Turkey:
Carrying your passport along with your driving license is mandatory while traveling or driving a rental car in Turkey. Failure to present these documents may result in fines for both you and the car rental agency.
Vehicle Pickup and Drop-off in Turkey:
With a reservation, you can collect your car immediately upon arrival at the airport. Generally, car rentals in Turkey are handled at airports, but Rentifa also offers delivery and pickup at your accommodation.
Be punctual when picking up the vehicle and return it at least a few hours before your flight, while being physically present. If any issue arises with your reserved vehicle, a similar or equivalent car will be provided.
Cancellation and Extension in Turkey:
For cancellations, you must inform the rental agency at least 24 hours before the pickup time. Otherwise, your prepayment will be retained as a penalty.
For extensions, notify your support agent at least 48 hours in advance.
Deposit in Turkey:
In Turkey, renting a car usually requires paying a deposit (in Turkish Lira, USD, or EUR), which is refunded upon vehicle return. The deposit typically starts from TRY 5,000. However, some companies—such as Rentifa—offer car rentals without a deposit.
Rentifa’s Popular Extended Damage Coverage Package in Turkey:
Rentifa offers several rental options in Turkey:
- No-deposit rentals for economy cars
- Deposit-based rentals for luxury vehicles
- Rentals with extended damage coverage, which eliminate the need for a deposit
By purchasing this affordable insurance package, damages such as tires, glass, and other items that usually cannot be covered by police reports are insured, and no deposit is required.
High Fuel Prices in Turkey:
High fuel prices are one of the main reasons taxi fares are expensive in Turkey. When choosing a rental car, pay attention to fuel consumption. Vehicles are usually delivered with a full tank and must be returned with a full tank as well.
Vehicle Inspection Before Rental in Turkey:
Inspect the vehicle carefully upon pickup (refer to the “vehicle inspection” section in the Dubai car rental article) to ensure a stress-free trip. Note that unreasonable dirtiness may incur cleaning fees starting from approximately TRY 300.
Accidents with a Rental Car in Turkey:
In case of an accident or any issue while driving, immediately contact the rental agency’s support team. Take photos and videos of the incident and do not move the vehicle. Call the police at 112 if needed. Alcohol tests are conducted after accidents, and a positive result may lead to license suspension.
Driving Restrictions with Rental Cars in Turkey:
Avoid traffic violations when driving a rental car. You may drive within the city, but for intercity travel, you must inform the rental agency in advance. Daily mileage limits typically range between 250–300 km, though some agencies offer unlimited mileage.
Paying Traffic Fines in Turkey:
Traffic fines are calculated and collected on the final day of rental upon vehicle return. When passing toll roads, be sure to use HGS lanes.
Traffic Violations in Turkey:
If a fine is registered, it must be paid in coordination with the rental agency. Failure to pay may result in negative records on your passport and could even lead to deportation and entry bans. Never use the rental car as a taxi or for illegal purposes, as penalties are severe.
Second Driver for Rental Cars in Turkey:
You may register a second driver if desired. If a companion intends to drive, their documents must be presented at pickup; otherwise, penalties may apply.
Rental Agreement and Insurance in Turkey:
Read the rental agreement carefully and ensure the selected vehicle has valid insurance coverage. In case of an accident with a positive alcohol test, the vehicle will be impounded, and both you and the rental agency may be fined. Lack of cooperation with the police may result in document confiscation and travel restrictions until legal procedures are completed.