How to find a cheap car rental deal in Istanbul (IST)
Just stepped off your flight? Pick up a cheap Istanbul rental car and get going for around AED 379 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 AED 102.
Staying on a bit longer? Grab a weekly rental from AED 300 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 rental. Some companies include a collision damage waiver (CDW), while others offer it as a paid add-on.
Booking a one-way car rental 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 rental 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 rental options right now
You'll find the best deal with https://www.skyscanner.ae/car-rentals/car-rental-with-provider/wheego/2615. Prices average AED 201 a day.
Sitting in second place, https://www.skyscanner.ae/car-rentals/car-rental-with-provider/avec-car-rentals/1275 offers daily rates of around AED 297.
https://www.skyscanner.ae/car-rentals/car-rental-with-provider/rent-go/638 also stacks up well on price. Hop into one of their rentals for roughly AED 460 a day.
The Economy 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 rental 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
Rental age requirements aren't the same everywhere. Providers can set their own policies, and if you're under the minimum age, you could pay extra and face some limits. Check the terms set by each supplier before booking your rental in Türkiye (Turkey).
Add a car seat to your IST car rental reservation if you're bringing the kids. Rules change from one place to another, but using a child seat suited to their size, age and weight is always the safest way to travel.
Come prepared to avoid delays at pick-up. You'll generally need your physical driver's license (no screenshots) plus another photo ID. Have a credit card ready for the deposit too. If anything else is expected, it'll be listed in your booking.
Get familiar with your rental. Adjust your seat and mirrors, test the brakes and turn signals, and get used to its handling before you set off. 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.
In Türkiye (Turkey), the legal blood alcohol concentration (BAC) limit is 0.05%. If you intend to have a few drinks, hand the keys to someone else or arrange a taxi or ride-share instead.
You'll be using the Turkish lira (TRY) here. In addition to your credit and debit cards, have some cash handy for smaller purchases.
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 kilometers 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 center 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 rental 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 rental 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 kilometers 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 rental and drive around 80 kilometers 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 kilometers south of IST. From Çamlık Hills to Zagnos Pasha Mosque, your journey will end on a high note.
