Car Rental at Istanbul Airport: Everything You Need to Know

Getting a car rental at Istanbul Airport can either make your trip through Turkey much easier or become an unnecessary headache, depending on your plans.

As someone who has lived in Istanbul for more than five years and regularly travels through both IST and SAW airports, I have rented cars here for everything from weekend getaways to longer road trips across the country.

In this guide, I will walk you through what it is actually like renting a car at Istanbul Airport, which companies I recommend, what documents you need, and the biggest mistakes I would personally avoid.

Should You Rent a Car at Istanbul Airport?

For some travelers, renting a car at Istanbul Airport makes perfect sense. For others, it will probably create more stress than convenience.

If you are only staying in Istanbul for a few days and mostly visiting places like Sultanahmet, Galata, or Kadıköy, I actually do not recommend renting a car.

Public transportation in Istanbul is surprisingly good, parking can be stressful and expensive, and driving in the city is often far more exhausting than most visitors expect.

That being said, if you are planning a road trip through Turkey or want to explore places outside the city, renting a car at the airport can be incredibly convenient.

Personally, road-tripping is still my favorite way to travel around Turkey.

Some of my favorite experiences here have come from driving along the coast, stopping in tiny towns, visiting ancient ruins, and discovering roadside restaurants I never would have found otherwise.

One thing I especially like about renting directly from Istanbul Airport is that you can land, pick up your car immediately, and head out toward your destination without needing to navigate the city center first.

In the end, I usually tell people this:

Planning to explore Turkey beyond the city?
Renting at the airport is absolutely worth considering.

Staying mostly in Istanbul?
Skip the rental car.

Check prices and availability with DiscoverCars

Should You Wait to Rent a Car?

If you are planning to spend a few days in Istanbul before taking a road trip, you may not want to rent a car immediately at the airport.

Personally, I often think it makes more sense to use an airport transfer or taxi into the city first and then rent a car later, once you are ready to leave Istanbul.

This allows you to avoid dealing with traffic, parking, and unnecessary rental days while you are still exploring the city itself.

If you are trying to decide between airport transfers, taxis, public transportation, or private drivers, you can also read my full guide to getting from Istanbul Airport into the city.

Renting a Car at IST vs SAW Airport

One thing many travelers do not realize before visiting Istanbul is that the city actually has two major airports: Istanbul Airport (IST) on the European side and Sabiha Gökçen Airport (SAW) on the Asian side.

Which airport you should rent from can honestly make a pretty big difference, depending on where you are staying and where you plan to travel afterward.

If you are planning to head toward places like Edirne, the European coast, Gallipoli, or the southern Aegean region, renting from IST is usually the more convenient option.

Since it is already on the European side, you can often avoid crossing the Bosphorus entirely.

On the other hand, if you are planning to drive toward Bursa, Ankara, Sapanca, or the Black Sea region, SAW can sometimes be much easier.

The Asian side generally feels a bit less overwhelming to drive in compared to the central areas of the European side, especially for first-time visitors.

Personally, I find SAW less stressful overall. It is a smaller airport, usually quicker to navigate, and often easier for rental pickup and drop-off.

However, IST typically has a larger selection of rental companies and vehicles simply because it is the city’s main international airport.

One thing I would strongly consider when choosing between the two is Istanbul traffic. Crossing between the European and Asian sides of the city can easily add significant time and stress to your trip, depending on the time of day.

If possible, I usually recommend choosing the airport that naturally lines up with the direction you plan to drive afterward, but international travelers may not always have as many flight options into both airports.

Best Car Rental Companies at Istanbul Airport

One thing I appreciate about renting a car at Istanbul Airport is that you have access to both major international brands and smaller Turkish rental companies all in one place.

Personally, I always compare prices through DiscoverCars because it allows me to compare multiple companies at once instead of checking each provider individually. I have often found significantly better prices there than booking directly through the rental companies themselves.

Check prices and availability with DiscoverCars

For international companies, I have generally had good experiences with companies like Enterprise and Sixt. At larger airports like IST, they usually have newer vehicles, smoother pickup processes, and more consistent customer service overall.

In smaller cities around Turkey, older rental cars are much more common regardless of the company.

The company I personally end up using most often in Turkey, however, is Green Motion. I have had surprisingly good experiences with them here, especially for longer rentals and road trips around the country.

Something I have learned after living in Turkey is that smaller local rental companies are not always a bad option.

Some can offer much lower prices than the international brands, especially during busy summer travel seasons along the Mediterranean coast.

That being said, I would still recommend booking through a reputable platform and carefully reading reviews before choosing a lesser-known company. The absolute cheapest option is not always worth the potential stress later.

I also strongly recommend booking automatic cars as early as possible.

Pros and Cons of Renting a Car in Istanbul

Like most things in Istanbul, renting a car comes with both advantages and frustrations. Whether it is worth it really depends on your itinerary and comfort level driving in busy cities.

Pros

• More flexibility to explore places outside the city
• Easier access to smaller towns, beaches, and ancient ruins
• Convenient for road trips around Turkey
• Helpful if you are traveling with a lot of luggage or children
• Can save time when visiting destinations poorly connected by public transportation

A quick dictionary of horn-honking in Istanbul traffic:

One thing you will notice very quickly while driving in Istanbul is just how much people use their horns. Surprisingly though, honking here is not always meant aggressively.

Once you understand that horn use is simply part of the driving culture here, it becomes much less stressful.

A friend once jokingly explained Istanbul traffic to me like this:

one short blast (“beep”): “Hey, I think you may not have seen me.”

two short blasts (“bee-beep”): “The light turned green five seconds ago.”

one long blast (“hoooonk”): “You have deeply offended me and my entire bloodline.”

multiple long blasts (“hooooooooonk! hooooo-hooooo-hooooo-hooooooooonk!”): “I will remember this betrayal for generations.”

– adapted from my friend Amber, American Expat driving in Istanbul

Cons

• Istanbul traffic can be exhausting and unpredictable
• Parking is often stressful and expensive
• Driving rules can feel more aggressive than many visitors are used to
• Toll roads and fuel costs add up quickly
• A rental car is usually unnecessary if you are staying mostly in central Istanbul

Personally, I think renting a car in Istanbul only makes sense if you plan to leave the city fairly quickly or want the flexibility to explore more of Turkey independently.

Tips for a car rental at Istanbul Airport

After renting cars in Turkey multiple times, there are a few things I now always do to make the experience much smoother.

Book Early if You Need an Automatic

Manual cars are much more common in Turkey, and automatic vehicles can become expensive or sell out quickly during busy travel seasons.

Compare Prices Before Booking

I highly recommend comparing prices across multiple companies rather than booking the first option you see. Personally, I usually use DiscoverCars because it lets me compare both local and international companies in one place.

Take a Video of the Car Before Leaving

Even though rental agents inspect the car with you, I always take a full video of the exterior and interior before driving away. It only takes a minute and can save you a lot of stress later.

Understand How Toll Roads Work

Most rental cars in Turkey are connected to the toll system automatically, and charges are usually deducted later from your deposit or card on file. Still, I recommend asking how the company handles tolls before leaving the airport.

Use Google Maps Instead of a GPS

Personally, I have never found the paid GPS systems necessary in Turkey. Google Maps works extremely well here, especially if you download offline maps ahead of time and purchase a local SIM card, or more preferably, an eSIM if your phone supports it.

Avoid Driving in Central Istanbul During Rush Hour

If possible, try to avoid entering central Istanbul during peak traffic hours. A drive that looks short on the map can easily turn into a much longer and more stressful experience.

Double Check Border Crossing Rules

If you plan to drive into another country, make sure you ask the rental company beforehand. Many Turkish rental cars are not allowed to cross international borders without special permission and insurance.

Inspect the Car Carefully

Pay close attention to scratches, dents, tires, and windshield damage before leaving the rental lot. Istanbul traffic and parking can already be stressful enough without worrying about pre-existing damage later.

What Surprised Me Most About Renting Cars in Turkey

There were quite a few things that surprised me when I first started renting cars in Turkey, especially compared to renting cars in the United States.

One of the first things I noticed was that gas stations work differently here. In Turkey, attendants pump your gas for you, which honestly makes road trip stops much easier.

Another adjustment was learning the toll road system. Most rental cars are connected automatically to the HGS toll system now, so toll charges are usually added to your final bill later. The process is actually fairly simple once you understand how it works, but it definitely confused me the first time.

Parking was another culture shock. At many otoparks (parking garages), you leave your keys with the attendants so they can move cars around throughout the day.

At first, this felt strange to me, but it is completely normal in Turkey because parking spaces are often extremely tight. After living here for years, I completely understand why compact cars are so popular.

Parallel parking also feels much tighter than what many visitors are used to, especially in older neighborhoods where streets were never designed for large modern vehicles.

The driving style itself can also feel more aggressive than what many visitors are used to. People merge assertively, traffic moves quickly, and horns are used much more frequently than in many Western countries.

Once you adjust your expectations, most of these things start to feel surprisingly normal.

Automatic vs Manual Cars in Turkey

One thing many travelers do not realize before booking is that manual cars are far more common in Turkey than automatic vehicles.

Because of this, automatic rentals are usually more expensive and can sell out quickly during busy travel seasons, especially in summer.

If you are not comfortable driving a manual transmission, I strongly recommend booking your rental car as early as possible.

Personally, I think paying a little extra for an automatic is absolutely worth it if you plan to drive in Istanbul traffic or through unfamiliar areas.

Should Women Rent Cars Alone in Turkey?

Generally speaking, yes, I think women can absolutely rent cars and road trip around Turkey safely.

Like anywhere, it is important to use common sense, stay aware of your surroundings, and avoid isolated areas late at night if you are unfamiliar with them.

Personally, I know many women who have traveled extensively around Turkey without issues, and having a car can actually provide more flexibility and comfort compared to relying entirely on public transportation schedules.

What Do You Need to Rent a Car in Istanbul?

Renting a car in Turkey is generally pretty straightforward, but there are a few important documents you should always have with you.

To Rent the Car

• Passport
• Valid driver’s license
• Credit card in the driver’s name
• International Driving Permit (IDP) if your license is not written in Latin characters

While Driving

I also recommend always keeping these items in the car while driving around Turkey:

FAQs About Renting a Car at Istanbul Airport

Renting a Car in Istanbul: Is It Worth It?

If you are planning to explore Turkey beyond Istanbul, renting a car at the airport can honestly make your trip much easier and more flexible.

That being said, if you are only planning to stay within central Istanbul, I personally would skip the rental car and rely on public transportation instead.

For me, renting a car in Turkey has always been less about convenience inside the city and more about the freedom to experience places that are much harder to reach otherwise.

Some of my favorite experiences in Turkey have happened somewhere between destinations rather than at the destinations themselves.

Check prices and availability with DiscoverCars