How to find a cheap car rental deal in Türkiye (Turkey)
Grab a cheap rental car in Türkiye (Turkey) and get on your way from just £5 a day. From solo getaways to family escapes, we'll help you find a rental that keeps up with your trip.
£33 is the lowest rate for a weekly rental if your trip is more than just a quick visit.
Explore the range of car rentals in Antalya. This is where you'll find the cheapest rides in Türkiye (Turkey).
Istanbul is the most popular city for car rentals.
When comparing providers, check out what's on offer from Garenta. It's a leading name in Türkiye (Turkey).
You won't need to travel far after landing to pick up your ride. Car rentals are available at major airports including Istanbul Airport, Istanbul Sabiha Airport and Antalya Airport.
Istanbul, Antalya, Ankara, Izmir and Dalaman are among the most convenient cities to organise a set of wheels.
A one-way rental might work out in your favor. Providers often lower prices when they need to move cars between sites. When searching for a car for rent in Türkiye (Turkey), select 'Return car to a different location' to unlock those deals.
Need wheels for a few weeks? Sometimes you'll get a discount with a month-long booking, so try tweaking your dates to find the lowest rates.
To avoid extra costs, choose a vehicle with a 'Fair fuel policy.' You start with a full tank and return it full, meaning you only pay for the fuel you actually use.
Select 'Unlimited mileage' under the 'Policies' filter and let the map decide how far you go. Roam wherever the road takes you without added mileage charges.
Best time to book a car rental in Türkiye (Turkey)
Timing is everything when it comes to finding the best price on a car rental in Türkiye (Turkey). Try booking around one week before you go.
December is the most affordable month to rent a car. You can expect average daily rates of £36 then.
If you'd prefer to travel outside the most expensive stretch, avoid booking in July.
Compare car rental types in Türkiye (Turkey)
Economy: Drive away in one of these and help keep your travel budget on track. Lower daily rates and fuel-efficient engines mean you spend less overall while still getting a smooth, easy-to-handle ride.
Small: This category covers mini and economy cars that focus on doing the basics well. Compact dimensions, fuel-efficient engines and good manoeuvrability make it a reliable choice when searching for a cheap rental car in Türkiye (Turkey).
Medium: Medium rentals are the happy middle ground. Bridging the gap between small and large, they offer a little extra space and comfort without going all out on size. Compact and intermediate models are included in this lineup.
Large: Big journeys call for bigger thinking. Whether you're cruising with your entire crew or heading off on a longer drive, these full-size cars bring the extra space you need. Expect generous seating, serious luggage capacity and comfort that goes the distance.
SUV: From highways to unexpected detours, SUVs are ready for it all. With an elevated driving position, flexible seating layouts, and stable performance across a range of terrain, they work perfectly for road trips across Türkiye (Turkey).
Van: When there's a full load to move, a van rises to the occasion. This category of car for rent in Türkiye (Turkey) handles people and cargo with ease. Including commercial vans and trucks, they're a sensible choice for group transport, moving or business use.
Luxury: Want the ultimate experience? This goes beyond getting from A to B — it's about showing up in style. Luxury vehicles combine elevated design, advanced technology, and refined performance in one standout package.
Insurance and optional extras
Car rental excess insurance isn't mandatory, but it's something you should consider. If you're in an accident, no matter how minor, it can save you from paying a big excess fee. Different providers have varying insurance policies and cover levels, so check the details before booking.
From GPS units to mobile Wi-Fi hotspots, the right extras can seriously level up your drive. Weigh up which features could make your trip more comfortable when you rent a car in Türkiye (Turkey).
Driving in Türkiye (Turkey): What you need to know
Rental age requirements aren't always the same across the board. Companies can set their own policies, and if you're under the minimum age, you might run into extra costs or rules. Check the terms set by each supplier before booking your rental in Türkiye (Turkey).
Add a car seat to your car rental reservation in Türkiye (Turkey) if you're travelling with small kids. Requirements change from place to place, but using a child seat suited to their size and age is always the safest way to go.
You'll likely be asked for these three things when collecting your rental car: a current driver's licence, extra photo ID, and a credit card with enough balance for the deposit. Debit cards aren't widely accepted. Any extra must-haves will be shown in your booking.
Spend a moment familiarising yourself with your rental. Set up your seat and mirrors, find the lights and blinkers, and get comfortable with its handling before you set off. And don't forget to stay on the right side of the road in Türkiye (Turkey).
Follow the local speed limits. Usually that's around 45kph (30mph) in built-up areas and 100kph (65mph) or so on highways, unless signed otherwise.
In Türkiye (Turkey), the legal blood alcohol concentration (BAC) limit is 0.05%. If you're planning to drink, hand the keys to someone else or find an alternative way to get around.
The Turkish lira (TRY) is the currency you'll be using for general expenses and activities. Pay with a debit or credit card where you can, but carry a little cash when electronic payments aren't an option.
The language most commonly used in this country is Turkish.
Where to road trip in Türkiye (Turkey)?
Türkiye (Turkey) is easy to explore by car, with major rental hubs in Istanbul, Ankara and Izmir, plus airport pickup points like Istanbul Airport and Antalya Airport. If you're planning a car rental in Türkiye (Turkey), the routes below show how pickup points, trip lengths and vehicle types vary depending on how far inland or along the coast you want to go.
Ancient Crossroads: The Aegean Hinterland from Izmir
Pick up your car in Izmir and drive south through the Aegean interior, passing layers of ancient civilisation at every turn. It suits history-focused travellers who want to cover multiple major sites without long daily drives between them.
Recommended car: Compact sedan.
Suggested pickup point: Izmir Adnan Menderes Airport.
Good for: History buffs, couples, culture travellers.
Road conditions: Well-maintained asphalt highways, rural connecting roads.
Best time to go: April to June for mild temperatures.
Trip length: Five to seven days.
Key stops: Ephesus, Pamukkale.
Turquoise Coast: Antalya to the Lycian Shore
Start in Antalya and head west along the Mediterranean coast, where ruined ancient cities sit above hidden coves and small harbour towns. The driving is easy and the distances manageable, making it a relaxed option even for first-time visitors to Türkiye (Turkey).
Recommended car: Compact SUV.
Suggested pickup point: Antalya Airport.
Good for: Couples, families, beach travellers.
Road conditions: Paved coastal roads, some narrow hillside sections.
Best time to go: May to October for warm, dry weather.
Trip length: Six to eight days.
Key stops: Kaş, Ölüdeniz.
Cappadocia and the Volcanic Interior: Central Anatolia from Ankara
Head south from Ankara into the heart of Central Anatolia, where a volcanic landscape has shaped both the terrain and the towns built into it over centuries. It rewards drivers who are comfortable covering moderate daily distances across open, sparsely populated roads.
Recommended car: Mid-size SUV.
Suggested pickup point: Ankara Esenboğa Airport.
Good for: Adventure travellers, photographers, independent explorers.
Road conditions: Broad inland highways, unpaved tracks near valley viewpoints.
Best time to go: September to November for cooler temperatures and fewer crowds.
Trip length: Four to six days.
Key stops: Göreme, Ihlara Valley.
Weather and driving conditions in Türkiye (Turkey)
Weather
Türkiye has four seasons: spring runs March through May, summer brings hot and dry conditions from June to August, and autumn cools things down from September through November. Winters, from December to February, are mild along the coasts but cold and snowy across central and eastern regions.
Snow is a real factor when driving in Türkiye (Turkey), especially on mountain passes in the east and central Anatolia, so carry chains if you're crossing higher ground. Heat builds quickly along the Aegean and Mediterranean coasts in summer, and keeping your fluid levels topped up before long stretches helps you avoid being stranded between towns.
Driving conditions
Highways and major intercity routes are well-maintained and make for a smooth road trip in Türkiye (Turkey), but rural roads — especially in eastern and inland regions — can be narrower and rougher, so a vehicle with decent ground clearance is worth considering if you plan to venture off the main routes.
City driving in Türkiye can be intense, particularly in Istanbul where traffic builds heavily around the bridges spanning the Bosphorus. One-way systems, aggressive lane changes, and limited parking in older districts are all common. {NS} Outside cities, roads in eastern and central Türkiye can stretch for long distances between towns, with signage in Turkish only and gas stations becoming less frequent the further you travel from major routes.
On rural and unfenced roads across Türkiye (Turkey), free-roaming sheep, goats, and cattle are the main thing to watch for, particularly in eastern and central regions at dawn and dusk.
Complete your road trip with a hotel
No matter where your drive leads, a comfortable place to stay makes a big difference at the end of a long drive. Once you've booked your car rental in Türkiye (Turkey), browse the range of hotels in Istanbul if you're passing by this major stop. You can also search Antalya accommodation options or browse places to stay in Ankara as you plan the rest of your route.
