Rent a car in Istanbul and discover a place unlike anywhere else. This is a city where East meets West, and where the modern meets the ancient. Fascinating architecture, cultural museums, and sights that inspire are just a few of the things that await those who rent a car in Istanbul. This will give you the flexibility to explore those harder-to-reach locations, and the opportunity to spend your days as you please.
Rent a car in Istanbul: the most important rental sites
Since the area is so expansive and full of so many impressive sights, car rental in Istanbul has a lot of benefits. Cheap car hire is available from several locations around the city, as well as the airport. It's also possible to rent long term, if you're planning on staying in town a while, or exploring more of Turkey's many wonderful cities.
Rental Site | Address | Main Opening Times* |
Istanbul-Atatürk Airport | Yesilköy, 34149 Bakirköy/ Istanbul, Turkey | 12:00 a.m. - 11:59 p.m. |
City Office | Gümüssuyu Mah., Mete Cad. Ayyıldız Apt. 12/A, 34437 Beyoglu/ Istanbul, Turkey | 09:00 a.m. - 08:00 p.m. |
*The opening times may differ and vary depending on the rental site. Precise information can be found in the listing details. Please note, pick-ups and returns outside of the stated opening times might be possible at some rental sites, although this service may carry an extra fee.
Istanbul: Rent a car and discover its sights
As you might expect from a city that is thousands of years old, Istanbul is packed with history and attractions. The sights here are breathtaking: a mix of beautiful buildings, landscapes and colours. When you rent a car in Istanbul, you are free to explore the area as much as you like, but keep in mind that the city centre is tightly packed with ancient sites, small streets and many people. If heading here, it might be best to park up and explore these sites on foot.
The Blue Mosque: Istanbul is a city rich in stunning architecture. Make sure you visit The Blue Mosque (officially known as Sultanahmet Mosque), with its six minarets. It is amongst the city's most iconic buildings.
The Basilica Cistern: You also might not think a water storage facility could be beautiful, but you'd be wrong. Visit the Basilica Cistern and you will see why. This underground room has many columns and atmospheric lighting making it one of the most intriguing sights in the city.
The Archeology Museums: Istanbul is home to many great museums, detailing the history and culture of this complex city. The Istanbul Archeology Museums are three museums rolled into one, and feature ancient artefacts as well as some excellent exhibits, such as the 3D depictions of Alexander the Great and a model Trojan Horse. There is also a copy of a peace treaty from 1269 BC on display.
The Grand Bazaar: One of the greatest things about Istanbul is its unique atmosphere. For the perfect example of how rich and colourful this city can be, stop by the local markets and take it all in. The Spice Bazaar will delight, even if it does get crowded from time to time, while the Grand Bazaar is the place for souvenir hunters.
Iznik: Visit Istanbul, rent a car and take a day trip to the ancient city of Nicaea. Located close to the city of Iznik, Nicaea was a sprawling and prosperous city in the 4th century and has seen thousands of years of change, leaving only ruins which you can explore at leisure.
Getting around Istanbul
When you rent a car in Istanbul, be aware that traffic is at its heaviest in the city centre. Many small roads mean that congestion is common, and locals here can be quick to use their horns. Cars here drive on the right and the speed limits are 50 km/h for inner-city roads and 110 km/h for motorways. Turkish motorways are in great condition, so don't hesitate to explore Istanbul's surroundings and sites off the beaten track.
