Discover Istanbul on Your Own Terms: Car Rental Guide and Tips
Istanbul is the largest Turkey metropolis. Among the cities of the world, only it is located on the territory of two continents at once, because the Bosphorus separates Europe and Asia. The waters of the Bosphorus run between the banks, which in itself, together with the most beautiful bridges, is one of the main symbols of Istanbul.
Istanbul is a bridge between the traditional East and the modern West. During its history of more than 3,000 years, Istanbul managed to be the capital of the greatest empires in the world - Roman, Byzantine and Ottoman.
The European part of Istanbul is conditionally divided by the Golden Bay Horn on the old and new city. Famous sights are concentrated in the old city, due to which the city has retained its medieval appearance. Business and trade life is in full swing in the New City.
The Asian part is less popular with travelers, but it is here that you can get acquainted with the traditions and life of the Turks. The crowded, boiling city remains a place for contemplation, for unhurried walks through an amazing world where times and cultures have mixed. Istanbul is a city of small courtyards, ancient mosques, narrow streets, wide avenues and beautiful mansions. The population of the city is more than 13 million people.
The territory of Istanbul is 5343 square kilometers, but the city has an excellent transport infrastructure, making it easy to get to any point. And if you use car rental services, for example, on the Bookingautos website, then moving around the city and its environs will become even more comfortable. Istanbul is considered the world's third most popular travel city.
Almost all flights arrive at airport Istanbul, located in the European part of the city. It is included in the list of the busiest airports in the world. The airport is located 40 km from the center of Istanbul and consists of a single giant terminal. Istanbul is divided into 39 administrative districts, each of which has its own characteristics and memorable places.
Istanbul is good at any time of the year, but April is traditionally considered the best time to visit. At this time, flowers bloom, planted in abundance on city streets, it is already warm and sunny, but not too hot yet. City official website - istanbul.gov.tr
Istanbul Attractions
Even without having the goal of seeing all the sights, mosques and monuments of Istanbul, you still have to take several days to see the most interesting places. The Blue Mosque and Hagia Sophia, Basilica Cistern and Topkapı Palace, Galata Tower and the Bosphorus are just some of that historical and cultural heritage, which is rich in the amazing city of Istanbul.
St. Sophia Cathedral for 1000 years was the main shrine of the entire Christian world, but after the capture of Constantinople by the Ottoman Turks in 1453, it was turned into a mosque. On its walls, symbols of Christianity coexist with Arabic script, not mixing, but mutually complementing each other. There are few similar historical buildings in the world that have retained their luxurious decoration, despite the difficult ups and downs of an unusual fate. Under the rule of Ataturk, Hagia Sophia was opened to the public as a museum. Hagia Sophia is one of the main monuments of Byzantine architecture, a recognized symbol of the heyday of Byzantium.
Sultanahmet Mosque, or the Blue Mosque, was built over a period of 7 years from 1609 to 1616. It will captivate with its grandeur and grace; there is no more majestic and magnificently decorated mosque anywhere else in the world.
The building was decorated with special ceramic tiles painted in blue and white colors, thanks to which the mosque really looks blue. External examination will not be enough: the main magic happens inside. Its interior, dominated by blue ornaments, is illuminated by 260 Venetian glass windows. The Blue Mosque has six towers-minarets - which is slightly less than on the great temple in Mecca. There is a version that this architect messed up something and increased the number of minarets. Initially, the architectural ensemble of the mosque also included a theological school, an elementary school, a turbe, a charitable organization, a hospital and a caravanserai. The mosque is active and can accommodate up to 10,000 parishioners. Free admission.
Topkapı Palace consists of several buildings with four courtyards connected by gates, it is a palace ensemble with an area of 700,000 square meters. The beginning of the construction of the main palace of the sultans of the Ottoman Empire dates back to 1475; it was built by order of Sultan Mehmed, which until the middle of the 19th century was the main residence of the Turkish padishahs. Today it is one of the richest museums in the world and one of the favorite Istanbul sights. On its territory, which is twice the size of the Vatican, there were armories, mosques, a zoo, bakeries, and baths.
Galata Tower - one of the main symbols of Istanbul was built in the 14th century, it is visible from any district of Istanbul. This tower is 61 meters high, built on a hill, offering incredible views of the Golden Horn and the Bosphorus. View tower from almost every area of the city. This building serves as the best observation deck in Istanbul. Inside there are cafes, souvenir shops and a nightclub.
The Maiden's Tower is a 23-meter high tower located on an island off the Asian quarter of Salajak. There are many legends associated with this place. According to one of them, the beloved daughter of the emperor was predicted to die on the day of her majority. Hiding his daughter from trouble in the tower, the father still could not save her. The snake that curled up in the fruit basket killed the girl. Now this tower is open as an observation deck, and there is also a cafe and a popular restaurant.
The Bosphorus has a length of about 30 kilometers, and at its widest part, the distance between the banks is 3500 meters. The Bosphorus is the heart of the Turkish city of Istanbul. Moving along the strait, you understand that a series of narrowing and widening of the shores makes the Bosphorus look like a series of lakes. However, ships plying every now and then make you remember that this is an important transport highway.
On both sides of the water, either chic stone palaces or poor shacks appear. In the narrow place of the Bosphorus between the shores of Europe and Asia, two bridges have been built and are operating - the Bosphorus itself and the bridge of Sultan Fatih.
Grand Bazaar - located in the Sultanahmet area, about a kilometer from Hagia Sophia and the Blue Mosque. This is a real oriental market, which is a huge square covered with arches, roofs, etc. The Grand Bazaar in Istanbul is one of the largest covered markets in the world, which has long become the most popular attraction of old Istanbul, it is visited daily by more than half a million people. What is there in the labyrinths of the Grand Bazaar - sweets, spices, ceramics, gold, silver, jewelry, carpets and much more. Bargaining is simply necessary, because the original price can be doubled.
What to see near Istanbul
If you have visited all the sights of Istanbul, and everything is not enough for you, then it's time to explore its surroundings, and maybe even other cities. Feel free to rent a car and go on an adventure. Turkey is full of beautiful and interesting places, you won't be bored.
The ruins of Troy off the coast of the Aegean Sea will tell about the times of the greatness of the Greek Empire. Walk through the UNESCO World Heritage Listed ruins of the ancient city of Troy.
Pamukkale Hot Springs is located in the city of the same name in Turkey. The name means "cotton castle" in Turkish. Water from thermal springs descends over snow-white limestone rocks, creating a real geological miracle of nature.
Istanbul's best restaurants
Istanbul is a gastronomic city, there is so much variety of food here that you should definitely try it. The cuisine of the country always reflects the nation and its character, so without trying Turkish food, it is difficult to understand the Turks. The maritime location of the city provides its residents and guests with the freshest seafood: lobsters, shrimps, squids, stuffed mussels. As desserts, we recommend trying baklava, Turkish delight or local ice cream, but all local sweets are made with honey and are very sweet.
360 Istanbul is a famous restaurant, bar and nightclub located on the roof of a 19th century building, offering an unforgettable 360 degree panoramic view of Istanbul. Many of the main dishes are made according to Turkish original recipes, paired with fine wines. Address: Tomtom Mah. Istiklal Cad. No:163 K: 8, 34433 Beyoğlu/İstanbul, phone +902122511043.
Asmalı Cavit is one of the best restaurants in Istanbul. This is a traditional Meykhane, has many awards, runs in a very authentic atmosphere and is famous for its Turkish cuisine. Address: Asmalı Mescit, Asmalı Mescit Cd. 16/D, 34430 Beyoğlu/İstanbul, phone +902122924950.
Beyti is a very famous meat restaurant made in a modern architectural style and located in the residential area of Floria. Beyti Restaurant is famous for its excellent meat dishes. Address: Şenlikköy, Florya, Orman Sk. No:6-8, 34153 Bakırköy/İstanbul, telephone +902126632990.
Where to park in Istanbul
There are constant traffic jams in Istanbul, chaotic traffic, an acute shortage of parking places.
Paid parking services can be paid for in the parking lot in Istanbul time, not through the machine, but only directly to the inspector.
There are municipal car parks in the city from the city administration. They are located in different parts of the city and drivers can leave their vehicles to get to work further by metro, bus, etc. The price for the service is from 5 to 8 lire.
There are many private car parks in the city, where you can find a free space almost at any time of the day. Prices are higher than in municipal parking lots and are approximately around 15-20 lira per hour.
* Data is calculated based on car bookings for the previous 365 days.
In August rental companies located in Istanbul rent much more cars than in the rest of the year. This month marks the smallest range of cars on offer and the highest rental prices. In such a high season, when the number of available cars is minimal, you should arrange a rental as early as possible. This will allow you to get the best rental option at the most favorable price.
The best time to rent a car in Istanbul is November. This month, rental prices are minimal, below the annual average by 34%, and start from €19 for a Compact car.
During the summer months in Istanbul there is a significant increase in demand for convertible rentals. This causes an increase in prices and the limited choice of such cars. A day of rental BMW 2 Series Cabrio will cost you €356.
Average prices for 1 day rental for different car classes:
4x
2x
A/C
3x
Citroen C1
Citroen C1
€14 / Day
4x
2x
A/C
4x
Ford Fiesta
Ford Fiesta
€18 / Day
5x
3x
A/C
4x
Audi A4
Audi A4
€32 / Day
5x
4x
A/C
5x
Ford Foxus Estate
Ford Foxus Estate
€33 / Day
4x
3x
A/C
5x
BMW X1
BMW X1
€33 / Day
4x
3x
A/C
4x
BMW 5 series
BMW 5 series
€45 / Day
8x
4x
A/C
5x
Ford Tourneo
Ford Tourneo
€55 / Day
4x
2x
A/C
2x
BMW 4 Cabrio
BMW 4 Cabrio
€65 / Day
We offer a wide range of vehicles to suit every budget:
Economy cars - a great solution for everyday trips;
Premium segment - for those who love quality and comfort;
Business class is ideal for people who are used to being first.
Convertibles, SUVs and station wagons, as well as minivans and sedans are in demand among customers. The choice of car depends not only on personal tastes, preferences and its cost. Rental conditions are important, which in some cases should be taken into account in the first place.
When calculating the rental price for a car in Istanbul, seasonal demand, the class of the car itself and the duration of the rental are taken into account. In winter, renting a car is the cheapest. In the summer, rent will cost more expensive. An additional discount for long-term rentals is provided by many car rental companies, which makes your trip even more profitable for the budget. For example, in the spring months, the compact VW Polomodel can be rented for just €19 per day. Renting the same car for a week will cost less and will be only €13. The situation is similar with other models of the budget segment. Among them are Skoda Superb, VW Passat Estate, Toyota Rav-4, which can be rented for as little as €38-€38 per day. Approximately for €74in Istanbul you can rent a convertible car. Premium segment models are more expensive, the rental will cost from €356 per day. If we talk about exclusive models, then when ordering them, you should be prepared for an amount of 450€ or more for daily use.
In recent years in Istanbul the demand for electric rental cars has been growing steadily. Their popularity is due to the presence of numerous free parking lots and recharging stations. You will be able to rent Audi-E-tron in Istanbul by selecting start and end dates of the rental in the search filter.
List of required documents
Driving license
Credit card
Voucher
Passport
Attention!
A valid international driver's license is required!
10 Key Tips for a Smooth Car Rental Experience
Download Google maps for offline access
Before the trip, we recommend that you download the necessary maps to the Google Maps application on your smartphone. This will allow you to build travel routes and use offline navigation on the ground. Thus, you can significantly save on Internet roaming charges, as well as on the "Navigator" service. Downloading the map is easy. You should select the required area, set the desired scale and enter "ok maps" in the search field.
Book a car 6 weeks in advance
Istanbul is a popular tourist destination, so car rental is consistently in demand. The earlier you book a car, the more options there will be and the lower the prices will be. Choose transport online at least 6 weeks before your visit. Better yet, do it as soon as you start planning your vacation. If plans change, you can cancel your booking without penalty up to 48 hours before it starts.
Which car to choose for rent
Choose a car according to the purpose of your trip. You can drive around the city and its surroundings in a compact car Ford Ka or VW Polo. These models are the most popular with our customers in Istanbul.
In the mountains, more powerful transport will be required. Pay attention to the volume of the engine - it must be more than 1.6 liters. An all-wheel drive crossover would be ideal. VW Passat Estate will cost €29 per day. By the way, before leaving, do not forget to refuel with a margin. On the rises, the fuel goes one and a half to two times more. Gas stations in mountain villages are rare.
What you need to pay attention to at the time of receiving a car
Before picking up, you are required to carefully inspect the car and point out to the rental company manager for scratches, damage and defects, such as dirty seat upholstery. You should check the ignition and the fuel level in the tank. You need to know the conditions for returning the car - where exactly, with what amount of fuel to return the car.
The rental agreement must include a telephone number to contact the rental company. It is designed so that customers can get help in emergency situations, such as when a car breaks down or in the event of an accident. A call to the rental company should be done first, even before the arrival of the police.
Insurance recommendations
When you pick up your rental car, you need to take it seriously. This is especially true if you do not intend to purchase additional insurance. You should carefully inspect the received car and fix all scratches, dents, and other defects in the contract. It is also recommended to take a picture of the existing damage to the car, its number, write down the name of the rental company employee.
What types of insurance are available for car rental?
Third Party Liability (TPL). This is a third party liability protection. If you are the culprit of an accident, the insurance will compensate for the costs of the victims for you.
Collision Damage Waiver (CDW). This is to protect your vehicle from any damage. She works with a franchise. This is the amount that you will have to pay in case of damage in any case. The company will cover anything over the limit. The insurance does not cover theft.
Theft Waiver (T.W.). This is car theft protection. Operates with a franchise.
Personal Accident Insurance (PAI). This is medical insurance for the driver and passengers.
Check out the fuel policy
For trips over long distances, it is better to choose the option with the already included payment for a full tank. If you have a short trip, then this service is inappropriate. Be sure to read the fuel policy before making a booking:
If necessary, use the special filter to select the most convenient option for you.
Unlimited mileage
Before renting a car, you should check with the rental company if there is a limit on the daily mileage for a car. Typically, tourists use a rental car to travel not only around the city, but also to travel to neighboring cities and even countries. If such a restriction exists, it is recommended to choose a rental option where there is no limit. In this case, the total cost of mileage will be lower, since you will not have to pay extra for exceeding the mileage. On our site, in the search results, check the filter "Unlimited mileage" to see the offers you need.
Compare prices and conditions from different car rental companies
When choosing a rental car in Istanbul, you should carefully read all the terms of the rental. This is due to the fact that different companies may differ not only in rental prices, but also in conditions for limiting mileage, the cost of additional services, and the amount of the deposit. To compare rental conditions, it is convenient to use the search and booking system on our website.
Which rental company to choose
Pay attention to the car park. Large and reliable companies regularly buy new cars.
Our clients name the top companies in Istanbul - sixt with an average rating 9.8 points and budget with 9.7 points.
We show all the rental conditions of different companies. Read the rules carefully before booking a car.
Getting a car at a rental office
You should show a voucher and personal documents. A manager draws up a lease agreement. The deposit is blocked on the card.
Before leaving the rental, turn on the ignition, find out the amount of fuel and compare it with what is written in the contract.
Inspect the car carefully. Point out to the manager any paint chips and scuffs. The employee must record the damage. Take a photo yourself: they should show the defect, the number of the car and the employee of the rental company. This will help to avoid problems when returning the car: it will prove that it was not you who torn the upholstery or scratched the fender.
Our advantages
24/7 support in all popular languages
Change or cancel within 48 hours for free!
No additional fees
Car rental reviews: Istanbul
Based on 8255 reviews
Rate 4,8/5
Based on 8255 reviews
Tony
4,8
Without a doubt, I will continue to use Bookingautos on a regular basis. Thank you very much for your assistance!
Michael
4,7
Excellent value for money. The pick-up process was a little confusing, but I would use it again!
Luna
4,5
The search was very simple to use, the price was really low, and there were no problems with the rental car company.
Jody
4,9
Everything proceeded as expected. The complete coverage compensation really worked.
Download the BookingAutos mobile app
Download our mobile app and get access to special offers and discounts in Istanbul.
