Istanbul Cheap Car Rentals & Car Hire Deals

Reasons to book a car rental in and around Istanbul

Renting a car in Istanbul offers the freedom and flexibility to explore this vibrant metropolis at your own pace. With a rental car, you can easily visit key attractions such as Taksim Square, Hagia Sophia, and Galata Tower, all located within the city. This convenience is ideal for travellers seeking city-themed or culture-themed experiences, allowing you to manage your luggage and travel plans without hassle.

Moreover, a rental car provides the opportunity to venture beyond the city limits to popular destinations like Adalar, where you can enjoy Sedef Island and the serene Aya Yorgi Church, or Şile, known for its picturesque lighthouse and Ayazma Beach. Exploring these areas becomes much simpler when you have your own vehicle, allowing you to experience the diverse offerings of Istanbul and its surroundings. Whether you are travelling for leisure or business, having a rental car enhances your journey, making it easier to navigate the city's attractions and enjoy the rich cultural experiences that Istanbul has to offer.

Most popular car rentals in Istanbul

• Compact: The Compact car is an excellent choice for navigating the bustling streets of Istanbul. It comfortably accommodates up to 5 travellers along with up to 3 medium suitcases, making it ideal for solo adventurers, couples, or small families. Its size allows for easy parking and manoeuvring through tight spaces, ensuring you can explore the city effortlessly and at your own pace.
• Economy: The Economy car offers a practical solution for budget-conscious travellers. This option also accommodates up to 5 travellers but limits luggage to 2 medium suitcases. It is perfect for solo travellers, couples, or families looking for an economical way to explore Istanbul. The fuel efficiency of Economy cars allows for more savings during your trip, giving you the freedom to visit various attractions without breaking the bank.
• Midsize SUV: The Midsize SUV is a fantastic option for those who require extra space. It comfortably seats up to 5 travellers and can hold up to 3 large suitcases, making it suitable for families, couples, or small groups. With its spacious interior and enhanced comfort, the Midsize SUV is perfect for longer drives around Istanbul and its vicinity, providing both flexibility and a comfortable travel experience.

Top rated car suppliers in Istanbul

• Enterprise: With over 5 rental locations across Istanbul, Enterprise provides excellent convenience for travellers exploring the city. Known for their wide selection, they excel in offering Economy and Compact vehicles, perfect for navigating Istanbul's bustling streets. Their focus on customer satisfaction ensures a smooth rental experience, making it a popular choice among visitors.
• Alamo Rent A Car: Alamo boasts 3 rental locations situated conveniently throughout Istanbul. This supplier is particularly favoured for their Compact SUVs and Economy cars, allowing you to comfortably traverse both urban and nearby scenic routes. Alamo’s commitment to service excellence makes them a reliable option for your car rental needs.
• Greenmotion: With 2 rental locations in Istanbul, Greenmotion is a great choice for those seeking a mix of value and variety. They specialise in Economy and Standard SUVs, catering to a range of preferences for your driving experience. Their focus on environmentally friendly options and customer care makes them a standout supplier for eco-conscious travellers.

Where to stay in Istanbul

• Istanbul City Center: Located in the heart of the city, Istanbul City Center is ideal for those seeking a culture-themed and city-themed experience. With proximity to key attractions such as the historic Galata Tower and Topkapi Palace, visitors can immerse themselves in rich history. The bustling public market and shopping areas offer ample opportunities for exploration. There are numerous dining options, including restaurants, pubs, and cafes, making it a vibrant hub for travellers.
• Sultanahmet: Known for its historic charm, Sultanahmet is home to significant landmarks such as the Hagia Sophia and the Blue Mosque. This district appeals to culture-themed and city-themed travellers eager to delve into Istanbul's rich heritage. The area features a lively public market and shopping venues, alongside various restaurants and wineries for dining. Sultanahmet is perfect for those wanting to experience Istanbul's historical essence and enjoy its bustling atmosphere.
• Taksim: Taksim is a dynamic district known for its vibrant shopping areas and cultural attractions. With Taksim Square at its centre and the renowned Istiklal Avenue nearby, it offers a lively atmosphere for city-themed and culture-themed visitors. The area features a variety of dining options, including restaurants, pubs, and wineries. Taksim is a great choice for travellers looking to experience the contemporary side of Istanbul while still being close to cultural landmarks like the Galata Tower.

10 tips to save on your car rental in and around Istanbul

1. Use filters to find the right car: Refine your search by selecting vehicle type and desired features. Whether you require an SUV for additional space, a convertible for summer drives, or an economical car for budget-friendly travel, utilise the filters on Expedia to help you discover the ideal option for your journey.
2. Book in advance to help lower costs: Rental prices can vary significantly based on demand, so it’s advisable to reserve your vehicle well ahead of your trip. By booking in advance, you are likely to secure lower rates and better availability, particularly during peak seasons.
3. Consider a smaller car for savings: Compact cars are typically more affordable to rent and easier to manoeuvre in crowded areas. Mid-size rentals strike a good balance between cost, comfort, and fuel efficiency.
4. Age guidelines: Drivers under the age of 30 may encounter higher deposits or daily surcharges, and certain types of vehicles—such as SUVs or premium models—might not be available. This can also apply to renters over 70 years old. Always verify age requirements before making a reservation.
5. Check fuel policies: Some rental agreements mandate a full-to-full fuel policy, meaning you must return the car with a full tank to avoid additional charges. This is generally the most advantageous option. Others may offer full-to-empty or prepaid refuelling options, which are also acceptable. Just ensure you return the vehicle empty in that case.
6. Save on city and airport pickups: Picking up your rental car at airports often incurs a surcharge, but the convenience may make it worthwhile.
7. Know your payment options: Many car rental companies exclusively accept credit cards for payment.
8. Understand your insurance coverage: Car rental insurance can help you avoid unnecessary expenses and provides peace of mind should anything unexpected occur during your trip. Adding car rental insurance when booking through Expedia is a straightforward process.
9. Consider unlimited mileage: If your plans include lengthy road trips, seek rentals that offer unlimited mileage to prevent incurring extra charges.
10. Bring your driver's license and ID: A valid driver's licence is essential for renting a car.

Best time to rent a car in and around Istanbul

The best value period to rent a car in and around Istanbul is February, when prices are moderately low and demand is at its lowest. Nearby months, like March and May, also offer reasonable rates with average demand. However, the summer months of June through August see moderately high prices and high demand, making them less ideal for budget-conscious renters. November tends to be the most expensive month, with moderately high prices and low demand, while October shows average prices with steady demand.

Calendar Month	Temperature	Precipitation	Cloudiness	Demand	Pricing
January	45.0°F (7.2°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Cloudy	Average	Average
February	45.9°F (7.7°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Cloudy	Low	Moderately Low
March	48.4°F (9.1°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Average	Moderately Low
April	54.3°F (12.4°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Average	Average
May	63.7°F (17.6°C)	No Rain (Dry)	Mostly Sunny	Average	Moderately Low
June	72.5°F (22.5°C)	No Rain (Dry)	Sunny	Average	Average
July	77.4°F (25.2°C)	No Rain (Dry)	Sunny	High	Moderately High
August	77.9°F (25.5°C)	No Rain (Dry)	Sunny	High	Moderately High
September	72.3°F (22.4°C)	No Rain (Dry)	Mostly Sunny	High	Average
October	63.9°F (17.7°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Average	Average
November	57.2°F (14.0°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Low	Moderately High
December	49.6°F (9.8°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Cloudy	Low	Average