Istanbul Airport Car Hire

What to Know When Booking Car Hire at Istanbul Airport

When hiring a car from Istanbul Airport and driving around the city, it’s important to exercise caution when driving in unfamiliar areas – driving in Istanbul can be quite hectic and difficult, particularly in inner-city areas. Here are some tips on other things to consider when driving or hiring a car in Istanbul:

• Book online in advance: With such a large number of passengers, it makes sense that Istanbul Airport is a popular hub for car hire. Because of this, you’ll want to consider booking your car hire online and in advance, so as to avoid any large queues and sold-out vehicles.
• Consider purchasing excess insurance: Istanbul has a reputation for being difficult to drive in, so if you’re concerned about driving safety, consider adding zero excess or a Collision Damage Waiver to your booking for added protection and coverage, as well as peace of mind.
• Rely on travel platforms: Travel platforms like Enjoy Travel are a great way to find the best deals on car hire. We work closely with some of Europe’s best car rental companies and offer excellent rates on car hire.

Why Choose Car Hire at Istanbul Airport?

Istanbul Airport is rife with many dining and retail outlets, and the distance from Istanbul Airport to Istanbul’s downtown area is just under an hour. Istanbul Airport offers an abundance of trusted and reliable car hire companies, all of whom hold an extensive fleet of vehicles that perfectly suit your needs.

How to Save Money on Car Hire at Istanbul Airport

Although airport locations are known to be cheaper for car hire than downtown locations, there are still several ways you can ensure that you find even cheaper car hire and don’t go over budget when booking your car rental:

• Avoid certain types of vehicles or longer rental periods: The longer you rent your car for, the more expensive the rental price will be. Certain types of vehicles, for example, luxury vehicles, SUVs or minivans, are usually more expensive than economy cars. If you want to save money, opt for a smaller economy car that you know you can rely on.
• Check the terms and conditions: It’s unlikely that your rental company will charge any hidden fees, but ensure that you read the terms and conditions and any fine print and rental agreements thoroughly before signing them. Returning your car late can also make the rental company likely to charge you, so ensure you comply with the terms in the rental agreement.
• Book in advance: Booking anything in advance is the best way to ensure you secure your ideal vehicle. Istanbul city and its airport are popular for car hire, so it’s likely that your ideal vehicle will be in high demand or become unavailable quickly. Booking in advance ensures that the vehicle you want is available on the dates that you need it.

How to Navigate the Car Hire Pickup and Drop-Off Process at Istanbul Airport

Hiring a car at Istanbul Airport is straightforward and efficient with any company you decide to rent with. You can find car hire offices at Istanbul Airport in the airport's domestic arrivals zone. From here, the process is simple – choose the car you want, provide the relevant documents, and sign the rental agreement. If you’ve booked your vehicle online, you can simply locate your vehicle and present the card you used to book at the rental office before starting your journey. Ensure that the rental agreement aligns with your expectations and that you have read and understood the terms and conditions before signing.

The drop-off process is also simple – return your vehicle to the designated drop-off location at the agreed time. Ensure that you inspect the vehicle before dropping it off to avoid potentially being charged extra, and make sure you arrive on time. Some companies offer one-way rentals, meaning that you can drop off your vehicle at a different location than where you picked it up, which may be more convenient for you if you’re planning a road trip and don’t want to circle back on yourself.

How to Drive from Istanbul Airport to Istanbul City Centre

Driving from Istanbul Airport to Istanbul City Centre takes around 50 minutes, and navigation is easy – simply drive down the 0-7 motorway road to the city centre. Be aware that the 0-7 motorway is a toll road.

Who are the Top Car Hire Suppliers at Istanbul Airport?

Istanbul Airport hosts a wide range of car hire suppliers, all of whom are popular and trusted suppliers in Europe and who offer an extensive vehicle fleet. The main suppliers at the airport include Alamo, Sixt, Avis, Europcar, GreenMotion, Hertz, National, OK Mobility, and SurPrice. You can find car rental offices in the arrivals area of the domestic zone.

What Type of Cars are Available for Hire at Istanbul Airport?

You can find a wide variety of rental car types at Istanbul Airport. The main types of cars are small, medium, and large, estate cars, and minivans. Makes and models include Mercedes E-Class, BMW 5-Series, Dacia Duster, and Toyota Aygo, among many others. The current cheapest car to rent from Istanbul Airport is the Fiat Egea, with a daily price of around £10 per day. The most expensive car to rent is the Peugeot 5008, with a daily price of around £490.