Car rental in
Istanbul
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Our services at Istanbul
SIXT car rental in Istanbul
Experience Islamic architecture and sample baklava and other Turkish delicacies when you visit Istanbul. Whether you visit the Hagia Sophia and the Blue Mosque or cross the water to the Asian side, a SIXT car rental in Istanbul is the best way to see this multi-cultural city.
With over 10 SIXT locations, including a convenient branch at Istanbul Airport (IST), it’s easy to rent a car in Istanbul and start exploring. Our English-speaking branch agents will connect you with the right car for your trip and answer all your questions.
Driving tips for Istanbul
Divided between the Asian and European sides, Istanbul is a sprawling city that can best be explored by rental car. These driving tips will help you maximize your time behind the wheel:
- Speed Limit: Expect speed limits of 50 km/h (31 mph) within the city limits, 90 km/h (56 mph) on the highways, and up to 120 km/h (75 mph) on the motorways.
- Toll Roads: Some toll roads around Istanbul charge per kilometer and require cash at the end, while others have an automatic payment system in place.
- Horns: Although you’ll often hear car horns, honking your horn after 10 pm is not permitted.
- Streetlights: Some streetlights in Istanbul turn from red to yellow to green, which gives the drivers time to prepare between the red and green lights.
- Snow: Although snowstorms are rare in Istanbul, the city usually experiences a few snowy days in January or February. Proceed with caution and wait until the roads are cleared.
Best Places to Visit in and around Istanbul
From the moment you sit in the driver’s seat, your rental car in Istanbul gives you the freedom to explore on your own terms. Visit these places during your trip:
- Galata Tower: Drive to Galata Tower and take a short walk to one of the best sunset viewpoints in Istanbul. From this vantage point, you can spy the Topkapi Palace, the Blue Mosque, the Hagia Sophia, and other iconic buildings in the Istanbul skyline.
- Şile: Situated about a 1.5-hour drive from Istanbul, Şile is a seaside resort town and a popular getaway for city dwellers. This town features hidden bays, fresh seafood, and nature trails in the mountains.
- Thrace Vineyard Route: This scenic drive takes you past 12 vineyards, along the coast, and through the mountains. Whether or not you drink wine, this is one of the most beautiful road trips near Istanbul.
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What our customers are saying
*Our Customer Excitement Score is based on a survey sent to all customers who booked in Istanbul. The score is an average of all customer responses.
Good to know when renting in Istanbul
One-way rentals between SIXT stations in Turkey are allowed, depending on the tariff. Prior approval is also required.
You need a valid driver’s license held for at least 2 years, plus an ID or passport, for a SIXT rental in Turkey. Renters with licenses using non-Roman alphabets like Arabic or Cyrillic also need an international driving permit.
The minimum age for rental in Turkey is 21 with a license held for 2 years. There is a higher minimum age for some car categories.
