Car rental / Driving in Turkey

[NinnyPoo]

We have three weeks planned in Turkey in April 2024. Looking at a car rental (though will avoid driving in Istanbul). Planning on renting in Cappadocia and return near Istanbul. (likely Bursa). The trip will include Cappadocia, Konya and the South Coast.

I am fine with driving "left hand" and have driven in Oman and UAE, but any advice appreciated on Turkish driving.

Thanks

 

[Franky]

We have three weeks planned in Turkey in April 2024. Looking at a car rental (though will avoid driving in Istanbul). Planning on renting in Cappadocia and return near Istanbul. (likely Bursa). The trip will include Cappadocia, Konya and the South Coast.

I am fine with driving "left hand" and have driven in Oman and UAE, but any advice appreciated on Turkish driving.

Thanks

Have driven in Turkey 3 times over the years, and find it is quite easy once away from the big city. You don't need a car in Istanbul itself, their public transport is excellent. I always try to hire auto vehicles, makes things a bit easier. I always went primarily to visit Galipolli, so if you're considering that, avoid Anzac Day as it was always a bit of a zoo, but a couple of days either side all OK. The whole peninsula is worth a couple of days if you can squeeze it in. We always stayed in a hotel on the main street on the way to the airport (Kennedy Cadisi) and rented the car from the airport. There are both a light rail and bus to get you to the airport. When we finished our tour on the Cappadocia side, we drove up to Bandirma, where there is a vehicular ferry back to Istanbul which berths between our hotel and the airport, so it is a 10 minute drive to the airport to return the car. By chance, the ferry that does this trip was built in WA! Enjoy the trip.

 

[howellosvaldo]

We have three weeks planned in Turkey in April 2024. Looking at a car rental (though will avoid driving in Istanbul). Planning on renting in Cappadocia and return near Istanbul. (likely Bursa). The trip will include Cappadocia, Konya and the South Coast.

I am fine with driving "left hand" and have driven in Oman and UAE, but any advice appreciated on Turkish driving.

Thanks

I have driven across Turkey three times already, and I can attest that it is very easy once you get out of the major cities. While in Istanbul, you won't need a vehicle because the public transportation system is first-rate. Hiring a car is something I do frequently since it simplifies things. It was always a bit of a snarl on Anzac Day, but a couple of days either side were fine; I usually went mostly to see Galipolli if that's something you're thinking about doing.

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[Franky]

I have driven across Turkey three times already, and I can attest that it is very easy once you get out of the major cities. While in Istanbul, you won't need a vehicle because the public transportation system is first-rate. Hiring a car is something I do frequently since it simplifies things. It was always a bit of a snarl on Anzac Day, but a couple of days either side were fine; I usually went mostly to see Galipolli if that's something you're thinking about doing.

I forgot to mention in my earlier post that Istanbul itself is worth 5-7 days - they have the treasures that the Greeks think they have. There are numerous mosques, museums and the two bazaars to see, and if you have an interest in Florence Nightingale, a visit across the channel to Scatari (about 10minutes on a cheap ferry, but buy the ticket at the office, not on the street) you get to the 7th Turkish Army Barracks which is where she nursed the British soldiers who were wounded in the Crimea. Your hotel will be able to book the visit for you

 

[Tiki]

I just got back from a drive around eastern Turkiye and it was very easy. I got a good rate with Avis using a link from Turkish airlines when I booked the domestic flights and everything went smoothly. Once away from Istanbul, it is so much easier with a car as the main sights tend to be spread out. Parking in city centres like Kars and Van was a bit tricky but doable.

There were a few police checkpoints but at most they just want to see your license or your passport, then they wave you through. Nothing to worry about.