Turkey is a popular destination among tourists, so many car hire offices exist to satisfy the needs of travelers. Car rentals in Turkey are reputable and run under strict regulations.
Since competition is high, you can often make arrangements on the spot. Still, having an advance reservation is always good to ensure you'll get a cheaper rate and the car you want.
It's especially important to have a reservation if you want a car waiting at your arrival airport. In airports, cars are not always available without a reservation.
Where/How to Rent a Car in Turkey?
There are different approaches to renting a car online. Today, many online services exist online and offer transparent pricing. Alternatively, you can go to a car rental office in Turkey and rent a car privately. We advise using a good travel agency to rent a car in Turkey, which we will detail in the following sections.
Tips to Ensure the Best Rental Service in Turkey
1. Use the Best Rental Car Companies
There are many reputable car rental companies in Turkey. However, it does not mean there are no shady agencies looking to rip off people. To avoid problems, use only the best rental car companies. It never hurts to do a quick Google search and read the reviews left by other people.
2. Use a Good Travel Agency
Looking for a good car rental company can be simplified if you use a good travel agency, to begin with. Reputable travel agencies will help with any problem you may face, including finding a rental car. We advise using one of our recommended travel agencies to arrange rental/hire cars for a safer trip in Turkey.
Using a good travel agency is more manageable than searching for everything yourself, and it costs you no more. Also, having an advocate if anything goes wrong is always pleasant. If there's a dispute with the car rental company, the agency is there to explain it all and to take your side.
Also, if you use an agency for flights within Turkey, hotels, guides, and other services, the agency knows how your whole trip fits together and can help if you have to change anything.
Best Travel Agencies
After working in the Turkish tourism industry for years, Turkey Travel Planner advises only the travel agencies that have been proven for many years for many travelers. The following agencies negotiate deals with rental companies and offer better rates than what you might get online.
Pupa Travel
Pupa Tourism is a highly recommended, all-around agency available to make any arrangements for you anywhere in Turkey: quality guided tours, hotel reservations, car rental, airport pick-up, and more. Pupa is one of the best-staffed agencies in the country, with personnel in Istanbul, Cappadocia, and Ephesus. If you're accustomed to premium, no-compromise travel experiences, they understand you and can fulfill your requirements.
Sojourn Turkey Custom Travel
Americans Chris and Angela Vannoy founded Sojourn and live full-time in Turkey, operating custom-designed tours that highlight the best of local culture and cuisine for years. They work side-by-side with their exceptional Turkish guides and professional staff daily to provide the highest standards of customer service while creating your dream tour of Turkey.
Argeus Tourism & Travel
Argeus is a very responsive and efficient full-service travel agency. They can arrange to have a good car waiting for you anywhere in Turkey (but especially in Cappadocia) at competitive rates. If you have any problem, you call them, and they will fix it.
Efendi Travel
This excellent boutique travel agency in Istanbul, a Fatih Seyahat company, can arrange for your hired car to be waiting at the airport or ferry dock, so you needn't drive in the city—a very good thing! They also have their own fleet of vehicles for hire with a driver, from minivans to midi-buses and full-size motor coaches.
Tours of You (Oak Travel)
A friendly, professional agency located near Ephesus that has years of experience creating custom itineraries to fit your specific needs and wants. Their areas of expertise are Ephesus, Kusadasi, and Izmir, but they offer tours all across Turkey. Their tour guides are some of the most experienced in the tourism industry, with a plethora of knowledge on the ancient sites of Turkey. Tours of You offers visitors the unique opportunity to make the most of their travels by booking a tour with an experienced and informative guide.
Travel Atelier
Upbeat, extremely pleasant to work with, this husband-and-wife-owned agency has an experienced travel team who can help plan any sort of trip, anywhere in Turkey. If you're planning a wedding and/or honeymoon in Turkey, these are the first people to contact. Like wine and cuisine? It's one of their specialties.
CVB Travel
With years of experience in the travel and hospitality industry, the owners of this agency go above and beyond to plan your dream trip to Turkey. While their area of expertise is Cappadocia, they also offer tours in Antalya, Istanbul, Ephesus and Pamukkale as well. Their sister balloon company, Voyager Balloons, is one of the top-rated balloon companies in all of Cappadocia and their connection will assure a highly coveted space on one of their flights.
Guided Istanbul Tours
At Guided Istanbul Tours, they specialize in private tours led by licensed guides who are true experts in their field. Their meticulously designed tours are aimed at providing you with a deep dive into Istanbul's history, culture, and iconic landmarks. With their tours, you can expect a seamless and enriching journey that uncovers the hidden gems of this magnificent city. Discover Istanbul, Ephesus, Cappadocia, the Mediterranean, and more through the eyes of their expert local guides.
Anker Travel
Want to rent a car in the Ephesus area? Anker Travel in Kuşadası will have it ready for you when you land at Izmir's Adnan Menderes Airport, or when you debark from your ship at Kuşadası, Çeşme or İzmir, or when you descend from your bus, or have it delivered right to your hotel. A rental car is a perfect way to visit Şirince and Euromos, visit Bodrum on a day trip, make the Priene-Miletus-Didyma Tour, and even drive via Aphrodisias to Denizli and Pamukkale.
Get Your Rental Car in Turkey Today!
Getting a rental car in Turkey is a straightforward process with little difficulty. Turkish rental car companies work under strict regulations and offer fair service. However, it is always advisable to be careful and use only the best car rental and travel agencies.
—by Tom Brosnahan, updated by Can Turan
Best Travel Agencies 