Updated 2026-11-11 · By the Rentovaro team
Short answer: The cheapest time to rent a car in Turkey is November to March, when economy cars cost from about €19 per day. Book 3-6 weeks ahead for summer, rent for 7+ days to unlock weekly rates, choose a manual economy car, and compare the total price including deposit, insurance excess, fuel policy and mileage limits.
When is car rental cheapest in Turkey?
Demand follows tourism. July and August are the most expensive months on the coast (Antalya, Bodrum, Dalaman, Izmir). Prices drop by roughly 40% from November to March. Istanbul and Ankara have steadier year-round prices because of business travel.
Seven ways to pay less
- Book early for summer. Automatics sell out first on the coast.
- Rent for a week or longer. Weekly rates are around 15% cheaper per day; monthly rentals even more.
- Choose manual and diesel if you are comfortable with it. Diesel also saves on fuel.
- Avoid airport surcharges by choosing a company that includes them.
- Insist on full-to-full fuel. Pre-paid fuel is almost always more expensive.
- Check the excess. A cheap rate with a €1,500 excess can cost more than a slightly higher all-inclusive rate.
- Book direct. Booking directly with a local company avoids broker commissions and makes changes easier.
Cheapest vs most reliable: how to get both
Very low headline prices are often recovered at the desk through mandatory insurance upgrades, large deposits or damage claims. Look for: written all-inclusive quotes, real customer reviews on independent platforms, a 24/7 phone line, and clear rental terms published on the website.
Typical prices in 2026
| Car class | Low season (Nov-Mar) | Peak (Jul-Aug) | Weekly rate (per day, low season) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Economy Fiat Egea, Renault Clio, Hyundai i20 | €19 | €32 | €16 |
| Compact Automatic Toyota Corolla, Renault Megane, Peugeot 308 | €26 | €42 | €22 |
| SUV Peugeot 3008, Nissan Qashqai, Dacia Duster | €38 | €65 | €32 |
| Minivan & 9-Seater Citroën Berlingo, VW Caddy, Ford Tourneo | €45 | €85 | €38 |
| Premium & Electric Mercedes C-Class, BMW 3 Series, Tesla Model Y, Togg T10X | €70 | €140 | €60 |
Indicative "from" prices, last updated 2026-11-11. Final price depends on dates, availability and rental length.
Related: Renting a car in Turkey: complete guide · Driving in Turkey: rules & tips · FAQ