Renting a Car in Turkey: The Complete 2026 Guide for Foreign Visitors

Updated 2026-11-11 · By the Rentovaro team

Short answer: To rent a car in Turkey as a foreign visitor you need a passport, a driving licence held for at least 2 years (plus an International Driving Permit if it is not in the Latin alphabet), and a credit card for the deposit. The minimum age is usually 21. Prices start from around €19 per day in the low season. Tolls are paid electronically via the car's HGS tag.

1. Documents you need

Passport (EU citizens can also use a national ID card).
Driving licence held for at least 2 years. Tourists can drive in Turkey with their foreign licence.
International Driving Permit (IDP) if your licence is not printed in Latin characters.
Credit card in the main driver's name for the security deposit.

2. Age requirements

Most companies, including Rentovaro, rent economy and compact cars from age 21 with 2 years of driving experience. Larger and premium cars often require 25-27. Some companies charge a young-driver fee; check before you book.

3. The deposit

The deposit is a temporary hold on your credit card, released after the car is returned undamaged. It varies by car class. Debit cards are not always accepted for the deposit, so confirm in advance if you do not have a credit card.

4. Insurance explained

Third-party liability (Trafik Sigortası) is mandatory and always included.
CDW limits your liability for damage to an excess amount.
Full Protection / Super CDW reduces the excess to zero and usually covers tyres, glass and headlights, which basic CDW excludes.

Tip: take a timestamped video of the car at pick-up, including wheels and windscreen.

5. Tolls (HGS)

Turkish motorways, the Istanbul bridges, the Eurasia Tunnel and the Osmangazi Bridge are tolled electronically. Rental cars carry an HGS sticker, so you just drive through the HGS lanes. Do not use lanes marked only for OGS or cash. The rental company charges the actual tolls afterwards.

6. Fuel

Petrol is benzin, diesel is dizel or motorin. Most stations are full-service: an attendant fills the car and you pay by card. Diesel cars usually give the best range for long trips.

7. Hidden fees to check before booking

Airport surcharges and out-of-hours fees
One-way fees
Fuel policy (prefer full-to-full)
Mileage limits (prefer unlimited)
Excess amount and what CDW excludes
Toll service fees on top of actual tolls

At Rentovaro the price you see includes insurance, VAT, airport fees and unlimited mileage.

8. Crossing borders

Rental cars generally cannot leave Turkey. Travel to Northern Cyprus, Georgia or Greece needs written permission and extra insurance arranged in advance.