How to find a cheap car hire deal in Istanbul Ataturk Airport (IST)
Get into the driver's seat with a cheap Istanbul Ataturk Airport rental car. With prices averaging ج.م. 3,319 a day, you're on the road to better value. From no-frills city cars to big-capacity SUVs, we'll help you find your kind of ride at your kind of price.
February is the cheapest month to rent a car in IST. With average daily rates of ج.م. 1,458, you're on the fast-track to saving.
Timing is everything when it comes to finding a cheap IST rental car. Book about two weeks before you travel to score the best price.
Hit, Avec car rentals and Eren Rent a Car are popular providers at Istanbul Ataturk Airport.
The coverage Hit or another supplier includes with your Istanbul Ataturk Airport car hire can vary, so be sure to read the small print. While some include a collision damage waiver (CDW), others will charge a fee for it.
Booking one-way could snag you a cheaper rate on your car hire. Providers sometimes offer lower prices when vehicles need to be relocated. Just click 'Return car to a different location' when looking for a car for rent in IST.
Search for a vehicle with a 'Fair fuel policy.' You'll pick up and drop off your car hire in Istanbul Ataturk Airport with a full tank, so you're only paying for what you use. You'll also skip the costly refueling charges rental agencies tack on.
Want to explore freely without stressing about how many miles you rack up? Find rentals with 'Unlimited mileage' under the 'Policies' filter and travel as far as you like without the extra costs.
Go from zero to adventure once you've picked up the keys to your IST car hire. You'll have the freedom to go wherever you want, but if you're off to central Istanbul, it'll take you around 50 minutes to cover the 48 kilometres or so south-east.
Don't need a set of wheels immediately? Consider picking up a car hire in Istanbul instead of at the airport. That way, you won't be paying for days you don't use.
Compare car hire types from Istanbul Ataturk Airport (IST)
Small: These cheap Istanbul Ataturk Airport rental cars may be small in size, but they come with big advantages. Including mini and economy vehicles, they're nimble, light on fuel, and a match made in heaven for city driving.
Medium: A reliable pick when you want something that has a few more features but is still easy to drive. This category covers compact and intermediate models that offer a little extra leg space compared to smaller cars.
Large: Long drives are effortless in this IST car hire category. Also known as full-size, they've got the engine power for lengthy trips. The extra legroom and comfort make them a popular choice for groups of friends and families.
SUV: SUVs are adventure on four wheels. All-wheel drive and everyday versatility equip them for city streets and country backroads alike.
Van: With options like commercial vans and trucks, this category of car for rent in Istanbul Ataturk Airport makes light work of big hauls and group travel. They're spacious, functional, and ready for whatever the journey demands.
Insurance and optional extras
Choosing excess insurance for your IST car hire can take the stress out of driving. It protects you from paying a big excess fee in case of a collision or theft. Insurance policies can differ between rental providers, so give them a quick comparison.
Level up your ride with extras like a reverse camera and GPS unit. They can make your trip easier and more enjoyable when you rent a car in Istanbul Ataturk Airport.
Good to know
Age requirements can vary by supplier and even car type, so be clear on the rules before you book. Some suppliers in Türkiye (Turkey) may rent to younger drivers for an additional fee. If you fall outside the typical age range, just uncheck 'Driver aged between 25–70' and then enter how old you are to unlock the right options.
If you're going away with the kids, find out if you need to add a car seat to your IST car hire reservation. Whether required by local laws or not, they're always the safest way for youngsters to ride.
Hit the road: Where to drive from Istanbul Ataturk Airport (IST)
Before leaving town, enjoy a bit of sightseeing around Istanbul first. Major highlights like Hagia Sophia Museum and Hagia Sophia History Museum make an excellent first impression.
Around 121 kilometres south of IST, Bursa deserves a place on your itinerary. Make a beeline for must-see sights like Old Bursa Historic Houses and Archeological Museum.
Add Gebze to your travel plans. Around 80 kilometres south-east of the airport, drive there in your Istanbul Ataturk Airport car hire to see highlights such as Süleymaniye Camii and Osman Hamdi Bey Museum.
Want to stretch this drive a little longer? Balikesir is a top road trip destination that's about 193 kilometres south of IST. Sakarya Cami and 15 Temmuz Şehitler Parkı are ideal pit stops.
