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Car Rental - Istanbul
Get behind the wheel of a rental car in Istanbul to explore this sprawling and historic city. Learn the city’s many names that reflect its vital role at the crossroads of empires. It has been Byzantium, New Rome, Constantinople, Stamboul, and Istanbul, and the many rulers have resulted in grand buildings that span cathedrals, mosques, and fortresses. Istanbul is a truly memorable and enchanting place to visit, with many sights to see and explore.
You’ll find several car rental locations across Istanbul where you can pick up and drop off your rental car, and you can pre-pay for a quick departure or pay on collection if you prefer.
With our best price guarantee and no hidden extras or credit card fees to pay, you’ll find car rental in Istanbul the perfect way to explore the city and then head out into the rest of Turkey.
Istanbul Locations
A Quick Guide to Istanbul
Many of Istanbul’s most fascinating sights have been wonderfully preserved over the years. The legacy of the Byzantines and Ottomans is writ large here, and you can lose weeks seeing all that this diverse and complex city has to offer you.
The Soaring Sophia
One of the world’s great buildings, the Hagia Sophia (or Aya Sofya), was first constructed in the 6th Century and served as an Eastern Orthodox and then a Roman Catholic cathedral before the Ottomans, under Mehmet the Conqueror, turned it into a mosque in 1453.
It was converted into a secular building in 1931, closing to the public until 1934 – when it became a museum. It started operating as a mosque again in 2020. For its first 1,000 years, it was the world’s largest cathedral, noted for its vast and impressive dome. Packed full of gold mosaics and breathtaking ancient art, it’s the city’s crowning glory.
Another of Mehmet’s projects was Topkapi Palace, where he lived for some years. It housed many sultans after him but is now open to the public. You’ll see weaponry from the Middle Ages, rococo fountains, Turkish baths, Chinese porcelain, and gorgeous grounds.
Bounty of the Bazaars
No visit to Istanbul would be complete without time spent at the vibrant bazaars. The Grand Bazaar was first instituted by Mehmet in 1461 and has grown to become a sprawling place where you can find anything and everything. Wander the labyrinths to see artisans creating things in front of your eyes, join locals for tea, and don’t forget that you’re expected to haggle for a bargain.
The Water of Life
A cistern might not be top of the list of most visitor attractions, but the Basilica Cistern is a truly splendid thing to see. Built in the 6th century AD to supply water from Thrace, it was ignored and forgotten until a recent renovation.
Imposing columns hold the ceiling aloft, while music and lights add atmosphere. Watch out for the fish that swim around the columns, and a sign of early recycling – the upside-down head of Medusa was used as a column when the Byzantines tore down Roman temples.
For an unbeatable view of Istanbul, head for the Galata Tower. There is a lift most of the way, although you’ll need to climb one flight of stairs at the very top. Arrive early to skip the lines and see an unparalleled vista from the viewing platform of this 14th-century building.
With its ancient wonders, its melding of disparate cultures, and its relentless energy, Istanbul stands out as one of the great cities of the world.
Driving In and Around Istanbul
Due to the sheer size of Turkey and Istanbul, car rental can really help you to make the most of your visit. You’ll drive on the right, and speed limits are signposted. They are 74mph (120kph) on freeways, 55mph (90kph) outside built-up areas, and 30mph (50kph) in built-up areas. Seat belts are compulsory.
You’ll find many toll roads in Turkey, and you can only pay using a sticker on your screen – our Hertz Istanbul car rental team will be happy to help you with this. Check out a guide online for a full breakdown of driving laws in Turkey.
As an ancient city, Istanbul’s roads can be narrow, with many one-way systems. On-street parking is hard to find, so you’re advised to use your hotel’s parking facilities or pay to use a parking lot or garage. If you plan on visiting the city’s historic Sultanahmet area, please note that some 295 streets are pedestrianized, so it’s best to park up and explore the area on foot.
The size and shape of Istanbul means it doesn’t really lend itself to having a ring road, but it has three beltways, the innermost being the Otoyol 1 or O-1, while the O-2 is the outer beltway. The partially open O-6 is even further out, covering the northern sections of the city.
If you plan on getting out of Istanbul to see more of Turkey, the E80 is a vast European road that goes west to the border with Greece and Bulgaria but also heads east across the northern parts of Turkey. It’s an important road to learn if you’re driving your rental car out of Istanbul.
For Ankara, drive east on the E80 from Istanbul before swinging south on the E89. The E881 runs south to Turkey’s west coast, while the holiday resorts of Antalya can be reached via the D650, albeit after an 8-hour drive.
