Car Rental at Ankara Esenboga Airport

Known as the cosmopolitan capital of Turkey, Ankara is home to over 5 million people and is the center of Turkey's road network, making it a perfect base or starting destination for a road trip with your Green Motion car rental.

There are plenty of historical sites on offer in Ankara, including the Anadolu Medeniyetleri Muzesi, a natural history museum, and the incredible Antikabir Museum which shows Turkish architecture at its best. You can also visit Ankara Castle which dates back to the Roman, Seljuk, and Ottoman Empires. Once you reach the peak of the castle grounds you can look out onto the city for miles on a clear day.

The best way to get around Ankara on your schedule and visit the rest of Turkey is by rental car. We offer low CO2 vehicles that are at the cutting edge of environmental technology, with a choice of hire vehicles right across the range, from small city cars to SUVs, all of which allow our customers to reduce their CO2 emissions at a low price. With Green Motion you know every car available has low CO2 emissions, so you can just book your rental and go!

Tips for renting a car at Ankara Airport

Before you rent
Choose wisely. In 2019 we introduced our multi-product system which helps you choose a car based on your needs and easily see the final price. Car rental insurance can be tricky to navigate and often isn't what you expect, by booking with us direct you'll receive the correct insurance for your rental.

When you collect your vehicle
Plan ahead. We recommend planning your route before you leave, especially when renting a car at an airport. Are you sure where you're meeting your chaperone or where the rental desk is? Your confirmation email will have the contact information for the location, so we suggest saving the number in your phone ahead of time.

Have the correct documents ready. We try and keep the check in process as painless as possible but we do need to process certain information for legal reasons so having these ready ahead of time can help speed up the process. Make sure you have your booking details ready, along with your driving licence, passport and valid credit card.

Complete a vehicle check. It's essential when you are taken to your car you complete a Vehicle Condition Report (VCR) and note any existing damage, paying particular attention to the five damage hotspots. If you don't report this, you may be liable for these damages when you return the vehicle. We don't want you to get caught out, so we've put together a handy vehicle inspection video to help you check everything thoroughly.

While you rent
Take care. Unfortunately you may be liable for any damage caused to a vehicle in your care, and this will vary depending on the product you choose. A large proportion of damages to any car can be dings you pick up in car parks, so be mindful when space is limited and park further away and walk a little further to your destination.

When you return your vehicle
Complete a vehicle check. It's time to carry out a VCR again and even more essential to fully log any damage, no matter how small, to ensure you are fully covered and we can process your return effectively. Be sure to check the vehicle as before, paying special attention to the five damage hotspots.

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Good to know about car rental in Marrakech Airport

 

Driving in Turkey, particularly from Ankara Esenboğa Airport, is generally straightforward for experienced travelers. The roads are in good condition, especially the highways leading in and out of the capital. From the airport, you’ll easily connect to Ankara via the D140 and reach the city center in about 30–40 minutes, depending on traffic.

Turkey uses right-hand traffic, with most road signs following international standards. You'll find road surfaces well-marked and modern in most urban and intercity routes, although rural areas may feature narrower or less maintained roads. Renting a car at the airport offers the benefit of immediate access to these networks, making road trips to nearby cultural sites or even longer journeys to regions like Cappadocia much easier than by public transport.

To legally drive in Turkey, you must carry a valid driver's license — EU, UK, and US licenses are accepted. However, an International Driving Permit (IDP) is highly recommended, especially if your license is printed in a non-Latin script. Turkish authorities may request it during routine checks, which are not uncommon.

It’s important to drive cautiously and stay alert, especially at roundabouts or junctions, where right-of-way rules are sometimes loosely followed. In cities like Ankara, traffic can get busy, and local driving styles may seem assertive. However, outside of the capital, traffic thins out and long stretches of road make for enjoyable driving.

Be aware of these standard speed limits:

50 km/h (31 mph) in urban areas, up to 120 km/h (75 mph) on motorways.

Seat belts are mandatory for all passengers, headlights must be on even during the day, and mobile phone use while driving is prohibited unless you have a hands-free system. Also, note that Turkey enforces a near-zero alcohol limit. If you’ve had anything to drink, don’t drive.

Parking in central Ankara is relatively easy compared to Istanbul, with a mix of paid parking zones and public lots. And if you're planning to explore more remote or mountainous regions, such as during winter months, ask for a rental vehicle with snow tires or chains, as conditions can change rapidly.

Overall, with a bit of preparation and awareness of the rules, driving in Turkey can be a very rewarding and practical way to explore the country’s historical landmarks and diverse landscapes.

Car Hire at Ankara Esenboga Airport – Useful Information

Where to pick up your car?

The Green Motion office is located within the airport, after landing please head to the Domestic Arrival Hall, Car Rental Section, where the Green Motion station can be found. If you require any assistance please call 0090 312 911 4530.

Side of road

Drive on the right side of the road

Local currency

Turkish Lira (TRY)

Nearest Gas Station

Multiple stations available along the highway near the terminal.

Nearest Bus Station

City buses connect to downtown Ankara from the airport

Nearest Train Station

Ankara Gar (main railway station) is ~25–30 minutes away via road.

Average temperatures

-1°C (30°F) - 20°C (68°F)

Renting a car at Ankara Esenboga Airport – Frequently Asked Questions

How long does pickup take?

Around 10-15 minutes!

How far is Ankara Esenboğa Airport from the city center by car?

The drive from Esenboğa Airport to central Ankara takes approximately 30 to 40 minutes, depending on traffic conditions. The route is well-signposted and connects directly to the D140 highway.

Is it easy to drive in Ankara as a visitor?

Yes, Ankara is generally easier to drive in than cities like Istanbul. The roads are well-maintained, signage is clear, and traffic is more manageable. However, during peak hours, congestion can build up around central areas.

Do I need an International Driving Permit (IDP) to drive in Ankara?

If your driver’s license is from an EU country, the UK, or the US and is printed in Latin characters, it is accepted. However, having an IDP is strongly recommended and may be required in the event of police checks or for insurance purposes.

What kind of car should I rent in Ankara?

If you're staying mainly within the city, a compact car is ideal for navigating urban streets and parking. If you plan day trips to areas like Beypazarı or Lake Tuz, a mid-size vehicle or SUV may be more comfortable for longer drives.

Is parking difficult in Ankara?

Parking in Ankara is generally manageable. The city offers street parking (some metered) and public parking lots in commercial districts. Be mindful of local signage to avoid fines or towing.

Are there toll roads around Ankara?

Yes, several highways leading out of Ankara are tolled. Most rental cars come equipped with a toll transponder, and tolls are automatically charged to your rental agreement.

What are the driving conditions like in winter?

Ankara experiences cold winters with occasional snow. If needed, we make sure your rental car is equipped with winter tires. Roads are usually cleared quickly, but rural routes can still be slippery.