Istanbul Airport

The fifth-largest city in the world, Istanbul has something for everyone and is a fascinating city to visit. From culture to cuisine, mosques to museums, and architecture to art - you won't get bored in Istanbul.

The Hagia Sophia Mosque is a stunning building that we recommend highly when you visit Istanbul. The mosque interior contains over 30 million decorative tiles on the walls and ceilings and marble floors throughout. It is open to the general public, as well as still being a practicing mosque.

You can also explore much of the history of Istanbul, and Turkey itself, in museums as Topkapi Palace, Galata Tower, and the Atatürk Museum. You can then head on over to the Grand Bazaar market, where you will get an authentic feel for the culture and history of Istanbul, as well as find some of the most incredible trinkets, materials, and spices you won't see anywhere else in the world.

The best way to get around Istanbul 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 in Istanbul

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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Why choose Green Motion for car rental?

Our pricing is transparent

With Green Motion, you always easily see the total final price. Car rental insurance can sometimes be difficult to understand - by booking with us, you always get the right insurance easily.

Get your car with ease

Our car rental points are located within easy distances from central locations - near airports and train stations, as well as in the heart of cities.

We are eco-friendly

We strive to minimize our environmental impact. We invest in, among other things, biodegradable chemicals and less water-consuming methods to clean our cars, such as steam cleaning.

We are always happy to help

You can reach us by phone from 9 am to 5 pm and at other times by email, [email protected].

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Good to know about car rental in Istanbul Airport


Once you have landed in Istanbul and picked up your rental car from the designated office at Istanbul Airport, we wish you a safe and delightful journey.

For those navigating Istanbul's roads for the first time, take a moment to get acquainted with the vehicle, understand Turkey's traffic regulations, and plan your routes.

In Turkey, driving is on the right-hand side. A valid driving license from your home country is required, and depending on your country of origin, you may also need an International Driving Permit (IDP).

Istanbul is known for its busy traffic conditions, especially during peak times, and adverse weather can further complicate driving conditions. Additionally, while exploring rural areas outside of Istanbul, roads may be less maintained, and encountering cyclists and slower vehicles is common, thus requiring caution.

The speed limits in Turkey are generally 50 km/h in urban areas, 90 km/h on secondary roads, and 120 km/h on highways, subject to change based on road conditions and signage.

Fuel stations are readily available in the city and along major highways, but it's wise to monitor your fuel level when traveling to more remote areas of the country.

If you need help while in Istanbul, don't hesitate to contact our office. In an emergency, the national emergency number is 112.

Useful Information

Side of road

Drive on the right side of the road

Local currency

Lira (TRY)

Average temperatures

6°C (43°F) - 24°C (74°F)

Nearest train station

The nearest major train station to Istanbul Airport is the Halkalı Railway Station. This station is approximately 30 kilometers from the airport and is a key hub on the Marmaray rail line, which connects to various parts of Istanbul and provides access to intercity trains.

Nearest bus station

The nearest bus stations are Havaist bus terminal and IETT bus stops.

Nearest gas station

The nearest gas station to Istanbul Airport is located along the D020 highway, which is the main route connecting the airport to the city. There are multiple petrol stations available along this route.

FAQ car rental in Istanbul, Turkey

How much does it cost to rent a car in Istanbul?

The cost to rent a car in Istanbul or elsewhere in Turkey, can vary widely depending on the type of vehicle, rental duration, time of year, and insurance options. On average, prices can range from $30 to $100 per day.

Can I drive a rented car from Istanbul to other parts of Turkey?

Yes, you can drive across the country. Please let us know your travel plans before-hand and remember to do some research if you're driving in Turkey for the first time!

Do I need a car in Istanbul?

Renting a car is advisable if you plan to explore areas outside Istanbul or prefer the flexibility of having your own vehicle.

Are there any specific driving rules I should be aware of in Turkey?

Yes! Many major roads and bridges in Istanbul have tolls. Be sure to have an HGS or OGS toll payment device. It is illegal to use a mobile phone while driving unless you have a hands-free system. The legal blood alcohol limit is 0.05%. Drinking and driving are strongly discouraged due to strict penalties. The use of seat belts is mandatory for all passengers.

How to prepare for tolls in Istanbul, Turkey?

Turkey uses an electronic toll collection system, and you need either an HGS Turkey or an OGS device. These devices allow for automatic toll payments without stopping at toll booths. HGS is a sticker that you place on your vehicle's windshield. It can be purchased and loaded with credit at post offices (PTT), certain banks, and some gas stations, and OGS is an electronic transponder that is also placed on your vehicle. It can be obtained through certain banks and service providers.