Intercity Car Rental in Istanbul

For your intercity journey, take advantage of our fleet of 87 vehicles in Istanbul; daily prices including VAT start from 1,600 TL, and vehicle delivery is free to every point in the city, Istanbul Airport and Sabiha Gökçen. Plan your long journey with rates starting from 9,600 TL weekly and 33,600 TL monthly.

The Right Car Class for Intercity Travel

Choosing the right car for intercity travel from Istanbul varies according to the duration of the journey, the number of passengers, and the luggage capacity. At Rent-Trip, 87 vehicles are grouped into four classes: Economy, Comfort, Sedan, and SUV. The daily price of each class is clearly listed including VAT; to determine the class suitable for your budget and route, it is sufficient to evaluate the criteria below.

Economy Class: Models Starting from 1,600 TL

The economy class, with prices starting from 1,600 TRY per day, includes models such as the Fiat Egea Hatchback, Renault Clio, and Dacia Sandero; these vehicles are all petrol or diesel and are offered with manual or automatic transmission. The Renault Clio Automatic can be rented at 1,650 TRY/day, the Fiat Egea Hatchback Manual at 1,600 TRY/day, and the Dacia Sandero at 1,600 TRY/day; the Hyundai i10, with its 4-seat structure, is a compact alternative for short getaways for two at 1,600 TRY/day. Most vehicles in this class have a 5-seat hatchback body type and provide easy parking in city traffic. For short distances and trips for 1-2 people, these vehicles offer sufficient comfort; however, do not raise your comfort expectations on long journeys — for routes longer than 5 hours, consider a diesel or a higher-class model.

Comfort and Sedan Class: Comfort for Long Distances

The Comfort class starts from 1,950 TL (Dacia Logan), while the Sedan class starts from 2,900 TL; the Toyota Corolla Hybrid at 2,200 TL/day is one of the most preferred models in the Comfort class. The Renault Megane Sedan Diesel Automatic in the Comfort class at 2,100 TL/day, Ford Focus Petrol Automatic at 2,400 TL/day, and Honda Civic Hybrid at 2,600 TL/day combine spacious interiors with low fuel consumption on long distances. In the Sedan class, models such as the Volkswagen Passat Diesel at 3,200 TL/day, Toyota Camry Hybrid at 3,600 TL/day, and Škoda Superb Diesel at 3,300 TL/day offer large luggage space for business trips and family visits. On 8-hour routes like Cappadocia, the Comfort class significantly reduces fatigue thanks to seat ergonomics and suspension quality, while the Sedan class stands out with highway dominance and luggage capacity.

SUV and 7-Seat Vehicles: For Family Travel

The SUV class starts at 2,100 TL (Opel Mokka); the Dacia Duster Diesel Manual is the economical choice in the 5-seat SUV segment at 2,200 TL/day. The Opel Mokka Petrol Automatic at 2,100 TL/day and the Fiat Egea Cross at 2,050 TL/day are crossover bodies suitable for city and short-distance family use. 7-seat vehicles are evaluated in a separate category; in these vehicles, when the third-row seats are folded, the luggage volume increases significantly. For weekend routes like Sapanca, a 7-seat vehicle reduces the cost per person for trips with a large family or group of friends; however, their high-roof structures can increase wind noise at highway speeds, so for long distances a Comfort-class sedan is a quieter alternative.

Comparison Table of Car Classes

Petrol, Diesel, Hybrid — How to Choose Fuel Type

The fuel type directly affects the daily budget and the frequency of stops when renting between cities. Rent-Trip's fleet includes petrol, diesel, hybrid and electric options; the right choice depends on the length of your route and your driving habits.

Petrol Vehicles: City Driving and Short Distances

Petrol models start from 1,600 TL/day; Renault Clio Automatic at 1,650 TL and Opel Corsa at 1,800 TL/day are among the most preferred options. In this class, there are more than 15 models such as Fiat Egea Hatchback, Dacia Sandero, Hyundai i20, Volkswagen Polo, and Seat Ibiza; all can be rented with Automatic or Manual transmission. The advantage of these vehicles is that they offer lower daily costs compared to diesel engines for short distances and city driving. For example, on a 2-hour weekend getaway from Istanbul to Sapanca, a petrol model does not make a difference in fuel consumption. However, on routes exceeding 300 kilometers per day, the fuel cost of a petrol vehicle starts to exceed that of a diesel — so petrol is the right starting point for those planning short distances.

Diesel Cars: Savings on Long Journeys

Diesel models start at 1,650 TRY; at this price, the Peugeot 301 is the most affordable diesel option, while the Fiat Egea Sedan Diesel offers a 1.6 L engine and 130 hp for 1,700 TRY/day. On long intercity journeys, diesel engines run more economically on inclines and at highway speeds because they produce high torque at low rpm. Among diesel options at Rent-Trip, the Renault Megane Sedan at 2,100 TRY, Volkswagen Passat at 3,200 TRY, and Škoda Superb at 3,300 TRY/day dominate the Comfort and Sedan classes. On routes like Cappadocia, which takes about 8 hours, a diesel car lets you cover more distance on a single tank, reducing the number of breaks and shortening travel time. If you plan to drive more than 300 kilometers per day, the daily price difference between diesel and petrol is quickly offset by fuel savings.

Hybrid Options: Low Consumption and Automatic Transmission

Hybrid models start at TRY 1,900 per day; for that price, the Toyota Yaris Hybrid offers a 1.5 L engine and 116 hp, while the Toyota Corolla Hybrid reaches 140 hp at TRY 2,200 per day. The Honda Civic Hybrid is TRY 2,600, and the Toyota Camry Hybrid is among the top options in the sedan class at TRY 3,600 per day. In stop-and-go city traffic, these cars use their electric motor for low consumption, while on long journeys the petrol engine kicks in, eliminating range anxiety. In a city connected by bridges, the hybrid system pays for itself in traffic when crossing from the Asian side to the European side. For those planning a mix of city and intercity use, a hybrid is the most balanced choice, covering both scenarios with a single vehicle. All hybrid models come with an automatic transmission, which enhances driving comfort on long trips.

Fuel Type Comparison

Electric cars are also part of the fleet; since they require charging station planning, for regions without charging points along the route, diesel or hybrid may be a safer choice.

Vehicle Delivery — Airport and Address Delivery

Rent-Trip delivers cars to both airports and addresses across the city — since there is no physical office, the entire process is completed digitally at the meeting point. When choosing your delivery point, considering which side of your route you start on makes a difference in both time and fuel.

Car Pickup at Istanbul Airport (IST)

Delivery at IST takes place in the Arnavutköy district on the European side; your car is ready upon landing. No extra process is needed for flight delays — the car is scheduled according to your arrival time. For routes starting from Şişli, Beşiktaş, or Bakırköy on the European side, IST is a practical starting point. Those heading toward Edirne or Bursa can connect directly to the TEM highway without entering the Eurasia Tunnel.

Car Pickup at Sabiha Gökçen (SAW)

SAW is located in the Pendik district on the Asian side; from here, you can set out on long routes such as Cappadocia on the same day. For those starting from Kadıköy, Üsküdar, or Ataşehir on the Asian side, SAW delivery offers the advantage of setting off without paying the Bosphorus crossing fee. Taking delivery of the vehicle at Sabiha Gökçen and heading to Şile or Ağva is a pleasant weekend route of about 1.5 hours.

Delivery to Hotel or Home Address

The vehicle is delivered to addresses across the city, including Şişli, Kadıköy, Beşiktaş, Levent, and Maslak. You receive the vehicle at your hotel or residential address and use it exclusively for the rental period. Since there is no physical office, the delivery process is fully digital: the contract and vehicle condition are completed on a device at the time of the appointment. If you plan to pick up and drop off at two different points, this is set out in the rental agreement.

• IST delivery: Suitable for European side routes and directions to Edirne and Bursa.
• SAW delivery: Practical for routes departing from the Asian side, such as Cappadocia or Sapanca.
• Delivery to address: Ideal for those who want to pick up the car without waiting at a hotel or home.

Rental Period – Daily, Weekly and Monthly Rates

At Rent-Trip, the rental duration directly determines the price: daily rates start from 1,600 TL, while in weekly and monthly options the daily cost decreases. As the duration extends, multipliers come into play—6 times and 21 times the daily rate—creating a clear advantage for those planning long trips. Below, we compare which scenario fits each of the three tariffs and how they affect your budget.

Daily Rental: Prices Starting from 1,600 TRY

Daily rates vary between 1,600–15,000 TRY including VAT; the Fiat Egea Hatchback and Dacia Sandero in the economy class offer the most affordable starting point at 1,600 TRY/day. It provides flexibility for short business trips, a one-day getaway to Sapanca, or driving to meetings in the city—when the contract period ends, you return the car and have no additional obligations. For those preferring automatic transmission, the Renault Clio is at 1,650 TRY and the Hyundai i20 at 1,750 TRY/day. On single-day intercity routes, also consider fuel consumption: petrol models are more economical than diesel over short distances, so for plans under 300 km, economy class remains practical. In daily rentals, the security deposit and mileage limit are specified in the contract—I recommend checking these clauses before signing.

Weekly Rental: Prices Starting from 9,600 TRY

The weekly rate is 6 times the daily price and starts from 9,600 TL—that is, an Economy-class car with a daily rate of 1,600 TL corresponds to approximately 1,371 TL per day in a weekly rental. For long routes like Cappadocia (8 hours), Thrace tours via Edirne, or Black Sea coastal journeys, this option provides significant savings compared to the daily rate. For example, renting a Toyota Corolla Hybrid weekly costs 13,200 TL, while taking the same car for 7 days at the daily rate would cost 15,400 TL—the difference covers one night's accommodation. With the weekly plan, you can keep the route flexible, stay an extra day in Sapanca, or add a crossing to Bursa via the Osmangazi Bridge to your itinerary. For long-term use, regularly checking tire pressure and fuel level maintains the vehicle's performance.

Monthly Rental: Prices Starting from 33,600 TL

The monthly rate is 21 times the daily price and starts at 33,600 TL; this formula lowers the daily cost even further compared to the weekly multiplier. Multi-city assignments stretching from western to eastern Turkey, projects requiring travel to different points for a month, or seasonal work form the most economical basis. Let's clarify with an example: the Volkswagen Passat's daily rate is 3,200 TL, while its monthly equivalent is 67,200 TL; that works out to 2,240 TL per day — making access to a higher-segment sedan possible over the long term. In monthly rentals, operational details such as vehicle inspection, periodic maintenance, and tire changes are specified in the contract; clarifying these items before rental prevents surprise costs. For assignments lasting longer than two months, I recommend performing a purchase analysis instead of renewing the monthly rate — Rent-Trip's transparent pricing makes comparison easy.

HGS and Bridge Toll Fees

Knowing how bridge and highway tolls are paid when heading out on intercity roads is the first step in planning your budget and route correctly. In Turkey, all bridge and highway crossings are processed electronically via the HGS system; this system is active on rental cars as well.

How does the HGS system work?

HGS (Fast Pass System) is an electronic system that automatically pays tolls at bridge and highway toll booths using the balance defined to the vehicle's plate. All Rent-Trip vehicles come with an HGS device; the toll is calculated as set out in the contract at the end of the rental period. At crossings like the Eurasia Tunnel, the barrier opens for you; you do not need to stop and pay. An unpaid passage, if not settled on time, can incur a penalty of up to four times the toll—so it is advisable to confirm the records of every bridge and tunnel you use through the method agreed upon before renting.

Bridges and Tunnels Used When Leaving the City for Intercity Trips

Depending on your route, you will use one of three major crossings when leaving the metropolis:

• Yavuz Sultan Selim Bridge: TRY 110 — when crossing from the European side to the Asian side; it is also practical for routes towards Şile and Ağva.
• Eurasia Tunnel: 280 TRY during the day, 140 TRY at night — the fastest connection between the two continents; the fee halves for night crossings.
• Osmangazi Bridge: 1,170 TL — used to cross the İzmit Gulf when heading towards Bursa and Uludağ.

In addition, toll booths on the TEM and E-80 motorways are also within the scope of HGS. On long routes like Cappadocia, the total toll fee constitutes a separate item alongside the daily rental cost; calculating this amount in advance and adding it to the budget prevents surprises during the trip.

HGS and the Rental Agreement

The HGS balance is managed according to the principles set out in the rental agreement; upon vehicle delivery, the existing balance and crossing records are checked. The fees for the crossings you use are collected through the procedure defined in the agreement. If your intercity plan includes multiple bridges — for example, using the Osmangazi Bridge when going to Bursa and the Yavuz Sultan Selim Bridge on your return — we recommend noting the total amount of these two crossings in advance; this way, you can both clearly see your route cost and easily verify your crossing records in the agreement.

Documents Required for Car Rental

For foreigners who want to rent a car for an intercity trip, the documents required to be carried at Rent-Trip are clear: passport, entry stamp to Turkey, a valid driver's license issued by the country of residence, and, if the driver's license is not written in Latin script, an International Driving Permit (IDP). These four documents are the fundamental requirement for signing the rental agreement and are checked at delivery.

Passport and Entry Stamp for Foreign Drivers

The stamp showing your entry into Turkey must be on the relevant page of your passport. If you are picking up the vehicle at the airport, this stamp obtained at passport control after landing is sufficient for the start of the rental process. If your driver's license is not issued in the Latin alphabet, for example, if it is written in Arabic or Cyrillic, an international driver's license becomes mandatory; this document is obtained from the traffic authority or authorized automobile club in your own country.

Credit Card in the Main Driver's Name and Age Requirement

A credit card issued in the main driver's name is required for the security block; this card must have a limit sufficient to cover the deposit amount specified in the contract. Age and driving experience requirements vary according to the selected vehicle class: they are more flexible for economy-class models, while stricter for sedan and SUV classes. At Rent-Trip, original documents are examined at delivery, not photocopies; therefore, it is important that documents are current and undamaged.

Other Conditions Stated in the Contract

The details of the deposit amount, daily kilometer limit, and insurance coverage are set out in the rental agreement for each rental. These conditions vary according to the vehicle class and rental duration; for example, weekly or monthly rentals have more favorable terms compared to daily rentals. Compulsory traffic insurance is legally valid for every vehicle registered in Turkey, but additional coverage options are clarified at the contract stage. Checking your documents and contract terms before embarking on an intercity journey is the most practical way to avoid any issues while driving.