Istanbul Premium Car Rental

On our premium car rental page, 11 models are available together: Audi, BMW, Mercedes-Benz, Volvo, Tesla and Mini Cooper. Daily prices start from 3,500 TL, VAT included, and all cars are automatic. We offer free delivery to both sides of Istanbul and to Istanbul Airport and Sabiha Gökçen; we have no physical office.

Premium Car Rental in Istanbul in 45 Seconds

Rent-Trip's fleet includes 11 premium models: from the Audi A3 Sedan at a starting price of 3,500 TL/day up to the Tesla Model 3 at 5,200 TL/day, VAT included. Weekly rental is calculated as 6 times the daily rate, and monthly as 21 times—that is, weekly packages starting from 21,000 TL and monthly packages starting from 73,500 TL. Car delivery is free to any point in the city and to both airports (IST and SAW); since there is no physical office, all procedures are completed at your location.

Fleet summary:

• Sedans: Audi A3 Sedan, Audi A4, BMW 3 Series, Mercedes-Benz C-Class, Volvo S60, Tesla Model 3
• SUVs and crossovers: Volvo XC40, BMW X1, Cupra Formentor
• Hatchbacks: Mercedes-Benz A-Class, Mini Cooper

All vehicles are automatic and offered with petrol or electric (Tesla Model 3) engine options. For foreign drivers, a passport, entry stamp, and valid license are sufficient; those from countries not using the Latin alphabet must present an International Driving Permit (IDP).

This page covers the premium car rental process from start to finish: from which brands are considered premium to VAT-included prices, from model selection to airport delivery, from the documents required for foreign drivers to contract terms. We review Rent-Trip's 11-car fleet, with prices ranging from 3,500 to 5,200 TL per day. The table below summarizes which model stands out for different needs.

In the following sections of the guide, we first explain what defines the premium segment and the features of the 11 models in the Rent-Trip fleet. Then we detail the daily, weekly, and monthly rental prices—calculated as daily × 6 for the weekly rate and daily × 21 for the monthly rate—including VAT. In the model comparison, we separately address the differences between sedan, SUV, hatchback, and crossover bodies, as well as the electric advantages of the Tesla Model 3.

In the delivery section, we explain how the car is delivered to Istanbul Airport (IST) and Sabiha Gökçen Airport (SAW), and since we have no physical office, how the process works. For foreign drivers, we clarify whether a passport, entry stamp, local license, and for licenses not in Latin script, an international driving permit (IDP) are required. We state that the legal scope of compulsory traffic insurance, deposit, and km limits are set out in the rental agreement.

In the final section, we summarize how the HGS system works for intercity routes, bridge and tunnel tolls, and weekend getaway routes like Şile, Sapanca, and Bursa. Each section contains practical details you need to know before making your rental decision.

What Does 'Premium' Mean in Car Rental in Istanbul?

Renting a premium class car is not just a badge on the hood; it is a combination of features: a new generation of the model, automatic transmission, petrol or electric engine, and equipment not found in budget sedans. In this city, this segment is in high demand for business meetings in Levent and Maslak, guest transfers from airports, and long journeys across both sides from the European side to the Asian side.

Which brands are considered premium?

• Audi: A3 Sedan and A4 — German restraint; the A4 has a 2.0-liter engine with 204 hp.
• BMW: With 184 hp, the 3 Series and X1 - a driving-focused character even in a compact SUV.
• Mercedes-Benz: A-Class (163 hp) and C-Class (204 hp) — the standard of comfort for passengers.
• Volvo: S60 and XC40 — Scandinavian minimalism and a focus on safety.
• Others: The Mini Cooper, Cupra Formentor, and Tesla Model 3 fill the gaps from hatchback to electric vehicle.

Rent-Trip's premium fleet: 11 models

Our fleet has 11 vehicles, and each fills its own niche. Classic sedans — Audi A3 Sedan, A4, BMW 3 Series, Mercedes C-Class, Volvo S60 — are suitable for business trips. The Mini Cooper and Mercedes A-Class hatchbacks are more maneuverable in the narrow streets of Beyoğlu and Kadıköy. The SUV segment is represented by the Volvo XC40 and BMW X1: a higher seating position, better visibility, and easier parking on the Sarıyer coast. The electric Tesla Model 3 is the only model with zero emissions and sufficient range for a round trip from Şişli to IST airport. All vehicles have automatic transmission, which makes driving in heavy traffic easier.

The price directly reflects the class: from 3,500 TL per day for the Audi A3 Sedan to 5,200 TL per day for the Tesla Model 3, VAT included. When choosing, focus not only on the brand but also on the body type — for two passengers and a few suitcases, a compact hatchback is enough, while for a family of four, a spacious sedan will be more comfortable.

Prices, Rates, and VAT

Premium car rental rates at Rent-Trip start from 3,500 TL per day and go up to 5,200 TL for a Tesla Model 3; all prices are VAT included, so the total amount does not increase at the checkout. A simple formula applies to rental: the longer the period, the lower the daily price. A week is calculated as six days (daily rate × 6), and a month as 21 days; therefore, a seven-day rental starts from 21,000 TL, and a thirty-day rental from 73,500 TL. The difference between the daily and monthly rates reaches 25-30% on a daily basis; this is noticeable when planning a long trip in the country.

Daily rates: Are they inclusive of VAT?

Yes, every price on the premium page already includes VAT (value added tax, 20%); therefore, no hidden fees appear at booking. Daily rates are distributed as follows: Audi A3 Sedan — 3,500 TL, Mercedes-Benz A-Class — 3,600 TL, Mini Cooper — 3,800 TL, Cupra Formentor — 4,200 TL, Audi A4 — 4,400 TL, BMW 3 Series — 4,600 TL, Volvo S60 — 4,750 TL, Mercedes-Benz C-Class — 4,800 TL, Volvo XC40 and BMW X1 — 4,900 TL, Tesla Model 3 — 5,200 TL. The price does not vary by day of the week or season; on weekends and holidays the rate remains the same. In our experience, guests from abroad compare local rates with those in Europe and are surprised that VAT is included in the advertised figure; in most countries, tax is added to the site price at payment.

Weekly and monthly rental advantage

For rentals of seven days or longer, the daily rate decreases: a week is calculated as six days, and a month as 21 days. In the case of the Audi A3 Sedan, this looks like: seven days cost 21,000 TL instead of 24,500 TL, and thirty days cost 73,500 TL instead of 105,000 TL. For long trips in Turkey — for example, the Istanbul–Cappadocia–Antalya–Istanbul route — the monthly rate is about 30% more advantageous than the daily rate. When renting long-term, state your planned mileage in advance: the mileage conditions are fixed in the rental agreement, and for heavy use it is better to choose a rate with an extended limit. We recommend calculating not just the daily price but the total budget of the trip; on long distances, the savings from the rate can cover fuel.

Payment and security block

The rental payment is made with a debit card; however, a credit card issued in the main driver's name is required for the guarantee deposit. The amount blocked on the card depends on the vehicle class and is set out in the rental agreement. The deposit is frozen on the account and released when the vehicle is returned undamaged and without traffic violations. It is important that the card has sufficient limit: it must cover the guarantee amount in addition to the rental amount. Drivers under 25 or with less than two years of driving experience should consider that age and experience requirements increase with the vehicle class; in the premium segment these requirements are stricter than for economy models. We recommend contacting us before booking so you can learn the exact block amount for a specific model and avoid an unpleasant surprise at vehicle delivery.

Choosing a Model by Purpose (Table)

In rental cars, the premium class is not just a status, but also means different body types, power, and fuel consumption. We've compiled Rent-Trip's 11 models into a single table so that comparison takes a minute, not an evening.

Comparison table: 11 models

Sedan or SUV, or hatchback?

The choice of body type determines how comfortable the journey will be. Sedans like the Audi A4 or Volvo S60 offer stability on the road and cabin quietness at high speeds; they are a sensible choice for intercity routes. SUVs — BMW X1 and Volvo XC40 — provide a high driving position and better visibility, which is valuable in heavy metropolitan traffic and narrow streets of historical areas. Hatchbacks — Mini Cooper and Mercedes-Benz A-Class — are more maneuverable for parking in the center, and the four-seat Mini Cooper is suitable for couples without rear passengers. If the route includes both city and highway, consider 5-seat models with a 2.0 L engine — the power reserve during overtaking reduces fatigue on long trips.

Tesla Model 3: electric option

The only electric vehicle in the premium range is the Tesla Model 3, which has 283 hp at a price of 5,200 TL per day including VAT. Its acceleration dynamics are noticeably higher than those of petrol sedans in the same class, and the cabin silence is complete without engine noise. In city use, a charge is enough for several days of active use, but before an intercity route, you need to plan a stop at a charging station — the network is growing in Turkey, but the density is higher in the western regions. In our practice, customers prefer the Model 3 for business meetings in Levent and Maslak, where prestige without exhaust emissions matters.

Delivery to Airports and City Centers

Rent-Trip has no physical office, so the rental starts not with a visit to an office but with the delivery of the car to any point in the city - from an apartment in Şişli to the terminal parking lot. We bring the car to where the customer is convenient and pick it up at the end of the period: the only meeting with our staff takes place next to the car.

Delivery to Istanbul Airport

IST is the main international hub with flights from all over the world. We meet the customer at the exit of the arrivals area in the terminal, hand over the keys and documents, and show how to adjust the mirrors and multimedia system. The process takes 15-20 minutes; after that, you can head directly toward Şişli or Beşiktaş on the O-7 motorway. Delivery is also possible for flights arriving after midnight - just let us know your landing time in advance when booking.

Sabiha Gökçen and the Asian Side

SAW is located in Pendik on the Asian side — farther from the center than IST, but here too we meet you at the terminal exit. If you're staying in Kadıköy, Üsküdar, or Ataşehir, delivery to your address takes 20–40 minutes depending on traffic. Morning traffic on the Bosphorus bridges starts around 08:00, so for afternoon flights from SAW, plan to leave from the European side with at least an hour's buffer.

Why no office is needed?

The office-free model reduces rental and staff expenses — these costs are not reflected in the fee. We deliver the vehicle within the metropolis and to both airports free of charge; trips to Sarıyer or Esenyurt are also included in the fee. Before delivery, the vehicle is cleaned, fluid levels are checked, and the tank is filled according to the contract terms. When choosing a meeting point, consider paid parking zones — finding a free spot in the center of Beyoğlu or Kadıköy is difficult, so picking up the vehicle at the airport or in a secure parking lot is safer than a curb with two-way traffic.

Documents and requirements for foreigners

Foreign visitors wishing to rent a premium class car must present four documents: a passport with entry stamp, a national driver's license, an international driving permit (IDP) — if the license is not in Latin script — and a bank card issued in the main driver's name for the insurance deposit. Age and driving experience requirements increase with the vehicle class; for luxury models, these criteria are stricter than for economy cars. Documents are checked at vehicle delivery; if even a single item is missing, the car will not be delivered.

• Passport: The document must be valid for the entire rental period and include a stamp of entry into Turkey. Citizens of countries under a visa-free regime receive the stamp upon arrival.
• Driver's license: National driver's licenses are accepted if issued in the Latin alphabet. For licenses with Cyrillic, Arabic script, or hieroglyphs, an IDP is mandatory — without this document, rental is not possible.
• IDP: An international driving permit is only valid together with a national license — it is not useful on its own.
• Credit card: The card must be issued in the main driver's name, and the insurance deposit is blocked on this card. The deposit is refunded after the vehicle is returned; the exact amount is set out in the rental agreement.

Is an IDP required?

An International Driving Permit is only required when the national license does not contain the Latin alphabet. For drivers from Europe, the US, Canada, Australia, and most Latin American countries, no IDP is needed — these licenses are already printed in Latin letters. Citizens of Russia, Ukraine, Georgia, Kazakhstan, China, Japan, and Middle Eastern countries need an IDP issued in the country where the license was issued. In Turkey, the Vienna Convention on Road Traffic is in force; therefore, the IDP must be in the international format, and translations of the license are not accepted. Licenses in Arabic or Cyrillic script are not accepted by any legal rental company without an IDP. We recommend obtaining the IDP before travel — this document cannot be obtained in Turkey; it is only issued in your country of permanent residence.

Age and license experience requirement

At Rent-Trip, the age limit for premium-class rentals is higher compared to standard vehicles. For models at the level of the Audi A4, BMW 3 Series, and Mercedes-Benz C-Class, the main driver must be at least 25 years old and have at least 3 years of driving experience. The same conditions apply to the Tesla Model 3 and Volvo XC40, as the power of electric vehicles is comparable to their petrol rivals. Drivers under 25 can only rent the Mini Cooper and Audi A3 Sedan—in this case, at least 2 years of experience is required. At vehicle delivery, the date of issue of the license and the driver's age are checked; if the driver does not meet the criteria, the contract is not signed. Additional drivers must also meet the same conditions—their documents are scrutinized with the same rigor as the main driver's.

Contract Terms - Deposit, Km, Insurance

Premium car rental terms are governed by the rental agreement: deposit, mileage limit, and insurance coverage are fixed in the contract and depend on the vehicle class. Below are those that are legally valid and those set individually.

2. Compulsory traffic insurance coverage

3. Every vehicle registered in Turkey is protected by legally mandatory traffic insurance — compulsory financial liability insurance against third parties. This insurance covers the entire Rent-Trip fleet, including the Tesla Model 3 and BMW X1, and protects you if you cause damage to another driver. Coverage above the compulsory minimum — for example, extended liability for the body of the rented vehicle — is set out separately in the contract and differs per rate.

4. Deposit and mileage conditions are set out in the rental agreement.

5. The deposit amount, daily mileage limit, and return conditions are set for each model separately and set out in the rental agreement. In the Premium class, requirements are stricter: driver age and driving experience are higher than for renting budget models. A credit card issued in the main driver's name is required to block the deposit - the amount is blocked on this card, and the return conditions are described in the agreement.

• 6. Security deposit: 7. The amount and release time of the block are specified in the contract - confirm the current figures with the manager before signing.
• 8. Mileage limit: 9. The daily km limit depends on the model and rate - the conditions are specified in the contract.
• 10. Insurance: 11. Compulsory traffic insurance legally covers all vehicles; extended coverage - according to the terms of the specific contract.
• 12. Fuel return: Vehicles are returned with the same fuel or charge level as at the time of delivery — this rule applies to all 11 models.
• Penalties and HGS: Unpaid bridge and tunnel crossings and traffic fines are deducted from the deposit - this mechanism is explained in the contract.

When picking up the vehicle, check the body condition and note any damage in the delivery/return report — this speeds up the deposit refund and eliminates disputes at vehicle return.