Car Rental in Ankara

Why rent a car in Ankara?

Ankara is a great city to visit in the extensive country of Turkey. Although not as famous for iconic sights like the Blue Mosque or the Grand Bazaar in Istanbul, Ankara is still known for its ancient sites, impressive architecture and awesome museums. There is much to see in the capital of Turkey. 

This grand city is close to a number of natural wonders, and doing a road trip around with a rental car, you can even travel to the Black Sea region, or some of Turkey’s most famous UNESCO world heritage sites such as Cappadocia.

Top ways to enter Ankara

• Ankara Airport: Also called Ankara-Esenboğa, the airport handles around 16 million travelers every year, making it the fourth-busiest in the country. The airport is served by around 24 different companies, though most flights are provided by AnadoluJet, Turkish Airlines, and Pegasus Airlines. The airport is 26km (16 miles) north of the city center, so you can reach Ankara in about 40 minutes.
• Erkilet Airport: Serving the city of Kayseri, Erkilet Airport provides plenty of local connections as well as flights to and from countries like the Netherlands, Germany, Poland, and Iran. About 320km (199 miles) southeast of Ankara, you can reach Ankara from the airport by car in around a 3 hours and 40 minutes.
• Istanbul Airport: Opened in October 2018, Istanbul Airport replaced Ataturk Airport as the main airport serving Turkey’s largest city. With flights from 86 airlines to and from all parts of the world, it was marked in 2022 as the busiest airport in Europe, serving over 64 million passengers. Located 480km (300 miles) northwest of Ankara, you can reach the city from this airport in about five hours.
• Istanbul Sabiha Gokcen Airport: Named after the first female fighter pilot in the world, it is the smallest of the two Istanbul airports. The airport is the main hub of Pegasus Airlines, a Turkish low-cost carrier, and provides plenty of connections to and from destinations in Europe and Asia. You can reach Ankara from this airport in about 4 hours and 30 minutes. 

City facts

• Although it is not located on the coast, Ankara has a Mediterranean climate with very hot summers and cold, snowy winters. The average high temperature is 30°C  (86°F) in August, the hottest month, and 4°C  (39°F) in January. Precipitation is very low from July to September and at its highest in April and May. 
• Ankara is Turkey’s biggest industrial city and the second most powerful industrial powerhouse after Istanbul. It is home to several factories producing goods such as wine, beer, sugar, flour, milk, cement, and other food and construction materials. 
• The average elevation of Ankara is 938 m (3,077 ft). If Turkey is considered a part of Europe, this makes Ankara the second-highest capital in it (after Andorra la Vella). 
  Inhabited since at least the Bronze Age, the area of Ankara has been home to such varied peoples as the Phyrgians, Celtic Galatians, Persians, Greeks, and many others. 
• The city was once part of the Roman, Byzantine, and Ottoman empires. 
• Ankara replaced Istanbul as the capital of Turkey in 1923. Its population was around 35,000 at the time. Afterward, the city was enlarged according to government plans and is often considered a purpose-built capital. Today, nearly 5.7 million people live in Ankara Province.

Top sights and activities

• Kocatepe Mosque. The largest mosque in Ankara and one of the most famous religious buildings in Turkey, Kocatepe took 20 years to build and was finished in 1987. As impressive from the inside as it is from the outside, it dominates the city’s skyline and is one of the symbols of the city.
• Museum of Anatolian Civilizations. Inhabited for thousands of years, the Ankara area has seen the rise and fall of many famous civilizations. The Museum of Anatolian Civilizations celebrates this rich and varied history with some of its oldest artifacts dating back all the way to the Stone Age. One of the best museums in Turkey, it should not be missed when visiting Ankara. Many ancient sites left by previous civilizations can also be visited in and around Ankara.
• Anıtkabir Complex. Located in the Anittepe borough of Ankara, Anıtkabir is the mausoleum of Kemal Ataturk, the founder of modern Turkey. The imposing architectural complex features both Ottoman and ancient Anatolian motifs and is one of the most visited places in Ankara. Anıtkabir also features a museum where you can learn about the last hundred years of Turkish history. Their exhibits have several photos, documents, and personal belongings that once belonged to Mustafa Kemal Atatürk for you to observe. 
• Gençlik Parkı. This gorgeous park is located in the heart of Ankara and is a perfect space for walking or picnicking. It is also home to Luna Amusement Park, where there are several attractions for the entire family to enjoy.
• Kızılay. This district in Ankara is known for being a center of shopping and entertainment. Visitors can explore local shops and several diverse dining options, giving them an opportunity to try out some authentic Turkish cuisine.  
• Ankara Opera House. A center of the performance arts in Ankara, this opera house hosts several different musical, theatrical, and ballet performances each year. If you enjoy the performing arts, seeing a show here is a must.
• Ethnography Museum of Ankara. Located in one of the most elegant buildings in the Turkish capital, this museum boasts a very interesting collection of ethnographic artifacts. These include various vestiges from the Seljuk and Ottoman eras, religious objects, and objects of everyday use. Centrally located, the museum is near a number of other well-known attractions like the Ankara Painting and Sculpture Museum.
• MİT Museum of Espionage. Although not very large, this is arguably one of the most unusual and interesting museums in all of Turkey. Curiously, it is not run by historians or enthusiasts, but by the Turkish National Intelligence Agency, or MİT, and is part of the organization’s campus. Exhibits include various historical artifacts related to spies and spying.

Traffic and parking

• Unless specifically indicated otherwise, the speed limits are 120km/h (75 mph) on highways, 90km/h (56 mph) on two-lane roads, and 50km/h (31 mph) within city limits.
• It is illegal to use a mobile phone while driving. Always finish using your device before starting your drive.
• There are lots of wildlife in Turkey that you could see on roadways. Always drive cautiously, as you never know when a flock of ducks or sheep may run on the road.
• On regional roads, there might be fewer gas stations than on the national highways. Never stay too low on gas and always set out your route in advance to know the location of the next gas station.
• Many junctions in Turkey are now roundabouts, which may be unfamiliar to some travelers. Remember that the right of way always goes to those already in the circle, so yield until you have a clear space to enter into. 
• There are several parking opportunities throughout Ankara, including garages, lots, and some street parking in less busy areas. Always look for signs to make sure you are parked legally. 
• Due to high taxes and limited refineries, Turkey has very expensive petrol, with prices higher than in most EU countries. Keep that in mind when planning your route!
• Turkey is, overall, a warm country, but during winter, roads can be covered with ice, especially in mountainous regions. Ask your car rental provider in advance if your vehicle’s tires will be equipped for the season.
• Occasionally you might encounter police roadblocks or military checkpoints, especially in Southeastern Turkey. In most cases, they will only check your license and registration and warn you about any potential danger that might lie ahead. 
• The legal alcohol limit in Turkey is 0.05% and 0.00% for commercial drivers. Exceeding the limit can lead to large fines and a license ban.
• You need to be at least 18 years old and have a full, valid driver’s license in English to drive legally in Turkey for up to six months. After that, you will need a driver’s license from Turkey.
• While an International Driving Permit is not required to drive in Turkey if your license is in the Latin alphabet, some car rental suppliers may require it to rent you a vehicle. Also, be sure to learn more about standard driving practices in Turkey. 
• Proof of insurance and the car’s documentation needs to be in the car whenever you’re driving.
• When driving, you need to have all documentation including your license, IDP (if required), vehicle registration, and passport with you at all times.
• The general emergency number is 112. The police number is 155, the fire brigade number is 110, and the forest fire number is 177.

Toll roads

Driving on most national motorways, as well as some bridges and tunnels in Turkey, requires payment of a  toll. 

Most Turkish toll roads only accept payment through enrollment in an automatic toll system. This is electronic, contactless payment from an electronic transponder in the car, or by a sticker with an electronic chip affixed to the car’s windshield. This means that you cannot pay either by cash or credit card for most toll roads.

All rental cars have to be equipped either with a toll transponder or sticker. Some rental car providers might charge an extra fee for this service. contact your rental car provided in advance to find out more. 

The toll roads in Turkey are divided among HGS, the High-Speed Passage System (Hızlı Geçiş Sistemi in Turkish), and OGS (Otomatik Geçiş Sistemi in Turkish). On HGS roads, you can pass through the toll area at a higher speed. On OGS roads, you need to slow down as you go through a toll gate, so that the toll payment is registered through the electronic transponder that’s in a car. The exact amount you’ll have to pay will depend on the specific road you drive on and on the distance of your travels.

Find out more about toll roads in Turkey on the European toll road website.

Ideas for day trips

• Ataturk Forest Farm and Zoo. A large park located in a very picturesque place, the forest farm and zoo is a great place to escape the big city. It has something for everyone - from farms run by local peasants to walking paths, restaurants, and a brewery. The zoo houses both native and exotic animal species like cheetahs, snow leopards, and vultures for visitors to see. Located just 8km (5 miles) west of Ankara’s city center, the farm and zoo can be reached in about ten minutes.
• Beypazarı. A small and picturesque town northwest of Ankara, Beypazarı is a favorite place to visit for many of the travelers who known the Ankara region well. The town is famous for its traditional architecture, healing mineral waters, delicious sweets, and Beypazarı Valley which surrounds it. Located 100km (62 miles) from Ankara, Beypazarı can be reached in about 1 hour and 20 minutes.
• Boğazkale. Located near the modern town of Boğazkale are the ruins of the ancient city of Hattusa. Founded about 2,600 years ago, it served as the capital of the Hittite Empire, one of the earliest empires on the planet. Visitors can see the ruins of ancient landmarks like the Lion Gate; others, like the Hattusa city walls, have been reconstructed. Located 190km (118 miles) east of Ankara, Hattusa can be reached in about 2 hours and 20 minutes.
• Ankara Province’s Countryside. Ankara Province is gorgeous both in and out of the city limits. In the countryside, you can visit the scenic village of Beypazarı, known for its Ottoman-style houses and local handicrafts. You can also explore the natural beauty of the Çubuk Lake or take a hike in the picturesque Gökçek Canyon if you want to get out in nature. 
• Soğuksu National Park. Taking up a large territory of heavily forested mountains, Soğuksu is one of the most popular nature areas near Ankara. Made up of a number of hiking trails of varying length and difficulty, the park is home to such wildlife species as red deer, jackal, and the rare cinereous vulture. A car trip from the capital takes about 1 hour and 20 minutes.

Most popular cars

The most popular rental car in the Turkish capital is the Fiat 500, although many travelers also pick the Toyota Yaris and the Ford Fiesta. The most popular rental car types are economy, standard, and compact.

Further destinations

• The Black Sea coast. Known as Karadeniz in Turkish, the Black Sea, and its long impressive beaches is the dominant feature (and main tourist attraction) of Northern Turkey. The Turkish Black Sea coast stretches from the border with Bulgaria in the west all the way to the border with Georgia in the east. From scenic historic attractions like Amasra to resort towns like Akçakoca, there’s something for every traveler to enjoy. The latter is just 270km (168 miles) north of Ankara and can be reached in about three hours. You can explore the rest of the shoreline from there.
• Istanbul. Spanning two continents, Turkey’s largest city is as famous for immense landmarks such as Hagia Sophia and the Grand Bazaar as it is for its narrow winding side streets and traditional Turkish baths. A place like no other, it can be explored for weeks, if not months, without boredom. Located 450km (280 miles) northwest of Ankara, Istanbul can be reached in about five hours.
• Cappadocia. Located about 3 and a half hours from Ankara, Cappadocia makes for a great trip away from the city. This region is known for its gorgeous rock formations and cave dwellings, as well as its underground cities. You can also visit the Göreme Open Air Museum before hopping on a hot air balloon ride to finish out the day.
• Lake Eğirdir. this shimmering lake is perfect for cooling off on a hot day. You can swim, boat, or partake in other water sports at the lake for a fun day outdoors. Or, you can visit the nearby city of Sagalassos, which has a rich history dating back to the ancient Roman and Hellenistic periods. It is just over 4 hours away from Ankara by car. 

Car rental prices in Ankara

• Small cars - from $33 per day
• Station wagons - from $36 per day
• Medium cars - from $31 per day
• Large cars - from $31 per day
• SUVs - from $42 per day
• Vans - from $40 per day
• Premium cars - from $50 per day

Money-saving and other tips

Getting a cheap rental car in Ankara is easier if you follow these tips:

• Compare the rates of different rental car providers
• Book your rental car well in advance
• Plan your route before you go
• Know your fuel and mileage requirements
• Visit during the month when the rental prices are the cheapest. According to our data, visiting Ankara is the cheapest in March when renting a car is about 73% cheaper than the yearly average. Come visit Turkey in the early spring!