Car Rental at Istanbul Airport

Airport travel guide

Straddling two continents, the Turkish metropolis of Istanbul is one of the most interesting urban destinations on the planet. Formerly known as the Roman Empire capital Constantinople, Istanbul is a unique and refreshing blend of culture and history where two worlds collide.

Istanbul Airport (IST) is the primary international airport serving Türkiye’s capital of Istanbul. It is located in the Arnavutköy district on the European side of the Bosphorus River running through the city.

To attempt to list all of its attractions and landmarks would be futile, but here are a few gems that will likely feature on any must-visit list of sites in the city:

• Istanbul Archaeological Museums. These three magnificent institutions which are part of the same network are the right places to learn about the rich and varied history of Istanbul. Located right next to each other in the waterfront Eminönü neighborhood, the museums have a total of more than one million artifacts and objects on display, including some world-famous ones like the fragment from the Gate of Ishtar and statues of several Roman emperors.
• Hagia Sophia. First Byzantine, then Catholic, and now Muslim, Hagia Sophia has always been one of the most impressive houses of prayer in the world, and no trip to Istanbul is really complete without at least catching a glimpse of it. The building is open for visitors (although you have to respect the Islamic dress code), and its interior is just as stunning as what’s outside.
• Istanbul Modern. Istanbul is home to an almost endless list of history and classical art museums, but there is also an opportunity to see contemporary Turkish art by visiting this interesting institution. Also known by its full name, the Istanbul Museum of Modern Art, it is in the lively Galata neighborhood of the city.
• Topkapi Palace. The magnificent former home of the Ottomon sultans is a palace filled with beautiful courtyards, vibrant gardens, and intricate architecture. Exploring the palace is a must for any history buff, offering the chance to delve into the daily lives of the Ottoman rulers and see their treasures first hand.
• A Bosphorus River Cruise. The Bosphorus River divides the Asian and European continents, and taking an evening or sunrise river cruise is a great way to see Istanbul from a unique perspective. A boat trip offers travelers a chance to see the city’s most impressive landmarks from the water, including the Dolmabahce Palace and the Maiden’s Tower.
• Taksim Square. The modern heart of the ancient city. This is a bustling commercial area where you’ll find everything from century-old Turkish delight shops to international  cafe chains.

While there are many things to do in Istanbul, Turkey is a great country to explore by road. Its motorways (Otoyol), state roads (Devlet Yolları), an provincial roads (Il Yolları) are generally well-maintained and offer excellent opportunities to expand your trip to Turkey from Istanbul. Popular destinations include. 

• Gallipoli. Famous for its World War I battlegrounds and memorial sites, the Gallipoli Peninsula is a great place to visit for lovers of history.

• Princes' Islands. Beautiful islands offering a serene escape from the bustling city. This island group is reachable by ferry from Istanbul.

• Troy. A UNESCO World Heritage site and popular day trip from Istanbul. The ancient city of Troy is famous for its Torjan Horse and historical significance.

• Cappadocia. As one of the most popular places to visit in Central Turkey, Cappadocia is known for its otherworldly landscapes, unique cave dwellings, underground cities, and stunning hot air balloons that fill the sky every morning. 

• Pammukkale. Visit the ancient Roman city and bathe in the white carbonate mineral travertines and stepped snow-white thermal water pools.

Top international routes

• Ankara
• Izmir
• Antalya
• Jeddah
• Tehran
• North Nicosia
• Athens
• London
• Mersin
• Frankfurt

Main airlines

Turkish Airlines, Red Wings Airlines, Wizz Air, Iran AirTour, SCAT Airlines, and Saudia

Terminals

The airport is made up of a single terminal divided into eight concourses named A to H. Everwyhere in the airport is accessible on foot, but due to its large size, you should plan for enough time to move between concourses and different sections.

Location

The airport is located about 40 km (25 miles) northwest of Istanbul itself, in the Arnavutköy Municipality, near the Black Sea coast. Depending on the traffic, a car trip from the airport to the Istanbul center can take anywhere between 45 and 90 minutes.

Most popular types of rental car

• Small cars - from $37 per day
• Large cars - from $46 per day
• Medium cars - from $33 per day
• Station wagons - from $49 per day
• Vans - from $46 per day
• SUVs - from $50 per day
• Premium cars - from $95 per day

Car rental desks

All rental desks are located on the arrival floor of the airport.

Services and facilities

Large and modern, the airport is fully equipped and offers 24/7 eateries and shops, ATMs, designated sleeping areas (most of these can be found airside), water refill stations, paid lounges and showers, luggage lockers, and various other amenities. The airport provides free and unlimited WiFi internet. The airport is equipped for travelers with reduced mobility; should you require assistance upon your arrival, please contact your airline before your flight.

Nearest gas station

There is a TotalEnergies gas station that is part of the airport complex. Make sure not to miss a sign on the right side when leaving the airport. The gas station’s formal address that you can put in a GPS system is 34275 Arnavutköy. There are many other gas stations near the airport and on the way to Istanbul. 

Popular one-way rentals

• Konya (723 km / 449 mi). With strong historic ties to the mysterious Muslim school of Sufism, Konya remains a very atmospheric destination. Travelers enjoy visiting the Mausoleum of Rumi, Ince Minare Museum, or even watching the whirling dervish ceremony.
• Antalya (710 km / 441 mi). Located on the Mediterranean coast, Antalya is one of the most popular beach destinations in the region. From doing water sports to visiting a seaside restaurant, there are plenty of ways to enjoy the beach. The city, inhabited since ancient times, also has some seriously impressive historic sites.
• Ankara (463 km / 287 mi). The capital of Turkey is best known for its political influence, but there’s also plenty for a traveler to enjoy. Ankara’s landmarks include the Museum of Anatolian Civilizations, Kocatepe Mosque, Ankara Citadel, and Ataturk's Mausoleum and Museum.
• Trabzon (1,108 km / 688 mi). Located in the northeastern part of the country near the border with Georgia, Trabzon is an impressive historic city. Travelers visit Trabzon for its own version of Hagia Sophia, Sumela Monastery, and the surrounding Black Sea beaches.
• Malatya (1,112 km / 691 mi). Not usually thought of as a tourism destination, the Eastern Anatolian city of Malatya nonetheless has some interesting things to see and do. These include green areas like the Waterfalls Park and Hürriyet Park, the New Mosque, and interesting nearby locations like the historic city of Darende.
• Erzincan (1,022 km / 635 mi). Inhabited since ancient times and ruled by Armenians, Persians, Byzantines and Ottomans, nowadays Erzincan is a quiet and relaxed city surrounded by beautiful mountains. Its great history continues to live through various sites, and there are also a number of nature areas nearby.