Renting a car in Antalya can be very handy.
It's especially recommended if you don't want to only stay in the city center of Antalya, but want to explore the area. There are wonderful places to visit all around and it would be a shame to miss them by only staying in Antalya itself.
There are almost all major international car rental companies and many small, local companies in Antalya. The offices are located in the airport, in the city center, and in the large, modern hotels.
If you rent a car in Turkey, it's also important to know all the traffic rules and information needed to have a safe and secure journey exploring by car.
In this article, we have compiled important points and helpful information to make it easier for you to rent a car and to drive it in Turkey.
Be safe and have a good trip!
How to Rent a Car in Antalya
The Car Rental Process in Antalya
To rent a car in Antalya, you need a valid driving license and a credit card. To rent a car, you will need to go to the rental company, agree on the car and the rental package, and sign the papers.
Many car rental companies have a minimum age requirement of 25. For younger drivers, either an extra fee is charged or car rental is not possible.
Rent a Car Online in Antalya
Our advice is to rent a car online before you start your trip. It will save you time and money and give you a larger choice of cars. Many portals compare car rental offers and recommend the best one according to your needs.
Often, only well-known car rental companies such as Avis, Hertz, and Sixt are represented in these portals, but it is often better and cheaper to rent a car from a reputable local provider.
Local providers are also represented in some car rental comparison portals. Among others, the most recommended portals are:
- Billiger-Mietwagen (German)
- Check24 (German)
- Skyscanner (English)
- Enterprise Rent-A-Car (USA)
- Holidaycars (Netherlands)
- Yolcu360 (Turkish)
Rental Car Pick Up / Return in Antalya
All car rental companies will bring the vehicle to your hotel or to the airport if the rental contract is longer than 2 days. You should return the car to the same place that you picked it up. If you would like to return the car to a different place, you will need to have an agreement with the rental company before singing the contract.
Checking the Vehicle
It's strongly recommended to check the vehicle carefully upon receipt. Any existing defects or damage should be recorded in writing and preferably supported by appropriate photos. Don't forget to check the spare tire also!
The Rental Contract
The rental contract should, of course, not only be issued in Turkish. Since Antalya is a tourist destination, most rental companies are prepared to rent to foreigners and have standard contracts in German and English. If you book online from home, you will automatically get the contract in German or English. The final price must be stated in the contract.
Insurance
The rental car must have liability insurance. The amount of coverage should be one million euros.
As a rule, comprehensive insurance pays for all damage. However, most insurance policies include a co-payment, i.e. so-called minor damage must be paid for by the renter of the vehicle up to the specified amount. This can be avoided by paying an additional fee. This fee is approximately 10 euros per day, although the amounts vary depending on the insurance company and the rental company.
Experience shows that further insurance is unnecessary, even if it is frequently offered by rental companies.
A Second Driver
If the vehicle is to be driven by more than one person, it is essential that the second driver is also on the rental contract. Otherwise the insurance company will not be liable in case of damage.
The same rules that apply for the first driver, also apply for the second driver. Some rental companies may request an extra charge for adding a driver.
Vehicle Registration Certificate
When the vehicle is picked up, the vehicle registration certificate is handed over to the renter. This document is called "ruhsat" in Turkish and along with the rental contract, it's the proof that you are allowed to drive the vehicle legally in the country. Please keep it close to you at all times.
Price and Payment
Prices and packages vary according to the model, the time, and the conditions of the rental contract. In Antalya, we can say that the average prices start at 40 € per day during high season.
In Turkey, as in many other countries, the fee for a rental car is paid with a credit card. Most companies block a deposit amount on the credit or bank card, however there is no standard regarding the amount.
Drivers License
German drivers licenses are valid in Turkey. As a tourist you are allowed to drive a car and also to rent cars with your drivers license. You will be authorized for the same vehicle classes that your drivers license is valid for in your home country.
Traffic Rules
In Turkey, traffic is on the right. In principle, the same traffic rules apply as in Germany. However, the rules are implemented somewhat differently. Many drivers consider them only as recommendations and drive according to their own laws. Therefore, you will find that many people use the horn in traffic.
It's a strong recommendation not to trust in right before left, but really always make sure that the other people in traffic take it the same way also. You should not be surprised either if there is suddenly oncoming traffic on a one-way street...
The Maximum Speed in Turkey
The maximum speed limit is 50 km/h in towns and villages, 90 km/h on country roads and 100 km/h on freeways.
Filling Up the Tank
If the rental car is handed over with a full tank, it must also be returned with a full tank. If you receive the vehicle with an empty tank, it can be returned empty.
There are plenty of gas stations all around. In Turkey, you don't fill the tank yourself, but you tell the pump operator how many liras worth of fuel you want him to fill the car with. Payment is made in cash or by credit card.
Compulsory Seat Belts
Seat belts are compulsory, all passengers must wear them.
Traffic Fines as a Foreigner
If you receive a traffic fine, it will be sent to the rental car company. If paid within 14 days, there is a 25% reduction.
Fines are never paid immediately on the spot!
The Alcohol Limit While Driving
Even if the blood alcohol limit is officially stated as 0.5 promille, the 0.0 promille limit is usually contractually specified when driving a rental car. Remember that it's absolutely forbidden to drink and drive at the same time!
What If I Have a Car Accident?
In the event of an accident with a rental car, the police must always be called. Even if the other driver wants to avoid this, the police must be called, otherwise the insurance will not pay. If a rental car is involved in an accident, the police are obliged to record the incident, even if only minor damage has occurred.
For the insurance company, it's important that an alcohol test is carried out. All Turkish insurance companies insist on a police report and alcohol test.
It's best to also call your car rental company immediately and inform them.
If you are required to go to the police station, do not make any statements without an interpreter. Police stations are required to call an interpreter if any of the parties in the accident do not speak Turkish.
It's strongly recommended not to sign anything you don't understand!
Now you are ready to rent a car in Antalya. If you need more help planning your trip to Antalya or booking hotels, cars or activities, please feel free to contact our team of travel agents or consult these categories: