Under 25? What the Minimum Rental Age Means in Turkey and Syria

The short answer

The minimum age to rent a car with Auris is 25, in both Turkey and Syria. It is one of the published rental conditions, and it applies to the person driving the car.

If you are under 25, you cannot be the driver on an Auris rental. The rest of this article is about what you can do instead.

Why does the age limit exist?

Across the rental industry, younger drivers are statistically involved in more accidents, and insurance is priced and written accordingly. Many companies in many countries set the line somewhere between 21 and 25. Auris sets it at 25. We do not publish a young-driver surcharge or an exception, so do not plan a trip around one.

Option 1: someone 25 or older is the main driver

The most common solution for families and groups: the booking is in the name of an older family member or friend who meets the age and document requirements, and they do the driving.

• Only the people on the rental agreement should drive. Handing the keys to a younger passenger "for an hour" is exactly the situation insurance does not cover.
• If two people will share the driving, both must meet the conditions. In Turkey, read our additional driver guide for how to add a second driver.

Option 2 in Syria: a car with a driver

In Damascus, a car with a driver is a real alternative and solves the age question entirely — you are a passenger. It is also practical for airport arrivals and intercity days. See our private driver comparison.

Option 3 in Turkey: plan around public transport and taxis

In Istanbul, a younger traveller can get a long way without driving — metro, Marmaray, ferries and taxis cover most of the city. Our Istanbul transport guide explains how. For intercity trips, our bus, train or flight comparison covers the alternatives to driving.

What else applies once you are 25

Being old enough is the first condition, not the only one. You also need:

• Documents. In Turkey: a Turkish licence and ID, or a passport and foreign licence. In Syria: a Syrian licence and ID, or a passport and foreign licence.
• A deposit. Turkey $200 or $300, Syria $300 or $500, depending on the car.

A note for parents booking for children

If you are booking for a son or daughter under 25 who will be travelling without you, the booking cannot be in your name with them driving. Either someone 25 or older travels with them and drives, or — in Syria — book a car with a driver.

Questions about your specific situation? Ask before you book, not at the handover.