How to Save Money on Car Rentals in Turkey

Renting a car in Turkey offers outstanding value compared to Western Europe — but only if you know how to approach it. Hidden fees, poor fuel choices, and last-minute bookings can easily double your real cost. This guide shows you exactly how to get the best deal on your Turkey car rental.

Book at Least Two Weeks in Advance

Car rental pricing in Turkey follows supply and demand closely. During peak summer months (June–August) and major Turkish holidays, available vehicles disappear fast and prices spike sharply. booking 14 to 21 days in advance can save you 25 to 40 percent compared to walk-in rates. For travel around Eid al-Fitr, Eid al-Adha, and mid-summer, book even earlier — 4 to 6 weeks out.

Use the Auris online booking system to lock in your vehicle and price. You can modify dates without penalty up to 48 hours before pickup in most cases.

Choose the Right Vehicle Category

Upgrading to a larger or flashier car might seem appealing, but in Turkey's urban traffic it often works against you. A compact sedan like the Toyota Corolla is easier to park, consumes significantly less fuel, and handles Istanbul's narrow streets far better than an SUV. If you genuinely need space — for a family with luggage or a long Anatolian road trip — then an SUV or van is justified. Otherwise, save the money.

Hybrid vehicles are the best value category in Turkish city driving. Our Toyota Corolla Hybrid achieves 22 to 26 km/L in mixed driving, compared to 13 to 16 km/L for a conventional petrol car. With Turkey's fuel prices, this difference adds up quickly on longer trips.

Understand the Full Price Breakdown

When comparing rental prices, always look at the total cost, not just the daily rate. Key items to check: CDW (collision damage waiver) — is it included or extra? Young driver surcharge (under 25)? Additional driver fee? Cross-border fee if you plan to enter Syria from Turkey or vice versa? One-way drop-off fee?

Ask Auris for a written price breakdown before you pay, including whether CDW is included and what excess applies.

Fuel Strategy

Always return the car with the same fuel level as pickup — typically full. Rental companies that offer a "pre-purchase fuel" option often charge above-market rates; it's almost always cheaper to fill up yourself at a local petrol station. In Turkey, look for Petrol Ofisi (PON STAR card gives discounts), Shell V-Power stations, or BP for reliable fuel quality.

Diesel (Motorin) is significantly cheaper per litre than petrol (Benzin) in Turkey and offers better mileage. If your rental is a diesel, keep it diesel. Don't confuse the two at the pump — it's a costly mistake.

Use the HGS System Efficiently

HGS tolls are electronic; confirm at booking how the HGS toll tag is handled for your car and how toll usage is billed. Toll costs on the TEM motorway between Istanbul airports and the city centre add up, but they save substantial time. Budget roughly 50 to 150 TL per day depending on your routing. Avoid taking the motorway for every short urban trip — on distances under 15 km, surface roads are often just as fast.

Avoid Airport Pickup Surcharges When Possible

Airport pickup is convenient but typically carries a surcharge of $15 to $30. If you're arriving in Istanbul and your hotel is in the city centre, consider arranging pickup at our office instead. Hotel delivery in central Istanbul can be arranged — confirm availability and the delivery fee for your location.

Insurance — Don't Over-Pay, Don't Under-Buy

CDW is essential — never skip it. But additional insurance products like "super CDW" or "full protection" that rental desks push often duplicate coverage you already have from your credit card. Check your credit card's rental car benefit before accepting extra products. Visa Infinite and most premium Mastercards provide collision coverage when you pay with the card.

Ask Auris what the standard rate covers, what excess applies and what is excluded, and get it in writing.

Smart planning can lower your Turkey car rental cost and often gets you a better vehicle than a last-minute booking. Compare total prices before you book.