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Rent A Car In Ankara, Turkey With Competitive Rates And A Complete Local Guide

Compare airport and downtown pickup options, understand insurance and fees, and choose the right rental company for smooth driving around Ankara and beyond.

Updated Travel Guide
Ankara Car Rental Guide: Where To Pick Up And What To Know
Renting a car in Ankara is a convenient way to reach business districts, nearby towns, and day-trip destinations at your own pace. Most travelers choose either Esenboğa Airport (ESB) for fast, after-landing pickup and longer operating hours, or downtown locations for easier access if you are staying centrally. Expect manual transmissions to be common, automatic cars to cost more, and a deposit to be held on a credit card. Turkey uses the HGS electronic toll system on many highways and bridges, so confirm whether your rental includes a toll tag and how charges are billed. Insurance terminology varies by company—ask what is included (CDW/LDW, theft protection) and what the deductible is, and consider glass/tire coverage if you plan longer drives. To avoid surprise costs, confirm the fuel policy ("full-to-full" is typically best), the extra driver fee, young driver rules, cross-border restrictions, after-hours fees, and whether local taxes/airport surcharges are already included in the quote.
Alamo
Avis
National
Dollar
Thrifty
Budget
+ more
Ankara Esenboğa Airport (ESB) Car Rental Center
Most convenient for arrivals and early departures. Follow signs for “Car Rental / Rent A Car” after baggage claim; counters are typically in/near the arrivals area, and vehicles are picked up in the adjacent parking garages or a designated rental lot. Pros: widest selection, longer hours, easy highway access. Cons: airport surcharge may apply, weekend demand can raise prices.
Kızılay (City Center)
Central pickup near transit, offices, and hotels. Pros: easy to reach without a car, good for travelers already in town. Cons: heavier traffic, limited parking, and shorter opening hours than the airport.
Çankaya
Popular for embassies, business areas, and upscale neighborhoods. Pros: convenient for business stays and residential hotels. Cons: pickup/return may require street parking and can be slower during peak hours.
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Best Car Rentals in Ankara for Every Adventure

From historic Safranbolu to the surreal landscapes of Cappadocia, discover the perfect vehicle for your Turkish road trip experience.

By Trip Type
Popular Makes

Winter

SUV

Conquer Snowy Roads with Confidence
5
3
Auto

Ankara's winters bring snow and ice to higher elevations and winding mountain roads. An SUV provides the stability, all-wheel drive traction, and ground clearance needed to navigate safely through Central Anatolia's seasonal conditions while keeping you warm and secure on your journey.

Road Trip

SUV

Explore Cappadocia's Unique Terrain
5
3
Auto

Cappadocia's fairy chimneys, rocky valleys, and unpaved paths demand a versatile SUV with high ground clearance and robust performance. American travelers love the comfort and capability to explore Turkey's most spectacular landscapes with confidence and style.

Urban

Small

City-Smart & Easy Parking
5
2
Auto

Navigate Ankara's bustling streets, find parking in the compact city center, and zip through traffic with ease. A small car is perfect for urban exploration and offers excellent fuel efficiency for daily commutes around the capital city.

Choose Your Ride

Find the perfect vehicle for your trip. Compare options below.

Airport Pickup
Downtown Pickup

Why Pick Up At Ankara ESB Airport

Airport rentals are ideal if you want to start driving immediately after landing. ESB typically offers more vehicle classes (including larger SUVs and automatics), longer operating hours, and simpler logistics for early or late flights. It’s also faster to reach highways for trips outside Ankara, though airport fees can make the total price slightly higher.

Top-Rated Car Rentals at ESB Airport Ankara

Read genuine reviews from travelers who picked up vehicles at Esenboga Airport. Make informed choices and find the perfect ride for your Ankara trip.

Rental companyRatingAvg. Daily RatePickup Method/DistanceSecurity depositAccepts Debit CardsKey Advantages
CircularBest Overall
4.5
900+ reviews
$51Call for pick-up-
  • Fast delivery within days
  • Easy and hassle-free process
  • Affordable subscription plans
SixtBest Overall
4.3
9,687+ reviews
$1061.7 miLow deposit
  • Premium car selection with BMW
  • Fast and easy pickup return
  • Competitive pricing no hidden fees
Essence
3.5
36 reviews
$6114.9 mi
$590
  • Clean and comfortable vehicles
  • Fast efficient pickup service
  • Professional friendly staff
Matcar
3.5
294 reviews
$11914.9 mi-
  • No hidden fees, transparent pricing
  • New and clean vehicles provided
  • Quick airport pickup and drop-off
Nissa
3.2
1 review
$681.8 mi
$593
  • Limited data available
  • Single review found
  • Not verified car rental
Green motionBudget Friendly
2.9
31,000+ reviews
$972.9 miLow deposit
  • Professional and friendly staff
  • Brand new vehicles in excellent condition
  • Transparent pricing with great value
Fox rent a car
2.9
22,000+ reviews
$74Walk to counter
$356 - $830
  • Best price for budget travelers
  • Friendly and helpful staff members
  • Smooth pickup and drop-off process
Avec car rentals
2.1
72 reviews
$591.8 miLow deposit
  • Brand New Cars Available
  • Competitive Pricing
  • Professional English Staff
Enterprise
1.8
23,900+ reviews
$670.9 mi
$442 - $733
  • Smooth Pickup and Return Process
  • Professional and Friendly Staff
  • Good Location near Airport
Alamo
1.8
3,082+ reviews
$540.9 mi
$593
  • Smooth Pickup and Return Process
  • Variety of Vehicle Options
  • Global Network Presence

*Rating and review data are sourced from Trustpilot. Policy details may vary by location and vehicle type. Please confirm at the time of booking.

Data source: QEEQ Car Rental
Last updated: Jun. 7 2026
Essential Rental Hub
Everything you need to know before you drive off. Select a topic to get the full brakdown.
Guide to Handling Car Accidents in Turkey
This guide offers step-by-step instructions on how to manage a rental car accident in Turkey, covering safety measures, legal obligations, and essential documentation.
View details
A Complete Guide to Fueling Rental Cars in Turkey
Learn how to fuel your rental car in Turkey with this comprehensive guide, covering the full-service process, fuel types, payment options, and insider tips for a smooth experience.
View details
Avoid Hidden Car Rental Fees in Ankara
This guide provides essential tips to avoid hidden car rental fees in Ankara, covering insurance pitfalls, fuel policies, and more.
View details
Ankara Car Rental Insurance: How to Avoid Costly Deposits & Claims
A definitive, practical guide to renting a car in Ankara without being blindsided by huge security holds, deductibles, or surprise repair bills. Compares paying for the rental desk’s Super CDW (zero excess) vs affordable third-party reimbursement plans (e.g., QEEQ), explains common exclusions (glass, tires, undercarriage, fuel, lost keys), warns against relying on credit-card coverage, and provides a step-by-step action plan: pre-rental inspection, police report, documentation and the decision checklist based on budget and credit limit.
View details

Platform Insights

Car Rental Expert Advice

By QEEQ Platform Expert Team

Expertise Metrics

Platform Recognition

Asia's Best Car Rental Booking Website 2023&2024

Booking Volume

Review Quality

10,000+ verified 5-star reviews

Market Experience

Data Authority

Expertise Verification

QEEQ data verified against local official data sources

Key Expert Insights

Platform Analysis

"Esenboğa Airport captures 48-52% of Ankara rentals as primary hub, city center holds 30-35%, and train station locations account for 15-20%. International chains (Avis, Hertz, Budget) dominate with 55% combined market share."

Booking Patterns

"Economy cars dominate at 48% of Ankara fleet, SUV demand rose 30% in 2023 for regional tourism. Peak season (May-Sep) captures 58% of bookings. Average rental duration is 4-5 days with 34% booking 2+ weeks ahead."

Customer Pain Points

"44% of first-time renters in Turkey report confusion over CDW vs Super CDW coverage, while 37% cite hidden fees at pickup as primary complaint."

Data Sources

  • QEEQ internal booking databse
  • DHMI Turkey - Airports Statistics 2023
  • Mordor Intelligence - Turkey Car Rental Market
  • Statista Turkey Car Rental Market Outlook
  • ResearchAndMarkets - Turkey Car Rental Market Report 2024
  • Statista Car Preferences Survey Turkey
  • Ministry of Culture and Tourism - Tourism Statistics 2023
  • Consumer Reports - Car Rental Customer Experience Turkey
  • Auto Europe Customer Reviews Analysis
  • Turkey Consumer Protection Guidelines

Road Trips

One-way rental routes starting from Ankara

Plan your ultimate road trip with these popular one-way routes departing from Ankara

Ankara Awaits: Discover Turkey's Heart

From the historic Anitkabir to the vibrant streets of Ankara, explore Turkey's capital city with expert driving tips, local gas prices, and essential travel insights for an unforgettable journey.

LANGUAGES

Turkish

CURRENCY

TRY

DRIVE ON

Right-hand side

COUNTRY CODE

+90

AVERAGE CAR RENTAL PRICE

$40 per day

AVERAGE CAR RENTAL LENGTH

4-5 days

SPEED LIMIT WITHIN TOWN

50 km/h

SPEED LIMIT OUT OF TOWN

110-120 km/h

ACCEPTABLE LIMIT OF BAC

0.05% (Strictly Enforced)

AVERAGE GAS PRICE

$1.40/L

LOWEST / HIGHEST GAS PRICE

$1.21/L - $1.40/L

Ankara Car Rental Guide

Essential driving tips and FAQ for renting and driving in Ankara, Turkey

Can I drive in Turkey with my US license, or do I need an International Driving Permit?
Yes, you can drive in Turkey with your US license, but you'll need an International Driving Permit (IDP) as a translation document. Turkish authorities require the IDP alongside your original US license. The IDP is valid for 1 year and can be obtained from AAA in the US before departure. Without it, you risk fines of 100-200 TRY if stopped by police.
How much is the young driver surcharge for renting a car in Ankara?
Most rental companies in Turkey charge a young driver surcharge for drivers under 25, typically ranging from 50-100 TRY per day (about $3-6 USD). Drivers under 21 are often excluded from renting altogether at many agencies. If you're 21-24, budget an extra 1,500-3,000 TRY for a week-long rental for this surcharge alone.
Do I need snow chains to drive in Ankara during winter?
Yes, strongly recommended. Ankara winters (December-February) see temperatures drop to -10°C to -15°C with regular snowfall. While main highways are generally plowed, secondary roads and rural routes can be icy. Snow chains cost 200-400 TRY to purchase locally, and some rental companies include them—confirm when booking. Winter tires add 300-500 TRY to your rental but are worthwhile for December-February trips.
How do I pay for highway tolls in Turkey? Are electronic tags worth it?
Turkey has a toll system on most motorways (Otoyol). You can pay with cash or credit card at toll booths, or use an electronic device (OGS or KGS) for faster passage. If you plan to drive more than 200km on highways, renting an electronic tag (typically 50-100 TRY plus deposit) is worth it—it saves time and sometimes offers small discounts. Toll costs average 1-3 TRY per 100km depending on vehicle class.
What type of fuel do cars in Turkey use, and should I return the car full or empty?
Most rental cars in Turkey run on diesel (dizel) or unleaded gasoline (benzin). Check your rental agreement carefully—mixing fuel types causes serious engine damage and is not covered by insurance. The 'full-to-full' policy is standard: you receive the car with a full tank and must return it full to avoid refueling charges at 1.5-2x pump rates. Diesel costs around 25-30 TRY per liter, gasoline around 30-35 TRY per liter.

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The Magellan Awards in Car Rental Service Category

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