ISTUpdated March 30, 2026

Car rental at Istanbul airport

Istanbul · Turkey

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Departures Arrivals Airport map & meeting point
IST · Rent a car

Rental companies at the airport

Car rental companies operating at Istanbul airport (IST) and where to find them. The airport is 35 km from Istanbul. See also the airport guide for general information.

The car hire offices are located on the Arrivals level, in the public access area (landside). Most agencies operate 24 hours a day, allowing vehicle pick-up and drop-off at any time.

Car Hire Companies

Requirements for Hiring a Vehicle

To hire a car at Istanbul Airport, the following documents and conditions are generally required:

  • Minimum age: You must be at least 21 years old for economy categories and 25–28 years old for luxury vehicles.
  • Driving licence: It must be valid and have at least 1 or 2 years of driving experience (depending on the company). If your licence is not in the Latin alphabet, an International Driving Permit (IDP) is mandatory.
  • Passport or ID: A valid, original identification document.
  • Credit card: A credit card in the name of the main driver is required to block the security deposit. Debit cards or cash are usually not accepted for this purpose.
  • Insurance: Rates typically include basic third-party liability and collision coverage (CDW), but it is recommended to review full protection options at the time of booking.

Companies, opening hours and desk locations can change. Check with the rental company before booking.

How do we verify this information?

Compare rental cars at IST

See prices for IST on DiscoverCars

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Tips for renting a car in Turkey

  1. Check that your driver's license is valid in Turkey. Some countries also ask for an International Driving Permit (IDP), which is only valid together with your national license.
  2. Review what the rental includes: collision damage waiver, third-party liability and the deductible. Most companies also hold a deposit on a credit card in the driver's name.
  3. Learn the local rules before you drive: speed limits, right of way, alcohol limits and tolls.
  4. Check which side of the road traffic drives on and where the steering wheel is.
  5. At pickup, photograph the car (inside and out) and the fuel level, and keep the photos until the deposit is returned.
  6. Know what to do in an accident: who to call, what to document and how to report it to the rental company.

Find the rental desks and parking on the IST airport map.

Not driving? See other ways to get to and from IST. Returning the car or picking someone up: parking at IST.

German Giudici

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Creator of the Aeropuertos del Mundo website network since 2007.