Istanbul Airport Car Rental

Istanbul Airport Car Rental Guide

As one of the busiest aviation hubs in the world, Istanbul Airport (IST) serves as the ultimate starting point for travelers arriving in the city. Located on the European side of Istanbul, this massive facility connects you to endless possibilities. To move freely in any direction you choose, taking advantage of rental car services is by far the most comfortable option.

With Yolcu360, you can complete your Istanbul Airport rent-a-car process in seconds, comparing dozens of different car rental companies on a single screen. From the moment you book until your journey ends, our guest center continues to provide you with 24/7 multilingual support.

Istanbul Airport Rent a Car Office Locations

Whether you are arriving on a domestic or an international flight, reaching the rental car offices at Istanbul Airport is highly practical. Depending on your arrival terminal, here are the steps you need to follow:

• International Flights: After completing passport control and collecting your baggage, the moment you exit the customs area, you will step into the main arrivals hall. All the global rent-a-car brands operating at the airport are lined up right here to serve you.

• Domestic Flights: Once you disembark, pass through the baggage claim area and head straight to the main exit doors. The car rental desks are lined up side by side right at this exit point in the arrivals hall.

Istanbul Airport Car Rental Companies

Car rental companies at Istanbul Airport conduct their operations at the most easily accessible points of the terminal:

• In-Terminal Offices: Major global companies such as Avis, Budget, Enterprise, Garenta, Sixt, and Europcar are located directly inside the terminal building on the arrivals floor. After completing your paperwork here, there is no need to take a shuttle; you can simply walk to the delivery points on the terminal's parking floor and pick up your vehicle in minutes.

• Off-Terminal and Shuttle-Supported Offices: Some local companies located just outside the airport campus often offer more budget-friendly alternatives. When you book with these companies, a free shuttle service will greet you outside the terminal exit and take you to their main offices nearby for a quick vehicle handover.

Note: Regardless of which company you choose, when you book through Yolcu360, an instant notification containing the exact location of the office is sent directly to your phone. This ensures your car pick-up experience starts smoothly and without any confusion.

Car Rental Requirements at Istanbul Airport

While rental conditions can vary slightly from company to company, the general rules for international travelers are as follows:

International travelers must present a valid passport, a driver's license printed in the Latin alphabet (or an International Driving Permit), and a physical credit card registered in the main driver's name for the security deposit.

Which Car Should You Choose for Istanbul?

The rental options at the airport offer a rich variety suitable for Istanbul's diverse driving conditions:

• City Center and Heavy Traffic: For navigating narrow historical streets in districts like Beşiktaş or Şişli and finding parking easily, Hatchback vehicles with automatic transmissions are highly recommended.

• Comfort and Prestige: If you are visiting for business meetings or planning long-distance road trips across Türkiye, upgrading to Luxury segment vehicles will greatly enhance your driving pleasure.

• Large Groups: If you are traveling with family or a large group, Sedan models with spacious trunks or 7-seater SUVs will ensure everyone travels comfortably.

Essential Tips for Renting a Car at Istanbul Airport

• The Airport Exit Tip: To reach the inner parts of the European side, using the Northern Marmara Highway (Kuzey Marmara Otoyolu) connections provides a fast route that entirely bypasses standard city traffic. (Note: This is a toll road; ensure your rental has an HGS toll tag).

• Fuel Tip: Before returning your vehicle, you can easily fulfill the "full-to-full" fuel policy by using the gas stations located right at the entrance of or within the airport campus.

• Flight Delay Support: If your flight is delayed, please inform us of your flight number during booking. This allows your Istanbul Airport car rental supplier to track your arrival and hold your vehicle for you.

Parking Fees and the Vehicle Delivery Process

Another important aspect of the rental process is parking management. Here is what you will encounter when picking up or returning your vehicle:

• Picking Up the Vehicle: When you rent from an in-terminal office, your car will be waiting for you in the terminal's official parking lot. The parking exit fee incurred when driving out is generally covered by the rental company.

• Returning the Vehicle: When you arrive at the airport to drop off the car, simply follow the specific "Rent a Car Return" signs to enter the designated parking area. Any entry fee generated here is the responsibility of the rental company.

• Short-Term Parking: If you are using your rental car to pick someone up and need to use the official parking lot, standard rates apply. As of 2026, the fee for 1 hour of parking is approximately 250 TL.

Advantages of Renting a Car at Istanbul Airport with Yolcu360

• Price Transparency: You will never encounter any surprises regarding reservation fees. You can book with confidence, knowing there are no hidden fees or last-minute charges.

• Extensive Supplier Network: You can instantly compare and choose the most suitable option among global giants (like the Avis Istanbul Airport office) as well as highly trusted local companies.

• Flexible Cancellation: If your travel plans change, there is no need to worry. You have the right to cancel your rental completely free of charge up until the very last minute.