Car & Van Hire - Istanbul

There are many vehicle classes for visitors to Istanbul to choose from. Mini and economy cars are available from all of the Enterprise outlets, which will suit couples and small families perfectly. For larger groups, intermediate and full-size saloons are also available. Enterprise offers a number of options for premium cars as well. For visitors that are bringing a lot of luggage with them, large estate saloon cars are also available. If you require a 4x4 or an SUV, you should enquire with their staff before your arrival to ensure availability.

Many arrivals in Istanbul touch down at Atatürk International Airport, which is about a 30-minute journey by road into the central part of the city. The Enterprise airport branch is open seven days a week, so you can be sure that you'll be able to find a vehicle hire no matter what time you arrive. Sabiha Gökçen Airport is situated to the east of the city, and if you are arriving via this terminal, you can access Enterprise's car hire services at this convenient airport outlet as well. The same friendly service awaits you no matter which airport you'll be landing at.

The Hagia Sophia, in central Istanbul, is one of the city's many delights. It was originally a cathedral built by the Roman Emperor, Justinian. It is now a mosque that's open to visitors, allowing them to marvel at its stunning architecture. The Spice Bazaar and the Grand Bazaar are amongst attractions that shouldn't be missed out on. Entering them is like stepping back in time. A short drive from downtown Istanbul is Boğazkesen Castle, a medieval fortress that was built by Mehmed II. Lovers of art should seek out Sakip Sabanci Museum, which is full of Ottoman-era works and calligraphic art.

Being competitive when it comes to rental pricing is a core part of Enterprise's approach, and this is certainly the case in the city of Istanbul. The best way to secure the most competitive car hire rates is by booking online. Reserving your vehicle before you travel will also help ensure you obtain the lowest possible price for a car rental in Istanbul. One good tip for travellers planning to hire a car rental in Istanbul is that weekend prices are often cheaper than mid-week rates due to more cars being available.

No visit to Istanbul is complete without a drive outside of the city. A trip to Yalova, which faces Istanbul on the shores of the Sea of Marmara, gives a good look and insight at life inreal Turkey. A more relaxed pace of life can be found away from the hectic city. To get there, just head southeast on the E80. To the north, Kumköy is about an hour away from Istanbul. This resort town is in European Turkey and faces the Black Sea. It offers plenty of restaurants that serve up fresh fish.

Istanbul is a crowded city, especially throughout the central districts. Although the driving standards are European, drivers need to stay on guard, being sure to look out for unexpected pedestrians and scooters. Though parking is free on many of Istanbul's streets, never assume it is. Always check for any meters that you might need to pay, which are more commonly seen in downtown areas. It's also recommended to carry around some spare change because paying with a card for parking is not always an option. Organised parking facilities are generally marked as 'Oto Park' and are easy to find throughout Istanbul.