Car Rental in Alanya, Turkey

Where to drive

• Drive to Side and Aspendos: Explore the ancient Roman theater of Aspendos and the ruins of Side, approximately 65 km (1 hour drive) west of Alanya.
• Visit Damlataş Cave and Alanya Castle: While within Alanya, a car allows easy access to these iconic landmarks, especially if staying outside the immediate city center.
• Discover Dim Çayı River and Picnic Areas: Head inland to the Dim Çayı River for a relaxing day by the water, with numerous riverside restaurants and picnic spots, about 15 km (30 minutes drive) from Alanya.
• Explore the Taurus Mountains: Take a scenic drive into the foothills of the Taurus Mountains, experiencing traditional Turkish villages and breathtaking views, starting just 30-40 km (45 minutes drive) north of Alanya.
• Day trip to Antalya: The bustling provincial capital of Antalya, with its historic Old Town (Kaleiçi) and beautiful waterfalls, is approximately 135 km (2 hour drive) west of Alanya.

What documents you need

To rent a car in Turkey, you generally need a valid national driving license from your home country, a passport, and for non-Turkish license holders, an International Driving Permit (IDP) is highly recommended or often required, especially if your license is not in a Latin alphabet. The minimum age for car rental is typically 21, with some companies requiring drivers to be 23 or 25 for certain vehicle categories or to have held their license for at least 2 years.

How much rental costs

Car rental prices in Alanya vary significantly by season and vehicle class. Economy cars typically start from around 25-35 EUR per day in the low season, while SUVs or premium models can range from 60-100+ EUR daily. During peak summer months, expect prices to increase by approximately 50-100% across all categories.

Demand by month

Traffic rules and fines

In Turkey, traffic drives on the right. Speed limits are generally 50 km/h in urban areas, 90 km/h on rural roads, and 120 km/h on motorways, though always check local signage. The legal blood alcohol limit for drivers is very low, effectively zero (0.05% for private vehicles, 0.00% for commercial). Headlights are not required during the day. Seatbelts are mandatory for all occupants. Child safety seats are compulsory for children under 1.35 meters tall and under 36 kg.

Parking

In Alanya, finding free parking in the city center can be challenging, especially during peak season. There are numerous paid parking lots and street parking zones where payment is usually made to an attendant or via a ticket machine. Outside the immediate city center, particularly near hotels or residential areas, free parking might be more available. Always look for signs and be aware of 'No Parking' zones.

Fuel stations

Fuel (petrol and diesel) is widely available throughout Alanya and across Turkey. Most petrol stations accept credit cards, but it's always wise to carry some Turkish Lira for smaller stations or emergencies. Fuel prices in Turkey are generally higher than the European average; expect to pay approximately 1.20-1.50 EUR per liter for petrol or diesel.

Which car to choose

For driving in Alanya and exploring the coastal region, an economy or compact car is usually sufficient and easier to navigate through city traffic and park. If you plan to venture into the mountainous regions or travel with more luggage, a compact SUV or a sedan with a slightly more powerful engine might be a better choice. Manual transmission cars are common, but automatics are readily available if preferred.

Frequently asked questions