Car Rental in Bingol

Where to drive

• Visit Bingol's famous Ice Caves (Buz Mağaraları), located approximately 25 kilometers (15 miles) from the city center, a drive of around 30-40 minutes depending on road conditions.
• Explore the Solhan Hanzarşah Sultan Mosque, an impressive historical structure about 60 kilometers (37 miles) southeast of Bingol, roughly a 1-hour drive.
• Take a scenic drive to Lake Hazar, also known as Golu Hazar, around 100 kilometers (62 miles) west of Bingol. This journey offers beautiful views and takes about 1.5 to 2 hours.
• Discover the Murat River, one of Turkey's major rivers, which flows near Bingol. You can easily access various points along its banks within a 30-minute drive for picnics or photography.
• Venture to the Sancak Valley, known for its natural beauty and traditional villages, located approximately 40 kilometers (25 miles) north of Bingol, an hour's drive through winding roads.

What documents you need

To rent a car in Turkey, you typically need a valid driver's license (held for at least 1-2 years), your passport, and for non-Turkish licenses, an International Driving Permit (IDP) is highly recommended or often required. The minimum age for renting is usually 21, but some categories or companies may require drivers to be 25 or older, sometimes with an additional young driver surcharge.

How much rental costs

Car rental prices in Bingol can vary significantly based on vehicle class and season. Economy cars might start from around 25-35 EUR per day in the low season, while SUVs or larger family cars could range from 50-80 EUR. Premium vehicles are less common but could exceed 100 EUR daily. Prices typically peak during summer months and holidays, potentially increasing by 30-50% compared to the lowest rates.

Demand by month

Traffic rules and fines

In Turkey, speed limits are generally 50 km/h in urban areas, 90 km/h on rural roads, and 120 km/h on motorways, unless otherwise signposted. The alcohol limit for drivers is very strict, practically zero (0.05% for private vehicles, 0.00% for commercial vehicles). Headlights are required at night and in poor visibility. Seatbelts are mandatory for all occupants, and child seats are required for children under a certain height or age, typically up to 135 cm or 12 years old.

Parking

In Bingol city center, parking can be found in designated paid lots or on-street. Look for 'Otopark' signs. Many areas have attendants who collect a small fee. Outside the immediate city center, parking is generally free and more readily available, especially near attractions and natural sites. Always ensure you are not blocking traffic or entrances.

Fuel stations

Fuel stations are widely available in and around Bingol and along main roads. Both gasoline (benzin) and diesel (motorin) are common. LPG (otogaz) is also available at many stations. Fuel prices are regulated and generally similar across the country, typically paid in Turkish Lira, with credit cards widely accepted. It's wise to fill up before long journeys into more remote areas.

Which car to choose

For driving around Bingol and exploring the region, an economy or compact car is suitable for city driving and paved roads. However, if you plan to venture into more mountainous or rural areas with potentially unpaved roads, an SUV or a vehicle with higher ground clearance would be a more comfortable and practical choice. Manual transmission cars are very common, but automatics are increasingly available.

Frequently asked questions