Car Rental in Bitlis

Where to drive

• Explore the historic Bitlis Castle, dating back to the Urartian period, located right within the city. This allows for an easy drive to and from your accommodation, offering flexibility for historical exploration.
• Drive to Tatvan on the shores of Lake Van, approximately 15 km (about 20 minutes) from Bitlis. From there, you can enjoy the lake views, visit the Nemrut Crater Lake, or take a ferry to Akdamar Island.
• Visit the Nemrut Crater Lake, a stunning caldera lake located about 25 km (around 45 minutes) west of Tatvan. The drive offers breathtaking mountain scenery and access to hot springs and cold water lakes within the crater.
• Take a scenic route to Ahlat, an ancient Seljuk cemetery and historical site, approximately 50 km (about 1 hour) north of Bitlis. This drive showcases unique tombstone art and offers panoramic views of Lake Van.
• Embark on a longer day trip to Van, a major city on the eastern shore of Lake Van, roughly 160 km (around 2.5 hours) from Bitlis. Here you can visit Van Castle, the Van Cat House, and enjoy local cuisine.

What documents you need

To rent a car in Turkey, you generally need a valid passport, a national driving license, and an International Driving Permit (IDP) if your license is not in English or does not use the Latin alphabet. Drivers must typically be at least 21 years old and have held their license for a minimum of 1-2 years, though this can vary by rental company and car category.

How much rental costs

Car rental prices in Bitlis vary significantly by season and vehicle class. Economy cars can start from around 20-30 EUR per day during the low season, while mid-range sedans might be 40-60 EUR. SUVs and premium vehicles can range from 70 EUR upwards, especially during peak summer months. Expect prices to be highest from June to August and lowest in winter.

Demand by month

Traffic rules and fines

In Turkey, the general speed limits are 50 km/h in urban areas, 90 km/h on rural roads, and 120 km/h on motorways, unless otherwise signposted. The blood alcohol limit for drivers is very strict, effectively zero (0.05% for private vehicles, but it's safest to avoid alcohol entirely). Headlights must be used in tunnels and during periods of low visibility. Seatbelts are mandatory for all occupants, and child seats are required for children up to a certain height or age, typically around 135 cm or 12 years.

Parking

In Bitlis, parking in the city center can be challenging but is often available in designated street parking zones or small private lots, which may require a small fee. Outside the immediate city center and at tourist attractions, you'll generally find free parking. Always look for official signs or attendants to avoid fines or towing.

Fuel stations

Fuel stations are readily available in Bitlis and along main routes. Both gasoline (petrol) and diesel are widely sold. The price of fuel is regulated and generally consistent across the country, though it can fluctuate. Payment is typically by cash or credit card. Expect prices to be in line with European averages, approximately 1.20-1.50 EUR per liter for gasoline.

Which car to choose

For exploring Bitlis and its immediate surroundings, an economy or compact car is sufficient due to often narrow city streets. However, for venturing into the mountainous regions around Lake Van and to sites like Nemrut Crater Lake, a vehicle with higher ground clearance, such as a compact SUV, would be more comfortable and suitable for varying road conditions, especially outside of main highways. Manual transmission is common, but automatics are available.

Frequently asked questions