Car Rental in Bursa

Where to drive

• Drive up Uludağ Mountain: Reach Turkey's premier ski resort and national park in approximately 1 hour (around 35 km) from Bursa city center, enjoying scenic views along the way.
• Visit Cumalıkızık Village: Explore this UNESCO World Heritage site, a remarkably well-preserved Ottoman village, just a 30-minute drive (about 15 km) from Bursa.
• Discover İznik (Nicaea): Journey to the historic city of İznik, famous for its ceramics and ancient walls, roughly 1.5 hours (around 80 km) east of Bursa.
• Relax in Yalova Thermal Springs: Head north to the thermal baths of Yalova, about 1 hour and 15 minutes (around 70 km) away, for a rejuvenating escape.
• Explore Gölyazı Village: Drive to this picturesque village on Lake Uluabat, known for its ancient plane tree and serene atmosphere, approximately 45 minutes (around 40 km) west of Bursa.

What documents you need

To rent a car in Turkey, you typically need a valid passport, a driving license held for at least 1-2 years, and for non-EU/UK citizens, an International Driving Permit (IDP) is strongly recommended or sometimes required by rental agencies. The minimum age for rental is generally 21, with some companies requiring drivers to be 25 for certain car categories or applying a young driver surcharge for those under 25.

How much rental costs

Car rental prices in Bursa vary significantly by season and vehicle class. Economy cars can start from approximately 25-35 EUR per day in the low season, while SUVs and premium models will naturally be higher, ranging from around 60 EUR to over 100 EUR daily. Summer months and ski season (winter) typically see a notable increase in prices, often by 30-50% compared to the quietest periods.

Demand by month

Traffic rules and fines

In Turkey, general speed limits are 50 km/h in urban areas, 90 km/h on rural roads, and 120 km/h on motorways, though these can vary by specific signage. The legal blood alcohol limit for drivers is very low (0.05%), effectively meaning zero tolerance for most. Headlights are required in tunnels and during periods of reduced visibility. Seatbelts are mandatory for all occupants, and child seats are required for children under 1.35 meters tall and under 36 kg.

Parking

Parking in Bursa city center can be challenging. There are numerous paid parking lots (otopark) available, often underground or multi-story, with hourly rates. On-street parking is generally paid via attendants or parking meters in designated zones. Free parking is rare in central, busy areas but can be found in residential zones or further out from the city core.

Fuel stations

Fuel stations are widely available throughout Bursa and on major routes. Both gasoline (benzin) and diesel (motorin) are commonly sold. Prices are regulated by the government and are generally consistent across different brands, typically paid in Turkish Lira (TRY) by cash or credit card. Approximate fuel prices are around 40-45 TRY per liter as of early 2026.

Which car to choose

For city driving in Bursa and navigating smaller village roads, a compact or economy car is often sufficient and easier to park. If you plan to visit Uludağ, especially during winter for skiing, an SUV with good ground clearance and potentially 4x4 capability (along with winter tires or chains) would be highly recommended. Manual transmission cars are very common, but automatics are increasingly available, though they might be slightly more expensive.

Frequently asked questions