Car Rental in Eskisehir

Where to drive

• Explore the Phrygian Valley: Drive approximately 1.5-2 hours (around 100-120 km) southwest from Eskisehir to discover ancient rock-cut monuments, tombs, and settlements like Yazılıkaya (Midas City).
• Day Trip to Afyonkarahisar: A historical city known for its castle and thermal springs, located about 1.5 hours (around 130 km) south of Eskisehir. Perfect for a cultural excursion and relaxation.
• Visit Cumalıkızık Village (UNESCO World Heritage Site): Head northwest for about 1.5-2 hours (around 150 km) to this Ottoman-era village near Bursa, famous for its well-preserved houses and traditional atmosphere.
• Discover Odunpazarı Modern Museum (OMM) and Eskisehir's Historic Quarter: While within the city, having a car allows you to easily hop between the modern museum and the charming, narrow streets of Odunpazarı, then venture out to nearby parks like Sazova Science, Art and Culture Park.
• Journey to Ankara: Turkey's capital is a comfortable 2.5-3 hour drive (around 250 km) east, offering grand museums, historical sites, and a bustling urban experience, making it an ideal extended day trip or weekend getaway.

What documents you need

To rent a car in Turkey, you generally need a valid passport, a national driving license held for at least 1-2 years (depending on the rental company), and an International Driving Permit (IDP) if your license is not in a Latin alphabet or does not clearly state 'Driving License'. The minimum age for renting is typically 21, though some companies may require drivers to be 23 or 25 for certain car classes, often with an additional young driver surcharge for those under 25.

How much rental costs

Car rental prices in Eskisehir can vary significantly based on vehicle class and seasonality. Economy cars might start from around 20-25 EUR per day during the low season, while SUVs or premium models could easily range from 40 EUR to 80 EUR or more. Prices typically peak during the summer months (June-August) and national holidays, potentially increasing by 30-50% compared to winter rates. Booking in advance, especially through platforms like RentoRika, can often secure better deals.

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 observe local signage. The legal alcohol limit for drivers is very strict, practically zero (0.05% blood alcohol content for private vehicles, but effectively 0.00% for commercial drivers and it's best to avoid alcohol entirely when driving). Headlights must be used in tunnels and during conditions of poor visibility. Seatbelts are mandatory for all occupants, and children under 1.35 meters or under 36 kg must use an appropriate child safety seat.

Parking

In Eskisehir, parking can be a mix of street parking, paid parking lots, and some free zones. In the city center, especially around popular areas like Odunpazarı or the riverside, you'll mostly find paid street parking or multi-story car parks. Payment is often made via attendants (sometimes wearing official vests) or automated machines. Free parking is more common in residential areas further from the core or at larger shopping centers. Always look for signs indicating parking rules and fees.

Fuel stations

Fuel (gasoline and diesel) is widely available across Eskisehir and throughout Turkey. Prices are regulated and tend to be higher than in some European countries, often fluctuating. As of 2026, expect approximate prices for both gasoline and diesel to be in the range of 1.20-1.60 EUR per liter. Most petrol stations accept major credit cards, but it's always wise to have some local currency (Turkish Lira) for smaller purchases or in case of card reader issues.

Which car to choose

For driving in Eskisehir and its immediate surroundings, a compact or economy car with a manual transmission is often sufficient and more fuel-efficient. If you plan to venture into the Phrygian Valley or other more rural areas, which might involve some uneven roads, a slightly larger sedan or even a small SUV could offer more comfort. Automatic transmissions are available but tend to be slightly more expensive to rent.

Frequently asked questions