Car Rental in Gemlik

Where to drive

• Explore Bursa City: Drive to Bursa, Turkey's first Ottoman capital, to visit the Grand Mosque, Green Mosque, and the historic Koza Han. It's approximately a 30-minute drive (around 35 km) from Gemlik.
• Ascend Uludağ Mountain: Head up Uludağ, a popular ski resort in winter and a beautiful national park for hiking and picnicking in summer. The drive from Gemlik to the base of Uludağ is about 45 minutes (around 50 km), with further driving to the summit.
• Visit İznik Lake and Ancient City: Discover the historic city of İznik (Nicaea) and its beautiful lake, famous for its Byzantine walls and Ottoman architecture. This picturesque journey takes about 40 minutes (around 45 km).
• Relax in Trilye and Mudanya: Enjoy a scenic drive along the coast to the charming fishing villages of Mudanya and Trilye, known for their traditional Greek houses and seafood restaurants. Mudanya is about a 20-minute drive (around 20 km) and Trilye is a further 15 minutes.
• Day Trip to Cumalıkızık Village: Experience a well-preserved Ottoman village, a UNESCO World Heritage site, nestled at the foot of Uludağ. It's roughly a 45-minute drive (around 55 km) from Gemlik.

What documents you need

To rent a car in Turkey, you generally need a valid national driving license held for at least one year. If your license is not in a Latin alphabet or does not clearly state 'driving license', an International Driving Permit (IDP) is highly recommended or often required. A valid passport or ID card is also necessary. The minimum age for rental is typically 21, though some companies may require drivers to be 23 or 25 for certain car classes, and surcharges may apply for drivers under 25.

How much rental costs

Car rental prices in Gemlik vary significantly by season and vehicle class. Economy cars might start from around 25-35 EUR per day in the low season, while SUVs and premium models could range from 50 EUR to over 80 EUR daily. Expect prices to increase by approximately 30-50% during the peak summer months.

Demand by month

Traffic rules and fines

In Turkey, driving is on the right side of the road. Speed limits are typically 50 km/h in urban areas, 90 km/h on rural roads, and 120 km/h on motorways, unless otherwise indicated. The legal blood alcohol limit is 0.05%, but it's safest to avoid alcohol entirely if driving. Headlights are not mandatory during the day, but recommended in poor visibility. Seatbelts are compulsory for all occupants, and child safety seats are required for children under 1.35 meters tall or under 36 kg.

Parking

In Gemlik, parking can be found along streets, often managed by attendants (Otopark Görevlisi) who will issue a ticket for a small fee. There are also designated parking lots, both free and paid, especially near popular areas and the waterfront. Pay attention to signs, as illegal parking can result in fines or towing.

Fuel stations

Fuel stations are widely available in Gemlik and along major routes. You'll find unleaded petrol (kurşunsuz benzin) and diesel (dizel/motorin). LPG is also common. Prices are regulated and tend to be consistent across major brands, with credit cards widely accepted. Approximate fuel prices are generally displayed clearly at stations.

Which car to choose

For exploring Gemlik and the surrounding region, a compact or economy car is practical for navigating town streets and finding parking. If you plan to venture into more mountainous areas like Uludağ, especially in winter, or prefer more comfort for longer drives, an SUV or a car with a stronger engine might be beneficial. Manual transmission cars are very common, but automatics are increasingly available.

Frequently asked questions