Car Rental in Gerede, Turkey

Where to drive

• Lake Abant Nature Park: A scenic drive of approximately 45 kilometers (around 50 minutes) southwest of Gerede, offering beautiful lakeside walks and horse riding.
• Yedigöller (Seven Lakes) National Park: Head northwest for about 100 kilometers (around 2 hours) to witness a breathtaking series of seven small lakes surrounded by dense forests, especially stunning in autumn.
• Bolu City Center: Drive approximately 60 kilometers (about 1 hour) west to explore the provincial capital, known for its Ottoman architecture, local markets, and culinary delights.
• Kartalkaya Ski Resort: During winter, a drive of roughly 70 kilometers (around 1.5 hours) southwest takes you to one of Turkey's most popular ski destinations, accessible via well-maintained mountain roads.
• Göynük Historical Town: Journey about 120 kilometers (around 2 hours) southwest to this charming Ottoman town, famous for its well-preserved traditional houses and tranquil atmosphere.

What documents you need

To rent a car in Turkey, you generally need a valid national driving license, a passport or national ID card, and a credit card for the deposit. If your driving license is not in a Latin alphabet or does not include a photograph, an International Driving Permit (IDP) is required. The minimum age for car rental is typically 21 years, with some companies requiring drivers to be 25 for certain car categories or to have held their license for at least 2 years.

How much rental costs

Car rental prices in Gerede vary significantly by car class and season. Economy cars might start from around 20-30 EUR per day in the low season, while SUVs or premium vehicles can range from 50-80 EUR or more. Prices generally peak during summer and holiday periods, potentially doubling compared to off-peak months.

Demand by month

Traffic rules and fines

In Turkey, driving is on the right-hand side of the road. Speed limits are generally 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 is safest to avoid alcohol entirely when driving. Headlights are required in tunnels and during periods of low visibility. Seatbelts are mandatory for all occupants, and children under 1.35 meters tall or under 36 kg must use an appropriate child seat.

Parking

In Gerede, parking is generally easier to find than in larger cities. There are usually designated paid parking lots in the town center and near popular attractions. Street parking might be available, often with meters or attendants collecting a small fee. Outside the immediate town center, free parking is more common, especially near rural attractions.

Fuel stations

Fuel stations are readily available in and around Gerede, as well as along major routes. Prices for gasoline (petrol) and diesel are comparable to European averages, though they can fluctuate. Most stations accept cash and major credit cards. LPG is also widely available for vehicles equipped to use it.

Which car to choose

For exploring Gerede and the surrounding Bolu region, a compact or mid-size car is generally suitable for most travelers, offering a good balance of fuel efficiency and comfort. If you plan to venture into more mountainous areas or during winter, an SUV with higher ground clearance and possibly 4x4 capability would be a wise choice. Automatic transmission cars are widely available and recommended for ease of driving on varying terrain.

Frequently asked questions