Car Rental in Kahramanmaras

Where to drive

• Explore the Ceyhan River and its picturesque valley, driving about 30-40 minutes north of the city to enjoy scenic views and riverside picnics.
• Visit the ancient city of Germanicia, located just a short drive (≈15-20 minutes) from Kahramanmaras city center, to see ongoing archaeological excavations.
• Drive to the Kapuzbasi Waterfalls, a stunning natural attraction about 2-3 hours southeast of Kahramanmaras, offering a refreshing escape and hiking opportunities.
• Take a day trip to the historical city of Gaziantep, approximately 1.5 hours drive southwest, famous for its culinary scene and Zeugma Mosaic Museum.
• Discover the natural beauty of Başkonuş Yaylası (Başkonuş Highland), roughly 1 hour northwest, perfect for nature walks and enjoying cooler mountain air.
• Journey to the historical town of Elbistan, about 1.5-2 hours north, to see its castle and experience a different regional atmosphere.

What documents you need

To rent a car in Turkey, you typically need a valid driver's license (held for at least 1-2 years), a passport, and an International Driving Permit (IDP) if your license is not in a Latin script or does not explicitly state 'driving license' in English. The minimum age for renting is usually 21, with some companies requiring drivers to be 23 or 25 for certain car classes. Surcharges may apply for drivers under 25.

How much rental costs

Car rental prices in Kahramanmaras vary significantly by vehicle class and season. Economy cars might start from approximately 25-35 EUR per day during off-peak times, while SUVs and premium models can range from 60 EUR to over 100 EUR daily. Prices tend to increase by 30-50% during the peak summer months (July-August) and around public holidays.

Demand by month

Traffic rules and fines

In Turkey, driving is on the right 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's safest to avoid alcohol entirely when driving. Headlights are not mandatory during the day, but it's recommended to use them in poor visibility. Seatbelts are compulsory for all occupants. Child seats are required for children under 135 cm or 36 kg.

Parking

In Kahramanmaras, parking in the city center is often paid, with marked spaces and attendants collecting fees, or via parking meters. Fees are generally reasonable. Outside the immediate city center, free street parking is more common but can still be competitive. Many hotels offer private parking for guests, which is advisable.

Fuel stations

Fuel (gasoline and diesel) is widely available throughout Kahramanmaras and the surrounding region. Fuel stations are plentiful on main roads and in towns. Payment is typically made in Turkish Lira (TRY), either by cash or credit card. Fuel prices are generally comparable to European averages, but can fluctuate. As of 2026, expect prices to be in the range of 1.00-1.20 EUR per liter for gasoline and diesel.

Which car to choose

For city driving and exploring nearby attractions, a compact or economy car with a manual transmission is often sufficient and economical. If you plan to venture into more mountainous or rural areas, an SUV or a car with higher ground clearance might be more comfortable. Automatic transmissions are available but may be slightly more expensive.

Frequently asked questions