Car Rental in Kars, Turkey

Where to drive

• Explore the ancient city of Ani: Drive approximately 45 km (about 45 minutes) northeast of Kars to visit the breathtaking ruins of Ani, a UNESCO World Heritage site and former capital of the Bagratid Armenian kingdom.
• Visit Sarıkamış Ski Center: Head about 55 km (around 1 hour) west to Sarıkamış, known for its crystal-white snow and pine forests, offering winter sports opportunities or a scenic drive in warmer months.
• Discover Çıldır Lake: Drive approximately 60 km (about 1 hour 15 minutes) north of Kars to Çıldır Lake, famous for ice fishing and sleigh rides in winter, and beautiful scenery year-round.
• Journey to Kağızman: Travel approximately 70 km (around 1 hour 30 minutes) south to Kağızman, a district known for its historical bridges and picturesque Aras River valley.
• Experience Kars Castle and Stone Bridge: Within Kars city, a car makes it easy to reach Kars Castle and the historic Stone Bridge, offering panoramic views and a glimpse into the city's past.

What documents you need

To rent a car in Turkey, you generally need a valid national driving license, your passport, and for non-Turkish licenses, an International Driving Permit (IDP) is highly recommended or often required. The minimum age for renting is typically 21, with some companies requiring drivers to be 25 or older for certain vehicle categories or to avoid young driver surcharges. A driving experience of at least 1-2 years is usually mandatory.

How much rental costs

Car rental prices in Kars vary significantly by vehicle class and season. Economy cars might start from around 25-35 EUR per day in the low season, while SUVs or premium vehicles can range from 50-80 EUR or more daily. Prices tend to surge during the peak summer months (July-August) and also in winter for specific demand like 4x4s for snowy conditions, potentially increasing by 30-50%.

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, but always check local signage. The legal blood alcohol limit for drivers is effectively zero (0.05% for private vehicles, but 0.00% for commercial drivers, so it's safest to avoid alcohol entirely). Headlights should be used in tunnels and during poor visibility. Seatbelts are compulsory for all occupants, and children under 1.35 meters tall must use appropriate child seats.

Parking

Parking in Kars city center can be found on streets, often managed by attendants (Otoparkçı) for a small fee, or in designated parking lots. Payment is usually cash directly to the attendant. Outside the immediate city center, street parking is generally free and more readily available. Always check for signs indicating parking restrictions.

Fuel stations

Fuel stations are widely available in Kars and along major routes. You'll find petrol (gasoline) and diesel. LPG (Autogas) is also common. Fuel prices are regulated and generally similar across different brands, though they fluctuate. Payment can typically be made with cash or major credit/debit cards. It's advisable to fill up when you see a station, especially before longer journeys into more rural areas.

Which car to choose

For exploring Kars and its immediate surroundings, a compact or economy car is often sufficient for city driving and trips to Ani. However, if you plan to visit Sarıkamış in winter or venture onto less-maintained rural roads, an SUV or a vehicle with higher ground clearance and possibly 4-wheel drive would be a much better choice due to potential snow and varied terrain. Manual transmission vehicles are more common, but automatics are available.

Frequently asked questions