Car Rental in Kavak, Turkey

Where to drive

• Drive to Hattusa, the ancient Hittite capital, approximately 80 km (1 hour 15 minutes) northeast of Kavak, to explore its impressive ruins and cuneiform archives.
• Visit Amasya, a beautiful city nestled in a narrow valley beside the Yeşilırmak River, about 130 km (2 hours) north of Kavak, famous for its Ottoman houses and rock-cut tombs.
• Explore the archaeological site of Alacahöyük, an important Bronze Age and Hittite settlement, located approximately 50 km (45 minutes) east of Kavak.
• Take a scenic drive to Çorum, the provincial capital, around 45 km (40 minutes) northeast of Kavak, to experience its local culture and historical sites.
• Journey to the Ballıca Cave, one of Turkey's largest and most beautiful caves, situated approximately 170 km (2.5 hours) northwest of Kavak, offering spectacular stalactite and stalagmite formations.

What documents you need

To rent a car in Turkey, you generally need a valid passport, a national driving license, and an International Driving Permit (IDP). Drivers must typically be at least 21 years old and have held their license for a minimum of 2 years. Some premium car categories may require drivers to be 25 or older.

How much rental costs

Car rental prices in Kavak vary significantly by car class and season. Economy cars might start from around 20-25 EUR per day in the low season, while SUVs and premium vehicles could range from 40 EUR to over 80 EUR per day. Summer months typically see a 30-50% increase in prices due to higher demand.

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, unless otherwise signposted. The legal alcohol limit for drivers is effectively zero (0.5 per mille, but it's safest to avoid alcohol entirely). Headlights must be used in tunnels and during poor visibility. Seatbelts are mandatory for all occupants, and child seats are required for children up to 1.35 meters tall or under 36 kg.

Parking

In Kavak, parking in the town center often consists of paid street parking or designated parking lots. Look for attendants or payment machines. Outside the immediate center, free parking might be available, but always check for signs to avoid fines.

Fuel stations

Fuel (gasoline and diesel) is widely available at numerous petrol stations throughout Kavak and the surrounding areas. Prices are generally comparable to European levels, with slight fluctuations. Most stations accept credit cards, but it's always wise to have some Turkish Lira for smaller purchases or emergencies.

Which car to choose

For exploring Kavak and its immediate surroundings, an economy or compact car is sufficient and easy to maneuver in town. If you plan to venture into more rural areas or tackle longer distances, a comfortable sedan or an SUV with better ground clearance might be preferable, especially if you are traveling with family or luggage. Manual transmission cars are very common, but automatics are increasingly available.

Frequently asked questions