Car Rental in Mengen, Turkey

Where to drive

• Discover Yedigöller National Park: A scenic drive of approximately 1.5 hours (around 70 km) from Mengen brings you to the 'Seven Lakes', a breathtaking series of interconnected lakes and waterfalls, perfect for hiking and photography.
• Visit Abant Lake Nature Park: Just an hour's drive (around 50 km) west of Mengen, Lake Abant offers serene beauty, with opportunities for horse riding, picnicking, and leisurely strolls around the lake.
• Explore Gölcük Nature Park: About 1 hour and 15 minutes (around 65 km) from Mengen, Gölcük is another stunning lake destination, known for its picturesque wooden house on the water and tranquil atmosphere.
• Day trip to Bolu city center: A convenient 45-minute drive (around 40 km) allows you to explore Bolu's historical sites, local markets, and enjoy traditional Turkish cuisine.
• Journey to Kartalkaya Ski Resort: During winter, a drive of approximately 1.5 hours (around 90 km) can take you to Kartalkaya, one of Turkey's premier ski destinations, offering excellent slopes and facilities.

What documents you need

To rent a car in Turkey, you generally need a valid national driving license (held for at least 1-2 years), your passport, and an International Driving Permit (IDP) if your license is not in a Latin alphabet or does not feature a photo. The minimum age for car rental is typically 21 years, though some companies may require drivers to be 23 or 25 for certain car categories, often with an additional young driver surcharge.

How much rental costs

Car rental prices in Mengen vary significantly based on vehicle class and seasonality. Economy cars typically start from around 25-35 EUR per day in the low season, while SUVs or premium vehicles can range from approximately 50 EUR upwards. Prices tend to increase by 30-50% during the peak summer months and holidays, reflecting higher demand.

Demand by month

Traffic rules and fines

In Turkey, 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 blood alcohol limit for drivers is effectively zero (0.05% but zero tolerance is often applied). Headlights must be used in tunnels and during periods of poor visibility. Seatbelts are mandatory for all occupants, and children under 1.35 meters or 36 kg must use an appropriate child seat.

Parking

In Mengen, parking is generally straightforward. You'll find free street parking in many areas, especially outside the immediate town center. For busier spots, there might be designated paid parking lots or street parking with attendants (often identifiable by their vests) who collect a small fee. Always check for signs indicating parking restrictions.

Fuel stations

Fuel stations are readily available in Mengen and along major routes in the Bolu region. Both gasoline (petrol) and diesel are widely accessible. Prices are regulated by the government and are generally consistent across the country, typically around 1.20-1.50 EUR per liter for gasoline and slightly less for diesel, but these are approximate and subject to change. Most stations accept credit cards, but it's always wise to have some local currency (Turkish Lira) for smaller purchases or in case of card reader issues.

Which car to choose

For exploring the Mengen and Bolu region, an economy or compact car is usually sufficient for most travelers, offering good fuel efficiency and easy maneuverability. However, if you plan to venture into more remote areas, especially during winter or after heavy rain, an SUV with higher ground clearance could be beneficial. Manual transmission is very common in Turkey, but automatic options are available, particularly in higher car classes.

Frequently asked questions