Car Rental in Mersin

Where to drive

• Explore the ancient Roman city of Pompeiopolis (Soli-Pompeiopolis) just 11 km west of Mersin, a short 15-minute drive, to see its impressive colonnaded street and mosaics.
• Drive to Tarsus, approximately 30 km northeast (around 30 minutes), to visit St. Paul's Well, Cleopatra's Gate, and the Tarsus Waterfall.
• Journey to Kızkalesi (Maiden's Castle), about 60 km west of Mersin (roughly 1 hour), famous for its picturesque castle on an islet and beautiful beaches.
• Take a scenic trip to the Cennet ve Cehennem (Heaven and Hell) sinkholes and Astım Mağarası (Asthma Cave) near Narlıkuyu, approximately 75 km west (around 1 hour 15 minutes), for stunning geological formations.
• Visit the historical city of Silifke, approximately 85 km west (around 1 hour 30 minutes), home to Silifke Castle, Taşköprü (Stone Bridge), and the Temple of Jupiter.

What documents you need

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

How much rental costs

Car rental prices in Mersin generally start from around 25-35 EUR per day for an economy car, with SUVs costing approximately 50-70 EUR, and premium vehicles ranging from 80 EUR upwards. Prices fluctuate significantly with the seasons, with summer months seeing the highest demand and thus higher rates, while winter offers more budget-friendly options.

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, though these can vary, so always observe signage. The legal blood alcohol limit is approximately 0.05%. Headlights are required during adverse weather conditions and in tunnels. 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 Mersin, parking can be a mix of free and paid options. In the city center and popular tourist areas, you'll primarily find paid street parking or parking garages. Street parking often operates on a ticket system or through attendants who collect a fee. Outside the immediate city center, especially near residential areas or less frequented sites, free parking might be available. Always check for signs indicating parking restrictions or payment requirements.

Fuel stations

Fuel stations are widely available throughout Mersin and along major routes in Turkey. Both gasoline (petrol) and diesel are common. The approximate price for a liter of fuel can vary, but generally expect it to be comparable to or slightly higher than European averages. Most stations accept cash and major credit cards, but it's always wise to have some cash for smaller, more remote stations.

Which car to choose

For driving around Mersin and exploring nearby coastal towns, a compact or economy car is often sufficient, offering good fuel efficiency and easier navigation/parking in urban areas. If you plan to venture into more mountainous regions or desire extra comfort for longer trips, an SUV would be a better choice, providing more power and ground clearance. Manual transmission cars are very common, but automatics are increasingly available, especially through larger rental agencies. Consider an automatic for a more relaxed driving experience if you're not accustomed to manual gears.

Frequently asked questions