Car Rental in Oltu, Turkey

Where to drive

• Explore Oltu Castle: A short drive within Oltu will bring you to the impressive Oltu Castle, offering panoramic views of the town and surrounding valleys.
• Journey to Tortum Waterfall: Drive approximately 45 kilometers (around 1 hour) north to witness the majestic Tortum Waterfall, one of Turkey's largest and most spectacular waterfalls.
• Visit Uzundere and Yedigöller (Seven Lakes): Head south-west for about 70 kilometers (around 1.5 hours) to the charming town of Uzundere, a gateway to the stunning Yedigöller National Park with its picturesque lakes.
• Discover Erzurum City: A longer trip of about 120 kilometers (around 2 hours) west takes you to Erzurum, a historic city with Seljuk and Ottoman architecture, including the famous Çifte Minareli Medrese.
• Scenic drive along the Oltu River: Take a leisurely drive along the Oltu River valley, enjoying the serene natural beauty and stopping at local villages.

What documents you need

To rent a car in Turkey, you will generally need a valid national driving license, a passport, and an International Driving Permit (IDP) if your license is not in a Latin alphabet or does not clearly state 'driving license'. Drivers must typically be at least 21 years old and have held their license for a minimum of 1-2 years, though this can vary by rental company and car category. For some premium vehicles, the minimum age might be 25.

How much rental costs

Car rental prices in Oltu can vary significantly based on vehicle class and seasonality. Economy cars might start from around 25-35 EUR per day in the low season, while SUVs or more comfortable sedans could range from 45-70 EUR daily. During peak summer months, prices for all categories can increase by 30-50% or more.

Demand by month

Traffic rules and fines

In Turkey, driving is on the right side of the road. Speed limits are typically 50 km/h in urban areas, 90 km/h on rural roads, and 120 km/h on motorways, though always observe local signage. The legal alcohol limit for drivers is very strict, effectively zero (0.05% BAC, but penalties are severe for even small amounts). Headlights must be used in tunnels and during periods of low visibility. Seatbelts are mandatory for all occupants, and child seats are required for children under 135 cm tall or under 36 kg.

Parking

In Oltu, parking in the town center can be limited but is often available on designated streets. Some areas may have paid parking, usually managed by attendants or via parking meters. Outside the immediate town center, especially near attractions, free parking is generally more common. Always look for signs indicating parking restrictions.

Fuel stations

Fuel stations are readily available in Oltu and along main routes connecting to larger towns. Both gasoline (benzin) and diesel (motorin) are widely sold. Fuel prices are generally comparable to European averages, though they can fluctuate. Most stations accept major credit cards, but it's always wise to have some Turkish Lira cash, especially in more remote areas.

Which car to choose

For exploring Oltu and its immediate surroundings, a compact or economy car is sufficient, especially if you plan to stick to paved roads. However, if you intend to venture into more mountainous regions or visit less accessible natural sites, an SUV with higher ground clearance would be a more comfortable and practical choice, particularly outside of summer. Manual transmission cars are common, but automatics are usually available.

Frequently asked questions