Car Rental in Pertek

Where to drive

• Visit the Pertek Castle, situated on an island in Keban Dam Lake, accessible by ferry. The ferry ride is short, and having a car allows you to explore the castle's surroundings and the lakeside areas easily.
• Drive to Elazığ city center, approximately 45 kilometers (28 miles) away, taking around 40-50 minutes. Here you can explore Harput Castle, the historic Harput Quarter, and local markets.
• Explore the ancient city of Palu, about 70 kilometers (43 miles) southeast of Pertek, roughly a 1-hour 15-minute drive. Palu offers ruins of a castle, a mosque, and an old bridge.
• Journey to Hazar Lake, a beautiful tectonic lake located south of Elazığ, about 80 kilometers (50 miles) from Pertek, a drive of approximately 1 hour and 30 minutes. Enjoy water sports, picnics, or simply the scenic views.
• Discover the historical sites around the Keban Dam, one of Turkey's largest dams. A car allows you to drive along its extensive shores and find hidden viewpoints and villages, though distances can be significant.

What documents you need

To rent a car in Turkey, you typically need a valid driver's license (held for at least one year), a passport, and a credit card in the main driver's name. An International Driving Permit (IDP) is highly recommended, especially if your license is not in a Latin alphabet, and some rental companies may require it. The minimum age for renting is generally 21, with surcharges often applied for drivers under 25.

How much rental costs

Car rental prices in Pertek vary significantly by car class and season. Economy cars might start from approximately 25-35 EUR per day in the low season, while SUVs or premium vehicles could range from 50 EUR to 80 EUR or more daily. Summer months typically see higher demand and prices, potentially increasing by 20-40%.

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 approximately 0.05%. Headlights are not mandatory during the day but are required in tunnels and at night. Seatbelts are compulsory for all occupants, and child seats are legally required for children up to 1.35 meters tall or 36 kg in weight.

Parking

In Pertek, parking is generally straightforward. You'll find free street parking in most areas of the town. For popular attractions like the ferry terminal to Pertek Castle, there might be designated parking areas, often free or with a small, informal fee. In larger nearby cities like Elazığ, paid parking lots and street parking with meters or attendants are more common.

Fuel stations

Fuel stations are readily available in and around Pertek, as well as on main roads leading to larger cities. Both gasoline (petrol) and diesel are widely sold. Fuel prices are regulated nationally and are generally comparable across different stations, though they can fluctuate. 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 Pertek and its immediate surroundings, an economy or compact car is usually sufficient. If you plan to venture further into the mountainous regions or explore less-maintained roads, a compact SUV or a vehicle with higher ground clearance might offer more comfort and capability. Manual transmission cars are very common in Turkey, but automatics are increasingly available, especially from larger rental companies. Consider an automatic if you are not comfortable with manual on varied terrain.

Frequently asked questions