Car Rental in Rize, Turkey

Where to drive

• Explore the Ayder Plateau: Drive approximately 80 km (1.5-2 hours) east from Rize to Ayder Plateau, famous for its thermal springs and stunning alpine scenery. Continue further into the Kaçkar Mountains National Park for hiking.
• Visit the Fırtına Valley: Head south from Rize towards Ardeşen and then inland to the Fırtına Valley, known for its whitewater rafting opportunities, ancient stone bridges, and lush forests. This is roughly a 60-70 km drive (1.5 hours).
• Discover Rize Castle and Tea Gardens: Within Rize city and its immediate surroundings, drive up to Rize Castle for panoramic views and visit local tea gardens to learn about tea production, a defining industry of the region.
• Day trip to Trabzon: Drive west along the scenic Black Sea coastal road to Trabzon, approximately 75 km (1 hour), to see the Sumela Monastery (a further 50 km inland from Trabzon) and Hagia Sophia Mosque.
• Explore Çamlıhemşin and Zilkale: A drive of about 80-90 km (2 hours) from Rize will take you to Çamlıhemşin, a gateway to the Kaçkar Mountains, and the impressive medieval Zilkale Castle perched on a rock overlooking the Fırtına River.

What documents you need

To rent a car in Turkey, you generally need a valid passport, your national driving license, and an International Driving Permit (IDP) if your license is not in a Latin alphabet or does not clearly state 'driving license'. The minimum age for rental is typically 21, and some companies require you to have held your license for at least 1-2 years. For premium cars, the minimum age might be higher, around 25.

How much rental costs

Car rental prices in Rize vary significantly by season and vehicle class. Economy cars might start from around 25-35 EUR per day in the low season, while SUVs or premium vehicles can range from 50-80 EUR or more daily. Summer months (July-August) see the highest prices, potentially increasing daily rates by 30-50% across all categories. The lowest daily price can be around 20 EUR during the quietest winter months for basic models.

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 blood alcohol limit is very low (0.05% for private vehicles, 0.00% for commercial vehicles and public transport drivers). Headlights are not mandatory during the day but are required at night and in poor visibility. Seatbelts are compulsory for all occupants. Child safety seats are required for children under 1.35 meters tall and under 36 kg.

Parking

In Rize city, parking can be found on designated streets and in paid parking lots. Street parking often uses a 'Parkomat' system where an attendant collects a fee, or you might find automated pay stations. Free parking is rare in the city center but available in some residential areas or at hotel accommodations. Always check signs for restrictions.

Fuel stations

Fuel (petrol/gasoline and diesel) is widely available across Rize and the surrounding region. Prices are generally comparable to European averages, though they fluctuate. Major credit cards are accepted at most petrol stations, but it's always wise to have some Turkish Lira cash for smaller, more rural stations. LPG is also common in Turkey for many vehicles.

Which car to choose

For exploring Rize and the immediate coastal areas, an economy or compact car is usually sufficient, especially for navigating city streets. However, if you plan to venture into the Kaçkar Mountains or on less-maintained rural roads, a compact SUV or a vehicle with higher ground clearance would be much more comfortable and practical. Manual transmission cars are more common, but automatics are increasingly available; book in advance if you prefer an automatic.

Frequently asked questions