Car Rental in Trabzon, Turkey

Where to drive

• Drive to Sumela Monastery, an iconic Greek Orthodox monastery built into a cliff face, approximately 50 km (1 hour drive) south of Trabzon.
• Explore Uzungol Lake, a stunning natural lake surrounded by lush green forests and traditional wooden houses, about 90 km (1.5-2 hours drive) southeast of Trabzon.
• Journey to Ayder Plateau, famous for its thermal springs and alpine meadows, located roughly 160 km (2.5-3 hours drive) east of Trabzon.
• Discover the historical city of Rize, known for its tea plantations and Rize Castle, approximately 75 km (1 hour 15 min drive) east along the coast.
• Visit the charming coastal town of Ordu, offering beautiful views from Boztepe Hill, around 180 km (2.5-3 hours drive) west of Trabzon.

What documents you need

To rent a car in Turkey, you generally need a valid passport, a national driving license held for at least one year, and an International Driving Permit (IDP) if your license is not in a Latin alphabet. The minimum age for rental is typically 21, and some companies may require drivers to be 25 for certain car categories or to have held their license for two years or more.

How much rental costs

Car rental prices in Trabzon vary significantly by season and vehicle class. Economy cars might start from around 25 EUR per day during the off-peak season, while SUVs and premium models can range from 50 EUR to 100 EUR or more daily. Summer months see prices rise considerably due to high demand, potentially doubling or tripling compared to winter lows.

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. Alcohol limit for drivers is approximately 0.05% BAC. 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 1.35 meters tall and under 36 kg.

Parking

In Trabzon city center, parking is often paid, with street parking managed by attendants or parking meters. Look for 'Otopark' signs for designated parking lots. Outside the immediate city center and in rural areas, free parking is usually more readily available, especially near attractions. Always check for local signs and regulations.

Fuel stations

Fuel stations are widely available throughout Trabzon and along major routes. You can find both gasoline (petrol) and diesel. Fuel prices are regulated by the government and are generally consistent across stations, though they can fluctuate. Payment is typically by cash or credit card. Approximate price for a liter of gasoline is around 1.20-1.40 EUR.

Which car to choose

For exploring Trabzon and its surrounding mountainous areas, an economy or compact car is suitable for city driving and shorter trips. However, if you plan to venture into the higher altitudes or less-maintained roads, an SUV or a car with higher ground clearance is highly recommended. Manual transmission cars are more common, but automatics are increasingly available, especially in larger rental fleets.

Frequently asked questions