Car Rental in Tunceli

Where to drive

• Explore the Munzur Valley National Park: Drive along the Munzur River, visit waterfalls like Kırkmerdiven Şelalesi, and enjoy picnics in nature. The main road through the valley is well-maintained, offering stunning views over a distance of approximately 80-100 km (1.5-2 hours one way) to Ovacık.
• Visit Pertek Castle: A historic castle situated on an island in the Keban Dam Lake. It's about a 60 km drive (around 1 hour) from Tunceli, requiring a short ferry ride for the final approach to the castle ruins.
• Discover the Caves of Gola Hesar: Located near Hozat, these natural caves offer an interesting geological exploration. The drive is approximately 50 km (1 hour) from Tunceli, often involving some unpaved roads closer to the site.
• Journey to Ovacık: A charming town at the end of the Munzur Valley, known for its pure spring waters and organic produce. The scenic drive is roughly 80 km (1.5 hours) from Tunceli, perfect for a day trip or an overnight stay.
• Day trip to Erzincan: For a longer excursion, drive to Erzincan to see the Girlevik Waterfalls or the historic Mama Hatun Caravanserai. This is a journey of about 150 km (2.5-3 hours one way) on well-maintained highways.

What documents you need

To rent a car in Turkey, you generally need a valid passport, a 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 to rent is usually 21, with some companies requiring drivers to be 23 or 25 for certain car classes. A driving experience of at least 1-2 years is also commonly required.

How much rental costs

Car rental prices in Tunceli can vary significantly based on vehicle class and seasonality. Economy cars might start from approximately 25-35 EUR per day in the low season, while SUVs or more comfortable sedans could range from 40-70 EUR or more. Expect prices to increase by 30-50% during the peak summer months.

Demand by month

Traffic rules and fines

In Turkey, traffic drives on the right. Speed limits are typically 50 km/h in urban areas, 90 km/h on rural roads, and 120 km/h on motorways, unless otherwise indicated. The legal blood alcohol limit is 0.05%. Headlights are not mandatory during the day but are recommended in poor visibility. Seatbelts are compulsory for all occupants, and child seats are required for children under 1.35 meters tall and under 36 kg.

Parking

Parking in Tunceli city center can be a mix of street parking and small lots. Street parking is often paid, managed by attendants or parking meters, with varying hourly rates. Free parking can be found further away from the immediate city center, but it might require some searching. Always look for official signs or ask locals to avoid fines.

Fuel stations

Fuel (petrol and diesel) is readily available at numerous stations in and around Tunceli. Major brands operate here. Fuel prices are regulated nationally and are generally comparable across stations; expect prices to be around 1.10-1.30 EUR per liter for petrol as of early 2026. Most stations accept credit cards, but having some cash is advisable for smaller, rural pumps.

Which car to choose

For Tunceli and its surroundings, an economy or compact car is suitable for city driving and main roads. However, if you plan to explore the more remote areas of the Munzur Valley or venture onto unpaved tracks, an SUV or a car with higher ground clearance and possibly 4x4 capabilities would be a much better choice. Manual transmission cars are very common in Turkey.

Frequently asked questions