Driving in Istanbul: A Practical Guide for Tourists

Istanbul is a vast city spread across two continents. Public transport will serve you well on the historic peninsula, but if you want to explore the neighbourhoods along the Bosphorus, the Black Sea beaches or routes beyond the city at your own pace, a hire car gives you real freedom. In this guide we have gathered practical tips for visitors planning on driving in Istanbul, from bridges and parking to traffic and navigation.

Get to know the city first: the European and Asian sides

Istanbul is split in two by the Bosphorus. Taksim, Beşiktaş, Sultanahmet and Şişli are on the European side; Kadıköy, Üsküdar and Ataşehir are on the Asian side. The city's two main airports are also on different sides:

• Istanbul Airport (IST) is on the European side, in Arnavutköy. It is the practical choice if you are heading to Taksim, Levent, Beşiktaş or Sarıyer.
• Sabiha Gökçen Airport (SAW) is on the Asian side, in Pendik. It suits Kadıköy, Ataşehir and Kartal better.

Picking up your car at the airport on the same side as your accommodation saves you from bridge traffic on your first day. You can also read our IST or SAW guide, where we compare the two airports in detail.

Bridges, the tunnel and tolls

The main ways to cross between the two sides by car are the three Bosphorus bridges and the Eurasia Tunnel:

• 15 July Martyrs Bridge and Fatih Sultan Mehmet Bridge: these cross within the city and are the busiest bridges.
• Yavuz Sultan Selim Bridge: part of the motorway that runs across the north of the city; handy when driving from Istanbul Airport to the Asian side or out of town.
• Eurasia Tunnel: a toll road tunnel under the Bosphorus linking the two sides.

Bridges, the tunnel and motorways are all tolled, and the toll booths do not accept cash; payment is made automatically via the HGS tag (an electronic toll sticker) on the car. With a hire car, tolls are usually charged to you at the end of the rental. For details, read our guide to HGS in a hire car. Note: Marmaray is a rail line and cannot be used by car.

Traffic: when should you set off?

Istanbul's traffic is often ranked among the heaviest in the world. A few simple habits will make your journeys much more relaxed:

• Avoid the commuter rush. On weekday mornings and evenings traffic gets very heavy, especially on the bridge approaches.
• Watch out on Friday evenings. Weekend traffic leaving the city makes the roads even busier.
• Allow time for the drive back to the airport. If you are returning the car before your flight, build in extra time for traffic.
• Start day trips early. Setting off early on a weekend morning means less traffic and smaller crowds at the sights.

Navigation and road signs

The most widely used navigation apps in Türkiye are Google Maps and Yandex Navigator; both show live traffic and suggest alternative routes when roads are congested. Bring a phone holder and a charging cable. Road signs use the Latin alphabet; motorway signs are green, while signs within the city are mostly blue.

For speed limits and other rules, read our guide to Türkiye's traffic rules. Electronic Enforcement System (EDS) cameras are common in Istanbul; speeding and red-light offences are recorded automatically and fines are passed on to you via the rental company.

Parking: where to leave the car?

In Istanbul, the biggest challenge is usually not the driving but finding somewhere to park.

• Use paid car parks. Municipal İSPARK car parks and private car parks can be found all over the city.
• Leave the car behind on the historic peninsula. Parking is very limited in the narrow streets of Sultanahmet and Eminönü. The easiest option is to leave the car in a car park and get around by tram.
• Do not park on the pavement or in restricted areas. Illegally parked cars can be towed away, costing you both a fine and time to get the car back.
• Ask your hotel. When booking, find out whether the hotel has its own car park or an arrangement with one nearby.

Fuel and petrol stations

Petrol stations are easy to find both in the city and on the motorways. At most stations in Türkiye an attendant fills the tank for you; check at pick-up whether the car runs on petrol or diesel and tell the attendant. Credit cards are accepted at almost every station. Fuel policies (e.g. full to full) can vary by supplier, so check your rental terms.

Driving licence and documents

You can hire a car in Türkiye with a foreign driving licence; we explain when an international driving permit is required in our guide to hiring a car with a foreign licence. When you pick up the car, have your passport, your driving licence and the card you booked with to hand.

How to explore Istanbul with a hire car

The most efficient plan is often a mixed one: use public transport in busy central areas such as the historic peninsula and Beyoğlu, and save the car for the Bosphorus shore, the Black Sea coast and trips out of the city. For routes such as Şile, Ağva, Sapanca and Bursa, see our guide to day trips from Istanbul by car.

In short

Pick up the car at the airport on the side where you are staying, plan bridge crossings outside peak hours, use paid car parks and keep your navigation on. Follow these few rules and driving in Istanbul becomes an enjoyable experience. You can compare current prices and all pick-up points on our Istanbul car hire page.