Day Trips from Istanbul by Car: 6 Beautiful Routes

After a few days in Istanbul, the best way to escape the crowds is a day trip in a hire car. From fishing towns on the Black Sea coast to lakeside forests, and from the first Ottoman capitals to historic villages, plenty of beautiful places are just a few hours away. In this guide we have picked the 6 most popular routes for day trips from Istanbul by car.

Distances are approximate and measured from the city centre; driving time varies considerably depending on the district you start from and the traffic.

1. Şile and Ağva: the Black Sea coast

The road heading north from the Asian side takes you to Şile on the Black Sea coast. Şile Lighthouse, the beaches and the fish restaurants lining the seafront are the best-known stops. A little further east, Ağva, with its laid-back atmosphere on the banks of the Göksu stream, is a classic weekend getaway.

• Approximate distance: around 70 km from Kadıköy to Şile, around 100 km to Ağva.
• Best for: lovers of the sea, nature and fish.
• Tip: traffic back to the city is heavy on summer weekends; set off early in the late afternoon.
• Pick-up point: as it is on the Asian side, hiring a car at Sabiha Gökçen is the practical choice.

2. Polonezköy: the closest forest escape

Polonezköy, on the edge of Beykoz, is a village founded by Polish immigrants in the 19th century. With its nature park, walking trails and spots serving a traditional Turkish spread breakfast, it is a getaway that fits into even half a day.

• Best for: anyone wanting a quick escape into nature, and families.
• Tip: it gets crowded at breakfast time at weekends; go early.

3. Lake Sapanca and Maşukiye

The motorway heading east towards Kocaeli and Sakarya brings you to Lake Sapanca. Around the lake you will find walking, cycling and restaurants with lake views. Nearby Maşukiye is known for its streamside restaurants and green valley. In winter, the Kartepe ski resort is on the same route.

• Approximate distance: around 130–150 km from the Asian side.
• Best for: those looking for nature, a lake and a chance to unwind.
• Note: sections of the motorway are tolled; tolls are paid via the HGS tag (electronic toll sticker) on the car.

4. Bursa and Cumalıkızık

Bursa, the first capital of the Ottoman state, is a strong choice for history lovers, with landmarks such as the Grand Mosque (Ulu Cami), Koza Han and the Green Tomb. Just outside the city, the village of Cumalıkızık, with its well-preserved Ottoman houses, is on the UNESCO World Heritage List. In winter, you can add Uludağ to the same day.

• Route: the fastest way from Istanbul to Bursa is the motorway over the Osmangazi Bridge. For bridge and motorway tolls on this route, see our HGS guide.
• Best for: fans of history, architecture and food (it is the home of İskender kebab).
• Tip: it will be a long day, so set off early in the morning.

5. Edirne: Selimiye and the Ottoman heritage

The motorway heading west from the European side takes you to Edirne. The Selimiye Mosque, regarded as the masterpiece of the architect Mimar Sinan, is on the UNESCO World Heritage List. The Old Mosque, the Meriç Bridge and the city's famous fried liver (ciğer tava) restaurants are also must-sees.

• Approximate distance: around 230 km from the European side; a long but doable day trip.
• Pick-up point: as it is on the European side, hiring a car at Istanbul Airport makes sense.
• Tip: on the way back, allow for evening traffic coming into the city.

6. Kıyıköy: Thrace's hidden coast

Kıyıköy, in Kırklareli province, is a small seaside village set between two streams that flow into the Black Sea. With its quiet beaches, forest-lined streams and fish restaurants, it is ideal for a day away from the crowds.

• Best for: those after peace and quiet, nature and the sea.
• Tip: some of the village roads are narrow and winding; take your time and try to drive back in daylight.

Checklist before you set off

1. Choose the right side: Sabiha Gökçen is more practical for Asian side routes (Şile, Ağva, Sapanca), Istanbul Airport for European side routes (Edirne, Kıyıköy).
2. Choose the right car: for a large family or group, a car with a big boot or a 7-seater minivan adds comfort.
3. Keep an eye on fuel: petrol stations can be few and far between on rural roads; fill up before the tank drops below half.
4. Plan for toll roads: motorway and bridge tolls are paid via HGS and charged at the end of the rental.
5. Leave early: traffic leaving and returning to Istanbul shapes your whole day.

For general tips on driving in Istanbul, read our guide to driving in Istanbul. To find the right car for your route, compare current prices on our Istanbul car hire page.