Renting a Car at the Airport: 10 Practical Tips

Renting a car at the airport is the fastest way to start your trip on your own terms — no waiting for transfers, no shared minibuses. But without the right preparation, it can also mean long queues and unexpected costs. Here are ten tips from experienced travellers:

1. Add Your Flight Number When Booking

When your booking includes a flight number, the airport office tracks your arrival. If your flight is delayed, they hold the vehicle for you — no stress, no penalty. Yolzz's booking form includes a dedicated flight number field. Use it.

2. Reserve at Least Two Weeks in Advance

At popular airports during summer (July–August) and public holidays, available vehicles disappear fast. Last-minute bookings not only risk finding nothing suitable — prices can be two or three times higher. Book at least two weeks ahead; one month is better.

3. Airport Pick-up May Cost a Little More — It's Still Worth It

Some suppliers charge a 10–20% airport surcharge compared to city-centre offices. Compare this against the cost of a taxi or transfer from the city, and the time you save. For most destinations in Turkey, picking up at the airport is the smarter choice.

4. Night Arrivals? Filter for "24/7 Open"

City-centre offices often close by 20:00. If your flight arrives late, you need an airport supplier that operates round the clock. Use the "Open 24/7" filter when searching on Yolzz to avoid arriving at a closed counter.

5. At the Airport: Follow the Signs, Stay Calm

After landing, follow the "Rent a Car" signs at the arrivals exit. At major airports (Istanbul, Sabiha Gökçen, Antalya), the car rental desks are usually on the arrivals level or in an adjacent building reached by a short shuttle. Your booking confirmation email has the exact address and a contact number — check it before you land.

6. Four Things to Have Ready

• Your booking confirmation (on paper or on your phone)
• Your valid driving licence (and IDP if required)
• The credit card in the same name as the booking (for the deposit)
• Your passport or national ID

7. Never Skip the Vehicle Inspection

At the airport, it is tempting to rush through the handover when you are tired or pressed for time. Resist the urge. Ask the agent to walk around the car with you, and:

• Take photos from every angle — exterior, interior, all four tyres
• Read and verify any existing damage noted on the handover form
• Confirm the fuel level matches the contract
• Check the spare tyre and warning triangle are present

Five minutes at pick-up can save a very unpleasant dispute at return.

8. Get to Know the Car in Your First Five Kilometres

Every car is different. Before joining the motorway, drive slowly for the first few kilometres to locate the controls — navigation, air conditioning, lights, blind spot warnings. Discovering these at 100 km/h is not ideal.

9. Return Timing and Fuel

Aim to return the car at least three hours before your flight — airports get busy and queues at the return desk are common. Find the nearest petrol station to the return office on Google Maps the night before, and fill up there rather than paying the supplier's fuel price.

10. Consider Alternative Airports

When two airports serve the same destination, prices and availability can differ significantly. In Istanbul, compare IST (Istanbul Airport) against SAW (Sabiha Gökçen). In the Antalya region, AYT (Antalya) versus GZP (Gazipaşa). In the Muğla region, Dalaman versus Milas-Bodrum. A different arrival airport might give you a much better deal and a quicker drive to your accommodation.

Bonus Tip: Save Everything in the Yolzz App

Rather than hunting through your email at the arrivals exit, open the Yolzz app. Your booking code, supplier address, office hours, emergency contact and cancellation button are all in one place — ready with a single tap, even offline.