8 Things to Check Before a Long Drive in Turkey

Long-distance driving in Turkey — Istanbul to Antalya, Ankara to Bodrum, Izmir to Cappadocia — is as rewarding as it is demanding. Routes can take 6–10 hours. Before you set off on any drive of 500 km or more, work through this checklist. It takes less than an hour and can prevent hours of trouble on the road.

1. Check the Vehicle's Technical Condition

Most rental cars are regularly serviced, but it is always worth a quick check before a long trip:

• Tyre pressures: Check at a petrol station forecourt pump — the correct pressure is printed on a sticker inside the driver's door frame
• Engine oil and coolant: Check the gauges and top up if needed
• Spare tyre and jack: Confirm they are actually present and in usable condition
• Lights and indicators: Walk around the car and check all lights are working
• Windscreen wipers: Especially important in winter — they can be a literal lifesaver

2. Plan Your Route in Advance

• Review your route on Google Maps and identify at least one alternative, in case of road closures or heavy traffic
• Mark planned rest stops in advance — aim for a 15-minute break every two hours
• Note where petrol stations are along the route; running low in rural Anatolia is not fun
• Decide in advance whether you prefer motorways (faster, tolled) or state roads (free, often scenic but slower)

3. Sort Your Mobile Internet and Offline Maps

4G coverage disappears in some parts of Anatolia. Download your route as an offline map in Google Maps before you leave. For backup navigation, Yandex Navi and Here WeGo both work well in Turkey and function without a data connection.

4. Pack These Essentials

• Water — at least 2 litres per person; more in summer
• Snacks that keep you alert: nuts, fruit, nothing too heavy or sleep-inducing
• Phone charging cable and a USB car adaptor
• A power bank for when the car's USB socket is not enough
• Cash — some rural petrol stations and toll booths do not accept card
• A small first aid kit

5. Manage Fatigue — It Is the Biggest Risk

Driver fatigue causes more accidents on long Turkish motorways than any other single factor. Take it seriously:

• Get a full night's sleep before a long drive — do not start tired
• Stop for 10–15 minutes every two hours: get out of the car, walk around, stretch
• Do not take any medication that causes drowsiness before driving
• Avoid heavy meals immediately before or during the drive
• For drives of five hours or more, add a second registered driver and alternate

6. Check the Weather and Road Conditions

• Winter: Winter tyres are compulsory on certain routes (the Ankara–Cappadocia stretch is a classic example). Check whether your rental car is equipped — and whether the supplier can confirm it. Carry snow chains if advised.
• Summer: Air conditioning running continuously increases fuel consumption noticeably. Budget for it.
• Rain: Tyre tread depth matters in wet conditions. Slow down on slippery roads — especially through mountain passes.

7. Know the Legal Requirements

• Seatbelts are mandatory for every passenger in every seat
• Children under 12 must travel in the rear
• Daytime running lights are compulsory on inter-city roads
• Using a handheld phone while driving carries a heavy fine
• Speed limits: 50 km/h in urban areas, 90–110 km/h on open roads, 120–140 km/h on motorways

8. Save the Emergency Numbers

• 112: Single emergency number for police, fire brigade and ambulance
• 154: Traffic information and road condition reports
• 158: General roadside assistance
• Your rental supplier's 24/7 emergency line — this is the fastest route to help with the vehicle. The number is in your booking confirmation email.

One More Thing: Review Your Insurance Before You Leave

On a long drive, anything can happen — a stone chip on the motorway, a small scrape in a tight car park, an unexpected downpour. If your standard coverage includes an excess of 2,000 TL or more, Super Cover (comprehensive protection, zero excess) is genuinely worth the extra 50–80 TL per day. On a five-day road trip, that is a very small price for complete peace of mind.

Safe travels across Turkey — the scenery is spectacular and the roads are better than most people expect.