Rent a car in Ankara, Turkey's capital. Discover Anıtkabir, museums, and the Hittite UNESCO heritage. Best prices.
The capital of Turkey, built right at the heart of Anatolia on thousands of years of history reaching from the Hittites to Phrygia, from Galatia to the Seljuks, and from the Ottomans to the Republic — Ankara is not only the city of state institutions and embassies, but also the home of the world-famous Museum of Anatolian Civilizations (one of the world's best archaeology museums), the legendary Gordion Ancient City and one of Turkey's most strategic road junctions. This central position, equidistant from every corner of Turkey, makes Ankara not just a city of life but also one of Turkey's most strategic starting points for reaching extraordinary destinations such as Cappadocia, Safranbolu, Hattusa, Ilgaz and Göynük by car. Ankara car rental is the smartest and most comfortable way to freely explore the capital's own historical and cultural riches, the UNESCO-listed destinations around it and every corner of Anatolia.
In this comprehensive guide we cover every detail of the Ankara car rental process: 2026 prices, vehicle selection criteria, rental companies and office locations, required documents, must-visit destinations, the best seasons and practical tips. As Yolzz, our aim is to provide reliable and accurate information to every visitor considering renting a car in Ankara.
Ankara has a relatively well-developed public transport system with metro and the Ankara Light Rail (ANKARAY) infrastructure. Within the city, using metro and buses is practically sufficient for reaching central points such as Kızılay (Ankara's central commercial and dining district), Ulus (the original old town and historic centre), Çankaya (the presidential and diplomatic district) and other central locations. However, Ankara's real attractions — the surrounding destinations of Cappadocia, Safranbolu, Hattusa, Gordion and Ilgaz — either take a very long time by public transport or cannot be reached at all. This makes car rental in Ankara unquestionably the most sensible option, particularly for out-of-town destinations rather than for inner-city use.
Destinations in Ankara and its surroundings that are extremely difficult or completely impossible to reach by public transport include: Gordion Ancient City, this Phrygian capital near the village of Yassıhüyük in Polatlı district is extremely difficult to reach by public transport. Hattusa and Yazılıkaya, these UNESCO World Heritage sites in Boğazkale district of Çorum have no regular public transport services. Cappadocia (Nevşehir), while reachable by bus from Ankara, a car is essential to roam freely between Göreme, Uçhisar, Ürgüp and surrounding valleys. Safranbolu, while reachable by bus, a car is far more advantageous for a tour covering villages and viewpoints along the route. Mount Ilgaz, this skiing and nature park area in Kastamonu province is extremely difficult to reach without a car.
Ankara sits at the very centre of Turkey's road network, allowing balanced-distance journeys to every corner of the country. Cappadocia is approximately 285 km, Safranbolu 225 km, Hattusa 210 km, Konya 260 km, Kastamonu 190 km, Bolu 190 km and Ilgaz 215 km away. This central position makes Ankara the most strategic base for comprehensive tours that can be carried out across the heart of Anatolia.
The most valuable experiences possible with a rental car in Ankara: setting off from Ankara in the morning, touching Phrygian history at Gordion and returning by midday to enter the city's Museum of Anatolian Civilizations in the late afternoon; spending a weekend in the stone-paved streets of Safranbolu, breathing Ottoman architecture; covering Cappadocia with at least 2 nights of accommodation and roaming freely among fairy chimneys, valleys and underground cities — these all represent the freedoms made possible only by a rental car.
Economy vehicles — starting from 840 TL (~$26) per day in Ankara: Models such as Dacia Sandero, Renault Clio, Fiat Egea Hatchback and Hyundai i20 can be rented for 840 TL to 1,380 TL (~$26-43) per day. The most practical option for Ankara inner-city business visits and short-distance destinations.
Mid-range vehicles — starting from 1,100 TL (~$34) per day in Ankara: Models such as Renault Megane, Toyota Corolla Hybrid, Skoda Octavia and Volkswagen Passat can be found at 1,100 TL to 2,200 TL (~$34-69) per day. An ideal choice with generous luggage space and comfort for medium-to-long distance tours such as Cappadocia, Safranbolu and Hattusa.
SUV models — starting from 1,550 TL (~$48) per day in Ankara: Vehicles such as Dacia Duster, Nissan Qashqai, Hyundai Tucson and Volkswagen T-Roc can be rented for 1,550 TL to 3,000 TL (~$48-94) per day. The high driving position and powerful engine offer advantages for Cappadocia valleys, the snowy roads of Mount Ilgaz and winter routes.
Premium and luxury vehicles — starting from 3,600 TL (~$113) per day in Ankara: Models such as Mercedes C/E Class, BMW 3/5 Series, Audi A4/A6 and above can range from 3,600 TL up to 15,000 TL (~$113-469) per day. This is the most preferred segment for senior executives visiting Ankara's embassy, ministry and corporate world, with very strong demand in the city.
7-9 seat minivans — starting from 1,900 TL (~$59) per day in Ankara: Models such as Volkswagen Caravelle, Ford Tourneo Custom and Dacia Lodgy can be rented for 1,900 TL to 3,500 TL (~$59-109) per day. An economical and comfortable choice for group travel to Cappadocia or Safranbolu.
Weekly car rental in Ankara offers an average of 15-25% better value compared to daily rental. A comprehensive Anatolia tour from Ankara covering Cappadocia, Safranbolu and Hattusa requires at least 5-7 days; the weekly package is the most economical option for these routes. Monthly car rental prices start from 25,500 TL (~$797) for the economy segment. For corporate pricing, please call +90 850 500 0 777.
The main factors affecting prices in Ankara: Season — religious holidays and summer holiday periods are the highest demand periods. Corporate traffic — during major conferences and summits, vehicle demand around the airport and hotels can spike. Early booking, insurance package, rental duration and return location are other factors affecting price.
Ankara Esenboğa Airport (IATA code: ESB) is located approximately 28-30 kilometres north of Ankara city centre. Many companies including Avis, Budget, Europcar, Enterprise, Sixt, Garenta and Yolzz provide 24/7 service at the airport's arrivals level. Thanks to the airport's proximity to the Kastamonu-Safranbolu route, after picking up your vehicle you can head north without going into the city. For a reservation, please call +90 850 500 0 777.
Car rental offices in central Ankara are concentrated around Kızılay, Çankaya and Atatürk Boulevard. For visitors staying in the city and then heading to surrounding destinations, city centre offices may be a more practical choice. For current Yolzz office locations, please call +90 850 500 0 777.
Our advantages as Yolzz in Ankara: 24/7 service at airport and city centre offices. Flight tracking — your vehicle is held ready in case your flight is delayed. Winter tyre option — winter-equipped vehicles are available for routes where snow may be encountered, such as Cappadocia and Ilgaz. 24/7 roadside assistance — +90 850 500 0 777 is always active. Transparent pricing and flexible cancellation.
A valid driving licence, Turkish ID card or passport and a credit card are required. Foreign nationals may need an International Driving Permit (IDP). The minimum age is 21 and the licence must be at least one year old. For premium vehicles the minimum age may rise to 25-28. Deposit amounts: 2,000-3,000 TL (~$63-94) for economy class, 4,000-6,000 TL (~$125-188) for mid-range, 7,000-12,000 TL (~$219-375) for SUV and premium. For details, please call +90 850 500 0 777.
The city of Ankara itself is full of historical and cultural sites waiting to be explored. Anıtkabir (the Mausoleum of Atatürk, founder of modern Turkey — Turkey's most important national monument) is among the most-visited cultural sites in Turkey. Reaching Anıtkabir by rental car and easily walking around the large complex is made convenient by the car parks around the area. The Museum of Anatolian Civilizations, as one of the world's leading archaeology museums, houses unique artefacts from the Hittite, Phrygian, Urartian and Roman periods; you can reach the car parks near the historic building in Ulus by car. Ankara Castle and the Atpazarı area, this district reflecting the capital's most authentic historical fabric is ideal for walking with its narrow streets; parking the car nearby and exploring on foot is recommended.
About 90 kilometres west of Ankara, near the village of Yassıhüyük in Polatlı district, Gordion was the capital of the Phrygian Kingdom between the 9th and 3rd centuries BC. Gordion is mentioned in ancient sources both as the city of Alexander the Great who tried to untie the legendary Gordian Knot and as the homeland of King Midas, believed to have invented the lyre-like instrument called the kithara. With its museum, tumulus tombs and settlement remains, Gordion is a destination reachable from Ankara by car in 1-1.5 hours and can only be visited efficiently by rental car.
About 210 kilometres east of Ankara, near the Boğazkale district of Çorum province, Hattusa was the capital of the Hittite Empire between the 17th and 12th centuries BC. On the UNESCO World Heritage List since 1986, Hattusa represents the pinnacle of Anatolian archaeology with its magnificent city gates (Lion Gate, Sphinx Gate, King's Gate), great temple, royal palace and underground passages. About 3 kilometres east of Hattusa, Yazılıkaya (a rock-cut Hittite sanctuary near Hattusa) is one of the world's most impressive open-air sanctuaries with its Hittite gods and goddess reliefs carved into rock. From Ankara by rental car via the D-190, Hattusa is reachable in approximately 2.5-3 hours.
The most rewarding long-distance tour you can make from Ankara by car is unquestionably Cappadocia. Göreme, Ürgüp, Uçhisar, Avanos and Derinkuyu, in Nevşehir province, host one of the most-visited and most unique natural environments in the world. Fairy chimneys, ancient underground cities, rock churches, vineyards and wine cellars transform Cappadocia from just a destination into a true discovery experience. Göreme National Park and Cappadocia have been on the UNESCO World Heritage List since 1985. From Ankara by rental car via the O-21 and then the Kırıkkale-Kırşehir route, Göreme is reachable in about 3-3.5 hours. Planning at least 2 nights of accommodation in Cappadocia is necessary to sufficiently explore the valleys, underground cities and surrounding fairy chimney formations.
About 225 kilometres north of Ankara, in Karabük province, Safranbolu is an exceptional historic town that brings together the best-preserved examples of 19th-century Ottoman civil architecture, on the UNESCO World Heritage List since 1994. The crowded bazaar of the Çarşı district, the bozahane (boza shop), neighbourhood hammams and especially the wood-cantilevered houses stretching along the Karabük Stream make Safranbolu the settlement with the best-preserved Ottoman urban fabric in Turkey. Another unique feature of Safranbolu is that delights, sweets and soaps made from safran (saffron), the plant from which the town takes its name, are still produced by traditional methods. From Ankara via the TEM and then the Karabük route, Safranbolu is reachable in about 2.5-3 hours.
About 215 kilometres north of Ankara, in Kastamonu province, Mount Ilgaz National Park, with elevations exceeding 1,800 metres, holds the distinction of being the closest ski destination to Ankara in the winter months. Ilgaz's lush forests, wildlife and natural fabric intertwined with the Küre Mountains also offer year-round visiting opportunities. From Ankara via the TEM and then the Ilgaz route, it is reachable in about 2.5-3 hours. Reaching this destination by public transport is extremely difficult; a rental car is unquestionably the most practical option.
Only about 100 kilometres from Ankara, in Ankara province, Beypazarı (an Ottoman-era town famous for silversmithing, 90 km from Ankara) is the favourite short-distance weekend escape for Ankara residents, with its Ottoman-era stone houses, handcrafted filigree silver work and weekly market. Beypazarı is reachable by rental car in about 1-1.5 hours; the historic bazaar and village breakfast form the important stops on the route.
Ankara cuisine offers rich variety. Ankara tava (lamb stew with rice, baked in clay pots), this regional dish in which lamb is cooked with vegetables in a pot, can be found in the city's established restaurants. Beypazarı carrots, these village carrots with their distinctive flavour and size are a registered geographical-indication product across Turkey; you can buy them fresh by stopping in Beypazarı by rental car. Safranbolu Lokumu (Safranbolu Turkish delight), this distinctive Turkish delight flavoured with saffron is the most valuable souvenir of a Safranbolu visit. Cappadocia wine, the local wines from the region's ancient viticulture tradition enrich the gastronomic dimension of a Cappadocia visit; visiting the region's small boutique wine producers by rental car is possible.
For car rental in Ankara, April and May form the most ideal period. While temperatures range from 14-22°C, Ankara's famous cherry orchards are in bloom, and the Anatolian steppe around Hattusa and Gordion is at its greenest. Cappadocia is both not yet crowded and offers its most beautiful colour as the vines begin to bud.
Ankara summers are hot but far milder compared to the southeast; temperatures generally range from 30-35°C and cool down in the evenings. During this period, car rental prices remain relatively stable except during religious holidays. Cappadocia becomes very crowded in summer; planning early in the day by car is a critical strategy.
Late September and October are the most ideal period particularly for visiting Cappadocia. During this season when the grape harvest begins, the Cappadocia valleys take on yellow, orange and red tones; with this scenery, hot-air balloon flight photographs form the year's most striking images. Prices have eased from the summer peak and crowds have thinned. It is the perfect time to drive by rental car from Ankara to Cappadocia and stay a few nights before returning.
Ankara winters are cold and snowy; temperatures may range from -5°C to +5°C with snowfall. Car rental prices are at the annual low during this period. Safranbolu takes on a unique winter destination identity in winter with its snowy Ottoman streets and the warm atmosphere of bozahane. Ilgaz ski centre is in its most active period during this time. Cappadocia also welcomes visitors in winter, but some roads on the route may be covered in snow; a vehicle with winter tyres is essential in this case.
Book early. Demand spikes sharply during religious holidays and major conference periods. Booking at least 1-2 weeks in advance is advantageous. For a reservation, call +90 850 500 0 777.
Check the winter tyres for Cappadocia. Snow may be encountered on the Ankara-Cappadocia route from November to April; a vehicle with winter tyres is essential during this period.
Choose a weekly package. To fully see Ankara and its surroundings you need at least 4-5 days; weekly rentals are 15-25% cheaper per day.
Choose unlimited mileage. Daily kilometre limits may be insufficient for a programme covering Cappadocia, Safranbolu and Hattusa together.
Get super insurance. Given Ankara's heavy traffic and long Anatolian routes, full insurance that reduces the excess to zero is recommended.
Inspect the vehicle thoroughly at pickup. Carefully examine the exterior and photograph any damage. Confirm the HGS (Turkey's electronic toll system) device is installed. For issues you can call +90 850 500 0 777.
Know Ankara traffic hours. On weekdays, traffic is extremely heavy between 07:30-09:30 in the morning and 17:00-20:00 in the evening. Avoiding these hours when setting out for out-of-town destinations saves significant time.
Economy segment starts from 840 TL (~$26) per day, mid-range 1,100-2,200 TL (~$34-69), SUVs 1,550-3,000 TL (~$48-94). For current prices, call +90 850 500 0 777.
The airport is approximately 28-30 kilometres from the city centre; depending on traffic conditions, reachable in about 30-45 minutes.
From Ankara to Cappadocia (Nevşehir/Göreme) is approximately 285 kilometres, reachable in about 3-3.5 hours.
From Ankara to Safranbolu is approximately 225 kilometres, reachable via the TEM in about 2.5-3 hours. Safranbolu has been a UNESCO World Heritage site since 1994.
For Cappadocia September-October is the golden period. For Hattusa and Gordion April-May is ideal. For Safranbolu and Ilgaz, the winter months offer a very attractive atmosphere.
Yes, Gordion is approximately 90 kilometres from Ankara, reachable by car in about 1-1.5 hours. As public transport access is extremely difficult, a rental car is virtually essential.
From Ankara to Hattusa is approximately 210 kilometres, reachable in about 2.5-3 hours. A UNESCO World Heritage site since 1986, this Hittite capital offers Ankara's most impressive cultural tour.
For economy class 2,000-3,000 TL (~$63-94), for mid-range 4,000-6,000 TL (~$125-188), for SUV and premium 7,000-12,000 TL (~$219-375). The hold is refunded within 7-15 business days after the vehicle is returned without issues.
You need at least 4-5 days for a comprehensive tour covering Cappadocia, Safranbolu and Hattusa. Weekly rental offers 15-25% better value.
Car rental offices are available at Esenboğa Airport and in the city centre (around Kızılay and Çankaya). For Yolzz, call +90 850 500 0 777.
Booking at least 1-2 weeks in advance is recommended. For religious holidays, extending to 3-4 weeks is advantageous. For a reservation, call +90 850 500 0 777.
Most companies require a credit card. For details, call +90 850 500 0 777.
The excess in standard insurance ranges from 2,500-10,000 TL (~$78-313). Given Ankara's heavy traffic and long Anatolian routes, super insurance is recommended.
From Ankara to Beypazarı is approximately 100 kilometres, reachable by car in about 1-1.5 hours. With its Ottoman stone houses and silversmithing, Beypazarı is Ankara's nearest historic-town escape.
Yes, but snow may be encountered on the route from November to April. A vehicle with winter tyres is essential during this period. Yolzz offers the winter tyre option; for information call +90 850 500 0 777.
Yes, they can rent with a passport and International Driving Permit (IDP). Yolzz offers 24/7 support for foreign guests; you can call us at +90 850 500 0 777.
Truly discovering Ankara means standing in admiration before the Hittite gold of the Museum of Anatolian Civilizations, touching the ground Alexander the Great walked at Gordion, imagining the Hittite Empire at the magnificent city gates of Hattusa, tasting the wines of Ürgüp among the fairy chimneys of Cappadocia, and travelling back in time on the snowy Ottoman streets of Safranbolu. The only way to live all these experiences at your own pace is renting a car in Ankara.
To make a reservation or for any questions, please call +90 850 500 0 777 or visit our Yolzz website. We wish you safe and unforgettable journeys.
