Samsun Car Rental — Black Sea Hub of the Turkish War of Independence
Samsun is the largest city on Turkey's Black Sea coast and a place of profound national significance — it was here, on 19 May 1919, that Mustafa Kemal Atatürk stepped ashore from the steamship Bandırma, marking the beginning of the Turkish War of Independence. With a population of over 1.4 million, Samsun is the economic, commercial and cultural capital of the Black Sea region, boasting one of Turkey's longest seafront promenades and a modern tram network.
Through Yolzz, pick up your rental car at Samsun Çarşamba Airport or the city centre and begin exploring this historically rich city and the spectacular Black Sea coastal route at your own pace.
Why Rent a Car in Samsun?
The Ideal Starting Point for the Black Sea Coastal Drive
Samsun is the most logical base for anyone planning a Black Sea coastal road trip. Heading west: Sinop (165 km), Bartın and Amasra. Heading east: Ordu (150 km), Giresun, Trabzon (340 km), Rize and Hopa. The breathtaking mountain-meets-sea scenery of the Black Sea coast demands a rental car — public transport simply cannot match the freedom.
A Large Province with Widely Spread Attractions
Samsun province includes the city plus 17 districts including Bafra, Çarşamba, Tekkeköy, Vezirköprü, Terme and Ladik. Highlights such as Şahinkaya Canyon (Vezirköprü), Ladik Akdağ Ski Resort, Kabaceviz Waterfalls, Amazon Village (Terme) and Asarkale (Bafra) are impractical to reach by public transport.
Limited Transport Beyond the City
While Samsun's city tram and bus network is excellent, services to outlying districts and the coastal route are sparse. Bafra, Vezirköprü and Ladik are difficult to visit as day trips without a car. With a rental car, you can cover 200–400 km per day comfortably.
Year-Round Rainy Climate — The Car Keeps You Dry
The Black Sea coast is rainy year-round — summers are humid, winters wet and sometimes snowy. Managing luggage and dealing with the weather while waiting for public transport is unpleasant. A rental car keeps everything dry and the journey comfortable regardless of conditions.
Ideal for Families
Samsun's Atakum seafront, Doğu Park (Bandırma Steamship Museum), Batı Park (cable car), Sevgi Lake, the zoo and Çiftlik Caddesi pedestrian street make for an excellent family itinerary. For groups of 4–6, a rental car is the most economical and comfortable way to cover the city.
Agricultural and Gastronomic Tourism
The Bafra plain is Turkey's most productive river delta — famous for its buffalo yoghurt, Bafra Pidesi (flatbread) and the Kızılırmak Delta bird sanctuary. Çarşamba and Terme have strong hazelnut, tobacco and anchovy (hamsi) heritage. These experiences are only accessible by car.
Where Can I Pick Up a Rental Car in Samsun?
1. Samsun Çarşamba Airport (SZF)
25 km from the city centre in the Çarşamba district. Car rental counters are located at the arrivals exit. Full details: Samsun Airport Car Rental.
2. Samsun City Centre
City-centre offices are located on main avenues close to the Atakum seafront and the central Cumhuriyet Meydanı. Convenient for guests already based in the city or arriving by intercity bus.
3. Samsun Bus Terminal (Otogar)
Travellers arriving by long-distance coach from Ankara, Istanbul, Trabzon or Sivas will find rental offices near the terminal.
Places to Visit in Samsun
Samsun is rich in national history, natural beauty and Black Sea culture. Must-see destinations to explore by car:
National History and Museums
- Bandırma Steamship and War of Independence Park (Doğu Park): A life-size replica of the ship that carried Atatürk to Samsun on 19 May 1919 — the symbolic birth of the Turkish Republic. An unmissable landmark.
- Onur Monument (Atatürk Statue): The 1932 equestrian bronze statue of Atatürk by Austrian sculptor Heinrich Krippel — the most recognisable symbol of Samsun.
- İlk Adım Monument: Erected at the Tütün İskelesi (Tobacco Pier) where Atatürk landed, on the centenary of his birth.
- Gazi Museum: Built in 1902, converted to a museum in 1940. Houses Atatürk's personal belongings, photographs and the original manuscript of the tenth-year speech (Onuncu Yıl Nutku). On Mecidiye Caddesi.
- Samsun Archaeological and Ethnographic Museum: Home to the Amisos Treasure — Turkey's most valuable hoard after the Karun Treasure. Hittite, Pontic Kingdom and Roman artefacts.
- Kurtuluş Yolu: A 400-metre open-air museum walk featuring sculptures recreating Atatürk's landing party.
Nature and History Combined
- Amisos Hill: A 323-metre hilltop reached by cable car from Batı Park. Hellenistic-period Pontic Kingdom tumuli (royal burial mounds) and a panoramic Black Sea view — the sunset is magnificent.
- Atakum Seafront: One of Turkey's longest coastal promenades — modern cafés, sandy beach and evening social life.
- Doğu Park and Batı Park: The city's two major parks lining the seafront, with cycling and walking paths.
- Sevgi Lake: A swan lake with surrounding picnic areas; the zoo is nearby.
- Çiftlik Caddesi (İstiklal Caddesi): The pedestrianised shopping and entertainment street, ideal for an evening stroll.
Further Afield — The Black Sea Experience
- Şahinkaya Canyon (Vezirköprü, 125 km): One of Turkey's most dramatic gorges, with suspension bridges and trekking paths.
- Ladik Lake and Akdağ: Lakeside setting and a small ski resort in winter.
- Bafra Kızılırmak Delta: Internationally recognised wetland, flamingo and pelican habitat in spring and autumn.
- Amazon Village (Terme, 60 km): A village said to be the original home of the legendary Amazons — popular for ecotourism.
Samsun Cuisine — A Food Tour by Car
Samsun has one of the Black Sea's richest and most distinctive culinary traditions. Essential tastes:
Pide — Samsun's Signature Dish
- Samsun Pidesi: The city's most famous version — thin dough with minced meat or cheese. The classic recipe.
- Bafra Pidesi: Bafra district's own interpretation — thicker dough, meat visible on the top surface.
- Terme Pidesi: A smaller, local variety from Terme district.
Main Dishes
- Hamsi Tava (Fried Anchovy) and Hamsi Pilavı (Anchovy Rice): The anchovy (hamsi) is the irreplaceable staple of Black Sea cooking — fried, baked and stuffed into rice pilaf.
- Mısır Ekmeği (Cornbread): The traditional bread of the Black Sea region, dense and distinctive.
- Karalahana Sarması (Black Kale Rolls): Stuffed kale rolls with cornmeal and beans — a regional comfort classic.
- Kaz Tiridi: Slow-cooked goose served on bread — a Bafra-Çarşamba regional speciality.
- Çakallı Menemeni: The legendary egg-and-tomato menemen from Çakallı Hanı, served in a historic inn on the Silk Road.
Sweets and Souvenirs
- Bafra Nokulu: A walnut and cinnamon sweet roll unique to Bafra — the ideal Samsun souvenir.
- Pestil and Köme: Traditional Black Sea fruit leather and walnut sweets.
- Hazelnut Products: Samsun province is within Turkey's hazelnut heartland — buy fresh and roasted from local producers.
Samsun Car Rental Prices 2026
Daily Rental Price Ranges
- Economy compact (Fiat Egea, Renault Clio): 850–1,300 TL (~$27–41)
- Mid-range saloon (Toyota Corolla, Renault Megane): 1,300–2,100 TL (~$41–66)
- SUV (Dacia Duster, Nissan Qashqai): 1,500–2,700 TL (~$47–84)
- Premium (BMW 3 Series, Mercedes C-Class): 2,700–4,200 TL (~$84–131)
- Minivan 7+1 (VW Caravelle, Mercedes Vito): 2,500–4,500 TL (~$78–141)
Weekly and Monthly Packages
Weekly rentals (7+ days) reduce the daily rate by 15–25%. For monthly corporate rentals, call +90 850 500 0 777.
Book Your Rental Car Now
Use the search form to find and reserve your Samsun rental car instantly. Need help? Call +90 850 500 0 777 or message us via our contact page.
