Compare prices and book the right size for your trip to Turkey; check availability and pick the best automatic car for families or groups.
Why Automatic Cars Are Popular with UK Travellers
Automatic cars remove the hassle of frequent gear changes in heavy traffic. They suit families and groups who want a relaxed drive on long routes.
Many UK visitors prefer automatics for holiday driving along the coast and on long motorway stretches. This reduces stress when navigating unfamiliar roads and busy city centres.
What Types of Automatic Cars Are Available
Rental fleets in Turkey typically include compact hatchbacks, small SUVs, family saloons, and minibuses for larger groups. Premium brands and hybrids are also offered at major airports.
| Car Type | Typical Manual Cost | Typical Automatic Cost |
|---|---|---|
| Compact (e.g. small hatch) | £15–£30 per day | £18–£35 per day |
| Family Saloon | £25–£45 per day | £30–£55 per day |
| Small SUV | £30–£55 per day | £35–£65 per day |
| 7 Seater / 8 Seater | £55–£95 per day | £60–£110 per day |
Main takeaway. Automatics cost a modest premium. The difference narrows for larger cars.
What to Expect When Renting an Automatic
At major airports you will usually find rental desks inside the arrivals hall. Staff can show the car and explain controls before you drive away.
Expect a standard paperwork check. You will need your driving licence, passport, and a credit card for the deposit. Ask whether the price includes third-party insurance and basic cover.
| Item | Why It Matters | What to Look For |
|---|---|---|
| Fuel policy | Affects final cost | Full-to-full is clearest |
| Insurance excess | Large potential charge after damage | Lower excess or zero-excess add-on |
| Mileage limit | Can add fees on long trips | Unlimited or high-mileage options |
| Additional driver | Useful for long journeys | Check daily fee and ID rules |
Main takeaway. Read the rental terms. Confirm what is included before signing.
Tips for Choosing the Right Car
Match car size to your group and luggage. For families with pushchairs choose a roomy boot and ISOFIX anchors.
Choose an automatic with good air conditioning if you travel during the hot months. Coastal routes and inland drives can be warm in summer. Peak holiday demand near Antalya often pushes prices and availability. Plan ahead for July and August.
| Factor | Airport Hire | City Hire |
|---|---|---|
| Convenience | High. Desks in arrivals and off-airport shuttles | Good for local pickups and lower fees |
| Price | Sometimes higher due to airport surcharge | Often lower, but check collection time |
| Fleet variety | Wide selection at major airports | Smaller selection in town branches |
Main takeaway. Airport collection wins for availability. City branches can be cheaper for longer hires.
Popular pickup locations
– Istanbul Airport (IST) — major international hub with wide rental desk availability
– Sabiha Gökçen (SAW) — Asian-side arrivals and budget airline options
– Antalya Airport (AYT) — gateway to the Turkish Riviera and high summer demand
– Dalaman (DLM) — common choice for Fethiye and Ölüdeniz visitors
– Bodrum–Milas (BJV) — Aegean resorts and boat trip departures
– Izmir Adnan Menderes (ADB) — access to Ephesus and Aegean coast
– Ankara Esenboğa (ESB) — capital city pickups for business and touring
– Gazipaşa–Alanya (GZP) — handy for east Antalya resorts and smaller queues
– Trabzon (TZX) — Black Sea gateway for regional travel and mountain roads
– Kayseri Erkilet (ASR) — primary choice for Cappadocia transfers and tours
How Much Does Automatic Car Hire Cost
Pricing depends on season, car size, and booking lead time. Summer coastal demand raises rates sharply in peak weeks.
Expect to pay a premium for automatic models compared with manuals. The premium varies by car type and season. Booking several weeks ahead often secures a better rate.
Note on tolls and crossings. Turkish motorways and some bridges use electronic tolls. Vehicles must have an HGS device and credit. Foreign-plated cars should register and hold sufficient balance to avoid fines. This registration can be done at PTT offices or authorised banks. Plan this into your budget for cross-city travel.
Final Advice Before Booking
Book an automatic early if you travel in July or August. Fleet availability tightens during holiday weeks and prices rise quickly.
Confirm pickup location and opening hours. Large airports operate desks 24/7. Double-check whether your flight time is covered by the rental desk.
Inspect the car carefully at handover. Note any scratches in the contract. Take time-stamped photos of the vehicle before you drive away.
Carry printed copies of the rental agreement and insurance. Keep the supplier phone number saved. This helps if you need roadside support or language assistance.
FAQs
- Do I need an International Driving Permit?An IDP is recommended for non-Turkish licences. It helps if authorities request a translation.
- Can I drive an automatic across the border?Cross-border rules vary. Tell the rental firm and get written permission before travel.
- How are tolls handled on hired cars?Most rentals can provide HGS coverage. Confirm if tolls are billed to your card or paid separately.
- Is there a large deposit for automatic cars?Deposits depend on supplier and car class. Expect higher holds for premium vehicles.
- Are child seats available?Yes. Pre-book child seats and confirm cost and fitting at pickup.
- Can I add an extra driver?Yes. Additional drivers usually require ID and a small daily fee.
- What fuel policy should I choose?Full-to-full is the clearest. It avoids inflated refuelling fees on return.
- Do automatics use more fuel?Modern automatics are efficient. Fuel use depends on model and driving style.
- What about parking in historic centres?Expect narrow streets and limited public parking in old towns. Plan for drop-off points.
- Who enforces traffic fines?Local police and highway authorities issue fines. Unpaid tolls can lead to administrative penalties.
Useful links. For toll rules and foreign vehicle guidance see the General Directorate of Highways. For airport pick-up details check your chosen terminal page at Antalya Airport.
