Sabiha Gokcen Airport Car Hire 2026
Updated June 2026
Pick up your car at the airport and explore the area on your own schedule. Free cancellation, 500+ cars compared, full-coverage option.
Compare Cars →Sabiha Gokcen is Istanbul's airport on the Asian side, and the logic of car hire follows from that. Inside the city, around Kadikoy and Uskudar or across the water in Sultanahmet, the metro and ferry are far more comfortable than a car; wrestling with Istanbul traffic spoils the trip.
A car earns its place when you head east, out of the city. If you are planning weekend routes like Lake Sapanca, Masukiye, Kartepe and Iznik, or a road trip into Anatolia, Sabiha Gokcen is a good starting point, because public transport to these is weak and a car gives you all the flexibility.
Although the airport is on the Asian side, it is not close to the centre; even the Kadikoy side is around thirty-five kilometres, and that takes time in traffic. So picking the car up at the airport and going straight onto your route is usually the most practical option.
Price and pick-up are the same as across Istanbul: a competitive market with economy from around 15 to 20 dollars a day, international and local firms side by side in the terminal. In busy periods, especially if you want an automatic, booking ahead secures it.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a car at Sabiha Gokcen?
Not for touring the city, around Kadikoy and Uskudar or the historic peninsula; the metro and ferry are far easier. A car makes sense mainly if you head east out of the city to Sapanca, Kartepe or Iznik.
Should I drive to the centre?
For the city, the metro and ferry are faster without the traffic. Saving the hire for the days you leave the city is both cheaper and more comfortable.
Is a car worth it for Sapanca, Kartepe and Iznik?
Yes. Public transport to these lake and nature routes is weak, so a car lets you do the weekend escape on your own schedule with the stops you want.
How far is the airport from Kadikoy?
It is around thirty-five kilometres to the Kadikoy side, and that takes time in traffic. That is why collecting the car at the airport and heading straight onto your route is more practical.
Where do I collect the car?
Desks are in the terminal, international and local firms together. In busy periods, book ahead.
Can I hire a car with my foreign licence?
A valid licence is enough; Turkey recognises foreign licences and you can drive on your own for up to six months. For a non-Latin-alphabet licence or a long stay, an International Driving Permit is recommended.
Do I need extra insurance or excess cover for car hire?
Basic collision and theft cover is usually included, but it comes with a high excess you pay if the car is damaged or stolen. You can reduce or zero that excess with the hire firm's full-coverage option at the desk, or buy a separate excess-reimbursement policy in advance, which is often much cheaper.
Manual or automatic, and is an automatic easy to find?
Manual is the default and cheaper. Automatics are fewer and sell out first, especially in summer, so if you need one, book it well ahead.
What fuel policy should I choose?
Full-to-full is the fairest: you collect the car with a full tank and return it full. Avoid full-to-empty deals where you prepay a tank and lose any fuel left at drop-off.
What is the minimum age, and is there a young-driver fee?
Most firms set a minimum age of 21 and ask that the licence has been held for at least a year. Drivers under 25 may pay a young-driver surcharge, and some premium or larger vehicles require 25 or older.