Car Hire Ankara — Discover Turkey’s Modern Capital and Ancient Heartland
Ankara, Turkey’s capital since 1923, often gets overlooked by visitors focused on Istanbul’s historic splendour. But this modern city of five million offers a different perspective on Turkey—one of museums, monuments, and a strategic position at the heart of Anatolia. Hiring a car in Ankara provides access to Cappadocia’s fairy chimneys, the ancient Hittite capital of Hattusa, and the salt lake of Tuz Gölü—all within comfortable driving distance for day trips or overnight excursions.
Atatürk’s mausoleum, Anıtkabir, anchors the city and tells the story of modern Turkey’s founding. The Museum of Anatolian Civilisations houses artefacts spanning millennia. But Ankara’s real value lies as a gateway to central Anatolia, where ancient civilisations and surreal landscapes await exploration. A rental car transforms Ankara from a transit stop into a base for comprehensive exploration of Turkey’s interior.
Picking Up Your Rental Car in Ankara
Ankara Esenboğa Airport (ESB) sits 28km northeast of the city centre. All major international and Turkish car hire companies operate here with desks in the arrivals hall. The efficient setup typically gets you on the road within 30 minutes.
City locations include offices in Kızılay (the central district), Tunalı Hilmi Avenue, and near major hotels. These suit visitors already in the city who want a car for day trips.
Required documents: Valid driving licence, passport, and credit card. An International Driving Permit is required for non-Turkish licence holders.
Parking: Ankara has more organised parking than Istanbul. Most hotels offer parking, and public car parks (otopark) are reasonably priced.
Where to Go with Your Rental Car from Ankara
Cappadocia (280km, 3hr)
The surreal landscape of fairy chimneys, cave dwellings, and underground cities makes Cappadocia one of Turkey’s most remarkable destinations. While too far for a comfortable day trip, Ankara serves as an excellent starting point for a 2-3 day Cappadocia exploration.
Hattusa (200km, 2.5hr)
The capital of the Hittite Empire (1600-1200 BC) offers impressive ruins including the Lion Gate, royal archives, and the nearby Yazılıkaya rock sanctuary. One of Turkey’s most important archaeological sites.
Beypazarı (100km, 1.5hr)
A well-preserved Ottoman town famous for its traditional houses, silverware, and carrot-based products. Perfect for a day trip with excellent local restaurants.
Gordion (80km, 1hr)
The Phrygian capital where Alexander the Great cut the Gordian Knot. The site includes the massive Midas Mound and ongoing excavations. The small museum displays remarkable Phrygian artefacts.
Tuz Gölü (150km, 2hr)
Turkey’s second-largest lake is actually a salt flat that creates surreal reflections and landscape photography opportunities. The pink hues at sunset are particularly striking.
Tips for Driving in Ankara and Central Turkey
Roads: Turkey’s intercity roads are generally excellent. The Ankara-Niğde motorway provides fast access toward Cappadocia. Minor roads can be poorly marked—use GPS.
Tolls: Major motorways use an electronic toll system (HGS/OGS). Rental cars typically come with transponders—you pay tolls plus a service fee on return.
Speed limits: 50km/h in urban areas, 90km/h on open roads, 120km/h on motorways. Speed cameras are common on intercity routes.
Driving style: Ankara drivers are more orderly than Istanbul’s but still assertive. On intercity routes, watch for slow-moving agricultural vehicles.
Parking: Ankara has organised parking compared to Istanbul. Use otopark facilities in the centre. Most hotels provide parking.
Fuel: Stations are plentiful on main routes. Fuel is expensive compared to most of Europe—budget accordingly for long drives.
Weather: Central Anatolia experiences extreme temperatures. Summer days are hot; winter driving can involve snow. Check conditions before heading to Cappadocia in winter.
Book your Ankara car hire through the search above for competitive rates with airport and city pickup options.