Hello, we are considering a car rental in Izmir to travel to the Cesme peninsula & Ephesus. Is this going to be very stressful - that is, driving in a foreign country can be very different than in the US! we just want to make sure the roads are in good condition, good signage, etc. It doesn't seem public transport is that good in the area so this is why we want to rent a car.
Thanks!
Posted by
Dunwoody, Georgia
338 posts
Renting a car is a great idea. It will give you a lot more flexability to visit minor sites and to adjust your itinerary during your trip. When I've rented in the past in Izmir its been via advance rental at the airport, so that is what I can speak to. The Izmir airport website lists the rental car companies that serve it: http://www.adnanmenderesairport.com/en-EN/Transportation/Pages/rentacar.aspx. Definately reseach more than one rental agency since prices can vary quite a bit. Please note that most cars are standard transmission in Turkey, so you will need to specifically request an automatic if that's important to you. Driving to main sites and larger towns and cities is not difficult. The roads are in good shape and the signs are clear. However, I suggest picking up a highway map before you leave for your trip so that you'll know the cities along your route. Please note that there are some toll roads along the west coast now. This site has a little bit of information on them:
http://www.turkeytravelplanner.com/trans/Car/pay_toll.html Good luck.
Posted by
OP
Leavenworth
10 posts
this is really helpful! thanks!
Posted by
Corsicana, Texas, USA
354 posts
Regarding the highways in Turkey, keep in mind:
1) You can't use cash or credit card to pay the Izmir to Selcuk tolls; and 2) Turkish road signs don't list the smaller upcoming towns until you are relatively close. Further out they just list the bigger cities in that direction. So, heading from Izmir to Selcuk on the toll highway, you drive toward Aydin, and as you get closer, the signs then list Selcuk (Ephesus).
Posted by
OP
Leavenworth
10 posts
so how do you pay the tolls if not w/ cash or credit?
thanks.
Posted by
Corsicana, Texas, USA
354 posts
If you want to deal with road tolls during your drive, pull in to the administrative building on the side of the first toll booth you encounter. Inside, buy a toll card and add value to it (like a gift card?), then use this at each toll booth. The amount of the toll will be electronically subtracted from the value of the card. This is probably the cheapest option. If you want to deal with it ahead of time, ask your rental car company to provide an electronic device that communicates with the toll booth as you drive through. Even though this option is easier, it is more expensive in the end.
Posted by
OP
Leavenworth
10 posts
thanks for all the help! we feel more prepared now!
Terra