Driving from Izmir to Istanbul (Turkey)

We're planning the almost exact same trip in May. I'm wondering about renting cars. Does anyone have good info about which company to use, one way travel, etc. So far, we seem to be able to rent only a compact car for four people. Jeff, I'll try to remember to contact you after we get back. We did look into a driver, but it was fairly expensive.

I haven't made that specific drive, but driving is not difficult in western Turkey. You don't need a driver. Pick up a decent road map before you go. The road signs are clear enough even if you speak no Turkish. Your best bet for finding a car company is to check the rental companies at the Izmir airport and at both Istanbul airports. That should give you an idea of which companies serve both areas and are likely to offer one-way rentals. Good luck.

Avoid the international chain companies because the drop charges are high. Most non-international Turkish companies don't charge a one-way drop charge, especially the direction you are going, since getting someone wanting an Istanbul-Izmir rental is pretty easy for them. You could wait and ask at the Izmir airport, making it clear that you want a local company. Or, if you are going to be in Izmir proper for a bit, stop at a travel agency and have them make the arrangements for you. Tell the agent specifically that you want the best price with no one-way drop charge. Going to a travel agent adds a small amount to the cost, but much less than a one-way drop charge would be with one of the major international companies, and saves the hassle of trying to find and make a deal with the local rental company at the airport. The drive that you are planning is an easy one, well sign posted. You could probably even dispense with maps, though they provide peace of mind and give you options in case of roadwork or other last minute problems. I would suggest getting a map before you leave for Turkey, though. I've found them surprisingly hard to come by in Turkey. (Maybe I'm not looking in the right places...)

Hi everbody, I am Gokhan from Izmir Turkey, Nice to hear that you are planning to drive in an extrardinary way to discover Turkey in a very good route. Very briefly, There is no problem to drive alone from izmir to istanbul on the mentioned route.. You may hire a car from any local company wheneevr you will be in izmir with acceptable rates, Also having a map is the easiest issue you may have in in even in the airport ~2-3 USD or Euro or from Car rentals free of charge.. Do not to add Foca, Eski Foca , Ayvalik & Cunda island(in ayvalik) , Akcay and ASSOS to your route.. you may overnite in Assos where is a historcal place near the seaside please dont disregard to search on the internet ! Please feel free to keep in touch with me incase of any kind of question or information. Hope to everyone will have nice time in TUrkey, Selamlar,
Gokhan

I agree with the others. You don't need a driver. You'll take a ferry across the Dardanelles at Canakkale. (Make sure to eat their dessert there - a cheese dessert only made in Canakkale, I believe.)
A few summers ago, we drove from Bodrum to Antalya. This summer, we'll drive from Izmir to Bodrum. It's a beautiful country, with very friendly people.