We're looking at 3 weeks in Turkey, with about half the time in Istanbul, and half on a car trip on the Aegean/Turquoise coast. A few questions: 1) We are looking at renting a car one-way, and flying the other direction (either driving west and south from Istanbul and flying back from Dalaman, or flying to Dalaman and driving around the coast to Istanbul). Does it matter which direction we take? Anything to be aware of re: a one-way rental - can we pick up or drop off a car at a place as small as Dalaman? Should I book from home or arrange once we're in country? 2) I've heard it's much cheaper to book a flight once you're in Turkey. It makes me a little nervous not to nail this down before we go. Is there much risk booking the IST-DLM link once we get there?
Posted by
Denver, CO, USA
1591 posts
Can't answer your first question. As for flights, there are lots of possibilities - Turkish Airlines, Pegasus, Onur air, and others that operate within the country. I see no reason not to buy online ahead of time rather than risking it. Only other thing that comes to mind is if the local travel agencies have a discount that you cannot get online. If this is the case, it is easy enough to find an agency online and check the price with them. If less, book with them rather than the airline.
Posted by
OP
Portland, OR, US
2 posts
Thanks, Arnold!
Posted by
Dunwoody, Georgia
338 posts
I've only used round trip car rentals in Turkey so I can't speak to your first question. For your second question, I would recommend booking in advance. I've flown Turkish Air many times and they sell seats cheapest to most expensive, so you will likely pay more the longer you wait. I am less familiar with the other airlines. Another thought for booking in advance is that you might find cheaper tickets for a nearby city (e.g. Bodrum) and want to alter your plans and car arrangements to take advantage of it. Have fun.
Posted by
Corsicana, Texas, USA
354 posts
There are quite a few car rental companies located in Dalaman, so returning a car or picking up a car there should not be a problem. Be aware of several things. In my case, there was a major one-way rental fee, almost equal to the cost of the car rental. Gasoline was very expensive, around $9/gallon. The toll roads I encountered did not take cash or credit cards, instead requiring a pre-paid toll card or electronic device. Road signs listed the major towns in that direction, and only when you start to get close might your smaller destination town be listed. Consider booking ahead of time, in order to compare companies and costs. The cost of flying in Turkey can be so low (Dalaman to Istanbul on Pegasus for $22), consider purchasing flights in advance, as long as you can be 100% certain of your departure day and time. And remember that Istanbul has 2 airports when making airline reservations.