Hi all. I arrive in Istanbul on the 23rd and will be travelling solo. I typically use public transportation in my travels however this time I'm considering renting a car. Firstly, because I plan to travel in the east and head into Georgia and Armenia. I don't want to drive in Istanbul because it seems to overwhelming and I will not be taking the car into Georgia or Armenia.
What has been your experience driving while in Turkey. Any info is appreciated.
Driving in Istanbul is best avoided. At any cost. I think even the most experienced road warriors in New York City, Boston or London would have panic attacks trying to drive in Istanbul.
Turkey has built a lot of new highways in recent years and they are in excellent condition. It’s challenging figuring out what the speed limits are and best if you do some research on this so you understand how it works. The speed limit signs can quickly change on the highways as you approach towns—there can be 3 changes in the speed limit in half a mile.
Driving in cities is congested and chaotic. I would avoid driving into city centers with more than 30K residents.
Have a great trip!
Thank you. You have confirmed much of what I thought. I think I might stick with public transport. Is it as chaotic in the easter part as well?
I was pleasantly surprised when I rented a car in Antalya last year. The roads, even the rural roads, were good and well signed. Drivers were more polite than in Atlanta (which admittedly is not saying much). Driving in Antalya was no problem, and the highways and backroads were no problem. Driving and parking in downtown Burdur (population 100K) was not my favorite. It was manageable, but challenging.
I wouldn't dream of trying to drive in Istanbul.
No thank you to driving in Istanbul. I fear it would be as bad as navigating a moped in Phnom Penh. I think I peed myself one or twice doing that and somehow survived.
I appreciate the feedback. Did you drive any farther east while you were there in 2023?
Sorry, I didn't farther east in 2023. I was seriously considering a trip to eastern Turkey the fall, but it never materialized. If I had made the trip, I would have rented at car in Ankara for a side excursion to Hattusa.
My recollection from a tour a few years back was that the roads were good and traffic seemed reasonable on an Antalya-Konya-Cappadocia-Ankara route. Of course, I was on a bus, not driving.
I think I'll rent a car in Bursa and go from there. Thank you.
