Capital city mobility for Cappadocia road trips and central Anatolia exploration
Ankara sits 850 metres above sea level on the Anatolian plateau, serving as Turkey's political centre and the gateway to Cappadocia, Konya, and the Hittite heartlands. A car opens up direct routes to Safranbolu's Ottoman houses, Salt Lake's white expanse, and the fairy chimneys of Nevsehir without timetables or tour buses. City driving involves navigating O-20 and O-21 ring roads, paid parking zones in Kizilay and Cankaya, and cooler temperatures than the coast - winter snow is possible here.
We offer vehicles in Ankara with no deposit and no credit card requirements on eligible models. Each car in the booking search carries its own payment and deposit terms: some require only a debit card or cash for the remaining balance, others need a credit card with a refundable hold. The booking advance is paid online by card when you reserve; the rest is settled when you collect the vehicle, using the method specified in your voucher.
Delivery to hotels in Kizilay, Cankaya, and Ulus is arranged through the local rental company, whose contact details and terms appear in your voucher after booking. Collection at Esenboga Airport is also available - see our Ankara Airport page for that pickup point. The company representative meets you at the agreed location, conducts a walk-around inspection, records any existing marks in the rental agreement, and hands over keys and documents.
If you lack a credit card, filter for "no credit card" vehicles in the search results or contact us at [email protected] before booking. For models that do require a hold, raising your debit card limit temporarily can cover the refundable amount. Additional services - HGS toll transponder for motorways, child seats, cross-border permits for Georgia - are paid directly to the rental company when you collect the car.
Three main collection points serve the capital and surrounding districts, each suited to different travel plans.
Located 28 km north-east of the city centre via O-20 ring road, the airport desk handles early-morning arrivals and late departures for immediate road trips to Cappadocia or the Black Sea region.
Hotels and addresses in Kizilay, Cankaya, and Ulus receive direct delivery by the rental company during working hours, saving airport transfers and letting you start from your accommodation.
Close to Ankara Railway Station and the ASTi intercity bus terminal, this zone suits travellers arriving by train or coach who want wheels without crossing the city.
High-plateau roads connect the capital to ancient Hittite sites, Ottoman towns, and volcanic landscapes across central Anatolia.
The 280 km drive south-east via D750 takes four hours through rolling steppe and volcanic tuff formations. Goreme's rock churches, Uchisar Castle, and the underground cities of Derinkuyu require multi-day exploration. Roads are paved two-lane highways; petrol stations appear every 50-70 km. A Fiat Egea or Renault Clio handles the route comfortably, though gravel car parks at viewpoints favour higher ground clearance. Winter brings ice on shaded stretches above 1200 metres.
This UNESCO Hittite capital lies 200 km east via D180 and D795, roughly three hours through Corum's farmland. The Lion Gate, Great Temple foundations, and Yazilikaya's rock sanctuary demand walking boots and sunblock. Roads narrow beyond Sungurlu; the final 30 km climb through pine forest on well-maintained asphalt. Any compact sedan suffices. Combine with Alacahoyuk's Bronze Age site 30 km north for a full archaeology day.
Drive 220 km north via O-4 and D100 to reach this Ottoman timber-house town in about three hours. Cobbled lanes, saffron shops, and hillside mansions cluster in the Carsi district; park at designated lots outside the historic core. The highway is dual carriageway until Karabuk, then single-lane through forests. A Hyundai i20 or Opel Corsa fits narrow town streets. Return via Yenice forests adds 40 km but offers Black Sea glimpses.
Head 150 km south on D750 and D330 to Turkey's second-largest lake, a vast white pan in summer that floods shallowly in spring. The two-hour drive crosses flat steppe; turn west at Sereflikochisar for shoreline access. Bring water and snacks - facilities are sparse. Any vehicle works on paved approach roads; avoid driving onto the salt crust itself. Flamingos gather April through June when water levels rise.
The 260 km journey south via O-21 and D300 takes three to four hours across the Anatolian plain to Rumi's mausoleum city. The Mevlana Museum, Alaeddin Mosque, and Catalhoyuk Neolithic site (50 km south-west) justify an overnight stay. Dual carriageway for the first 180 km, then single-lane through Cihanbeyli. A Peugeot 301 or Citroen C-Elysee offers boot space for luggage and motorway cruising comfort. HGS toll transponder recommended for O-21 sections.
Just 100 km west on D200, this silversmith town makes an easy half-day trip for Ottoman architecture and carrot-based desserts. The drive takes 90 minutes through rolling hills and beetroot fields. Park near the main square; explore stone houses and craft workshops on foot. A compact Renault Symbol or Kia Rio suits the narrow approach streets and town parking. Combine with Nallihan Bird Sanctuary 20 km north-west for wetland birdwatching.
The fleet spans urban compacts for city errands and larger saloons for multi-day Anatolian tours, each with documented deposit and payment terms in the search results.
| Model | Category | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| Renault Clio | Economy | City parking, short Cappadocia trips, two passengers |
| Fiat Egea | Compact | Konya and Safranbolu runs, family of four, boot space |
| Kia Rio | Economy | Ankara ring roads, Hattusa day trip, fuel economy |
| Opel Corsa | Economy | Kizilay narrow streets, solo or couple travel |
| Citroen C-Elysee | Compact | Motorway cruising, four adults, extended rental |
| Renault Symbol | Compact | Balanced boot and cabin, mid-range Anatolia tours |
| Hyundai i20 | Economy | City delivery convenience, tight hotel parking |
| Peugeot 301 | Compact | Cappadocia week, luggage for three, winter heating |
| Fiat Doblo | Van / MPV | Five passengers plus gear, group archaeology tours |
| Dacia Jogger | Estate / MPV | Seven seats, camping equipment, Salt Lake picnics |
| Renault Taliant | Compact | Modern cabin tech, dual-zone climate, long-distance comfort |
All models include third-party liability insurance and basic collision damage waiver. Excess reduction and personal accident cover are optional extras paid to the rental company. Remember that payment methods and deposit requirements vary by individual vehicle - check the "Payment" and "Deposit" fields in each search result before confirming your booking.
Capital traffic patterns, plateau weather, and motorway tolls require advance planning for smooth city and inter-city driving.
Certain vehicles in our Ankara fleet carry no refundable hold requirement, though collision damage excess remains separate; others need a credit card block depending on model and rental duration.
In the booking search, each car displays "Deposit" and "Payment Method" fields. Models marked "No Deposit" or "0 TRY deposit" let you collect the vehicle with only the remaining balance due - paid by debit card or cash as stated in the voucher. Apply the "No Deposit" filter to show only these cars. Remember that collision damage excess is a separate parameter: you remain liable for that amount if damage occurs, regardless of deposit status.
Bring your driving licence (foreign licences accepted for short stays, International Driving Permit recommended for rentals beyond one month), passport, and the card used for the online booking advance. The rental company representative will inspect the car with you, record scratches and dents in the contract, and provide emergency contact numbers. Full terms and company details appear in the voucher emailed after you complete the reservation.
For detailed payment and advance information, visit our payment methods page. If you need help identifying suitable vehicles or adjusting search filters, email [email protected] before booking.
Common queries about renting a car in Turkey's capital city, from hotel delivery to winter tyres and Cappadocia routes.
Yes, select vehicles in Ankara accept debit cards or cash for the remaining balance, as indicated in the "Payment Method" field of each search result. Pay the booking advance online by any card when you reserve; settle the rest with the method shown in your voucher when you collect the car. If a model requires a credit card for a refundable hold, consider raising your debit card limit or choosing a different vehicle.
Certain cars carry no refundable deposit requirement - the "Deposit" field in the search will state zero or "No Deposit". You pay only the outstanding rental balance at pickup, using the method specified in your voucher. Collision damage excess remains in effect as a separate term: you are responsible for that amount if the car is damaged, but no funds are blocked on your card in advance.
Yes, the local rental company delivers to hotels and addresses in Kizilay, Cankaya, and Ulus during working hours. Enter your hotel name or address in the pickup location field when booking, and confirm the delivery time that suits your arrival. The representative will meet you at reception, complete paperwork, and hand over the keys there.
Bring your valid driving licence, passport, and the card used for the online booking advance. Foreign licences are accepted for short-term rentals; an International Driving Permit is recommended if you plan to stay longer than one month. The rental company will photocopy these documents and record them in the contract when you collect the vehicle.
Yes, Cappadocia (Nevsehir) is 280 km south-east via D750, taking about four hours, and Konya lies 260 km south via O-21 and D300, roughly three to four hours. Both routes are paved highways suitable for any compact or mid-size car. Fill up in Ankara; petrol stations become less frequent beyond Kirsehir. An HGS toll transponder helps on O-21 sections - request one from the rental company when you collect your car.
Ankara sits at 850 metres elevation; snow and ice are possible November through March, especially on roads leading to higher passes. Most rental cars carry all-season tyres adequate for city driving. If you plan trips to Cappadocia or Safranbolu in winter, check tyre condition during the vehicle inspection and ask the company about winter equipment. Drive cautiously on shaded sections above 1000 m where ice lingers after sunrise.
Return the vehicle to the same location you collected it - hotel delivery address, city centre point, or Esenboga Airport desk - at the date and time stated in your voucher. The company representative will inspect for new damage, check the fuel level against the pickup state, and confirm odometer readings before releasing you. Allow 15-20 minutes for the return procedure.
Search vehicles with transparent deposit and payment terms, filter for no credit card options, and book online in minutes. The local rental company will deliver your car to your Ankara hotel or meet you at the airport, ready for Cappadocia fairy chimneys, Hittite ruins, and high-plateau roads across central Turkey.