Kadikoy Car Rental

Kadikoy is the lively centre of Istanbul's Asian side, on the Sea of Marmara between Uskudar and Maltepe. Its ferry piers, food market, the cafes of Moda and the long shopping street of Bagdat Caddesi draw locals and visitors alike, and because ferries, the metro, Marmaray and the Metrobus all meet here, it is the first stop for many people arriving on the Asian side.

Within Kadikoy and Moda you will rarely need a car: public transport and walking cover most of it. Kadikoy car rental becomes useful when you are flying in or out of Sabiha Gokcen, visiting several addresses on the Asian side, travelling with a family and luggage, or heading out to Sile, Agva or Sapanca. A compact car is easiest in the centre's narrow streets; a larger car or SUV suits airport runs and longer trips.

Otorento compares cars from independent rental suppliers in Kadikoy and the surrounding districts. You can line up economy, automatic, SUV and large-boot cars by price, mileage allowance, fuel policy, deposit and pick-up method; prices and availability depend on the dates and the supplier.

Location and getting around

Approximate road distances from the Kadikoy ferry piers; drive times assume light traffic and grow noticeably at rush hour.

Rail: the M4 metro starts in Kadikoy and runs without a change via Ayrilik Cesmesi, Goztepe, Kozyatagi and Bostanci to Sabiha Gokcen Airport. Change to Marmaray at Ayrilik Cesmesi or to the M8 at Kozyatagi. High-speed trains to Ankara and Konya stop at nearby Sogutlucesme, which is also the end of the Metrobus line. The historic Haydarpasa station has had no passenger trains since 2013.

Ferries: city ferries leave Kadikoy for Karakoy, Eminonu, Besiktas and Kabatas, but they carry foot passengers only. To take a car across, use a bridge, the Eurasia Tunnel or the Harem-Sirkeci car ferry from neighbouring Harem.

Which crossing? The Eurasia Tunnel, entered at Haydarpasa, is the quickest way to Sultanahmet, Kumkapi and Bakirkoy (cars, minibuses, vans and motorcycles only). For Besiktas, Sisli and Taksim, take the 15 July Martyrs Bridge via Uskudar; for Levent, Maslak and Sariyer, the Fatih Sultan Mehmet Bridge on the TEM. Heading east, the D-100 leads to Maltepe, Kartal and Pendik and on to Sabiha Gokcen.

Tolls: the bridges and the Eurasia Tunnel are tolled through the HGS electronic system. Rental cars typically carry an HGS tag and the supplier charges the tolls afterwards, as set out in the rental terms.

Picking up your car

The pick-up point depends on the supplier: a rental office, an agreed car park or delivery to your address. You will find the exact location and a contact number in the booking confirmation; when comparing Kadikoy car rental offers, check how far the pick-up point is from your hotel, pier or station before you choose.

• Documents: bring your licence, passport and a credit card in the main driver's name for the deposit. Deposit amounts and age rules vary by supplier and are shown before booking.

• Foreign licence: visitors can drive in Turkey on a licence from abroad for up to six months after entry. Some suppliers may also ask for an International Driving Permit, so read the terms.

• Arriving by plane or train: add your flight number if you are collecting near Sabiha Gokcen, or your train time if you arrive at Sogutlucesme.

• One-way trips: dropping the car at Sabiha Gokcen or in another city is possible with some suppliers, usually for an extra fee.

Whichever supplier you book, every Kadikoy car rental includes free cancellation and 24/7 support.

Places to visit by car

• Big Camlica Hill: views over both sides of the city from Uskudar, approx. 8 km.

• Beykoz: waterside breakfasts and groves on the Asian shore of the Bosphorus, approx. 23 km.

• Polonezkoy: a village surrounded by forest, popular at weekends, approx. 28 km.

• Sile: Black Sea beaches, approx. 70 km.

• Agva: a riverside beach village beyond Sile, approx. 95 km.

• Sapanca: lakeside bungalows and restaurants for a day out, approx. 125 km.

Driving and parking tips

• Drive on the right and expect heavy bus and minibus traffic around the pier square, Sogutlucesme and Rihtim; avoid picking up a car there at rush hour.

• Streets in Moda, Bahariye and around the market are narrow and street parking is hard to find. Leave the car in a paid car park and walk.

• Bagdat Caddesi and the coastal road from Fenerbahce to Bostanci move slowly on weekend afternoons and evenings.

• On Fenerbahce match days, the area around the stadium at Sogutlucesme and the D-100 links stay congested for hours.

• Foggy mornings can cancel ferries and the Harem-Sirkeci car ferry, sending more traffic to the bridges and the tunnel; allow extra time for appointments on the European side.

Nearby locations

Compare car hire in neighbouring Uskudar and at Harem bus terminal, further along the coast in Maltepe, or collect straight from the plane at Sabiha Gokcen Airport.