Marmaris Car Rental

Marmaris is a resort town in Mugla province, set in a deep bay on Turkey's south-west coast. It is one of Turkey's busiest yachting centres, with large marinas, a castle above the old harbour and a lively bazaar, and it has long been popular with British holidaymakers. Icmeler, a few kilometres round the bay, more or less runs into the town, while Turunc and the villages of the Bozburun peninsula are quieter.

Boat trips are the classic way to see the coast, but a car opens up what boats don't: the winding roads of the Bozburun peninsula, a day in Datca, the Gokova Gulf at Akyaka, or the river and beach at Dalyan. Marmaris car rental also suits villa and apartment guests outside the centre, and anyone landing at Dalaman or Bodrum who prefers their own wheels to a transfer.

On Otorento you can compare offers from independent rental suppliers serving Marmaris, from small economy cars to automatics, SUVs and minivans, each with its fuel policy, mileage and deposit conditions. Prices depend on dates, car group and supplier, and in July and August fewer cars are left closer to the date. Every supplier offers free cancellation and 24/7 support.

Location and getting around

Distances are approximate road distances from the town centre; times are traffic permitting, and the peninsula roads are slower than they look on the map.

The D400 is the main road in both directions. Northbound it climbs over the hills towards the Gokova Gulf and Mugla, then turns east for Koycegiz, Dalyan and Dalaman. Westbound it becomes the Marmaris-Datca road; the Bozburun peninsula road branches off it and passes Orhaniye on the way to Selimiye and Bozburun. Milas-Bodrum Airport is about 130 km away, roughly two hours' drive. Most driving around Marmaris is on ordinary roads, but if your route includes a tolled road or tunnel, rental cars normally carry an HGS tag and the supplier charges tolls after the rental.

Passenger ferries sail from Marmaris to the Greek island of Rhodes, roughly an hour away; they carry foot passengers only, so leave the car in Marmaris for a Rhodes day trip.

Picking up your car

For Marmaris car rental, the handover depends on the supplier: a rental office in town, delivery to your hotel or villa, or a meeting at the airport if you land at Dalaman. Your booking confirmation gives the address and the supplier's phone number.

• Documents: your driving licence, passport and the payment card named in the booking. Foreign licences are valid for six months from entry to Turkey; British drivers are advised to carry an International Driving Permit, and some suppliers require one, so check the licence terms on your offer.

• Deposit: usually taken on a credit card in the main driver's name; deposit, minimum age and licence-holding period differ by supplier.

• Hotel delivery: give the full hotel or villa name and neighbourhood; several places around the bay have similar names.

• Return: if you are dropping the car at Dalaman Airport, allow about an hour and a half on the road, plus check-in time.

Places to visit by car

• Kizkumu, Orhaniye: a natural sandbar stretching into the bay, where you appear to walk on water; approx. 27 km.

• Selimiye and Bozburun: fishing villages with waterside restaurants at the end of the peninsula road; approx. 43-51 km.

• Sedir Island: drive to Camli pier on the Gokova Gulf (approx. 19 km) and take a boat to the island's ancient ruins and fine sand beach.

• Akyaka: a small town at the head of the Gokova Gulf with a slow river and a long beach; approx. 32 km.

• Datca: the long, narrow peninsula west of Marmaris, with quiet coves and a relaxed harbour town; approx. 72 km.

• Dalyan: river boats to the rock tombs and Iztuzu beach, a turtle nesting site; approx. 83 km.

Driving and parking tips

• Parking near the harbour, castle and bazaar is tight in summer; use a paid car park and walk the seafront.

• The roads to Turunc, Selimiye, Bozburun and Datca are narrow and winding with steep sections. Drive them in daylight and take your time.

• Village car parks fill up by late morning in high season, especially at Kizkumu; arrive early for a space.

• Midsummer temperatures are high: choose a car with strong air conditioning and avoid leaving it in full sun.

Marmaris car hire with a compact car is the easiest choice on the peninsula roads; for a family with beach gear, a larger car or minivan gives more room.

Nearby locations

Compare offers on the same dates at Dalaman Airport, Milas-Bodrum Airport and Denizli Cardak Airport for Pamukkale.