Car rental in Erzurum

Erzurum is a city where fortress history meets the ski slopes of Palandöken, while thermal springs hide in surrounding valleys. Many interesting sites, from ancient monuments like Çifte Minareli Medrese to mountain lakes and thermal resorts, are located outside the center or at considerable distances from each other. Public transportation operates on city routes, making it difficult to reach remote locations.

Renting a car in Erzurum is the best way to create your own itinerary and explore Eastern Anatolia. A vehicle allows you to head out early to Palandöken's slopes before the crowds arrive, linger at Pasinler thermal springs, or take a trip to the high-altitude Lake Tortum.

Benefits of Car Rental with Localrent

Forget rushing to a rental office where choice is limited to what's available in the lot. Online rental with Localrent lets you calmly select the ideal vehicle from an extensive fleet without leaving home. Book in advance exactly what you need. Why travelers choose Localrent:

• Transparent pricing with no hidden fees
• Wide selection from compact cars to crossovers and luxury class
• Dedicated support team for prompt rental assistance
• Most of the fleet consists of vehicles under 5 years old
• Many cars available without deposit or with security up to €300-500

Online rental with Localrent eliminates office queues and limited selection. Choose your ideal vehicle from the entire service fleet from home and start your journey without unnecessary hassle. It's genuinely more convenient than standard solutions.

Car Rental in Erzurum: Requirements

To collect your vehicle, bring your passport, valid driver's license, and voucher. The voucher will arrive by email after booking confirmation and advance payment.

Most companies rent to drivers aged 19+ with at least 1 year of driving experience. The widest model selection is typically available for drivers aged 21+ with 2+ years of experience.

Rental conditions vary depending on the specific vehicle and rental company. Use the website filters when selecting your car. Enter your age and driving experience—the system will immediately display only vehicles available to you under the rental terms.

Driving in Erzurum and Traffic Regulations

Driving in Erzurum requires attentiveness, especially if you're behind the wheel in Turkey for the first time. Driving style here may seem more aggressive than in western regions of the country—highway drivers overtake more actively, and in the city they often don't maintain proper following distance. Be prepared for this and stay calm.

Observe speed limits:

• City limits: typically 50 km/h
• Rural highways: 90 km/h
• Some sections may have non-standard speed restrictions

Always keep your headlights on low beam, even during daytime. Road signs follow international standards, but pay special attention to signs warning of steep descents, climbs, and serpentine roads outside the city. Main road quality is good, but in remote mountainous areas, surface conditions may deteriorate.

The main driving challenges in Erzurum relate to mountainous terrain: outside the city, expect frequent climbs, descents, and winding roads, especially en route to Palandöken, mountain lakes, or thermal springs.

Parking in Erzurum

In central Erzurum, particularly near historical attractions like Çifte Minareli Medrese or the bazaar, finding available parking can be challenging. Streets here are narrow with significant traffic flow. Be prepared to spend time searching for a spot or park immediately at paid parking lots.

Major shopping centers on the outskirts typically offer free guarded parking—a convenient starting point for exploring the center on foot. In winter, especially after snowfall, watch for signs prohibiting parking on certain streets for snow removal. When leaving your car overnight in courtyards or narrow streets, ensure you're not blocking passage or creating obstacles for other vehicles.

Fuel Stations in Erzurum

Refueling in Erzurum is straightforward—the gas station network is well developed. Many stations have mini-markets with basic goods, beverages, and snacks. 24-hour stations are common in the city.

Standard practice at Turkish fuel stations, including Erzurum, is paying for fuel after you've filled up. You tell the operator your pump number, they display the amount on the board, and you pay at the cashier with cash or card. At many stations, an attendant will come to you for card payment directly at your vehicle after refueling.

Prepayment is rarely required, usually only at very small or remote stations. Always carry cash lira in case the terminal doesn't work.

How to Book a Car in Erzurum

To book a car in Erzurum on Localrent, first specify your desired dates and vehicle pickup location. If needed, select a different city for return. Then use the website filters to select a car by your criteria—choose transmission type, engine size, car brand, and other important parameters. Next:

1. Review the card of your preferred vehicle. Add necessary options like a child seat or additional driver to the contract.
2. Complete details, specify exact pickup location and time, enter primary driver information and contact details.
3. Pay the advance online by bank card. After payment, the voucher will arrive by email—save it on your phone or print it.

Upon pickup, inspect the vehicle body and interior; note all defects found in the acceptance report. Sign the contract and pay the remaining amount.

Keep copies of the contract and inspection report until the rental ends. When returning the vehicle, ensure the tank is filled to the level it was at pickup.

What to See Around Erzurum

Don't limit yourself to strolling through Erzurum's historical center during your visit. Beyond its borders, just a couple hours' drive on good roads, mountain lakes with turquoise water, clifftop fortresses, and healing thermal springs await you. Here's where we recommend going:

1. Palandöken. The famous ski resort south of the city attracts visitors year-round, not just in winter. In summer, it's worth ascending the good asphalt road for panoramic views of the Erzurum Valley and surrounding mountains. At the summit, breathe clean air, take photographs, and grab a bite at local cafés. The road has serpentine sections—choose a car with an engine of 1.4L or larger. Stop by traditional mountain villages along the way.
2. Lake Tortum and Tortum Waterfall. A drive north on highway D950 leads you to the magnificent high-altitude Lake Tortum. Its turquoise water is surrounded by steep forested slopes. Nearby is one of Turkey's highest waterfalls—Tortum Şelalesi. Convenient access roads to viewing platforms at both the waterfall and lake are available. Best time to visit: spring and early summer when the waterfall is at its fullest.
3. Hasankale. This trip takes you to the ruins of the majestic Hasankale fortress, strategically positioned on a high cliff. Views from the fortress over the Euphrates River valley are breathtaking. Thermal springs flow at the fortress base, where you can stay at guesthouses with pools.
4. İspir. Following the Çoruh River, you'll reach the ancient town of İspir. Its main attraction is the namesake castle towering over the town. The road passes through deep gorges and mountain scenery, narrowing and winding in places—enjoy views of the Çoruh River and traditional rural architecture along the way.
5. Oltu. This historic town is known for its Ottoman wooden architecture. Stroll streets with characteristic balconies and carved facades of historic houses. Visit the old mosque and stone bridge. On the road to Oltu, you'll pass beautiful mountain landscapes and villages. In winter, the road may be snowy—remember to add the winter package to your booking.

This is just part of the treasures around Erzurum. If nature appeals to you more, drive to Narman Canyon with its peculiar rock formations. History and architecture enthusiasts should visit Aşkale to see the ancient caravanserai and fortress.

Where to Rent a Car in Erzurum

When booking, you choose where it's most convenient to collect your vehicle. Main options in Erzurum are the airport or city rental company offices. You can also arrange vehicle delivery directly to your hotel or specified address.

Not all catalog vehicles are available at all pickup locations. The specific list of points where you can collect a particular car is always indicated on its card. To immediately see suitable options, specify your preferred pickup point in the "Specify location" field when searching.

Recommendations for Renting a Car in Erzurum

To ensure your Eastern Anatolia trip goes smoothly, consider local specifics when renting a car. Here are several tips:

• For mountain trips, choose a vehicle with an engine of 1.4L or larger—serpentine roads and climbs require power reserves. A compact city hatchback is suitable only for Erzurum itself.
• From October through April, winter tires are mandatory—add the winter package to your order. Even if there's no snow in the city, it's guaranteed on the approach to Palandöken or in the mountains.
• In winter, parking on some central streets is prohibited overnight for snow clearance. Pay attention to signs.
• If planning a trip to thermal baths, ventilate the cabin well afterward. High humidity from swimsuits and towels can lead to condensation and window fogging in cold air.
• Addresses in Erzurum's historic center are confusing. Use well-known landmarks as destinations in your navigator—it's more reliable.
• In winter, mud and salt mixture on mountain roads quickly soil the windshield. Top up windshield washer fluid at gas stations.
• Check the weather forecast before heading to the mountains—conditions there change very quickly.

Accounting for these local features when renting and using a vehicle will save you unnecessary complications on Eastern Anatolia's roads.

Questions and Answers About Car Rental in Erzurum