Driving in Istanbul
Your complete guide to driving and renting scooters in Istanbul, Turkey. Learn about IDP requirements, traffic rules, safety tips, and everything you need to know before hitting the road.
International Driving Permit (IDP) in Istanbul
IDP Required
IDP required along with your original license. Some EU licenses are accepted alone for short stays.
Fine without IDP: TRY 500-2,000 ($15-60)
Where to Get IDP: Apply in your home country before traveling.
Accepted Licenses
Traffic Rules in Istanbul
Local Traffic Rules
- 1Drive on the RIGHT
- 2Traffic lights sometimes ignored (be cautious)
- 3Pedestrians cross anywhere - watch carefully
- 4Minibuses (dolmuş) stop without warning
- 5Double/triple parking is common
Common Tourist Mistakes
- Underestimating traffic intensity
- Trying to find parking in historic areas
- Driving across Bosphorus during rush hour
- Expecting drivers to follow rules
- Not being assertive enough at intersections
Horn Culture
Constant honking. Istanbul is one of the horniest cities in the world.
Traffic Fines & Penalties
Speeding
TRY 200-1,000 ($6-30)
No Helmet
TRY 300 ($9)
No IDP
TRY 500-1,000 ($15-30)
Red Light
TRY 300 ($9)
Drink Driving
TRY 2,000+ ($60+) + license suspension
Safety Tips
Essential Safety Tips
- Istanbul has aggressive driving culture - be prepared
- Avoid driving if possible - excellent public transport
- Keep doors locked and windows up in traffic
- Watch for motorcycles weaving through traffic
- Rush hour traffic is among world's worst
Best Time to Drive
Very late night (after 11 PM) or early morning (before 7 AM)
Rainy Season Warning
October-March: Rain makes already chaotic traffic worse. Roads flood in some areas.
Areas to Avoid (for beginners)
- Sultanahmet/Old City (narrow streets, no parking)
- Bosphorus bridges during rush hour
- Taksim area on weekends
Parking
Average Cost
TRY 20-60/hour ($0.60-1.80)Scooter Parking
Less common. Usually park in car spaces.
Parking Tips
- Historic areas (Sultanahmet, Old City) have very limited parking
- Valet parking at restaurants is common and cheap
- Mall parking is the easiest option
- Street parking attendants expect tips
FAQ: Driving in Istanbul
Should tourists drive in Istanbul?
Generally no. Istanbul traffic is chaotic, parking is difficult, and public transport is excellent. Most tourists are better off using metro, tram, and taxis.
Is Istanbul traffic really that bad?
Yes. Istanbul consistently ranks among the world's most congested cities. Crossing the Bosphorus can take hours during rush hour.
What's the best way to get around Istanbul?
Istanbul's metro, tram, and ferry system are excellent. Get an Istanbulkart for easy payment. Taxis and Uber are also affordable.
Emergency Contacts
Police
155
Ambulance
112
Tourist Police
0212 527 4503
Roadside Assistance
TTOK: 444 0 456
Partner link – opens GetYourGuide.com
Practice for Your Turkey Driving Test
Prepare for the official driving theory test with practice questions, road signs, and study materials.