Unforgettable Winter Holiday with SAW Rent a Car

Short answer: the easiest routes for a winter holiday in Türkiye by car start from Istanbul: Uludağ, Kartepe, Abant and Kartalkaya. For a longer winter trip, Erciyes, Cappadocia and Palandöken stand out. Pick up the car at the point that suits your route, and ask our customer service about the tyres and whether you need snow chains before you book. The winter tyre dates and fines are in a separate guide; this article focuses on winter holiday routes and planning.

For the winter tyre rule, its fine and snow chain rules, see our winter car rental guide. The conditions for extras such as snow chains are in the Rental Conditions.

Winter holiday in Türkiye by car: ski and snow routes from Istanbul

When winter arrives, Türkiye shows a completely different face with snow-covered landscapes, mountain villages and ski resorts. At SAW Rent A Car we are here to make your winter holiday more comfortable and enjoyable. Whether you set off from Istanbul to the winter resorts nearby or fly to another airport in the country, you pick up the car and plan the route at your own pace.

Uludağ, Bursa

Uludağ is one of Türkiye's most famous ski resorts and can be reached from Istanbul by road. You can pick up the car at Sabiha Gökçen or Istanbul Airport, or, if you fly to Bursa, book it on our Bursa Airport car rental page. Skiing, snowboarding, snow walks and many other activities await you in Uludağ.

Kartepe, Kocaeli

Kartepe is one of the closest ski resorts to Istanbul and ideal for day trips or weekend getaways. On the way you can stop at Lake Sapanca and enjoy the view. If you are leaving from the Asian side, booking the car on our Sabiha Gökçen Airport car rental page shortens the journey.

Lake Abant and Yedigöller, Bolu

Covered in a snow-white blanket in winter, Abant and Yedigöller are perfect for anyone looking for a peaceful winter holiday. They are an excellent choice for time alone with nature, snow walks and photography.

Kartalkaya, Bolu

Kartalkaya in the Bolu mountains is one of the resorts most often chosen for a ski and snow holiday. As it lies between Istanbul and Ankara, you can pick up the car at Istanbul Airport, Sabiha Gökçen or Esenboğa Airport. Check the road conditions before heading up the mountain road.

Other winter holiday routes in Türkiye

Erciyes, Kayseri

Erciyes Ski Resort welcomes winter sports enthusiasts with modern facilities and long slopes. After flying to Kayseri, you can pick up your car at the Kayseri Erkilet Airport pick-up point and reach the ski resort easily.

Cappadocia, Nevşehir

In winter, the snow-covered fairy chimneys turn Cappadocia into an enchanting fairy-tale land. You can join a balloon tour, take winter walks and discover the historical riches of the region. You can drive to Cappadocia in a car picked up in Kayseri; for places to visit, see our Nevşehir discovery route article.

Palandöken, Erzurum

Palandöken, in Erzurum with its long winters and heavy snowfall, is a favourite of professional skiers and winter sports fans. For delivery in Erzurum/Palandöken, contact our customer service; our team will handle the planning.

Which pick-up point for your winter holiday route?

If you want to leave the car at a different point at the end of your route, that is possible. Confirm the fee for returning at a different point with our customer service by WhatsApp or phone before completing the booking.

Advantages of a winter holiday with SAW Rent A Car

• Wide choice of cars: from economy cars to SUV and minivan classes, you can choose a car that suits a winter trip; which model is available at which point is shown on the booking screen.
• Tyres and snow chains: the tyre type of a rental car can vary by model and pick-up point. Snow chains are requested as an extra and entered on the delivery form (Rental Conditions art. 6.7); ask about availability before booking.
• Flexible booking: you can pick up the car at Sabiha Gökçen, Istanbul Airport or another point near your route and return it at a different point at the end of the trip.
• 24/7 support: if you run into a problem during the journey, you can reach our WhatsApp customer service at any hour on 0850 304 94 30.

Tips for your winter holiday

• Book early: in the busy winter season, especially around New Year and the school winter break, act early to get the car you want.
• Be ready for winter conditions: before a long trip, check the weather forecast and the road condition notices of the General Directorate of Highways; if you will need snow chains, say so when booking.
• Drive comfortably and safely: respect the speed limit, avoid sudden braking and increase your following distance. For snow driving technique, see our winter driving guide.
• Plan for ski equipment: if you will carry skis, check the boot volume and whether the rear seats fold on the booking screen.

When planning your winter holiday with SAW Rent A Car, you can pick up your car at Sabiha Gökçen Airport, Istanbul Airport or the pick-up point closest to your route and set off to discover winter destinations all over Türkiye. We are happy to be with you at every moment of your trip. Enjoy the roads and make unforgettable memories this winter!

Frequently asked questions about a winter holiday by car

Which ski resorts can I drive to from Istanbul?

The most popular routes for a winter holiday from Istanbul are Uludağ (Bursa), Kartepe (Kocaeli), and Kartalkaya and Abant in Bolu. Depending on the route, you can pick up the car at Istanbul Airport or Sabiha Gökçen.

Where should I pick up the car to go to Erciyes?

Erciyes Ski Resort is in Kayseri. You can fly to Kayseri, collect the car at the Kayseri Erkilet Airport pick-up point and also visit Cappadocia on the same holiday.

Do rental cars have winter tyres and snow chains?

The tyre type of a rental car can vary by model and pick-up point. Snow chains are requested as an extra; ask our customer service about the tyres and chain availability before you book.

Which car should I rent for a winter holiday?

If you have ski equipment, a large family or a long mountain road ahead, an SUV or minivan with a large boot is more comfortable. For city and coastal routes an economy car is enough.

Can I return the car at a different point from where I picked it up?

Yes, returning at a different point is possible. Confirm the return fee with our customer service by WhatsApp or phone before completing the booking.

Who do I contact if I get stuck on the road in winter?

You can reach our WhatsApp customer service 24/7 on 0850 304 94 30. Sharing your location and the car's plate number speeds up help.