Sapanca and Kartepe by Rental Car: Route, Getting There and Tips
Sapanca and Kartepe are among the most popular nature trips from Istanbul for a day out or a weekend break. The most practical option is to rent the car on Istanbul's Asian side, for example at Sabiha Gökçen Airport or the Pendik pickup point. In our 13 October 2026 measurement, offers from 18 companies at Sabiha Gökçen started from 1.100 TL a day. Sabiha Gökçen to Sapanca is about 100–110 km, via the TEM or the Kuzey Marmara Motorway. If you are going up to Kartepe in winter, choose a car with winter tyres.
Prices: measured on 13 October 2026, RentaCarSAW search results · Distances are approximate
Where should you rent the car?
| Pickup point | Companies / offers | Cheapest per day | Why? |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sabiha Gökçen Airport | 18 companies · 211 offers | 1.100 TL | On the Asian side, the closest airport in the direction of Sapanca |
| Pendik | 5 companies · 32 offers | 1.200 TL | A local pickup point on the Asian side |
| Istanbul Airport | 9 companies | 1.100 TL | If you are coming from the European side |
13 October 2026 · 20–23 October, 3-day rental · rounded to the nearest 50 TL.
How to get from Istanbul to Sapanca and Kartepe
- By motorway: you reach Sapanca via the TEM (Anatolian Motorway) on the Gebze–İzmit route, or via the Kuzey Marmara Motorway. The motorway toll depends on where you join and leave.
- Plan with navigation: depending on weekend traffic, journey times on the two routes can differ; check the current traffic before you set off.
- From Sapanca to Kartepe: from around Lake Sapanca, a mountain road climbs towards the Kartepe Ski Resort; in winter the road can be snowy and icy.
Which car should you choose?
- Kartepe in winter: ask for a car with winter tyres in case of snow and ice; snow chains may be needed. More detail: winter tyres and mountain routes guide.
- Families and larger groups: an SUV or minivan for luggage space and comfort. At Sabiha Gökçen, SUV offers started from 1.350 TL a day.
- Day trips for couples or groups of friends: the economy class is enough; most offers are automatic.
- Km allowance: the round trip from Sabiha Gökçen to Sapanca plus a drive around the lake can add up to 250–300 km. On a 3-day rental, the most common allowance is 1,200 km, which is enough for this route.
Travel tips
- Weekend crowds: on Saturdays and Sundays, the area around Lake Sapanca and the Maşukiye road get busy; set off early.
- Around the lake: a car makes it much easier to drive around Lake Sapanca and reach the lakeside venues and walking areas.
- Maşukiye and Kartepe: you can visit Maşukiye's riverside venues and Kartepe's ski resort on the same day.
- Parking: at weekends, parking at popular spots can be limited; use paid car parks.
Frequently asked questions
Where should I rent a car to go to Sapanca?
Sabiha Gökçen Airport or the Pendik pickup point on Istanbul's Asian side are the most practical options. In our 13 October 2026 measurement, daily prices at Sabiha Gökçen started from 1.100 TL.
How far is Sapanca from Istanbul?
From Sabiha Gökçen Airport to Sapanca is about 100–110 km, via the TEM or the Kuzey Marmara Motorway.
Are there motorway tolls on the way to Sapanca?
Yes. The TEM and the Kuzey Marmara Motorway are tolled; the toll depends on where you join and leave. In a rental car, tolls are paid via HGS and passed on to you afterwards.
Can I drive up to Kartepe in a rental car in winter?
Yes, but the road can be snowy and icy. Ask for a car with winter tyres and carry snow chains if needed.
Do I need to pay in advance?
No. On RentaCarSAW, no prepayment is taken at booking; you pay when you pick up the car. You can cancel free of charge up to 48 hours before your pickup time.
