Facilities & Car Rentals
Housing both domestic and international flights, VAN offers snack bars, a gift shop and a 24-hour information desk. Most importantly for the traveller ready to start exploring, it fields a range of car rental services including internationally recognised companies such as Avis, Hertz and Enterprise. You'll find the rental desks in the arrival hall, where English speaking staff will help you choose the perfect vehicle for your journey.
Driving in and around Van
Driving in Turkey is on the right-hand side of the road, as opposed to left-side driving in the UK. Signage is international & you'll need a valid UK driving license or an international driving license. Speed limits are generally 50km/h in urban areas, 90km/h in rural areas, and 120km/h on motorways, although these should be strictly adhered to.
Car Class Recommendations
For an authentic Turkish driving experience, try the cheaper, compact manual cars. Automatic vehicles, particularly SUVs or 4x4s, can be beneficial for everyone heading towards the mountainous eastern region or planning a winter trip.
Fuel and Routes
Petrol stations are quite frequent along major routes, however, they are predominantly cash-only. It's always wise to keep some Turkish Liras (₺) handy. A scenic route to your next stop could be the highway D300, which guides dazzling Lake Van to one side and dramatic mountains on the other.
Surrounding Highlights
The breathtaking Akdamar Island and the ancient Seljuk architecture at the Cavustepe Historical Site are a few worthy features outside of Van city. Many beautiful cities like Bitlis and Hakkari are only a couple of hours' drive away.
Quick Currency Fact
The official currency is the Turkish Lira (₺), and while credit/debit cards are accepted in bigger cities, many places in the less urban regions function on a cash-only basis. Exchanging British pounds (GBP) is possible at various exchange bureaus in the city.
Climate Check
Van has a continental climate with long, cold winters and short, warm summers. A good practice is to check the weather forecast beforehand to dress and pack appropriately.
Words to the Wise
You will need to purchase an electronic visa before travelling - this can be obtained quickly and easily online. English isn't widely spoken in eastern regions like Van, so brushing up on a few basic Turkish phrases can be beneficial.
