Automatic or manual car hire at Dalaman?
Choose an automatic for Dalaman if you are not confident with manual hill starts, because roads to Ölüdeniz, Kayaköy, Faralya and the Marmaris peninsulas are steep and winding. Automatic models in our fleet include the Hyundai i20 and the hybrid Toyota Corolla, and they are popular in summer, so book early. Manual cars such as the Clio, Egea and Sandero suit confident drivers who want the widest choice.
Is an automatic worth it on the Dalaman coast?
For most visitors from countries where automatics are the norm, yes. The coast has many steep sections: the hairpin descent from Hisarönü to Ölüdeniz, the lanes up to Kayaköy, the old Göcek hill road and the peninsula roads beyond Marmaris. In summer traffic you may need to stop and restart on these gradients, which is much easier without a clutch.
An automatic also makes stop-start driving through Fethiye and Marmaris centres more relaxing, especially if you are getting used to driving on the right.
Which rental cars at Dalaman are automatic?
Our fleet includes the automatic Hyundai i20 in the economy class and the hybrid Toyota Corolla, which drives like an automatic. Transmission is shown for every car before you book, so filter by automatic if that is what you need.
You book a specific model, but a similar car of the same class may be provided; the class and transmission stay the same.
- Economy automatic: Hyundai i20
- Hybrid automatic: Toyota Corolla
- Check the transmission label on each car before booking
When is a manual car the better choice?
If you drive a manual at home, a manual rental is perfectly suitable for the D400 and resort roads, and manual models such as the Renault Clio, Fiat Egea and Dacia Sandero are widely available. Manuals give you more choice at short notice in peak season, and many SUVs, vans and 7-seat cars in the area are manual.
Is a hybrid good for driving around Dalaman?
A hybrid such as the Toyota Corolla suits the coast well: it runs on regular petrol, needs no charging, uses its electric motor in slow town traffic and is automatic. It is a comfortable choice for longer drives to Kaş or Marmaris.
How do I make sure I get an automatic?
Book as early as possible for July and August, check that the car you select is labelled automatic, and keep your booking confirmation. Because you pay at pickup and can cancel free up to 24 hours before, booking early carries no risk if your plans change.
Frequently asked questions
Can I rent an automatic car at Dalaman Airport?
Yes, automatic and hybrid cars are available for terminal pickup; book early in summer.
Are automatic cars common in Turkey?
Manual cars are still very common in Turkish rental fleets, so automatics are in higher demand.
Is the road to Ölüdeniz hard in a manual car?
It is steep and winding; experienced manual drivers manage fine using low gears, but an automatic is more relaxing.
Do I need a special licence for an automatic?
No, any valid car licence covers automatics; a licence restricted to automatic cannot be used for a manual.
Is the hybrid Corolla automatic?
Yes, the hybrid Toyota Corolla has an automatic transmission and runs on regular petrol.
Will I definitely get the automatic model I booked?
You book a model; a similar car of the same class may be provided, with the same transmission type.