Uber Istanbul: Everything you need to know

Whether you need a transfer to and from the airport or an in-city ride, you can find all the information you need about using Uber Istanbul, alternative transport options, and which is the best choice for you right here.

Is there Uber in Istanbul?

Yes, Uber is in Istanbul. To cut a long story short, Uber originally started operating in Turkey in 2014, however, the company ran into a few issues which led to the ceasing of operations for some years. As of 2021 however, Uber is back up and running in Istanbul, Ankara, Izmir and some other larger cities in Turkey, albeit with limited services.

While you can use Uber in Istanbul, they only offer app-summoned local taxis (Uber taxi) rather than the classic Uber services travelers are typically used to. To request an Uber, open the Uber app and enter your pickup location and destination.

There are several types of vehicle and service available, including:

• yellow/orange taxis,
• turquoise taxis,
• black taxis,
• and large taxis.

Yellow taxis are standard sedans for up to 4 people, while turquoise taxis are premium cars. You can also opt for a large taxi for up to 8 passengers or a black taxi, a premium 8-seater van.

Cost of an Uber in Istanbul

Uber prices in Istanbul are calculated according to local taximeter rates, so don’t expect significantly cheaper prices. However, the Uber Istanbul app still has its benefits, allowing you to see an estimate of the final fare before you request your ride in the app. Once you’ve requested a ride, you’ll get the actual price based on real-time factors such as time of day, demand, and so on.

That said, a yellow taxi is the most affordable option, typically costing around €34 (TRY 1,600) for the ride from Istanbul Airport to the center of Istanbul (Taksim). Likewise, you’ll pay around €5 (TRY 230) for a 5 km ride within the city center.

What are the alternatives to taking an Uber in Istanbul?

From the airport

Private transfers are the best way to travel to and from Istanbul’s airports. You can secure a competitive fixed fare and a trained, English-speaking driver if you pre-book your Istanbul Airport taxi with a trusted provider like Welcome Pickups. That way, you can get from the airport curb to your hotel as quickly as possible.

It is still possible to book an Uber Istanbul taxi from Istanbul New Airport and Sabiha Gokcen International Airport, but drivers may cancel or ask you to walk outside the terminal. Uber at Sabiha Gokcen (SAW) is less reliable, with fewer drivers. That’s why it’s common for travelers to walk outside of the complex and request an Uber from Istanbul Airport on the main road to avoid complications.

You can also catch a taxi from the ranks at either airport, although these taxis are not always the best option. As detailed above, local taxis come in three different forms: black taxis (E), turquoise taxis (D), and yellow/orange taxis (C). Keep in mind that you won’t receive a fixed fare and drivers are known to be pretty unreliable. Nevertheless, you can find taxi stands just outside the “Domestic and International Passenger” exit doors at the Plaza Section outside Arrivals.

*Please note that you may be approached by drivers inside the terminal offering cheap rides. You should never accept these offers, as the drivers are often unlicensed.

Getting around the city

Aside from using Uber to hail a taxi, there are a few ways to get a taxi once you’re on the streets of Istanbul: you can hail one from the street, head to the closest rank, call for a pickup, or book a private transfer. Taxi ranks are located near the main squares, railway, bus and metro stations, the port, and popular tourist areas.

While Istanbul taxis are easily accessible, local drivers usually speak limited English and there’s often a surcharge for calling a taxi. Having said that, they are a good option for short rides within the city. If you’d rather have the peace of mind of using a known ride-hailing app, you can download other popular taxi apps used in Turkey aside from Uber, such as BiTaksi.

Lastly, if you’d rather stick with a reliable company offering world-class service and 24/7 customer support, you can still use private transfer companies like Welcome Pickups for in-city rides.

Is Uber safe in Istanbul?

Taxis in Istanbul can be a little hit-and-miss, even when booking through Uber! Taxi drivers can be honest and professional but it’s not uncommon to hear stories of Istanbul Uber drivers canceling the trip in the app once you’ve set off and instead, using a taximeter to calculate your fare and charging cash. 

Additionally, when it comes to standard taxis, there’s always the risk of running into common tourist scams such as drivers taking a longer route than necessary, stating the taximeter or POS doesn’t work, and so on. 

To avoid this, it’s best to ask for the estimated price in advance and check the route on Google Maps. It’s also a good idea to write the name, ID, and taxi number of your driver so that you’re covered if you experience anything unsavory. Ultimately, the best way to ensure your safety and comfort is to book an Istanbul Airport transfer and pay a fixed fare in advance.

Uber, taxi, or private transfer?

To help you decide what’s best for you or your group, we’ve outlined key factors to keep in mind when comparing your options.

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Justine Mellor

Justine is a content specialist and writer who started backpacking the world at 16 and has lived in three countries. With roots in the travel industry and a taste for the road less traveled, she seeks out places with soul—where the food’s loud, the music’s local, and the culture runs deep.