Taxis in Istanbul
There are over 20,000 taxis zipping around Istanbul, so catching one couldn’t be easier. While taxis may come at a higher price than public transport, they can conveniently be hailed from the street, picked up from a nearby taxi rank or arranged by booking over the phone or through an app. Furthermore, all taxis are required to use a taximeter so you won’t need to negotiate your fare price.
Standard Istanbul taxis (Type C) are orange or yellow and have a ‘Taksi’ sign on top; these are the cheapest option and can seat four passengers. There are also turquoise (Type D) taxis which are more modern and spacious electric vehicles that also seat four passengers but can store extra luggage. Lastly, there are black taxis (Type E), the most luxurious option which is typically a minivan perfect for larger groups.
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How much does a taxi cost?
| Taxi prices | Day time (05:00 - 24:00) | Night time (00:00 - 05:00) | Duration |
|---|---|---|---|
| ISTANBUL AIRPORT (IST) TO TAKSIM | 20 € | 20 € | 45 MIN |
| ISTANBUL AIRPORT (IST) TO BURSA | 100 € | 100 € | 2 HR |
| FROM SULTANAHMET TO TAKSIM | 2.5 € | 2.5 € | 15 MIN |
| FROM SULTANAHMET TO DOLMABAHCE PALACE | 3 € | 3 € | 10 MIN |
| FROM TAKSIM TO KADIKOY | 9 € | 9 € | 20 MIN |
| FROM SABIHA GOKCEN AIRPORT TO SULTANAHMET | 26 € | 26 € | 50 MIN |
| FROM HAYADARPASA PORT TO TAKSIM | 11 € | 11 € | 40 MIN |
| FROM THE SIRKECI METRO STATION TO ISTANBUL AIRPORT | 22 € | 22 € | 40 MIN |
Istanbul taxi prices
All taxis in Istanbul are legally required to charge using a taximeter. There are no official set-rate fees for taxi rides in the city centre and it is best to avoid haggling a price. The following Istanbul taxi rates are for the standard yellow taxis and are valid at all times of the day, regardless of whether you’re travelling during the day, at night or on weekends. Turquoise taxis cost 15% more expensive and black taxis are 70% more expensive than yellow taxis.
Base Fare – €0.67 (TRY 24.55)
Price per km – €0.48 (TRY 17.61)
Additionally, charges may apply for various factors including the type of vehicle, if your driver has to wait or is stuck in traffic for 5 minutes or more (€0.08 per minute), and transfers from Istanbul Airport or Sabiha Gökçen Airport. Crossing any of the three main bridges (15 July Martyrs Bridge/Fatih Sultan Mehmet Bridge/Yavuz Sultan Selim Bridge) will cost between €0.25 – €0.55 (TRY 8.25 – 19), and using toll roads such as the Eurasia Tunnel should cost €1.45 (TRY 53).
Typically, a short 10-minute ride within Istanbul city centre costs around €3.30 (TRY 120), without the addition of road and bridge tolls. For a ride in a regular Type C Istanbul Airport taxi to and from Istanbul Airport (IST) or Sabiha Gokcen Airport (SAW) to the Taksim neighbourhood, you can expect to pay between €20 – €25 (TRY 730 – 915).
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How to get a taxi in Istanbul
Across most of Istanbul, hailing a taxi is the easiest way to take one, however, it isn’t always the safest. Also, some areas and streets such as Sultanahmet Square and Istiklal Street are pedestrian-only zones so taxis can’t be hailed here.
A safer option is to walk to one of the many designated Istanbul taxi ranks around the city. You can find these at all of the main squares, railway, bus and metro stations, the ferry port, large shopping malls, plazas and most restaurants. Taxi stands are typically marked by a yellow sign that says ‘Taksi’ or ‘Taxi’ and some of them are equipped with a calling bell so that you can request a taxi if there are none waiting.
How to get a taxi from Istanbul Airport
There is only one terminal at Istanbul’s main airport, Istanbul International Airport (IST), which makes finding a taxi relatively easy when you follow the signs. There are two main taxi stands situated outside each Arrival Hall exit at Domestic and International, near the 19th and 13th gates. Alternatively, you can find one at the Departures drop-off zone on Level 2. For the 45-minute ride from Istanbul Airport to the city centre, you can expect to pay around €20 (TRY 730).
How to get a taxi from Sabiha Gokcen International Airport
As you enter the Arrivals hall, take a right and follow the ‘Taxi’ signs to the terminal exit. At the exit, take a left and walk down until you spot the taxi stand where yellow taxis should be lined up waiting. Airport staff manage the queue here, showing each passenger to their vehicle.
Keep in mind that since Sabiha Gokcen Airport is on the Asian side of Istanbul it is more likely you’ll need to use one of the three bridges which will incur extra charges. The trip from Sabiha Gokcen Airport to the city centre should cost around €24 (TRY 894) and the trip can take between 35 minutes to more than one hour, depending on traffic.
How to get a taxi from the Port of Istanbul
After disembarking your ship at the Port of Haydarpaşa, make your way to the Passenger Terminal exit where you will find taxis lined up in front of the building. A ride from here to the city centre will take up to an hour in heavy traffic and cost about €11 (TRY 410).
How to get a taxi from Sirkeci Marmaray Station
Taxis are constantly circling the station waiting for passengers so even if none are waiting by the entrance, there will be one close by. To find the taxi stand, take the escalator or stairs to the top floor of the station and exit by the main entrance where a line of yellow taxis should be waiting. Keep your wits about you at this station and don’t start your ride until the driver has agreed to use the taximeter.
How to get a taxi from Esenler Bus Terminal
As the main intercity bus terminal in Istanbul, this is a popular stopping-off point for a lot of tourists. If you’ve got luggage, a taxi from here is the best way to travel to the city since trams and trains can be very crowded. Exit through the main entrance to the terminal and you’ll find taxis lined up outside. As long as buses are running, there will be a taxi waiting.
Most popular taxi apps in Istanbul
Aside from finding a taxi on the street, it’s also possible to arrange a taxi in Istanbul with an app. This is ideal if you don’t want to stand in line or if there are no stands in the vicinity. The most popular apps include the government-regulated iTaxi and BiTaksi which will connect you with regular taxi services. Alternatively, you can use Uber, which will also book a ride with a regular taxi driver.
Keep in mind when using an app that some drivers reject fares that aren’t long enough, although the government is trying to clamp down on this. If you don’t want this to occur to you, especially when travelling to and from one of Istanbul’s airports, it’s best to pre-book your taxi with Welcome Pickups and receive a fixed fare rate instead. This way, you won’t need to worry about missing your flight because you couldn’t find a ride, or the taxi fare being blown out because of traffic.
Useful taxi numbers in Istanbul
Your final option is to call an Istanbul taxi number or ask your hotel to phone one on your behalf. This is a great idea if you’re travelling late at night or during bad weather and don’t have access to WiFi. Two of the most reliable taxi numbers are:
- Pendik Radio Taxi: +90 (553) 957 1660
- Switchboard: +90 (216) 418 8526
Keep in mind that there may be an extra charge for this service and this is the least popular way to arrange a taxi in Istanbul.
Book your Istanbul taxi in advance
Although there are a large number of taxis available in Istanbul, budgeting for your vacation can be difficult unless you plan and book your taxi in advance.
Booking in advance means you can avoid the hassle of waiting for an available taxi on the street and eliminate the need to carry cash for local drivers. For top-notch service at competitive prices, we suggest booking your Istanbul taxi in advance with Welcome Pickups where you’ll be met with a local English-speaking driver and have a customer support team on hand 24/7 to assist with any questions.
Istanbul taxi tips
- If you're paying cash, be sure to carry change with you as the local Istanbul taxi drivers rarely have lots of coins on hand.
- Most Istanbul taxis accept card payments.
- Larger Istanbul taxis can seat up to 8 passengers.
- Always make sure the meter is switched on and reset to the base fare before starting your ride.
- When paying with cash, count each note into your driver's hand, rather than just handing over the money.
- Leaving a tip isn't necessary in Istanbul, although it is common to round up the fare.
- Since taxis don’t always stop when trying to flag one down and they can choose not to accept a ride through an app, the only reliable option, especially during snowy weather, is to pre-book a taxi with a company like Welcome.
- Unless booked in advance, the metered fare will increase by 50% if you’re travelling with 5 or more passengers.
Wheelchair-accessible taxis in Istanbul
Standard taxis in Istanbul generally aren’t equipped for wheelchairs, although it’s possible to store a foldable wheelchair in the trunk. That being said, Type E taxis have ramps and straps and these can be booked at the taxi counter in the Arrivals area.
Otherwise, you’ll need to book your journey with a local company like Engeli Taksi which has a fleet of specialised vehicles. All of their vehicles are equipped with special seating and ramps and can seat 4 to 8 passengers. To book a ride with them, you can call on +90 (216) 567 0344.
Istanbul taxi safety and complaints
Although Istanbul taxis are generally well-monitored and safe, you may sometimes come across a rude driver or one attempting to scam you. Some of the most common scams to watch out for are note-switching, stretching out a ride and refusing to give change.
If this does happen to you, take down the driver’s registration ID and the taxi number plate and report it to either the tourist police at +90 (212) 527 4503.