updated on february 6
There are nearly 18,000 taxis (“Taksi”) in Istanbul, you can easily recognize them thanks to their yellow, turquoise or black color. Taxis are available throughout the city at any time of the day or night. Using taxis in Istanbul is a commonplace. As in every city in the world, taxis in Istanbul have bad reputations, especially those located in very touristic areas such as the old city, airports or Taksim Square.
In Istanbul, all cabs have a taximeter; in 2024, the meter starts at 24.55 TL, increases by 17.61 TL per km and the minimum cab fare is 90TL for yellow cabs, the meter starts at 28.24 TL, increases by 20.25 TL per km and the minimum cab fare is 102 TL for turquoise cabs. Although we consider the majority of cabs to be quite honest and serious, there are unfortunately some (especially in tourist areas) who are dishonest.
Here are some tips to help you avoid the most common pitfalls:
– Avoid paying with big bills. One of the most frequent scams happens when you pay. We advise you to use small bills.
– Check the meter when getting into the taxi. Taxis in Istanbul all have meters, if the taxi tells you the price of the ride without putting it, we recommend you go out and take another one.
– Tipping is not mandatory, ask for change. Sometimes, the taxi driver will tell you that he has no change. It is not customary in Istanbul to tip the taxi unless it has helped you with your luggage, or has been particularly nice. If you insist on your change, he will go quickly to a small shop or grocery and give it to you.
To estimate the price of the trip, check out this website: http://taksiyle.com/en
Approximate prices of taxis in Istanbul (prices can change a bit depending on traffic jams and/or your exact destination).
From Istanbul new Airport – European side:
- to Sultanahmet — 1000 TL
- to Taksim — 1000 TL
- Transfer from Istanbul new Airport
From Sahiba Gökçen Airport – Asian side:
- To Sultanahmet — 1000 TL
- To Taksim — 900 TL
- Transfer from Sabiha Gökçen Airport
From Sultanahmet (the old town):
- To Taksim: 200 TL
- To Fatih: 150 TL
- To Beşiktaş: 200 TL
- To Dolmabahçe Palace: 180 TL
- To the Galata Tower: 180 TL
- To Nisantaşı: 200 TL
- To Ortaköy: 230 TL
- To Bebek: 300 TL
From Taksim:
- To Fatih: 200 TL
- To Beşiktaş: 120 TL
- To Dolmabahçe Palace: 100 TL
- To Nisantaşı: 150 TL
- To Ortaköy: 150 TL
- To Bebek: 120 TL
Another (and more expensive) way to get around the city quickly is by water cab (“deniz taksi”). They can be booked 24/7 and take you from one pier to another in record time. To book a “deniz cab” (maximum 10 people) download the “IBB Deniz Taksi” application..
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