Taking Taxis in Istanbul

When traveling abroad, one of the intimidating aspects is getting around in your new destination. Taxis in Istanbul have a notorious reputation for ripping off tourists and foreigners, and it’s a well deserved stereotype. It’s just a fact of life here, most of them are practically crooks. I strongly encourage taking Public Transports as much as possible in Istanbul, because honestly, it’s one of the best. But also because it cuts traffic (via Tram, Metro & Ferry). But let’s be real, sometimes you just prefer to take a taxi, you’re going far, or it’s late night.

The most important thing to note, is that Taxis are SAFE to take in Istanbul. There should be no concern over being mugged, threatened or harassed (like some other countries). This may be a bigger concern for women, especially getting around at night. The only concern should be getting ripped off, not physical safety. Here are some basic tips, tricks and things to look out for before entering a Taxi:

Taxis in Istanbul: All the Tips and Tricks

• Make sure the driver starts the Meter! Currently, Taxi Meters start at 19 Turkish Liras. Confirm that the driver will turn on the meter before getting in.
• Meter prices are fixed no matter the time of day. Riding at night is not suppose to cost you more (don’t let the driver tell you otherwise).
• Minimum cost of a Taxi in Istanbul will be 70 liras. As of 2023, a new taxi law in Istanbul issued is that the minimum ride will cost 70 liras, no matter if the meter shows less. So if your meter is 45 liras, you will still have to pay the minimum 70 liras. This is to deter super short distance rides.
• “Fixed Price” is a way to rip you off. If the driver asks for a “fixed price”, you will most certainly pay 2-5 times more than if it were metered. The drivers will always start with ”There is so much traffic… SO, how about a fixed price of ____?). It is recommended you DO NOT take a fixed price, unless you are desperate to get to your destination. Taking these fixed prices just makes the dishonest Taxi situation in Istanbul even worse as the drivers get spoiled and entitled to these ridiculous earnings.
• Always have cash on you. Taxi cars may have stickers showing they take credit card, or even have the machine, but will unlikely take that form of payment.
• If there is a Bridge or Highway Toll crossing, it will cost no more than 50 TL which will be added on your meter. Taxis may ask for more and say it’s for additional “toll”. This is a way for drivers to trick you in paying more.
• The biggest scam areas will be the touristic areas of Sultanahmet and Taksim. Drivers may ask some ridiculous amounts like 300-500 liras to go near by that would otherwise cost 100 liras.

Taking a Taxi from Istanbul Airport

Taking a Taxi from the 2 Istanbul Airports: IST and SAW are a fast and convenient way to get to the city. There is an official line of taxis waiting right outside the Airport exit. You can follow the clear, easy sign, after immigration, to the official Taxi line. There is no need to speak to anyone inside or outside the airport in regards to taking a Taxi. Just go straight to the Taxi line. Yellow or Orange Taxis will be less expensive. Light Blue Taxis are about 20% pricier (but more spacious and comfortable).

Cost: As with any other taxis in Istanbul, Taxi meter will start at 19 TL
For Example: IST Airport to Sultanahmet or Taksim area should cost around 800 TL. From SAW Airport, it will be around 1000 TL.

Other Options: Hotels in Istanbul have private Shuttle Transfer Services available at about 45 Euros each way.
You can arrange this ahead of time and someone will hold a sign outside the Airport door and lead you to the car.

Public Transport Options: As of 2023, there are Metros from the Airport. Follow the METRO sign out of immigration, Take the METRO to KAGITHANE. From there, you can use google map to continue to your destination or take a taxi from there. OR, take the HAVA IST Bus if it takes you near where you need to go.

What’s the Uber Situation in Istanbul?

Ubers are only allowed for registered Taxi drivers. This means that they will only show up in Yellow Taxis, Black/Yellow checkered Taxis or Black Mercedes Vito Vans. I prefer to order taxis through Uber instead of hailing one down. It saves time and is also a safety measure in case you lose something or have an awful driver you want to report. And this is an option to pay by credit card.

3 Tricks to Look out for when Taking Ubers:

The Taxi meter is not connected to the Uber App, and therefore the driver manually enters the ride total after. Look at the Meter Total before getting out (even take a photo of it), so that you can match that it’s the correct amount inputted. I would say 1 out of 3 times, the drivers will always put a higher amount. IE: The meter shows 150 TL when getting out, but the driver puts in 200 TL after.

But Uber has excellent customer service and anytime I’ve reported it, they have refunded the amount within minutes. This sounds like a headache but I still prefer the Uber route over hailing Taxis as it saves time.

Uber drivers often message you to ask where you are going ahead of time. This is for them to decide if they want to take that route. While this is unconventional in America or anywhere else, it is common here. Once you tell them your destination, they may respond “too much traffic” or ask for a fixed price. Once again, if the fixed price sounds reasonable, take it, but it will be higher than the meter.

If you opt to pay for your Uber rides with your Credit Card through the APP, then the driver should NEVER ask for cash payment. Do not pay cash if you are certain your Uber account charges your credit card.

A Few More Things to Note:

Tips are not required or expected. But you can tip 5-10% if you feel the driver was respectful and a good driver.

Open your Google Map to your destination to make sure your driver is staying on track. Some may go extra route to rack up the meter.(Though sometimes, they do know better shortcuts. Your google map is usually good in guiding you.)

Cultural mannerisms of Taxi Drivers: Drivers often come off aggressive and may be shouting (at you, at other drivers, or in the air) and it’s just completely normal in Turkey. Most of the time, they are complaining about the heavy traffic or fed up about politics. Personally, I find this pointless, toxic and do not understand it as it is their job to drive. Complaining doesn’t change the situation. But hey, it is what it is. Welcome to Istanbul!

Personally, I only take Taxis from the Airport, after 8pm when there’s less traffic or if traveling in a group. Otherwise, I prefer the various, marvelous modes of Public Transportations in Istanbul. For additional Tips, read my post on 10 ways to Getting around Istanbul.