Uber is one of the most renowned ride-sharing companies in the world. Millions use its services to reach their destinations, valuing the safety and quality it provides. Thus, many travelers arriving at IST Airport look for an Uber to reach Istanbul, while numerous departing passengers rely on the company’s reliability and consider choosing it for their airport journey. So, is Uber present at Istanbul International Airport? Can you use its services for your ride? To keep it short, the answer is both yes and no!
Is Uber Available at Istanbul Airport?
While Uber provides its services at IST Airport, it isn’t operating as usual. Instead, it is collaborating with the local taxi companies. When booking through the Uber app, passengers are served by local taxi drivers, professionals with official licenses and regular taxi vehicles. This different system is a result of protests by taxi unions against Uber’s operation. That being said, Uber ensures the same level of service and safety standards, while fares and prices are similar to taxi tariffs.
So, whether you are flying from or to Istanbul Airport, you can easily book your Uber ride through the company’s app. Uber is available around the clock, no matter the day or the time. However, waiting times can be longer in the early morning or late night hours or during the rush hours, when Istanbul’s notorious traffic jams can abruptly increase the duration of rides.
How to Book your Uber from IST Airport
If you are a frequent Uber customer, you already know the drill. Overall, the booking process is the same as usual. On the other hand, if you are a first-time user, you must first download the Uber app and create an account. Been there, done that? Now, you’re ready to book your ride!
Open the app, and enter Istanbul Airport as your pick-up location and the exact address of your destination as your drop-off point. The pick-up point for Uber journeys is right outside Entrance 4 on the terminal’s Departures level. Still, you’ll be provided with exact location details and can also view it on the map. It’s important to keep in mind that Uber in Istanbul doesn’t offer set fares, but journeys are metered, just like taxi rides. However, once you enter the pick-up and drop-off points, you’ll see the average waiting time for your ride and the estimated cost of your journey. Additionally, you get an extra 5 minutes of waiting time free of charge.
In detail, you can choose one of the following taxi options:
- Yellow Taxis: The regular taxis that can accommodate 1 to 4 passengers. They are the most popular option, especially for travelers looking to save on expenses, while they are also the most numerous. That usually means shorter waiting times.
- Large Taxis: Larger vehicles that can accommodate 1 to 8 passengers and more luggage. Expectantly, they are more expensive than yellow taxis.
- Black Taxis: They provide premium services with high-end vehicles and top-rated drivers. Black taxis have a capacity of up to 8 passengers and spacious luggage storage spaces. Expectantly, they are the priciest option.
- Comfort Taxis: They can accommodate up to 4 passengers, but are more spacious and offer more legroom than yellow taxis. That’s the reason why they are costlier.
Depending on your needs and budget, you can pick the most suitable Uber taxi option for you. Please note that prices are indicative and may vary based on traffic conditions, tolls, the exact destination, and other factors. Moreover, they include the booking fee (90₺ (1.86€/2.18$) for black and large taxis and 45-75₺ (0.93€-1.55€/1.09$-1.81$) for other categories).
Rides are metered, and the given fares are indicative. Thus, you should always check that the taximeter is zeroed at the beginning of the ride! Overall, customers who can prove they were overcharged may be refunded the extra fare by Uber.
On the other hand, tipping isn’t included in the fare, nor is it obligatory. In any case, if you want to tip the driver, you can do so either in cash or through the app. Payments can be made in cash or via credit and debit cards as well as PayPal through the Uber app.
Once you choose the Uber taxi option and confirm the pick-up location, you’ll be assigned a driver and receive the driver’s and vehicle’s information, including the car model, color, and license plate. This way, Uber ensures the safety of its passengers, as you’ll know which vehicle to enter. You can also track the driver’s route to the pick-up location and contact the driver directly through the app for any questions or additional requests.
My Tip: Whether you enjoyed the ride or not, please remember to rate it. This helps future customers and Uber maintain the quality of the services provided.
How much is Uber from Istanbul Airport to Sultanahmet?
Uber’s fares are comparable to regular taxis. Thus, Uber taxis are metered. Moreover, rates depend on the chosen category. A ride with an Uber Yellow taxi from Istanbul Airport to Sultanahmet costs approximately 1,491-1,958₺ (30.77-40.40€/36.04-47,30$), while Large Taxis charge about 1,966-2,572₺ (40.55-53.07€/47.50-62.17$) and Comfort Taxis 2,081₺ (42.94€/50.30$). Black Taxis are the most expensive, costing around 2,541-3,334₺ (52.43-68.80€/61.42-80.60$).
How much is Uber from Istanbul Airport to Taksim?
Uber doesn’t offer fixed fares, but the cost of the rides is calculated using the taximeter. In general terms, the ride to Taksim costs around 1,180-1,544₺ (24.35-31.86€/28.52-37.32$) with a Yellow Taxi, and about 1,559-2,032₺ (32.17-41.93€/37.68-49.12$) with a Large Taxi. If you choose a Comfort Taxi for your journey, you’ll pay around 1,622₺ (33.46€/39.20$), while Black Taxis offer premium services at an average price of 2,011-2,629₺ (41.50-54.25€/48.60-63.55$).
How to Fully Customize your Uber
If you want to optimize your journey, tailor it to your needs, and save money, take a look at my guidelines below:
- Uber is all about safety. Hence, you can share your ride details with loved ones and enjoy a worry-free journey to your destination.
- Do you want to book a ride for someone else or book multiple journeys? Simply check the “Order ride for someone else” option!
- Planning to make some intermediate stops? Tap the plus sign during the booking process and enter the addresses of the in-between drop-off locations.
- Not all Uber vehicles feature car seats. Still, you can always use your own.
- Your driver is required to follow the route you choose if you request it.
- Undecided on which transfer option to choose? Uber Rent is also available at Istanbul Airport. Thus, you can rent a car from the airport with the safety and reliability that Uber ensures.
Other Options from Istanbul Airport
Want to have all the information in your hands before making your choice? Apart from Uber rides, you can also choose one of the following transit options:
- Regular taxis: Offering fares comparable to Uber rides with the same vehicles and drivers, regular taxis are a popular transit option and are often quicker to catch at the airport taxi ranks. However, they are less safe, as they can’t be tracked, while passengers unfamiliar with the local taxi system are more likely to be overcharged.
- Bus rides: Bus journeys from the airport are a cheap transit alternative. Nevertheless, they are significantly more time-consuming and can be tedious, especially after long and tiring flights.
- Metro journeys: Metro rides offer journeys unaffected by traffic levels. Metro is cheap, efficient, and operates from 06:00 am to midnight. However, it doesn’t feature luggage storage space.
- Rental Cars: They are recommended for travelers who enjoy autonomy during their journeys and plan to travel beyond Istanbul as well.
- Private Airport Transfers: They also offer premium services and are a highly reliable option. That being said, they are costlier than regular taxis and Uber rides.