Istanbul Airport Taxis

Istanbul International Airport (IST) › Transportation › Airport Taxis

Why Take an Istanbul Airport Taxi

With an Istanbul airport taxi, you will definitely travel in comfort and style. Istanbul taxis are divided into three categories: orange “C” type taxis are small, economical vehicles (like Fiat Aegea, Renault Clio, etc.) while turquoise “D” type taxis are medium-value, more comfortable cars (like Opel Insignia, etc). Lastly, the black “E” type taxis are luxurious, provide premium services, and can often accommodate more passengers. Each category-fee is formed accordingly. Therefore, if you travel on a budget, you should take a cheap, orange taxi whereas if the price isn’t an issue, you can enjoy a perfect and elegant transfer with the most expensive black taxis. In detail, turquoise taxis are 15% pricier than orange cabs, whereas black taxis are 70% costlier.

Moreover, Istanbul airport taxis offer door-to-door services. Available 24/7 at the airport, taxis will drop you off at the exact location of your accommodation, a fact extremely important taking into account the chaotic streets and the vast size of the city. However, traffic congestion is, unfortunately, an everyday fact in Istanbul resulting in rides that last forever and of course in highly expensive total fares. 

Istanbul Airport Taxi Fares and Prices

Istanbul airport taxis are metered and hence, there are no fixed, pre-determined prices for rides to the city center. The initial fee for taxi rides is 30₺ (0.80€/0.88$) for orange taxis, 34.50₺ (0.92€/1.02$) for turquoise cabs, and 51₺ (1.36€/1.50$) for the luxurious black taxis. Additionally, the charge per km is 20₺ (0.53€/0.59$) for the affordable orange taxis, 23₺ (0.61€/0.67$) for turquoise taxis, and 34₺ (0.90€/0.99$) for black cabs. On the other hand, the minimum charge is 100₺ (2.66€/2.94$), 115₺ (3.06€/3.38$), and 170₺ (4.52€/4.99$), respectively.

Hence, as Istanbul Airport is located in the Arnavutköy district at a 40km/24.8-mile distance from the Taksim area, you can expect to reach that destination in approximately 40 minutes. The ride with an orange taxi to Taksim typically costs approximately 950₺ (25.26€/27.89$). Separate night rates no longer exist but you should keep in mind that the notorious Istanbul traffic may increase the final price dramatically. Moreover, any bridge or road tolls are added to the taxi fare.

We selected one of the best, most trustworthy and convenient 5-star airport taxi companies for your transfer from Istanbul Airport based on user reviews across various platforms such as Google, Tripadvisor and Trustpilot. Welcome Pickups offers a great experience and safety to its travellers.

• Local English-speaking drivers
• Flat, pre-paid fee
• Flight monitoring for delays
• 24/7 Customer support + free cancellation

Istanbul Airport Taxi Fees to Popular Destinations

Get a glimpse of the Istanbul airport taxi fares (for orange taxis)  from Istanbul Airport to the most popular destinations of the city:

Where is the Taxi Rank at Istanbul Airport?

It is extremely important to take your airport taxi from the official taxi rank in order to avoid getting scammed or overcharged. At Istanbul Airport, you will find the airport taxis queuing up outside the domestic and international Arrivals areas, in the Plaza section. Official taxi ranks can also be found on the Departures floor (Level 2) and the Arrivals level (close to Gates 9 and 13). However, if you have pre-booked your taxi transfer, the pick-up location will be on the -2 floor. 

Airport Taxi from Istanbul Airport to Hotel

If your hotel doesn’t provide airport pick-up and transfer and you want to avoid the hassle of public transportation, then Istanbul airport taxis are the perfect choice for your transfer to your hotel or accommodation. Airport taxis are at your disposal no matter the day or time you are landing at IST Airport, provide door-to-door services from the airport to the hotel and offer relaxed and stress-free journeys. After a long and tiring flight, can you think of anything better?

Istanbul Airport Taxi Tips

• Most of the Istanbul taxi drivers don’t accept credit/debit cards (or claim that their POS is out of order). Therefore, you should have cash with you.
• It is advised to pay in Turkish Liras (the local currency) despite being able to pay in euros/dollars as the exchange rate won’t be favorable. 
• You should use a navigation app during your transfer to be certain that your taxi driver has picked the quicker route. 
• The taxi fare is calculated by a taximeter, per ride and not per person.
• Always check if the taximeter is reset and switched on when entering your cab.
• Tipping the driver isn’t obligatory. However, locals typically round up the final fare.
• Having your hotel’s address written down is always a good idea as most of the Turks taxi drivers don’t speak English.
• If you are in a hurry or if you travel on a budget, you should avoid taking a taxi during peak hours (7:30 am – 9:00 am and 5:00 pm – 7:30 pm) since the traffic will be heavy.
• Never trust individuals who offer taxi services. You should always and in any case take your cab from the official taxi stand. 
• Two of the most well-known taxi apps in Istanbul are BiTaksi and iTaksi, in case you want to book your taxi in advance.

FAQs

How much is a taxi from Istanbul Airport to Taksim?

The ride from Istanbul Airport (IST) to the Taksim area in the city center costs approximately 950₺ (25.26€/27.89$)​ and usually lasts around 40 minutes. As Istanbul taxi fares are calculated via a taximeter, the final fee is, unfortunately, subject to the traffic conditions which are usually congested.

How much is a taxi from Istanbul Airport to Sultanahmet?

Istanbul airport taxis don’t offer set fares but their rate is determined by a taximeter based on distance and time. Nevertheless, you can expect to be charged about 1050₺ (27.92€/30.83$) for your ride to Sultanahmet while the trip duration will be approximately 50 minutes. Keep in mind, though, that the legendary Istanbul traffic may raise the cost and the length of your journey. 

Do taxis take credit cards in Istanbul?

Although credit and debit cards are an accepted payment method for Istanbul airport taxi rides, taxi drivers often claim that their POS doesn’t operate properly or is out of order. Therefore, you should be prepared to pay in cash and have money with you, preferably Turkish liras.