Taxis in Istanbul: Overview
Almost 20.000 yellow (orange) taxis circulate in Istanbul, providing, in general terms, quick and comfortable transfers. With an Istanbul taxi, you can travel sitting in comfort in the back seat of an air-conditioned vehicle. Furthermore, you’ll reach your destination stress-free without worrying about finding your way around the city or struggling with heavy luggage.
The two main downsides of hiring a taxi in Istanbul are the notorious traffic and the taxi driver scams. Indeed, traffic congestion is a major problem in Istanbul, causing endless car lines. Hence, as Istanbul taxis are metered -thus, their fare is calculated by the taximeter based on the traveled distance and the ride’s duration- travelers end up paying relatively high fees while spending a good amount of time on the road. Furthermore, Istanbul taxi drivers are known for scamming and overcharging tourists. This isn’t, of course, the rule, but it happens far too often. Finally, taxi drivers in Istanbul tend to drive carelessly. Still, you will find out that this is the case for most Turkish drivers, who seem to have adopted a unique road style.
All in all, Istanbul taxis are always a good idea if the weather conditions are bad or if you are in a lack of time. Moreover, taxis are the most convenient option for night transfers when public transportation routes are rare.
Types of Istanbul Taxis
Istanbul taxis are divided into three categories: orange taxis, turquoise taxis, and black taxis. The usual Istanbul taxis are yellow (orange) with the distinctive “TAXI” sign on their roof. Yellow “C” type taxis are economical cars (like Renault Clio etc.) and can carry up to 4 passengers with limited luggage. In any case, yellow taxis are the most popular as well as cheaper taxi option in Istanbul. The next costlier category is the blue/turquoise taxis. These “D” type taxis consist of more expensive and comfortable vehicles (for instance, Opel Insignia), but their rate is 15% higher than orange cabs. Lastly, the black “E” taxis offer luxurious rides with expensive vehicles such as Mercedes, etc., or can accommodate more passengers. In any case, their price is 70% costlier than yellow taxis.
Istanbul Taxi Fares
Istanbul taxis are overall cheap. They work on a meter. Hence, you won’t find any set prices for your transfer. Their starting fee is 30₺ (0.80€/0.88$) for orange taxis, 34.50₺ (0.92€/1.02$) for turquoise taxis, and 51₺ (1.36€/1.50$) for black cabs. On the other hand, the orange cabs charge 20₺ (0.53€/0.59$) per kilometer, whereas the cost per km for turquoise taxi rides is 23₺ (0.61€/0.67$), and for black taxis 34₺ (0.90€/0.99$). What’s more, short rides (minimum charge) with orange taxis are priced at 100₺ (2.66€/2.94$), whereas with turquoise cabs cost 115₺ (3.06€/3.38$) and with black cabs 170₺ (4.52€/4.99$). Moreover, the tolls or tunnel fees burden passengers. Nevertheless, you should always keep in mind that when crossing from the European side of Istanbul to the Asian one, you have to pay a toll, but for your way back (from the Asian to the European side), no toll fee is imposed.
On another note, night rates no longer exist in Istanbul. Therefore, you will pay the same amount of money no matter the time of day. Even so, you should always bear in mind that the heavy traffic levels in Istanbul affect the final price. Thus, you may end up paying a high fare if you travel during rush hours.
Payment Methods
In Istanbul, you‘d better carry some cash with you if you are willing to take a taxi. Although it isn’t the rule that credit/debit cards aren’t accepted as a payment method, many taxi drivers claim that their POS isn’t functional. What’s more, you should pay in Turkish liras as you may be deceived about the exchange rate. However, if you decide to book your taxi transfer in advance, credit cards could definitely be used.
How to Hire a Taxi in Istanbul
Ordinary yellow taxis are everywhere in Istanbul. You can stand on the main streets, wave your hand, and you will easily catch one of them. However, the most secure method to avoid getting scammed by an unofficial taxi is to take your cab from the taxi ranks located all over Istanbul. On the other hand, you can always book your taxi online using one of the Istanbul Taxi Apps (e.g. iTaksi, Bitaksi, Kiwi Taxi) or ask your hotel concierge to call a taxi for you.
Istanbul Taxis to Istanbul New Airport
Useful Information about Istanbul Taxis
- You don’t have to tip your taxi driver. Rounding up the final fare is, however, customary.
- Taxi drivers in Istanbul usually round up the final fee too.
- You should check the taxi fares to the most popular Istanbul destinations and use a navigation app to be certain that your driver isn’t circling the city to raise the final price.
- You should have small notes with you as a typical scam by taxi drivers is to exchange larger notes with small ones (for instance, you give 50₺ and the driver claims that you gave 5₺).
- Never agree upon a fixed fare unless you are certain about the exact cost of your ride. Otherwise, the set price will be higher than the relevant taximeter indication.
- There are no separate fares for night rides.
- Always check that the taximeter is zeroed and on when entering the cab.
- Never accept rides offered by individuals with unofficial vehicles.
- The final charge is calculated per ride and not per person.
- Some tourist areas in Istanbul are pedestrian so you should pay attention when choosing your drop-off location.
- You have to pay tolls when crossing the Bosphorus bridges from the European Istanbul side to the Asian one but not on your way back.
FAQs
How expensive are taxis in Istanbul?
Taxis in Istanbul are a cheap transportation option. However, as taxis are metered and traffic jams in Istanbul are common, the final fare may end up being quite expensive. Moreover, taxi scams are, unfortunately, regular in Istanbul, so you must pay attention if you don’t want to be overcharged.
Do taxis take credit cards in Istanbul?
In general terms, taxi drivers in Istanbul prefer cash payments. You will find drivers who also have credit card terminals, but they are, unfortunately, the exception, as many drivers claim that their POS isn’t functional to avoid getting paid via a bank card. Overall, it is recommended that you check with your driver and carry some cash with you (preferably in Turkish liras) just in case.
Do you tip taxi drivers in Istanbul?
Turks don’t tip taxi drivers for their services. Hence, tipping isn’t obligatory, but it isn’t also a norm. The usual practice is that drivers round up the final fare as a form of a tip.