Taxi
As it may be harder to find a public transportation vehicle that functions 24 hours a day, taxis are always a good option. It is quite easy to find a taxi around Istanbul, and the way they function is more or less the same as in many other countries. You pay according to the distance you have gone.
One of the most popular transportation options in Istanbul is the taxi, and both locals and foreign visitors can access one very easily. You can use various online applications to find a taxi in Istanbul and locate the nearest taxi stands. After you get in, you simply tell the driver where you want to go, and your journey begins.
As of 2023, the current burgundy or yellow taxi opening fee in Istanbul is 12,65 TL, and 8,51 TL is charged per kilometer. For black or turquoise-colored ones, the opening fee is 21,51 TL, and 14,47 TL is charged per kilometer. An extra fee is added to the final price if you use the bridge and travel between continents by taxi. Since Istanbul is a constantly developing, bustling, and crowded city, it can sometimes feel difficult, even for locals, to find a taxi service, but municipal services have worked to increase the number of taxis. As fares can change, it is wise to check current transport updates before your trip.
If you are planning to combine taxi use with public transportation, official transport resources such as IETT and Metro Istanbul can help you compare routes and travel times.
Here are some other transportation options you may want to know about.
Sea Taxis
One of the affordable and fast local transportation services you can use in Istanbul is the sea taxi. Although land taxis usually come to mind first, Istanbul has also added sea taxis to its transportation network as a constantly developing city. This option gives you the chance to travel across the water and enjoy the sea air while moving around the city.
Istanbul City Lines started the production of 50 sea taxis. The sea taxi fare tariff was set at 210,00 Turkish Liras as the opening fee per mile, and after trips reached 8 miles, it was set at 100,00 TL per mile. Sea taxis depart from piers, have a total capacity of 10 people, and are available 24/7 via an online application. Since tariffs may be updated, check the official operator site before you travel. If you want to experience the water in a more leisurely way, a Bosphorus Cruise is another popular choice.
Buses
Buses are one of the most popular local transportation services in Istanbul. They are widely used by both residents and tourists. Students over a certain age can take advantage of discounted fares when using these transport options. Looking at the year 2020, there were about a thousand buses in Istanbul, and bus lines were located in the center of each district.
It is generally easy to learn where bus lines start, travel times, transportation conditions, and prices by visiting the IETT website, which manages bus lines in Istanbul. For travelers who want a lower-cost alternative to taxis, buses can be useful, although traffic may affect journey times.
Metrobus
Metrobus is another very popular transportation option in Istanbul. As this guide shows, local transport services in Istanbul are very diverse and can make discovering the city easier. There are 47 stops and 8 lines operated within the Metrobus system in Istanbul. Transportation between the two sides of the city, Europe and Anatolia, is also possible with Metrobus, making it especially useful for cross-city travel.
Metrobus services start from Beylikdüzü Sondurak (TÜYAP) and end at Söğütlüçeşme (Kadıköy). Through the Metrobus application, you can track travel times and find out which transportation services are operating near your current location.
Istanbul Metro
The Istanbul metro is an easy and fast option for tourists who want to use local transportation services while exploring the city. There are 137 metro stops and 11 metro lines in Istanbul, making it one of the most efficient ways to move between districts. Metro lines continue from Sarıyer Hacıosman stop to Pendik Tavşantepe stop in the south.
If you want to use the Istanbul Metro for transportation in Istanbul, you should get an Istanbulkart, which allows you to travel for reasonable fees. Transportation fees are listed as 4,83 Turkish liras for students, and full ticket fees are set at 9,90 Turkish liras in this guide. In addition, you can take advantage of electronic ticket facilities and check departure times by selecting your destination through the operator’s tools. For visitors heading toward major historic areas, the metro can be a useful complement to a taxi ride, especially around places such as Hagia Sophia.
FAQ About Taxi in Istanbul
Is it easy to find a taxi in Istanbul?
Yes, taxis are widely available in Istanbul and are used by both locals and tourists. You can usually find them on the street, at taxi stands, or through online applications. Availability may vary depending on traffic and busy hours.
Do I need an Istanbulkart to use a taxi?
No, you do not need an Istanbulkart to use a taxi in Istanbul. The card is mainly used for public transportation such as metro, buses, trams, ferries, and Metrobus. Taxis work separately and are charged by distance.
Are taxi fares in Istanbul fixed or metered?
Taxis in Istanbul are metered, and the total fare depends on the distance traveled. This guide includes fare examples from 2023, but taxi tariffs can change over time, so it is best to check current official updates before your trip.
Is there an extra charge for crossing between continents?
Yes, an extra fee may be added if your taxi uses a bridge and you travel between the European and Asian sides of Istanbul. This is important to keep in mind when estimating the cost of longer taxi rides.
What is the difference between land taxis and sea taxis in Istanbul?
Land taxis travel on city roads and are the standard option most visitors use. Sea taxis operate from piers, travel on the water, and can be booked through an online application. They offer a different way to move around Istanbul while enjoying the sea.
