Just like everywhere else in the world, some Istanbul taxi drivers have several tricks up their sleeve to hustle unaware tourists. The most common practice is to extend the travel duration by making (huge) unnecessary detours. And since you’re not an Istanbulite, they’re pretty confident that you wouldn’t notice — and you won’t! But with this list of Istanbul taxi fares from Taksim and Sultanahmet to the most common tourist destinations, you are sure to pay the correct cab fare!
Istanbul Taxi Flat Rate and Increments
- When you enter the taxi, the driver will activate the meter. The display should read 2.95 TL — the current flat rate.
- This fare is incremented with approximately 1,83 TL every kilometer.
- If a taxi gets caught up in traffic and doesn’t move or has to wait on your behalf for over 1 minutes, 0.30 TL will be added.
- There used to be a night and day rate, but that has been abolished. Don’t let him tell you different!
Taxi Fares from the Atatürk International Airport (and vice versa)
- to Sultanahmet — 40 TL
- to Taksim — 49 TL
Taxi Fares from the Sahiba Gökçen Airport (and vice versa)
- to Sultanahmet — 90 TL
- to Taksim — 78 TL
- Shocking fares, right? Here are better options on how to get from the airport to your hotel!
Taxi Fares from Sultanahmet (and vice versa)
- to Akmerkez Shopping Mall — 25 TL
- to Bebek — 30 TL
- to Beşiktaş — 19 TL
- to BuzAda — 27 TL
- to Cehavir Shopping Mall — 16 TL
- to Dolmabahçe Palace — 14 TL
- to Fatih — 11 TL
- to Galata Tower — 14 TL
- to İstiniye Park Shopping Mall — 32 TL
- to Kadıköy — 42 TL
- to Kanyon Shopping Mall — 23 TL
- to Metrocity Shopping Mall — 23 TL
- to Nişantaşı – 18 TL
- to Ortaköy — 23 TL
- to Pierre Loti Cafe – 18 TL
- to Reina — 25 TL
- to Rumeli Hisarı — 34 TL
- to Taksim — 12 TL
- to Yıldız Park — 21 TL
Taxi Fares from Taksim (and vice versa)
- to Akmerkez Shopping Mall — 19 TL
- to Bebek — 23 TL
- to Beşiktaş — 8 TL
- to BuzAda — 18 TL
- to Cehavir Shopping Mall — 10 TL
- to Dolmabahçe Palace — 7 TL
- to Fatih — 13 TL
- to Galata Tower — 11 TL
- to İstiniye Park Shopping Mall — 29 TL
- to Kadıköy — 36 TL
- to Kanyon Shopping Mall — 20 TL
- to Metrocity Shopping Mall — 20 TL
- to Nişantaşı – 8 TL
- to Ortaköy — 16 TL
- to Pierre Loti — 36 TL
- to Reina — 16 TL
- to Rumeli Hisarı — 21 TL
- to Sultanahmet — 12 TL
- to Yıldız Park — 12 TL
Please Use Common Sense
- Print or copy this list prior to your departure for Istanbul. You may not be able to browse this site while you’re in the taxi.
- These fares are indications based on rides I took myself. They are correct and up-to-date, but Istanbul road conditions change every day. Don’t argue with your driver or call for the police unless the meter shows a significant deviation from the fare mentioned here.
{ 70 comments… read them below or add one }
If the taxi driver misses his turn and then tries to reverse up a dual carriageway at night with buses swerving to avoid collision, as happened recently, you will save money. So not all taxi drivers are out to scam you, some are out to kill you.
Hi Richard,
You’re right, certainly not all taxi drivers are looking for some extra money. Just like what you experienced, most are actually there to serve you the best they can. He apparently made a mistake, and wanted to set it right. In such a case, as frightening as it may seem, the rule of thumb is not to say anything not distract him in his obviously 4.5 difficulty backwards slalom exercise. These guys as well as the bus drivers, as crazy as it may seem to visitors, do this on a daily basis. I remember my first year in Istanbul as a traffic eye-opening experience vividly.
Hi Erlend ,
We’ll soon take our flight to Istanbul Sabiha Gokcen airport and we need to get to Marma Kongre Merkezi hotel in Maltepe (near the university campus). We were looking for some direct transport near the hotel area, but Havatas don’t have any, so we’ll have to take a taxi from the airport. On the hotel’s website is written that it is 20 km away from Sabiha Gokcen Airport. How much will it really cost if we take a taxi to the hotel (if we have to pay the highway tax, if any) and how and were do we have the chance to recognize honest taxi at or near this airport? (from your calculation, it is only 37.3 TL /16,5E – which seems to be fair, but we will surely not be so lucky to pay the correct price). We are also worried about our departure back home… Do you think the trafic will be congested on a september Sunday?
Hi Cesar,
You’re right, there is no Havataş bus going there, so your best option is to take a taxi.
Most taxi drivers are honest, so just take the official airport taxis waiting in line outside. And since you know what the fee would be like approximately, you’ll know if he overcharges.
In case he does ask much more, just seek help from locals at your destination before paying.
Enjoy your stay,
Erlend
I have to go from Sahiba Gökçen Airport to Attaturk airport to catch an international flight within a four hour gap. …not too much time. The private taxis claim Euro 60 !
Any clue what should one pay to city taxi ?
Funny how they do no keep inter-airport or Havatas bus !
Hi Kshitij,
You are right on all accounts. Yes, funny there is no shuttle between both airports, and yes, four hours isn’t too much.
If I were you, I’d take the Havataş shuttle twice: 1,5 hours from Sahiba Gökçen Airport to Taksim, and from there the 40 minutes Havataş bus to Atatürk Airport. This should get you there in time for about 22TL, much less than the 60 EUROS.
Good luck,
Erlend
Hi,
i will be arriving to Sabiha airport next week pretty late. Where can i find the Havatas bus stand at the airport… i searched for the map and i could not.. Plus i want to leave to Antalya days after. What is be best option to book a place in Antalya preferrbly a resort…
Bests,
Harris
Hi Harris,
You’ll find the Havataş buses waiting outside, in the second lane. Look for white buses with the company name on them. Make sure you step on the Taksim one, they have different destinations.
As for a trip to Antalya, you can book most resorts online, or visit a travel agency here in Istanbul for help.
Cheers,
Erlend
Hello,
On Sunday I will arrive at Ataturk Airport and go to a hotel by the Grand Bazaar. Google shows a taxi drive North and then South East. The route along the coast shows the same driving time. Which is more scenic and should I expect similar costs? Is 45-50 TL about right for daytime travel?
Paul
Hi Paul,
Ask the driver to take the seaside road, it’s the most scenic one and often the less crowded too.
Yeah, the fare is about right.
Have a nice time,
Erlend
Hi,
I need to go from Sabiha to Sultanahmet area. Private shuttles are like 50 EUR which I think is a bit excessive. Do you recommend taking the Havatas bus to Taksim and then a taxi from there? Or a taxi directly to the airport?
A friend took a taxi recently and end up paying 145 TL!
Thanks,
Damián.
Hi Damian,
You’re right: just like I suggest in the article, take the shuttle to Taksim, and take a taxi from there.
Most definitely don’t take a taxi for the whole ride from the airport to Taksim or Sultanahmet.
Kind regards,
Erlend
We are 4 travelling together so is the charge the same or it differs based on the number of people. And is it cheap to go to Cavehir Mall the four of us by taxi or public transportation ? One more thing is it appropriate that a woman sits next to the taxi driver in Turkey.
Many thanks
Nano
Hi Nano,
Here we go:
- the taxi fee is per vehicle, whether there is one person in it, or four people doesn’t matter.
- I don’t know where you’re coming from (Taksim, Sultanahmet) to go to Cevahir, so hard to tell.
- If you’re the only person in the taxi, man or woman, you sit in the back. If the back is full, you sit next to the driver. Whether the person next to the driver is a man or woman doesn’t matter.
Kind regards,
Erlend
Dear Erlend
Thank you for your feedback. Sorry I forget to state that the taxi is from Sirkeci ,Sultanahmet to go to Cevahir Mall. Is it cheap to go by taxi or public transportation?
Many regards
Hi Nano,
As stated in the article, a taxi will cost approximately 15TL. This is cheaper than taking public transportation since you’re a party of four. But, recently renovation works on Taksim square started, which may make public transportation the quicker choice (at certain times of the day).
Erlend
Hi Erlend,
I am traveling with 2 very young kids. I have a ride from the airport to the hotel. Now my question is, what would be ideal transport from the hotel to the airport?
Thanks so much,
Mir.
Hi Mir,
With two young kids, public transportation is not an option. So this leaves you with taking a taxi or rely on a private service. The problem with taking a taxi is that you won’t have a special child seat, an option a private service may have. Also, private service drivers tend to drive more carefully than taxi drivers. Ask your hotel for a reliable service which is not overpriced. You will always pay more than the regular taxi fare, but then again, safety comes first in this case.
Erlend
Hi Erlend,
Thanks a lot for your contribution and answering each question with a lot of precious details.
I am coming very soon to Istanbul, my plane will arrive at 11pm on Ataturk Airport and i need to go to my hotel in Sultanahmet (hotel Saba Sultan).
What do you advise me for this time (11pm)? Metro , bus,Taxi ,private shutle ?
Do you think it s acceptable to pay 25€ for a private shuttle ?
Thanks by advance
Hi Anis,
No, you’re better off with the official taxis lines up outside the airport at that time of the day. I’m sure you saw the target price in the post.
Have a nice flight,
Erlend
Hey. I am planning to visit Istanbul in December. I stumbled upon your website somehow and really just wanted to leave you a message saying how amazing the website was. Its really helpful and detailed and its a really nice thing you’re doing. Thank you!
Thanks a lot Sarim, that means a lot to us.
Hi Lucia,
Hope you can give me a good suggestion on how to get from Ataturk Int’l Airport to our hotel location in Cengelkoy. We arrive Dec. 1, this Saturday coming
Should we:
take a taxi all the way or
taxi to the Bebek ferry to Cengelkoy
Happy to find your magazine website. Looks like a good resource.
Thanks,
Laura
Hi Laura,
That’s a really good question you ask. I’m afraid that is not the easiest of connections.
Since you didn’t mention how many people you are, I’ll assume it’s a party of two.
The cheapest way is to find an official shuttle service outside the airport that goes to Kadıköy. I checked the Havataş site, but they don’t seem to run that line anymore. But ask them anyway. Then, you tell the bus driver that you’re going to Çengelköy and that he has to drop you off right after crossing the first bridge over the Bosphorus. From there you take a taxi, and tell the driver it should not cost more than 10 TL.
If you really can’t find a shuttle bus to Kadıköy, then take the Havataş shuttle to Taksim. From there you can take a taxi to Çengelköy.
The easiest and also most expensive option is to take a taxi straight from the airport. Alternatively, you can ask the hotel if they can organize a reasonably priced or free private shuttle for you.
Have a nice stay,
Erlend
About the early post changing from Sabia Gokcen to Ataturk, definitely don’t take a taxi or bus all the way.
Take a bus or taxi to the final stop on the new metro line – Kartal, then ride this to Kadikoy. From here you can take the ‘Metrobus’ pretty much direct to Ataturk airport (need to swap onto the next metro for 3 stops or so).
All in all is going to take you around 2 hours for around 5 lira, plus the price of taxi/bus to Kartal.
This is an option too. But I don’t see the advantage of switching so many times with all your luggage, when you can sit in a comfortable bus where people may transfer your bags for you.
Erlend
Hi Erlend,
I stop over in Istanbul (Ataturk Int’l Airport) in transit at 4.40 am and my flight leaves at 14.50pm. I was hoping i could some shopping, can you advise of the nearest shopping mall to the airport and how much the taxi would be? (I’ve googled some but i cant tell the distance) Your help would be much appreciated!!
Man y Thanks
Nnei
Hi Nei,
Please check out the article as well as the comments on Istanbul’s shopping centers.
Kind regards,
Erlend
Hi Erlend!
I’m traveling to Istanbul in April – will be going from Ataturk airport to Sisli. How much do you think the taxi fare would be?
So this is a late reply to this post
Thanks so much!
Hi An,
My guess would be between 60 and 70 Liras.
Erlend
Hi Erlend. I would like to go from Sabiha Gokcen to Eminonu. My plan is to use public transportation IETT – E10 from airport to Kadıköy. Once I get there I want to take the ferry from Haydarpaşa Tren Gari. Do you think is a good ideea, or maybe you have a sugestion to make? In another post I see that you have recommended Havataş for Kadikoy. From Haydarpaşa you can suggest me which ferry should I use? Thank you very much.
Hi Padrito,
There is nothing wrong with your idea if you want to take public transportation combined with a ferry. You don’t need to go to Haydarpaşa, you can take the ferry from Kadıköy too. Just look for the ferry to Eminönü.
Kind regards,
Erlend
Hi Erlend,
We are traveling to Istanbul with our 3 children in June, and will be staying in an apartment near Galata Tower. With my husband, there are 5 of us in total. Are there any taxis in Istanbul that can accommodate all 5 of us, and are they easy enough to find that we can take the Havatas bus to Taksim and then find one there?
Thank you,
Jenny
Hi Jenny,
You didn’t mention the ages of your kids. If one is small enough to fit on your lap for a short ride, then any taxi (normally for 4 passengers) will do. Never keep the kid on your lap in the middle seat though, just in case.
As for your trip from the airport, I suggest to take the bus indeed, since the five of you plus luggage won’t fit. From Taksim to Galata is only a small drive.
If taxis are too uncomfortable, have a look at my public transportation write up.
Kind regards,
Erlend
Hi, i wanna go from ataturk intl airport to istiklal caddesi, how much do you think this will cost me approximately? also are taxi’s everywhere? and easy to call when i need to get back to the airport? as im only there on a long layover. thanks
Hi John,
That would be more or less the same cab fee as for Taksim Square. And yes, taxis are omnipresent on the streets.
Kind regards,
Erlend
hi, i am trvelling on 19 july for 1 day.from ataturk airport to emek hotel kumkapi.what do you think is the best way to get there. there is six of us. thanks in advance
Hi Abdul,
Take two official taxis from the airport and tell them to take the seaside road.
Erlend
Erlend,
great info! thanks. I am looking for a transfer from Sahiba Gökçen to the old city. when arranging a car upfront cost quoted is 55 Euro/130 TL. which seems to be way higher then you are suggesting. Do you have any suggestions for companies regarding per-arranging a transfer? i never like to hustle at the airport.
thanks in advance for your advice
Hi MrC,
Why don’t you just take the Havataş airport shuttle between the airport and the city center? Cheap, safe and comfortable.
Kind regards,
Erlend
Hi Erlend,
I assume taxi fares have increased since this post. Can you tell us what to expect for 2013 fares?
Hi Cor,
I update this post regularly, so what you see are the current fares after the last increase.
Erlend
Hi Erlend – thanks for providing this valuable service. I’m sure you have helped many, many people. And I like your writing style: useful information presented in a clear and friendly manner.
My question: approximately what should the taxi fare be from SABIHA GOKCEN International airport to Besiktas? Are there any better/easier ways to get there other than by taxi (which sounds like quite an adventure, especially for a first-time visitor – which will be me!).
Thanks for your help, Erlend. Cheers (from Australia), Mike
Hi Mike,
You can deduct 10 Liras from the Sabiha Gökçen – Taksim fare for Beşiktaş. Having said that, I strongly suggest you not to take a taxi. Instead take the Havataş airport shuttle. You can find more info here, and the schedule here.
Kind regards,
Erlend
Hi Erlend; we are about 100 and wanna be in Istanbul in 10 aug 2013 . which hotel is better for us with a good discount for all and a good percentage for me. and if you can suggest a good schedule for 7 days staying in Istanbul. for buying centers, seaside and others. we are families and singles. can we have a private bus for transportation? i am the manager of this group
Hi Homam,
I’m afraid I won’t be able to help you with that. I suggest contacting a travel agency.
Good luck,
Erlend
Hi Erlend,
I have found your info above useful but it is dated 2010. Is it still the same prices now?
I have asked our hotel that I have booked for airport transport from ataturk airport to hotel in sultan Ahmet (ferman hotel) and he has quoted 30 euro (25gbp) each way. But above it it says 40 tl which equals to 14 GBpounds. Can you advise and should I ask the hotel to lower this price?
Thanks
Hi Sania,
As it says in the post and in this comment, all fare are up to date.
So, if you are a party of three or less, then a taxi makes more sense.
Kind regards,
Erlend
Hi Erlend. There is an announcement on Havaş site saying “These services (…), have been stopped in Istanbul by a decision of the Istanbul Metropolitan Municipality. We were forced to suspend our services on January 14, 2012″. Can you please tell us what is the alternative method of transportation instead of Havaş when you want to go from Sabiha to Kadikoy? Thank you very much.
Hi Padrito,
They have been replaced by the Havataş company.
Kind regards,
Erlend
Thank you very much Erlend for the answer. Please let me ask you another question. Our hotel is located in Aksaray near Ataturk Boulevard. On Havataş site it says that from Sabiha Gokcen the route is: Sabiha Gokcen Airport – Kavacik FSM Bridge – 1 Levent – Zincirlikuyu Metrobus- Dolapdere – Taksim and it takes about 1.5 hours. Our plan was to go from airport to Kadikoy and then with the ferry. I guess this option is not available anymore with Havataş? We want the shortest method of transportation as we arrive at 19 hours in Istanbul and we rather not use the cab unless there are’nt other options. Please, if you can, give us an advice. Thank you very much.
Hi Padrito,
Given the time you land (rush hour), the route to Kadiköy and then by ferry to Eminönü will probably be the fastest.
Kind regards,
Erlend
I wish I’d seen this page prior to today.
Yesterday 5 of us jammed into a taxi from near the Pera Palace hotel to Topkapi palace. The fare was just over 10 lira.
Today 2 of us took a cab back from Topkapi with a slight intentional detour. I had estimated the fare would be 15 or 20 at the very most. I saw the driver start the meter – all looked good – though every time I checked, his hand was on the gear shift and I couldn’t see what the meter read. When we got out, it was at 49 lira. I argued like crazy – but had nothing smaller than a 50 so ended up paying the full amount. I realize now that I should have made a scene and asked some bystanders or a cop for their opinion.
My advice: if the driver’s hand continuously covers the meter – ask him to move it! I suspect he was somehow clicking it to keep upping the fare.
It’s so sad to experience a rip-off artist. Otherwise we have very much enjoyed the kindness and good humour of Turkish people.
Thanks Erlend,
Me, my husband and 15 month old baby will be going. Is a car seat required for the car journeys over there as in the uk they are a must have.
Thanks
Hi Sania,
For private cars, yes car seats are obligatory these days. But this new regulation doesn’t apply to taxis. So you can take your toddler in a taxi on your lap, without a special car seat.
Kind regards,
Erlend
Hi Erlend. On http://www.sehirhatlari.com.tr, at the timetable I see that the last departure from Kadikoy to Eminonu is at 20:40. Please, do you know if there are any other ferries from different companies who operates on later hours?
Also do you have any ideea how long it will take the trip from Kabataş to Aksaray station with T1 tram?
Thank you very much for helping us.
Hi Padrito,
I’m afraid that is the last departure from Kadiköy at this time of the year. I don’t know when you’ll be staying in Istanbul, but once the summer schedule kicks in I’m sure there will be later departures.
I think the trip between Kabataş and Aksaray would be 20 minutes, probably a bit less.
Kind regards,
Erlend
Greetings,
I am planning on attending a convention at the Tuyap convention center west of Istanbul and was curious as to what you thought the best way to get there would be from Taksim. If I was to take a taxi what should I expect it to cost?
Thanks for the help,
Sal
Hi Sal,
You basically have three options:
Kind regards,
Erlend
hi erlend,
Me and my brother are flying out to see turkey play Andorra on September 6th in world cup qualifiers. we are staying near the sukru saracoglu stadium, kadikoy… as we assume the game will be played there… But it hasn’t been confirmed. If not, it will be played at the Ataturk Olympic stadium.. how much will this cost us to get there?? and more importantly can I can tickets for the game at the stadium…we cant get any here in England…its impossible…many thanks.
Hi Phil,
The national team almost never plays at the Atatürk Olympic Stadium. The use the stadiums of Galatasaray, Fenerbahçe or Beşiktaş.
Tickets are normally sold online through Biletix. The aren’t for sale yet, so keep an eye on that site. They have an English version, but always check out both versions.
Kind regards,
Erlend
Hey Erlend,
I will go to Istanbul Atatürk tomorrow and need a taxi to our Hotel Bulvar Palas in Fatih. Time scheduled at google is 22 minutes. Is it reasonable to take a taxi because we will arrive at 10 at night? How much might the transfer be? Is it better to ask the taxi driver in advanced how much it will cost?
Best regards
Dirk
Hi Dirk,
There are always official taxis waiting outside the airport, regardless the time of day. There is no night fee, so the cab fares listed here will apply. Don’t agree on a fixed price, make sure he uses the meter and check it a few times during the ride.
Erlend
hi
thanks for ur answers u real doing good job…we are 2 people landing on 17.08.2013…at23.30 just before midnite our hotel in taksim what is best advise plz…
Hi Mussa,
If you’re only two people heading for Taksim, I would suggest the Havataş shuttle to Taksim. You can find it outside the airport (second lane).
Erlend
I went to Istanbul and your advices were very useful for me. I would like to ask you if you know why when I take a T1 tram from Aksaray sometimes the last station is Eminonu and sometimes is Kabataş. What should I look for when I see a tram coming and I do not want to change trams when going to Kabataş ? Thank you very much.
Hi Padrito,
Glad to hear our articles were helpful.
Indeed, as you noticed, some trams go to the end of the line, and some only go to Eminönü. When the tram approaches the platform, on top (above the driver) it should say its final destination.
Hope this helps,
Erlend
Hello!
This is a great website – thanks.
My flight arrives into Ataturk airport at 01:40 on a Sunday morning and my hostel is at the Galata Tower. The hostel quotes me €35 for a taxi pick-up, but this seems too expensive to me!
Will there be official taxis at Attaturk airport at that time of night? How much will they cost to get to Galata in the middle of the night?
Cheers,
Stuart
Hi Stuart,
Sure, there will still be taxis. There is no special night fee, so the prices mentioned here apply.
Cheers,
Erlend
Hi Zeeshan,
That’s very true. We have a whole post on public transportation to show you the way.
Kind regards,
Erlend