Istanbul taxi guide provides clear and reliable information for both first-time visitors and frequent travelers. In one of the world’s busiest metropolitan cities, taxis remain an essential mode of transportation alongside public options such as the metro, tram, buses, and dolmuş minibuses. For short distances, we recommend walking or cycling, especially in areas like Sultanahmet, Galata, and Karaköy, where the streets are vibrant and easily accessible.
Despite Istanbul’s extensive public transit network, situations often arise where taking a taxi becomes the most practical solution. At Istanbul Airport, Sabiha Gökçen Airport, bus terminals, late-night hours, or during heavy rain, a taxi may be the fastest and most convenient transportation option. With more than 18,000 licensed taxis across the city, it is usually easy to find a vehicle on the street, at designated taxi stands, or via mobile booking apps. This abundance makes it possible to reach your destination quickly—even during peak hours—while benefiting from official Istanbul taxi fares and regulated tariffs.
Taxis in Istanbul come in three categories: yellow (standard), turquoise (comfort), and black (luxury). Each category has different pricing, vehicle models, and service standards. Knowing these distinctions helps travelers choose the most suitable option for their budget and comfort preferences. Whether you are heading to Taksim for dinner, crossing to the Asian side for a meeting, or taking a scenic ride along the Bosphorus, taxis remain one of the easiest ways to navigate the city. For a safer travel experience, always ensure the taximeter is running and avoid unofficial vehicles.
For travelers seeking a premium alternative, HRH Lucky offers car with driver Istanbul, private airport transfers, and personalized transportation solutions ideal for important meetings, celebrations, corporate events, and full-day sightseeing tours. These services provide comfort, reliability, and fixed pricing—an excellent upgrade from standard taxis for those who value convenience and professionalism. For important meetings, parties, and celebrations, try Hrh Luckycar with chauffeurservice. You can use private airport transfers as well as taxis for airport transportation.
Yellow, Turquoise, VIP (Black) and 8+1 Taxi Prices
In Istanbul, taxi fares are regulated by UKOME and periodically updated according to inflation rates. Below you will find the latest 2025 pricing for Yellow, Turquoise, VIP (Black) and 8+1 taxis, based on the official tariff table.
Note: USD prices are approximate. Due to daily exchange rate fluctuations, actual amounts may vary at the time of travel.
🚕 Yellow Taxi (Sarı Taksi)
Opening Fee: 54.50₺ (~1.70 USD)
Per KM: 36.30₺ (~1.13 USD)
Minimum Fare (İndi–Bindi): 175.00₺ (~5.40 USD)
🚖 Turquoise Taxi (Turkuaz Taksi)
Approximately 15% more expensive than Yellow taxis.
Opening Fee: 62.61₺ (~1.95 USD)
Per KM: 41.74₺ (~1.30 USD)
Minimum Fare: 200.00₺ (~6.25 USD)
Recently, the number of passengers choosing Turquoise taxis has increased significantly due to their newer vehicles and higher comfort levels.
🚘 VIP Taxi (Premium Black Taxi)
Nearly 100% more expensive than Yellow taxis, offering higher service quality and luxury vehicles such as Mercedes Vito or equivalent.
Opening Fee: 92.56₺ (~2.90 USD)
Per KM: 61.70₺ (~1.95 USD)
Minimum Fare: 300.00₺ (~9.35 USD)
🚐 8+1 Taxi (Minivan Taxi)
Ideal for small groups and families.
Opening Fee: 70.78₺ (~2.20 USD)
Per KM: 47.19₺ (~1.47 USD)
Minimum Fare: 225.00₺ (~7.00 USD)
Additional Notes for Travelers
No separate day/night tariff: Istanbul taxis use the same fare 24/7.
Bridge & Tunnel Tolls: If your trip crosses Bosphorus bridges or tunnels, the toll is added to the fare. Passengers do not pay the taxi's return toll.
Credit Card Payments: Most taxis in Istanbul accept credit cards and contactless payments.
Estimated Fare Calculation: Based on the rates above, you can easily calculate an approximate fee for your planned route.
VIP Alternative: For important meetings, events, or comfort-focused travel, HRH Lucky offers reliable chauffeur-driven car services and airport transfers as a premium alternative to standard taxis.
Average Taxi Fares From Istanbul İnternational Airport
Hire Car With Driver Advice for First-Time Visitors to Istanbul
If you are coming to Istanbul on holiday or for a short time and your hotel is close to Istanbul Airports or Bus/Train terminals, we recommend that you first ask the hotel you will be staying at if they can pick you up. Most people do not naturally think of it, but some hotels offer free shuttle services in this way.
Make sure that the taxi is going in the right direction. For this, you can use the map applications on your mobile phone. For the traffic jam situation, you can look at the application called IMM Traffic.
Make sure that you write the full address of the hotel or place you will stay on a piece of paper or on your mobile phone and have it with you. It works great in some cases.
Take the tram line between Sirkeci and Beyazıt and get off at a sensible place to go to places where traffic is closed or where there is a lot of traffic, such as Sultanahmet Square or Istiklal Street or its crowded surroundings. In this way, you will prevent the taxi from circling you for the most part and stopping.
Likewise, if you are going to cross from Europe to the Anatolian side (or vice versa), you can calculate which bridge is advantageous for you by following the traffic situation from mobile applications. If you do not have a special job or situation, do not try to go from the 3rd bridge, namely Yavuz Sultan Selim Bridge. You will regret seeing the taxi fare. For this reason, when you use a taxi between both sides, we recommend that you ask the taxi driver from which bridge to go.
It is very difficult to find an empty taxi in Istanbul, especially in rainy weather. For this reason, when you get moisture from the air ;), if you are outside and far from your accommodation, make your plan to return home without wasting time.