Lois Larson
If you're planning to pay by card for a taxi at Istanbul Airport, it's important to know that most taxi drivers don't accept credit or debit cards. This is because many drivers don't have the necessary card terminal, so you'll usually need to pay in cash, ideally in Turkish lira, to avoid being scammed by an unfavourable exchange rate. While it's possible to pay with a card via apps like Uber, you may encounter issues with drivers running the meter and asking for additional payment in person. To avoid scams and overcharging, it's recommended to use a navigation app to ensure the driver takes the quickest route, and to use a taxi from a rank or book your taxi in advance.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Taxi availability | Istanbul airport taxis are available 24/7 at the airport and can drop you off at the exact location of your accommodation. |
| Taxi categories | Orange "C" type taxis are small and economical. Blue "D" type taxis are medium-value and more comfortable. Black "E" type taxis are luxurious and premium. |
| Taxi fares | There are no fixed, pre-determined prices. The rate is determined by a taximeter based on distance and time. |
| Payment methods | Most taxi drivers accept only cash, preferably in Turkish liras. Some taxis may accept credit/debit cards, but there may be an extra fee. |
| Scams | Taxi scams are common in Istanbul, with drivers known for overcharging and taking long routes. It is advised to use a navigation app to ensure the driver takes the quickest route. |
| Alternatives | To avoid scams, consider using taxi apps like BiTaxi or iTaksi, or book a taxi through your hotel concierge. Uber is also an option, but it connects you with regular taxi drivers and you may need to pay an extra fee in-person. |
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What You'll Learn
Taxi ranks and pick-up locations
Istanbul Airport is one of the busiest airports in the world, so it can be quite overwhelming. However, finding and hiring a taxi at Istanbul Airport is straightforward. There are taxi rank locations in both the domestic arrivals and departures area as well as the international arrivals and departures area, and they are all very easy to find. Simply follow the signs for the taxi ranks or ask an airport employee. The official taxi ranks are located on the Arrivals Level outside Domestic and International Passenger Exit Doors 9 and 13 at the
If you have pre-booked your taxi transfer, the pick-up location will be on the -2 floor. There are three different categories of taxis at the airport: orange or yellow “C” type, blue or turquoise “D” type, and black “E” type. The orange taxis are small, economical vehicles, while the blue taxis are medium-value, more comfortable cars. The black taxis are luxurious and provide premium services. The base fare for an orange taxi is €0.51 (TRY 18) and the rate per kilometre is €0.32 (TRY 11.30). Turquoise taxis are 15% more expensive, while black taxis are 70% more expensive.
It is important to note that most Istanbul taxi drivers do not accept credit or debit cards, so it is recommended to have cash with you, preferably in Turkish Liras. The taxi fare is calculated by a taximeter, per ride, and not per person. You should always check that the taximeter is zeroed and on when entering the cab.
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Taxi categories and fares
Istanbul airport taxis don't offer set fares, but instead, their rates are determined by a taximeter based on distance and time. You can expect to be charged around €19.10 for a 50-minute trip. However, Istanbul's notorious traffic may increase both the cost and the duration of your journey.
Istanbul taxis are divided into three categories: orange "C" type taxis, blue "D" type taxis, and black "E" type taxis. Orange taxis are small and economical, such as the Fiat Aegea or Renault Clio. Blue taxis are medium-value and more comfortable, like the Opel Insignia. Black taxis are the most luxurious and provide premium services. Each category has a different fee structure. For example, the base fare for an orange taxi is €0.51 (TRY 18), while the rate per kilometre is €0.32 (TRY 11.30). Turquoise taxis are 15% more expensive, while black taxis are 70% more expensive than orange taxis.
A ride from the airport to Istanbul's city centre should cost around €26 (TRY 950) with an orange taxi, €30 (TRY 1050) with a turquoise taxi, and €43 (TRY 1550) with a black taxi. These fares remain the same throughout the day and night, as night rates no longer exist in Istanbul.
Most Istanbul taxi drivers do not accept credit or debit cards, so it is recommended to have cash in Turkish Liras with you. If you pre-book your taxi, you may be able to pay with a credit card.
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Payment methods
Istanbul taxi drivers usually only accept cash payments in Turkish lira. It is advised to carry small notes in the local currency, as some drivers may try to scam you by claiming that you gave them a smaller denomination than you did. Although some taxi drivers now have the option to pay with credit or debit cards, it is not guaranteed, and you may be charged an extra fee for card payments. Therefore, it is always a good idea to have cash on hand.
If you decide to book your taxi transfer in advance, credit cards could definitely be used. You can pre-book a taxi from Istanbul Airport online or from an official taxi stand at the airport. However, if you choose to book in advance, it is recommended to ask to pay by credit card when making the reservation to make the process smoother.
Additionally, it is important to note that taxi fares in Istanbul are metered, so the final price will depend on the distance travelled and the duration of the ride. The heavy traffic levels in Istanbul can also significantly affect the final price, so you may end up paying a high fare if you travel during rush hours.
To avoid being overcharged, it is recommended to use a navigation app during your trip to ensure that your driver is taking the quickest route. You can also compare the fare displayed on the taximeter with the estimated price provided by the navigation app.
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Taxi scams
Istanbul airport taxis are divided into three categories: orange "C" type taxis, blue "D" type taxis, and black "E" type taxis. The orange taxis are small and economical, the blue taxis are medium-value and more comfortable, and the black taxis are luxurious and provide premium services. The taxi you choose will affect the price of your journey.
Unfortunately, taxi scams are common in Istanbul, so it's important to be vigilant. Here are some tips to avoid being scammed:
- Check that the taximeter is zeroed and on when you enter the taxi.
- Be aware of the correct routes to your destination. You can use Google Maps to show your route to the driver, which will reduce your chances of being scammed.
- Be cautious if a driver claims that a bridge is closed and that they need to take an alternative route. Bridges are rarely closed to car traffic, and road closures are usually announced months in advance. You can also check for closures on the Istanbul Metropolitan Municipality's official website, which has a live map.
- Be vigilant when giving the driver larger bills. Some drivers will quickly switch out a 200 TL note for a 10 TL or 50 TL note when you're not looking.
- Be aware that some drivers may try to charge you extra for toll fees or credit card charges.
- Avoid accepting rides from individuals with unofficial vehicles.
- If possible, book your taxi in advance, use a taxi app, or ask your hotel concierge to call a taxi for you.
- If you encounter a scam, don't be afraid to speak up and confront the driver. You can also report them to the authorities.
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Taxi apps
While Istanbul airport taxis are available 24/7, they don't offer set fares. The rate is determined by a taximeter based on distance and time. You can expect to pay around 19.18€/19.10$ (350₺) for a 50-minute trip to the city centre. However, Istanbul's notorious traffic jams may increase the final price.
Most taxi drivers in Istanbul don't accept credit or debit cards, so it's best to have cash with you in the local currency, Turkish Lira.
To avoid the hassle of long queues, you can pre-book your taxi using one of the following apps:
- BiTaksi: One of the most well-known taxi apps in Istanbul, BiTaksi allows you to book your taxi in advance.
- ITaksi: Another popular app in Istanbul, iTaksi lets you book your ride ahead of time.
- Uber: With the Uber app, you can request a licensed taxi driver to pick you up from the airport at any time. Uber also offers upfront pricing, though the price may be adjusted at the end of the trip if surcharges or tolls differ.
- Welcome Pickups: This app offers a personalised meet and greet service inside the Arrivals Hall of Istanbul Airport.
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Frequently asked questions
It depends. While some taxi drivers accept credit or debit cards, most don't have the necessary terminals. It's best to be prepared and have cash with you in the local currency, the Lira.
There are no fixed prices for rides to the city centre as taxis are metered. However, you can expect to be charged around 17€/16.90$ (310₺), no matter the time of day.
Yes, Istanbul airport taxis are divided into three categories: orange “C” type taxis are small and economical, blue “D” type taxis are medium-value and more comfortable, and black “E” type taxis are luxurious and premium.
You can find taxis 24/7 at the official taxi rank in the Arrivals Level outside exits 9 and 13. There are orange, turquoise, and black taxis available, all offering on-demand services.
Yes, unfortunately, taxi scams are regular in Istanbul. Some drivers may try to take you on a longer route to increase the final fare, so it's a good idea to use a navigation app to ensure they're taking the quickest route. Another scam is to offer a flat fare at the start of the ride, which is generally more expensive than a metered ride.
