How Much Is the Taxi Fare in Istanbul in 2025?

If you're looking for an answer to this question, this article provides comprehensive details about taxi fares in Istanbul, including the cost of airport taxis and more. Stay with us to get more information about these expenses.

Taxi Prices in Istanbul in 2025

Every year, taxi fares in Istanbul change, and in 2025, the Turkish municipality has announced a new tariff that shows an increase compared to 2024. In 2025, taxi fares in Istanbul are as follows:

• Starting Fare: At the beginning of each trip, a fixed amount is charged, which is 12 TL.
• Per Kilometer Fare: In 2024, the cost of a taxi ride in Istanbul was 5.50 TL per kilometer, but in 2025, with an increase of 1 TL, it has changed to 6.50 TL per kilometer.
• Waiting Fee: In Turkey, an additional charge applies for waiting time in traffic, which is 1.80 TL per 30 seconds of waiting.
• Nighttime Fare: If you take a taxi between 9:00 PM and 6:00 AM, fares increase, and an additional 1 TL per kilometer is charged.

Types of Taxis in Istanbul

Taxi fares in Istanbul are relatively high, and renting a car in Istanbul is often more cost-effective. However, if you do not intend to rent a car, you should know that taxis in Turkey come in different colors, some being economical and others more expensive. Below is an overview of the different types of taxis in Istanbul:

• Yellow Taxis:
  These are the most common type of taxis in Istanbul, easily identifiable by their yellow color. Due to their high numbers in the city, finding them is very easy.
• Turquoise Taxis:
  These taxis fall under the category of luxury taxis, and their fare is approximately 15% higher than yellow taxis.
• Black Taxis:
  Similar to turquoise taxis, these are among the most expensive taxi options, with fares about 50% higher than yellow taxis.

Taxi Fare from Istanbul Airport to Taksim Square

The distance between Istanbul's new airport and Taksim Square is approximately 40 kilometers, and under normal traffic conditions, the journey takes between 30 minutes to 1 hour. The taxi fare from Istanbul Airport to Taksim Square can be estimated between 250 to 350 TL.

Taxi Fare from Sabiha Gökçen Airport to Taksim Square

The distance between Sabiha Gökçen Airport and Taksim Square is about 45 kilometers, and the travel time by car ranges from 50 minutes to over 1 hour. According to the 2024 taxi fare rates, the cost of this journey may vary between 280 to 400 TL.

Online Taxi Costs in Istanbul

The cost of ride-hailing services in Istanbul varies depending on the company. For example, the Uber fare is 10 TL per kilometer, and an additional 2 TL is charged per minute of waiting time. Some of the popular ride-hailing services in Istanbul include Get Transfer, BiTaxi, Uber, and iTaxi.

Bus Fare from Istanbul Airport to Taksim

To pay for bus fares in Istanbul, you need to purchase an Istanbul Card, which is used for buses, metro, and other public transportation. The bus fare in Istanbul is 18 TL, and to travel from Istanbul Airport to Taksim Square, you will need to change bus lines multiple times, making the journey approximately 90 minutes long.

Luxury “Havaist” Buses at Istanbul Airport

On Level -2 of Istanbul Airport, you will find the luxury Havaist buses, which are more expensive than regular buses but cheaper than taxis. Around 150 Havaist buses operate at the airport, transferring passengers along with their luggage to important locations across Istanbul.

Taxi Fare from Istanbul Airport to Major City Points

• Taxi fare from Istanbul Airport to Sultanahmet (Blue Mosque & Hagia Sophia): 300 to 400 TL
• Taxi fare from Istanbul Airport to Beşiktaş: 250 to 350 TL
• Taxi fare from Istanbul Airport to Kadıköy (Asian Side): 350 to 450 TL
• Taxi fare from Istanbul Airport to Eminönü Square (Grand Bazaar & Pier): 280 to 380 TL

Important Tips to Reduce Taxi Costs in Istanbul

• Taxi fares in Istanbul depend on several factors, including travel time, taxi type, and traffic conditions.
• To avoid unfair and extra charges, always discuss the fare with the taxi driver before starting your trip.
• Avoid taking taxis during rush hours as much as possible.
• Online taxis in Turkey are generally more expensive than regular taxis. To save money, opt for standard taxis instead.
• Use yellow taxis instead of black or turquoise taxis, as they are more affordable.
• Turkish taxis are equipped with taximeters. Before starting your trip, ask the driver if the taximeter is on to ensure you are not overcharged.
• For long-term stays, renting a car in Istanbul is more cost-effective than using taxis. You can learn more about its benefits in the article "Advantages of Car Rental in Istanbul."
• Avoid taking a taxi after 9:00 PM, as fares increase significantly.
• Airport taxis usually charge higher fares. To save money, use public buses or airport shuttle buses instead.
• Don’t be afraid to ask for a discount, especially for long-distance trips—some drivers may offer lower fares upon request.

Plan Your Transportation Costs in Istanbul

If you are traveling to Istanbul, you should take transportation costs seriously and plan your budget accordingly. Transportation expenses in Istanbul are relatively high, and they become even more noticeable on long-distance routes. By reading this article, you can significantly reduce your transportation costs and gain a better understanding of these expenses.