Istanbul Taxi Fares for Popular Tourist Destinations

I wrote in an earlier post that a minority of Istanbul’s taxi drivers are not shy of hustling tourists. So I thought it would be helpful to provide my readers with a cab fare list for trips from Sultanahmet or Taksim to the most common Istanbul tourist destinations or the airports. This way you’ll be even better equipped to argue with the taxi driver in case you feel overcharged for the ride.

How to Use This List

The list below is based on taxi rides I took myself and the fare I personally paid for it (last updated on May 3rd 2009). However, please keep in mind that taxi fares aren’t an exact science! I was able to tell them the shortest way, yes even teach them a shortcut here or there. Have said that, they are a good indication and your fare should be more or less the same, give or take a lira or two. If the fare you have to pay is more than 15% off the fare listed here, then you may start questioning your driver.

Current Istanbul Taxi Fares

• The starting or flat rate is TL 2 during the daytime, TL 3 during the nighttime (from midnight to 6 a.m.).
• Every kilometer, TL 1,3 is added to the cab fare during the daytime, TL 1,95 at night.
• Standing still in traffic shouldn’t increase the fare. However, if the taxi stands still for more than three minutes, a waiting fee of TL 0,25 per minute will be added.

Istanbul Taxi Fares Per Destination

I suggest you print out this list and keep it on you during your stay in Istanbul. In case you had to pay much more for a certain ride than stated above, please do let me know by leaving a comment.

Tagged as: Fares, Istanbul, Public Transportation, Rates, Safety Tips, Taxi, Transportation