Taxis in Turkey: The Complete Guide
This guide is your indispensable resource for navigating taxis in Turkey, covering everything from official regulations and estimated 2025 fares to essential tips on avoiding common scams.
Standard (Yellow)
Comfort (Turquoise)
VIP (Black)
Good to Know!
In most modern Istanbul taxis (iTaksi system), the taximeter is no longer a separate box on the dashboard, but is digitally integrated into the rear-view mirror. Look for the red numbers on the mirror!
I. Before You Ride – Preparation and Fares
Who Sets the Rules? (UKOME)
Taxi fares in Turkey are not arbitrary (except for illegal pirate taxis). All official tariffs – the opening fare, per-kilometre rate, and minimum charge – are set by each city's Transport Coordination Center (UKOME). Fares and rules differ between Istanbul, Antalya, and other cities.
Fares (Estimated for 2025)
NOTE! Due to high inflation in Turkey, fares rise frequently (on average twice a year). The prices below are estimated.
Istanbul Yellow Taxi (Estimated):
- Opening Fare (Açılış): ~30-40 TRY
- Per-Kilometre Rate: ~25 TRY
- Minimum Trip Fare (Indi-Bindi): ~130+ TRY (This is the lowest amount any trip can cost).
- Bridge/Tunnel Tolls: The passenger pays all bridge and tunnel tolls (Bosphorus bridges, Eurasia Tunnel) in addition to the taximeter reading. This is an official rule.
- Luggage: There is no extra charge for standard luggage (suitcases).
Antalya and Alanya (Resort Areas):
- Fares are typically more expensive than in Istanbul.
- In many resorts, drivers attempt to charge tourists a "fixed price" (often in Euros). Always demand the taximeter!
The Night Fare Myth (Gece Tarifesi)
Officially, the night fare has been abolished in major cities like Istanbul and Antalya. The same tariff applies 24/7. If a taxi driver claims that "the price is double at night," it is a scam.
Different Taxi Classes
- Yellow (Sarı Taksi): Standard sedan (Fiat Egea, Renault Clio). The cheapest and most common.
- Turquoise (Turkuaz Taksi): Electric cars or more comfortable sedans (VW Passat). The tariff is ~15% higher than the yellow taxi.
- Black (Siyah Taksi): Luxury VIP vans (Mercedes Vito) or limousines. The price is ~70% higher.
Alternatives to Taxis
Dolmuş (Minibus)
Especially on the Southern Coast, this small, shared route bus is often the best and cheapest option for short distances on fixed routes. Payment is usually made in cash to the driver.
Pre-booked Private Transfer
For airport transfers or long distances (e.g., Antalya - Alanya), this is the best option. You get a fixed price, the car waits for you with a sign, and it eliminates all taxi scam risks.
II. Finding and Using a Taxi
How to Get a Taxi?
- From the Street: Wave your hand. If the light on the roof is on, the taxi is vacant.
- Taxi Stand (Taksi Durağı): Very safe. Every stand has its own "reputation," and drivers behave more properly.
- Call Button on a Pole: On the streets of Istanbul and Antalya, there are yellow call buttons. Press one and wait 2-5 minutes.
Warning: Traffic Jams (Trafik)
Istanbul is one of the most traffic-congested cities in the world. A 5-kilometre trip can take 50 minutes during rush hour. The taximeter keeps running even when standing still (time tariff). Always factor in a large time buffer! Finding a free taxi during rush hours (5:00 PM–7:30 PM) is extremely difficult.
Apps (BiTaksi & Uber) – Recommended!
This is the safest way for tourists, as the journey is recorded.
- BiTaksi: The local Turkish app (like Bolt/Uber). Shows the estimated price and allows you to pay by card through the app.
- Uber: Works in Turkey but sends a regular yellow/turquoise taxi. Advantage: familiar user interface.
Cash vs. Card
Although the law requires card payment options, 80% of drivers will refuse cards (claiming the terminal is broken or there is no signal).
- Always keep cash (Turkish Lira, not Euros) handy.
- If you absolutely need to pay by card, use the BiTaksi or Uber app and link your card there.
- Paying in Euros is always done at an unfavourable exchange rate.
III. Risks, Scams, and Peculiarities
Scam 1: The "Broken" Taximeter
The driver does not turn on the meter and names an arbitrary price at the end.
Solution: If the meter does not start, say "Taksimetre" and if it is still not turned on, ask to stop and exit the vehicle.
Scam 2: The Bill Swap (El çabukluğu)
You hand the driver a 100 or 200 Lira note. The driver briefly drops it or quickly swaps it for a 20 Lira note and claims you gave him the wrong amount.
Solution: When handing over the cash, state the amount loudly: "Here is two hundred Lira."
Scam 3: The Long Way Around
The driver exploits the tourist's lack of knowledge and drives a longer route.
Solution: Keep Google Maps or Waze open on your phone and follow the route. This usually disciplines the driver.
Scam 4: The "Friendly" Shopping Stop
The driver takes you on a "short stop" to a friend's shop (carpets, leather, sweets) to get a commission. This is a waste of time and involves sales pressure.
Solution: Refuse immediately and firmly: "Hayır, durmak istemiyorum" (No, I don't want to stop).
Smoking in Taxis
Although strictly forbidden, many taxi drivers smoke during the ride. You have the full right to ask him to extinguish the cigarette ("Sigara içme, lütfen").
IV. What to Do in Case of Problems?
Conduct in Conflict
- Photograph the License Plate (Plaka): This is your insurance. Do it demonstratively if a dispute arises.
- Stay Calm: Shouting does not help.
- The Magic Word: "Polis": Say: "Polisi arayacağım" (I will call the police). Most scammers will back down immediately.
- Safety: Always sit in the back seat and, if possible, share your ride info (including the license plate) with a friend.
Where to Complain? (ALO 153)
ALO 153 (Beyaz Masa - White Desk) is the most effective channel. This is the city municipality line (works in Istanbul, Antalya, etc.).
- Call 153 or use their website/app.
- You need: Car's license plate number, time, and location.
- They take complaints very seriously and can revoke a driver's license.
V. Quick Guide and Glossary
Checklist
- ✅ Use official stands or apps whenever possible.
- ✅ Check that the taximeter is running (in the mirror or on the dashboard).
- ✅ Follow the route on your phone.
- ✅ Pay in Lira and use smaller bills.
- ❌ Do not accept a "fixed price" (unless agreed upon for a very long journey).
Essential Turkish Phrases
- Taksimetre - Taximeter
- Müsait misiniz? - Are you free?
- Buraya, lütfen - To here, please (show map).
- Durun lütfen - Stop, please.
- Fiş istiyorum - I want a receipt.
- Klima (aç/kapat) - Air conditioning (on/off).
- Sağ / Sol / Düz - Right / Left / Straight.