This is the question almost every visitor asks before landing: how much is a taxi from the airport? The answer depends on which airport you arrive at, because Istanbul Airport (IST) and Sabiha Gokcen (SAW) work on completely different systems. All figures below are as of August 2026.
Istanbul Airport (IST): fixed fares, no meter
At IST taxis run on a fixed fare. The meter is not used, there is no night surcharge, and bridge and motorway tolls are included. Published fares:
- Taksim / Sisli / Besiktas: yellow 2,100 TL, turquoise 2,400 TL, black 3,500 TL - 40-60 min
- Sultanahmet: yellow 2,600 TL, turquoise 3,000 TL, black 4,400 TL - 50-65 min
- Levent / Maslak: yellow 1,900 TL, turquoise 2,200 TL, black 3,200 TL - 30-45 min
- Kadikoy: yellow 3,000 TL, turquoise 3,400 TL, black 5,000 TL - 55-75 min
Yellow, turquoise and black differ in vehicle class and comfort, not in route. Licensed taxi plates start with 34 T.
Sabiha Gokcen (SAW): the meter runs
There is no fixed tariff at SAW. The meter runs and tolls are added on top. Typical totals:
- Kadikoy and the Asian side: 1,750-2,300 TL - 30-45 min
- Taksim: 2,650-3,400 TL - 60-90 min
- Sultanahmet: 2,600-3,350 TL - 70-100 min
Crossing to the European side adds the FSM Bridge toll (47 TL) or the Eurasia Tunnel (225 TL). In heavy traffic the meter keeps running, so the total can climb well above these estimates.
Four things to watch out for
- Never go with someone who approaches you inside the terminal. The official rank is signposted; anyone saying "my car is outside" is not an official taxi.
- At IST, object if the meter is switched on. The fixed fare is mandatory - "the tariff does not apply at this hour" is not true.
- At SAW, check the tolls. If the bridge or tunnel charge is far from the amounts above, ask why.
- Agree the payment method before you set off. "The card machine is broken" on arrival is a well-known trick.
So what does a private transfer cost?
With a private transfer you see the price when you book and it does not change afterwards - traffic, night hours and waiting make no difference. Your driver meets you at the arrivals gate with a name sign, takes your luggage and drops you at your hotel door.
On routes like Sultanahmet a private transfer is usually close to a yellow taxi and clearly cheaper than turquoise or black - with no haggling and no surprises. Our vehicles carry 6 passengers and 6 large suitcases, we track your flight by its number, and if you are delayed your driver comes for the new landing time. You get 60 minutes of free waiting after landing and free cancellation up to 24 hours before the transfer.
To see the current price for your own route, just enter your pick-up and drop-off points in the booking form on our homepage.
Note: these figures were collected in August 2026. Please check current fares before you travel.
