Taxis and Ride-Hailing

Overview

Istanbul has over 17,000 licensed taxis. They are metered and color-coded by vehicle class. Taxis are widely available across the city, but wheelchair-accessible vehicles (WAVs) are extremely limited outside the airports.

Taxi Types

All three types are standard sedans or MPVs. None are wheelchair-accessible by default. If you can transfer to a car seat and fold your wheelchair, the driver is expected to help load it into the trunk. Power wheelchairs and large mobility scooters will not fit in standard taxis.

Wheelchair-Accessible Vehicles (WAVs)

WAVs are not part of Istanbul's regular taxi fleet on the street. Your options include:

• Istanbul Airport (IST) accessible taxis: Black luxury taxis with wheelchair ramps are available at the airport. Register at the taxi desk on the arrivals floor.
• Private transfer companies: Several Istanbul transfer services offer WAVs on request. Book at least 48 hours in advance. Search for "Istanbul wheelchair accessible transfer" to find current providers.
• Wheelchair transport services: Specialized companies offer city trips, airport transfers, and day excursions in adapted vehicles.

BiTaksi App

BiTaksi is Turkey's most popular taxi-hailing app. It connects you with nearby licensed taxi drivers and offers several useful features:

• See estimated fare before you ride
• Track your driver in real time
• Pay by meter with cash or card (via Masterpass)
• Rate drivers and report issues
• Choose between yellow, turquoise, and black taxis

BiTaksi does not currently offer a WAV filter. It is useful for wheelchair users who can transfer to a car seat.

Download BiTaksi from the App Store or Google Play. The app works in English.

Uber in Istanbul

Uber operates in Turkey, but it works differently than in most countries. Uber connects you with licensed taxi drivers rather than independent drivers. Fares follow the standard taxi meter. There is no significant price advantage over using BiTaksi or hailing a yellow taxi.

Uber does list a WAV option at Istanbul Airport (IST), which allows you to request a wheelchair-accessible vehicle with a trained driver. Availability may vary.

Fare Estimates

Istanbul taxis use a meter (taksimetre). Fares are regulated by the city.

Fares vary based on traffic, time of day, and route. Rush hour trips can cost significantly more due to waiting time charges.

Avoiding Common Issues

Istanbul taxis have a reputation for overcharging tourists. Protect yourself with these steps:

• Always insist the meter is running. If a driver refuses to use the meter, exit and find another taxi.
• Check the meter rate. The display should show "gunduz" (daytime rate) between 6:00 AM and midnight, and "gece" (nighttime rate) from midnight to 6:00 AM. The night rate is about 50% higher.
• Use BiTaksi or Uber for fare transparency and a digital record of your trip.
• Know your route. Use Google Maps to check the expected distance before getting in. Drivers occasionally take longer routes.
• Carry small bills. Some drivers claim they cannot make change for large notes.