Istanbul Taxi Prices 2026: Meter Rates, Real Examples and How to Avoid Overpaying
Istanbul taxi fares from 20 July 2026: ₺71.94 start and ₺47.92 per km for yellow taxis, all four taxi classes, worked fares by distance and airport examples.
Istanbul taxi fares from 20 July 2026: ₺71.94 start and ₺47.92 per km for yellow taxis, all four taxi classes, worked fares by distance and airport examples.
Since 20 July 2026, a standard yellow taxi in Istanbul starts at ₺71.94 and charges ₺47.92 per kilometre, with a minimum fare of ₺230. In slow traffic, below 12.5 km/h, the meter switches to ₺9.98 per minute. There are four taxi classes, each with its own official tariff. The larger D-segment and fully electric taxis, the turquoise taxis and the black luxury taxis all charge more, up to ₺122.30 to start and ₺81.46 per km. There’s no night surcharge. As a guide, 10 km in moving traffic costs about ₺551 in a yellow taxi, and Istanbul Airport to Taksim (45–48 km) about ₺2,230–2,370 before tolls.
Last checked: 24 September 2026, against Istanbul Metropolitan Municipality’s official taxi tariff, in force from 20 July 2026.
The four official taxi tariffs
Istanbul’s taxi fares are set by the city’s transport coordination centre (UKOME) and published in İBB’s official tariff. The class of car decides which tariff applies.
| Taxi class | Start fare | Per km | Per minute (slow traffic) | Minimum fare |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Yellow (C segment and below) | ₺71.94 | ₺47.92 | ₺9.98 | ₺230 |
| D segment, or fully electric C segment and above | ₺82.73 | ₺55.10 | ₺11.47 | ₺265 |
| Turquoise (converted under UKOME decision 2022/12-19.B) | ₺93.52 | ₺62.29 | ₺12.97 | ₺300 |
| Black (luxury) | ₺122.30 | ₺81.46 | ₺16.96 | ₺400 |
How to tell them apart:
- Yellow: the standard taxi, usually a compact saloon. It’s the cheapest.
- D segment and electric: larger saloons and fully electric cars. Still yellow, but on the second tariff.
- Turquoise: taxis converted under a 2022 UKOME decision, often larger vehicles. The tariff sits between yellow and black.
- Black: the premium class, with the highest rates.
If you want the cheapest ride, look for a standard yellow taxi and check the tariff shown inside the car.
How the meter works
The meter measures in steps of 100 metres. Each step costs ₺4.80 in a yellow taxi, ₺5.51 on the D-segment tariff, ₺6.23 in a turquoise taxi and ₺8.15 in a black taxi.
When the car moves slower than 12.5 km/h, the meter stops counting distance and charges by the minute instead. That’s why a short ride in a traffic jam can cost more than a longer ride on a clear road.
If the metered total for a trip comes out below the minimum, you pay the minimum: ₺230 in a yellow taxi.
The same tariff applies 24 hours a day. There’s no official night rate.
What a ride actually costs
These are our calculations from the official tariff (start fare plus distance) for moving traffic. Time spent in slow traffic, tolls and bridge fees come on top.
| Distance | Yellow | D / electric | Turquoise | Black |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3 km | ₺230 (minimum) | ₺265 (minimum) | ₺300 (minimum) | ₺400 (minimum) |
| 5 km | ₺312 | ₺358 | ₺405 | ₺530 |
| 10 km | ₺551 | ₺634 | ₺716 | ₺937 |
| 20 km | ₺1,030 | ₺1,185 | ₺1,339 | ₺1,751 |
| 45–48 km (Istanbul Airport → Taksim) | ₺2,228–2,372 | ₺2,562–2,728 | ₺2,897–3,083 | ₺3,788–4,032 |
For comparison, the Havaist airport bus to Taksim costs ₺470 per person, and the M11 metro to Gayrettepe costs ₺42.34. For three or four people with luggage, a yellow taxi from the airport can come close to the combined bus fares. The full comparison is in our guide to getting from Istanbul Airport to the city centre.
Bridges, tolls and the Asian side
Crossing between Europe and Asia can add bridge or tunnel tolls. Airport routes may also use tolled motorways. These aren’t part of the meter tariff and are added to the fare. Ask the driver which route they’re taking, and follow along on your phone.
If you’re going somewhere a ferry serves, such as Kadıköy to Eminönü or Beşiktaş to Üsküdar, the ferry costs ₺50–65. It’s often quicker than a taxi at rush hour. Fares for every ferry route are in our Istanbul public transport prices guide.
How to avoid overpaying
- Make sure the meter is on before you set off, and that it shows the right tariff for the car. Don’t agree a flat price at the kerb.
- Know the minimum. A very short trip in a yellow taxi should cost ₺230, not more.
- Watch the class. A black taxi costs about 70% more per kilometre than a yellow one.
- Have your destination ready. Written in Turkish, with a landmark, is best. Follow the route on a map.
- Ask about card payment first. Not every driver takes cards, so carry lira.
- Keep small notes. It helps when the fare is ₺312 and all you have is a ₺500 note.
- Note the plate number if there’s a problem. You can complain through İBB’s city line, 153, or the Ministry of Trade consumer line, 175.
Shared taxis (dolmuş)
On some fixed routes, shared taxi-dolmuş vehicles leave when full and charge a set fare per person. Some examples from the July 2026 tariff: Beşiktaş–Taksim ₺55, Eminönü–Taksim ₺55, Kadıköy–Bostancı ₺70, and Kadıköy–Taksim ₺130 including the bridge toll. Pay the driver, usually in cash.
Frequently asked questions
How much is a taxi per km in Istanbul in 2026?
₺47.92 per km in a standard yellow taxi, plus a ₺71.94 start fare, from 20 July 2026. Turquoise taxis charge ₺62.29 per km and black taxis ₺81.46.
What is the minimum taxi fare in Istanbul?
₺230 in a yellow taxi. The minimum is ₺265 on the D-segment and electric tariff, ₺300 in a turquoise taxi and ₺400 in a black taxi.
Is there a night rate for Istanbul taxis?
No. The same tariff applies at all hours.
How much is a taxi from Istanbul Airport to Taksim?
About ₺2,230–2,370 in a yellow taxi for 45–48 km in moving traffic, before tolls. Heavy traffic adds time charges of ₺9.98 a minute.
