Taxi Ride Estimate

Istanbul Airport (IST) to City Center

Complete guide for getting from Istanbul Airport to Arnavutkoy city center. Find out about taxi fares, distance, duration, and travel tips.

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Airport Details

Taxi from Istanbul Airport to City Center

Taxi fares from Istanbul Airport to city center like Taksim or Sultanahmet range from 250 to 400 TL. This takes 40 to 60 minutes based on traffic. Pre-booked private transfers offer fixed prices around 1000 to 1500 TL for direct rides.

No fixed zones apply but meter starts at 14 to 16 TL with 9 to 12 TL per kilometer and time charges. Airport pickup adds 12 to 25 TL. Night surcharges after 10 PM raise fares by 20 to 50 percent.

Traffic and Bosphorus tolls can increase costs. Use the taximeter or apps for fair pricing to avoid surprises on your trip.

Taxi Tips & Safety

Find official taxis at the designated stand outside arrivals at Istanbul Airport. Follow the queue to avoid unofficial cabs. Look for yellow taxis with meters.

Avoid scams by insisting on the taximeter from the start. Pre-book via apps or trusted sites for fixed fares. Check the route on your phone map.

Pay by cash or card but confirm before riding. Stay safe by noting the taxi plate and driver details. Share your trip with someone.

Alternative Transport

Havaist shuttles go to Taksim for 90 to 275 TL and take 60 to 90 minutes. IETT buses cost 35 TL but need changes and last 90 to 120 minutes.

Metro M11 to Gayrettepe costs 35 TL and runs every 8 minutes. Transfer to city lines for full trips at 18 to 40 TL total depending on route.

Shuttles suit groups while buses and metro save money for solo travelers. Buy Istanbulkart at airport for easy payments on all public options.

Tips for Airport Transfers

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