Quick Answer: Is There Uber in Turkey?
Yes, but it's very different. Uber in Turkey only connects you to regular yellow taxis (not private drivers). They charge passengers 45-50 TL service fee per ride AND take 7-11% commission from drivers. You're paying more for the same taxi. BiTaksi is similar with 40-50 TL fees. For reliable, fixed-price transfers, consider pre-booking a private transfer.
In This Guide
If you're visiting Turkey and wondering whether you can just hop off your flight and call an Uber like you would in New York, London, or Dubai, you need to read this first. Uber in Turkey is a completely different experience - and not necessarily a better one.
This guide will explain exactly how Uber works in Turkey in 2026, what fees you'll actually pay, how it compares to alternatives, and what might be a better choice for tourists.
The History of Uber in Turkey
Uber launched in Turkey in 2014, operating like it does everywhere else - connecting passengers with private drivers using their own vehicles. It quickly became popular, especially with tourists who valued the transparent pricing and app-based convenience.
However, Turkey's powerful taxi lobby fought back hard. In 2019, the United Taxi Drivers Association filed a successful lawsuit, effectively forcing Uber to shut down its service. Drivers faced massive fines, and the company was pushed out of the market.
In 2021, an Istanbul court overturned the ban - but with a crucial condition: Uber could only operate by partnering with licensed yellow taxis. No more private drivers. This fundamentally changed what Uber is in Turkey.
How Uber Actually Works in Turkey (2026)
When you open Uber in Istanbul, Ankara, or Izmir today, it looks familiar - you enter your destination, see a price estimate, and request a ride. But here's what happens behind the scenes that's completely different from other countries:
Key Difference: Yellow Taxis Only
Uber in Turkey does NOT dispatch private drivers with their own cars. It only connects you with regular licensed yellow taxi drivers who have signed up for the Uber app. You're getting the exact same taxi, same driver, same meter - just ordered through Uber instead of hailing one on the street.
When your Uber arrives, it will be a standard yellow (or turquoise/black) Istanbul taxi. The driver uses their regular taximeter. Uber simply acts as a dispatch and payment platform.
Taxi Types Available on Uber Turkey
- Yellow Taxi: Standard budget option, seats up to 4 passengers. Most common.
- Turquoise Taxi: Slightly newer/larger vehicles. About 15% higher tariff.
- Black Taxi (VIP): Premium vehicles, highest tariff. About 70% more expensive.
The Hidden Fees Nobody Talks About
Here's where it gets frustrating. Unlike Uber in most countries where you just pay the quoted price, Turkish Uber has a dual-sided fee structure that hits both passengers AND drivers:
Uber & BiTaksi Charge BOTH Sides
What Passengers Pay
45-50 TL service fee added to EVERY ride, on top of the meter fare. This was increased to 45 TL in February 2025 and has continued to rise.
What Drivers Pay
7-11% commission deducted from every fare. Drivers lose a significant chunk of each ride to the app.
This dual-sided fee structure creates a perverse situation: you're paying MORE than the meter fare, while the driver is earning LESS than the meter fare. The app profits from both sides of the transaction.
Real Example: A 200 TL meter fare becomes 245-250 TL for the passenger (after Uber's service fee), while the driver receives only 180-185 TL (after Uber's commission). The app takes 65-70 TL from a single ride.
BiTaksi: The Main Local Alternative
BiTaksi is Turkey's homegrown taxi app and the most popular alternative to Uber. It was created before Uber's legal troubles and has strong market penetration - 3 out of 4 Istanbul taxi drivers use it.
Unfortunately, BiTaksi uses the same dual-sided fee model: passengers pay 40-50 TL service fee per ride, drivers pay 7-11% commission. It's slightly cheaper than Uber's fees, but the same fundamental problem exists.
Common complaints: Drivers accept rides then cancel and switch to the meter. Some message you after accepting to negotiate a higher price. The app doesn't solve the accountability problem - you're still dealing with individual taxi drivers who may or may not provide good service.
iTaksi: Istanbul Municipality's App
iTaksi is the official taxi app run by Istanbul Metropolitan Municipality (IBB). It was created as a government response to taxi problems and integrates with Istanbul's Istanbulkart transit card.
Advantages: No service fee for passengers (or much lower than Uber/BiTaksi). Government oversight. Can pay with Istanbulkart. Drivers are registered and monitored.
Limitation: Only works in Istanbul, limited driver adoption compared to BiTaksi. Not available in other cities. Interface is less polished than Uber/BiTaksi.
Regular Yellow Taxis (Street Hail)
Of course, you can skip the apps entirely and hail a yellow taxi on the street. This avoids app fees but comes with its own set of challenges, especially for tourists.
Current Istanbul Taxi Rates (2026)
- Opening fee: 54.50 TL
- Per kilometer: 36.30 TL
- Minimum fare (short trip): 175 TL
- Hourly rate (traffic): 453.71 TL
The challenge with street taxis: scams are common, especially at airports and tourist areas. Long routes, rigged meters, fake 'night tariffs' (abolished years ago), currency confusion, and demanding extra fees are well-documented problems. Not all drivers do this, but it's common enough to be a concern.
Complete Comparison: All Your Options
Here's how all your transportation options in Turkey compare:
| Option | Passenger Fee | Driver Commission | Reliability |
|---|---|---|---|
| Uber | 45-50 TL | 7-11% | Low - drivers often cancel |
| BiTaksi | 40-50 TL | 7-11% | Low - drivers often cancel |
| iTaksi | None | Unknown | Medium - better oversight |
| Street Taxi | None | None | Variable - depends on driver |
| Private Transfer | Included in fixed price | None | High - professional service |
Private Transfers: The Scam-Free Alternative
For tourists, especially those arriving at airports or traveling with families and luggage, private airport transfers offer a completely different experience from taxi apps:
Why Tourists Choose Private Transfers
- Fixed price locked at booking - no surprises, no meters, no negotiation
- Professional drivers with accountability - reviews matter, service quality is consistent
- Flight tracking - driver adjusts to your actual arrival time, even if delayed
- Meet & greet at arrivals - no searching for taxi ranks or app pickups
- Modern vehicles with space for luggage - Mercedes Vito minivans standard
- No dual-sided fees - one transparent price covers everything
The cost is often comparable to what you'd pay for a taxi app ride once you add their service fees - but without the stress, uncertainty, or scam risk. For airport transfers especially, this is the option most experienced Turkey visitors recommend.
Calculate Real Taxi Costs
Before you choose how to travel, use our calculator to see what you'll actually pay with different options - including app fees.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is there Uber in Turkey?
Yes, but it works differently. Since 2021, Uber in Turkey only connects you to regular yellow taxis, not private drivers. They charge passengers 45-50 TL service fee AND take 7-11% from drivers. You're paying for the same taxi with extra fees.
Is Uber cheaper than taxi in Istanbul?
No, actually it's more expensive. You pay the same meter fare PLUS Uber's 45-50 TL service fee. A taxi hailed on the street costs less (assuming you don't get scammed).
Can I use Uber at Istanbul Airport?
Yes, Uber works at both Istanbul Airport (IST) and Sabiha Gokcen (SAW). However, you'll pay their service fee on top of the fare. Many travelers prefer pre-booked private transfers for fixed pricing and meet-and-greet service.
What's the best taxi app in Turkey?
All major apps (Uber, BiTaksi) have similar dual-sided fees. iTaksi (Istanbul only) has lower/no passenger fees but limited coverage. For tourists, pre-booked private transfers often work better than any app.
Why do Uber drivers in Turkey cancel rides?
Drivers pay 7-11% commission on app rides. Some cancel to avoid this fee, then try to take you on meter instead. This is frustrating but common due to the fee structure.
How much is Uber from Istanbul Airport to Sultanahmet?
The meter fare is approximately 1000-1200 TL (2026 rates), plus Uber adds 45-50 TL service fee, making it around 1050-1250 TL total. A private transfer costs 35-45 EUR with fixed pricing and no surprises.
Is BiTaksi better than Uber in Turkey?
BiTaksi is similar - same dual-sided fees (40-50 TL passenger fee + 7-11% driver commission), same yellow taxis. It's slightly cheaper and has better driver coverage, but the same fundamental issues exist.
What's the safest way to get from Istanbul Airport?
Pre-booked private transfer is the safest and most reliable option. Fixed price, professional driver, flight tracking, no scam risk. For budget travelers, Havaist airport bus is the cheapest safe option at ~200 TL.
Our Honest Recommendation
Uber and BiTaksi exist in Turkey, but they're not the simple, reliable solution they are in other countries. The dual-sided fee structure (charging both passengers AND drivers) creates problems: passengers pay more than meter fare, drivers earn less, and everyone's frustrated.
For tourists - especially at airports, late at night, or with families - private transfers offer better value once you factor in app fees, better reliability, and zero scam risk. Our taxi price calculator can help you compare real costs before you decide.