Does anyone have any recommended car services to use from IST to the Taksim area of Istanbul. Or should we just take a taxi. Arriving early evening after a long non stop from LAX.
Posted by
OP
Scottsdale, AZ, US
76 posts
IST is the first part of a three week trip, 40th wedding anniversary. We will have two full size pieces of luggage plus carry on pieces. After a long flight I didn't want to deal with public transport. I just wanted to take the easiest way to the hotel, have some dinner and try to get acclimated to the time change.
Posted by
New York
1206 posts
Find out if your hotel has a shuttle bus that they use to pick you at the airport, may be cheaper and easier than using taxi. Have a great time!
Posted by
Kansas
1175 posts
If no shuttle is possible from your hotel, have them arrange a car service so they will be waiting for you with your name on a cardboard sign. Our hotel arranged one since we booked for 5 nights. Even if you have to pay, the ease of the ride in from Ataturk is worth every penny after a long flight.
Posted by
OP
Scottsdale, AZ, US
76 posts
I contacted the hotel's concierge and they were quick to respond. Unfortunately their suggestions were quite expensive. from a high of 540 TL to 270 TL. If anyone has any experience with a reasonably priced car service please share. If not, what is the average taxi ride from the airport to the Taksim area?
Posted by
Land of La
9324 posts
Take a taxi. Easy as pie. About $20-$25. 20-50 minute ride to Taksim depending on traffic. Turks don't tip, they round up. You should do the same. Simply walk outside the terminal and look for the line to get a taxi. BTW your first big surprise in Istanbul will the very modern Ataturk Airport. Istanbul is fabulous.
Enjoy.
Posted by
Toledo, Ohio, US
11613 posts
Love Istanbul! I took a taxi from the airport and it was inexpensive and as convenient as a private car. Second surprise: going through the ancient walls on your way into the city.
Posted by
cochranville, pa, usa
322 posts
We used this transfer service and were very satisfied. http://www.turkeytravelplanner.com/go/Istanbul/Transport/bakpak_xfr.html They met us at the airport with our name on a sign and quickly transferred us right to our hotel for 20EU. Couldn't have been easier after a long flight. We received a prompt email confirmation.
If you haven't checked out the http://www.turkeytravelplanner.com/index.html you'll find it very informative. Have a great time in wonderful Istanbul!