I'm wondering what a reasonable price for a private transfer from/to the Istanbul airport to the Karaköy district is as of late. Our hotel is quoting us 100 Euro each way to transfer 2 of us, and I'm wondering if this is typical. Does anyone have any recent experiences with private transfers?
I see some other private transfer options on sites like Viator, but don't have experience with these sites and so it's hard for me to tell what the reliable companies would be. It's our first time in Istanbul so we'd prefer the least stressful way out of the airport once we arrive.
Posted by
Citizen of the World
2723 posts
I would say your hotel is gouging you. A private transfer for two to Karakoy should not run more than €50 each way. An official taxi— which involves no delays with you or the driver trying to find each other as a private transfer often can—should be about €25.
www.istanbul-international-airport.com has the official fares.
Posted by
near San Francisco
5731 posts
In August, 2024, I paid $110 for a round trip private transfer.
Posted by
Salem, Oregon, USA
3117 posts
I used Welcome Pickups and they quoted about 41 euro each way for 2 people for random dates I picked in May. I used them for a transfer from the airport to Sultanahmet area and had a good experience. If you search the forum there are other opinions on the company, but I think that is on par with any transfer service (sometimes, things go wrong).
Posted by
Lubbock, TX
426 posts
Last summer I used this website to book a transfer to the Istanbul airport. They communicated well and quickly and the pickup and trip was easy. I think it was 35 Euros.
Posted by
RIchmond, BC,Canada
991 posts
I would second Welcome Pickups, Great service, good price, good driver.
Posted by
Pleasant Hill, Ca
282 posts
Just booked one through Tranigo yesterday. Booked while in the Athens airport for the flight. 45€ cash or credit. I used cash as airport Wi-Fi not secure. Flight was delayed and they were very good about adjusting. You need a WhatsApp for communication (like the delay) but very easy.
Used the link from reply above.
Posted by
2 posts
Hello,
I'm a Turk.
Actually, you don't need a private airport transfer. Public transportation in the city can take you almost anywhere, and I'm sure it's even faster than a private transfer. They’ve asked for 100 Euros more, which is too much. Instead, you can simply get off the plane and use public transportation.
If you let me know whether your flight will land at Sabiha Gökçen Airport or Istanbul Airport, and where your hotel is located, I can give you advice on how to get there.
Posted by
327 posts
We've been recommended to use Istanbul Airport Taxis by many posts on Trip Advisor and also on Facebook Istanbul pages.
They are quoting 80 Euro round trip from IST to Karakoy. Our hotel's quote was also much higher, but that is generally the case with hotels.
Posted by
Republic of Texas / U.S.A. / Magyarország / Budapest
22215 posts
The transfer from the airport into town, no matter if its a taxi or a private transfer is not the most enjoyable of experiences.
Posted by
8 posts
I am a believer in public transportation especially arriving during daylight hours. I am arriving at the Istanbul airport around noon on a Sunday. Rick's arrival for my tour info did not include the public train but his guidebook mentions it? I'd love some input. My idea is to take the M11 train to the end at Gayrettepe, then transfer onto the M2 headed to Yenikapi and get off at Sishane. A few blocks walk to Galata Hotel from there. Has anyone done this?
Posted by
Salem, Oregon, USA
3117 posts
earlene_boyle it might be better to start a new thread on the metro topic as the title of this post is about private transfer. Here's a prior conversation on the topic of the metro: https://community.ricksteves.com/travel-forum/turkey/ist-metro-transit-what-am-i-missing
FWIW I am a believer in public transit also, but after a 18 hour travel day and a 10 hour time difference, I was happy to have chosen a private transfer to get me directly to my hotel. But you do you!
Posted by
8 posts
Thanks! I would feel that way too but I am coming from the Central Europe tour so already adjusted to time zone and only a 2 hour flight so I'm up for the adventure.