Is There Uber in Istanbul? How to Get Around + Scams to Avoid
Is there Uber in Istanbul? The answer is yes.
But wait!
That’s not all you need to know about using Uber in Istanbul.
After spending three days exploring this vibrant city, I picked up quite a few tips and facts about Uber and other means of getting around.
Istanbul is a sprawling, bustling metropolis, and knowing your transportation options is key to making the most of your trip.
From public transportation to Uber, this guide breaks down the good, the bad, and the ugly about navigating this city.
I’ll cover whether you can rely on Uber in Istanbul, share practical tips for using taxis and public transport, and even point out the all-frequent scams that come along with big cities.
By the end of this post, you’ll feel confident about getting around Istanbul safely, efficiently, and with ease.
Let’s make your trip stress-free.
Quick Guide to Uber in Istanbul
If you’re looking for a quick answer about using Uber in Istanbul, here it is: we recommend avoiding it.
During our trip, we heard plenty of bad stories from other travelers and locals, including our tour guides. They made us steer clear entirely.
Instead of risking it with Uber, you can use Istanbul’s efficient public transportation, but it’s way overcrowded, and you’ll likely not find a seat.
What we did was arrange private transfers for trips like getting from the airport to the city center and used welcome pickups for any destination too far to walk.
If you want the easiest and scam-free way to get around, these two options are your best bet.
What You Need to Know About Uber in Istanbul
If you’re wondering whether Uber is available in Istanbul, the answer is yes—but there are a few important details you should know before you start booking rides.
The rules of Uber here are a bit different from what you might be used to, so understanding how it works can save you time, money, and stress.
Let’s break it down!
How Uber Works in Istanbul
Ubers in Istanbul operate a bit differently than you might be used to.
In Istanbul, when you use Uber, you are basically ordering a local taxi to your location. You can hail it through the app, which is helpful because you can get a cost estimate prior, but the quoted fare must be entered into the meter at the end of your Uber trip.
The problem is the driver usually doesn’t enter it correctly. So pay attention!
Uber service is available in:
- Istanbul
- Izmir
- Ankara
Pro Tip: You’ll need cellular data in Turkey to hail an Uber. I highly recommend using Airalo—it’s an easy-to-use eSIM app that offers super affordable data while you’re traveling in Turkey.
Is Uber Safe In Istanbul?
Ultimately, Yes, Uber is safe.
Most drivers are completely legitimate, and you’re unlikely to encounter any major issues or risk to your physical safety.
That said, there’s a high chance of encountering scams, and they are poorly managed! (We’ll cover what these scams are and how to avoid them further down the post.)
Is Uber Reliable in Istanbul?
Honestly? Not really.
While Uber is technically safe, it doesn’t have the best reputation in Istanbul.
The service relies on taxis, which are notorious for scams—so much so that even the locals warn tourists against using it.
For example, our private tour guide strongly recommended against using Uber. He told us it’s better to hire a private driver if we needed to go somewhere we couldn’t walk.
We took the warning to heart and chose not to use Uber while we spent three days in Istanbul. Instead, we booked private transfers, which worked out fantastic. Our drivers were so kind, spoke great English, and answered a lot of our questions.
Sure, you might luck out and get a decent Uber (Taxi) driver, but the odds aren’t exactly in your favor.
If you do decide to use Uber, make sure to read below for common scams to watch out for and what to do if you encounter one so you don’t end up paying more than you should.
How Do I Pay For Uber in Istanbul?
Paying for Uber in Istanbul isn’t exactly easy, peasy lemon squeezy.
You see, the fare quoted on the app isn’t automatically charged to your account.
Instead, the driver has to manually enter the amount into their meter at the end of the ride.
You can pay with cash, credit card, Apple Pay, or even Uber gift cards. But ALWAYS double-check that the amount matches what was quoted in the app before settling up.
When it comes to tipping, it’s not customary to tip taxi or Uber drivers in Turkey, but rounding up to the nearest lira is appreciated.
If you’re unsure about tipping etiquette, check out my guide to tipping in Turkey for all the details.
Frequent Uber and Taxi Scams in Istanbul
Alright, here’s the deal with Uber in Istanbul: I’m not saying you’ll encounter these if you use it, but you’ve gotta be smart about it. Scams are pretty common!
Here are the common scams our local tour guides warned us about:
🚨 Scam 1 – The Accept Then Cancel Scam
Your Uber driver will accept your ride, then call or text you and tell you that the price quoted on the app is wrong, and they will tell you it costs 4 times more. If you don’t agree to their price, they will cancel your Uber.
Tip to avoid this scam: There really is no way to avoid this scam unless the Uber taxi driver doesn’t pull this till you get in the taxi. It’s always a good idea not to get in or close the door till you both agree on the price and the destination.
🚨 Scam 2 – The Meter Scam
When it comes time for the Uber driver to manually enter the fare into the meter at the end of your taxi ride, they will enter a much higher price.
Tip to avoid this scam: If you recognize that you are being scammed, don’t play nice. Often, if you are assertive and don’t back down, they will fix it. If not, make sure you take a picture of the meter in the Taxi and contact Uber. They are good at remembering the difference. Also, be sure the meter is at Zero when the driver arrives.
🚨 Scam 3 – The Night Rate Scam
Istanbul’s taxi drivers charge more during the nighttime and will try to charge the nighttime rates during the day.
Tip to avoid this scam: Compare the price quoted to the Uber app and show it to the taxi driver. Don’t get in if he won’t agree.
🚨 Scam 4 – The Fixed Rate Scam
Taxi drivers will quote a fixed price for the trip instead of using the meter. You can just about guarantee the “fixed rate” is a lot higher than what the meter would be.
Tip to avoid this scam: Make the driver use the meter and don’t get in till he does so. And make sure the meter is at zero.
🚨 Scam 5 – The Broken Meter Scam
Drivers will commonly claim the meter is broken. By law, all taxi drivers in Istanbul must drive with a working meter. So don’t fall for this one.
Tip to avoid this scam: Get out and find a taxi that has a working meter.
🚨 Scam 6 – The No Change Scam
Taxi drivers will tell you they don’t have change when you try to pay in cash.
Tip to avoid this scam: Hire your taxi through the Uber app or other ride-hailing apps where you can pay with a card (while being aware of their scams) or have the exact amount of cash.
Alternatives to Uber in Istanbul
If Uber doesn’t feel like the right transportation choice for your trip to Istanbul, don’t worry—there are plenty of other reliable ways to get around the city. From public transportation to private transfers, you’ll have no trouble getting around.
Public Transportation System in Istanbul
The cheapest alternative is using Istanbul’s public transportation system.
It’s also one of the most efficient ways to navigate this sprawling city.
Public transport options include buses, trams, metro lines, and ferries, making it easy to get almost anywhere.
The city’s transportation network is well-connected and very affordable, so you can explore iconic landmarks like the Blue Mosque and Grand Bazaar easily and cheaply.
That said, Istanbul is a bustling, overpopulated city, and public transport is usually packed to the hilt, especially during peak hours. While the system works well, you likely won’t find a seat, so be prepared to stand.
Pro Tip: To make things even easier, grab an Istanbul card, or Istanbulkart as it’s called. It’s the city’s rechargeable travel card that works across all public transport options, including hopping on a ferry to the Asian side or taking the tram through Sultanahmet.
Cost of Public Transportation in Istanbul
Depending on which option you use to get around, each ride will cost you anywhere from 20 to 45 TL ($0.60 to $1.30). The metro is hands down the quickest, easiest, and most affordable option!
Join a Guided Tour or Book a Private Guide
If getting around Istanbul feels a bit overwhelming, joining a guided group tour or booking a private tour is a great option.
It’s completely stress-free, and many tours include hotel pickups, so you don’t have to worry about figuring out transportation.
Local guides know the city inside and out, and they’re pros at navigating public transportation. They can even help you get a feel for the system, which makes exploring on your own later so much easier.
Hire Private Transfers
If you’re looking for the easiest and stress-free alternative to Uber in Istanbul, hiring a private transfer service is the way to go.
During our trip, we used Welcome Pickups, and they were fantastic.
The drivers were always on time, super friendly, and spoke excellent English, which made everything so much easier. They even gave us their personal cell numbers to call or text if we had any questions during our visit—they were genuinely happy to help.
A large Mercedes van with leather seats picked us up and it was spotless and smelled like new.
We used Welcome Pickups several times throughout our 10-day Turkey trip, and it was worth every penny for the peace of mind and convenience. Highly recommend them!
Is Istanbul Walkable?
Yes! The best way to get around Istanbul is on foot.
The city is quite walkable, especially in the areas where all the main tourist attractions are.
My husband and I love to walk because we can really see more of the city this way. The districts of Sultanahmet, Besiktas, and Eminou are the three main areas where tourist attractions are. And they are all pretty easy to walk from one point to the other.
However, Istanbul is a massive city, and some areas are pretty hilly. Be sure you add a comfortable pair of walking shoes to your packing list.
But, you’ll also want an Istanbulkart handy to easily hop on public transport for those harder-to-reach places.
Where to Stay in Istanbul For First Timers
If it’s your first time in Istanbul, I’d definitely recommend staying in the Sultanahmet neighborhood. It’s where all the main attractions are, like the Blue Mosque, Hagia Sophia, and Topkapi Palace, and you can walk to everything.
Top 3 Hotel Picks in Istanbul for Every Budget:
📍Valide Sultan Konagi (The Hotel in Photos Above)
This budget-friendly hotel is a true gem. The traditional Turkish breakfast is so freaking good, and the views of the Bosphorus Strait from the terrace are stunning. It’s in a quiet location but still within walking distance of all the main sites.
P.S. My husband and I stayed at the Valide Sultan Konagi during our trip to Istanbul, and we loved it. Highly recommend!
📍Hagia Sofia Mansions Istanbul, Curio Collection by Hilton
This midrange hotel has an unbeatable location just steps from the famous Hagia Sophia mosque. Plus, their spa is absolutely gorgeous! It’s the ideal place to relax after a long day of exploring the city.
📍Four Seasons Hotel Istanbul at Sultanahmet
For a true luxury experience, this hotel is hard to beat. The rooftop terrace offers stunning views of the Blue Mosque and Hagia Sophia, making it one of the most memorable places to stay in the city.
That’s a Wrap
Navigating a city as large and busy as Istanbul can feel quite overwhelming at first, but with the right information, it’s totally doable.
While Uber in Istanbul is an option, I highly recommend skipping it—and taxis too.
Don’t be afraid to use public transport, or better yet, splurge a little on private transfers. Honestly, it’s the best way to travel stress-free and enjoy peace of mind!
I hope this guide helps you feel more confident about navigating Istanbul and avoiding any bumps along the way.
Enjoy your trip, stay safe, and have the best time exploring this incredible city!
Catch ya later!