Transportation from airport ot hotel in Istanbul
 

I need to attend a conference in Istanbul next week. One hears of horror stories about honesty of taxi-cab drivers in Istanbul. How does one negotiate transport from IST ( Atartuk Airport ) to the Hilton Bosphorus. Would appreciate to hear some experiences and advice!

Two weeks ago I used Efendi Travel.

I found them recommended on turkeytravelplanner.com which is a useful website.

They were waiting for me at the airport, drove me in a clean and comfortable vehicle pointing out sights along the way. 25 euros to Sultanahamet. I believe it's a bit more to the other side of the Golden Horn. No problems with them at all, and as a solo female traveller I was happy with the service and would recommend them.

http://www.turkeytravelplanner.com/g...akpak_xfr.html

The horror stories that "one" hears usually apply to tourists who grab cabs at the touristic spots of Sultanahmet and not from the rack of cabs waiting to pick up passengers at airport exits.

1. Always prefer cabs from taxi ranks at airport, hotels and other places.
2. Take number of cab (on cell phone or pad)
3. Make doubly sure of denomination of bill you pay with.

These are measures you should take in New York, Italy, Spain and possibly other countries or cities also.


However, in all my 50 adult years I have seen or heard of fewer taxi scams in Istanbul than at any of the above mentioned locations.

There is no negotiation with cab drivers. They turn on the meter, you pay what the meter says with a little tip, usually rounding it up to the next multiple of 5.

Prefer the coastal route to your hotel as that is the most scenic and has better possibility of less traffic, but be prepared for rush hour misery 8-10AM and 4-9PM.

You can also arrange for a private transfer. This will usually cost twice the cab fare unless in rush hour, because cab meters continue to run in blocked traffic also whereas the private transfer price is fixed.

There are quite a few private transfer and shuttle companies advertised on the web. But do not ask your hotel for one as they would add a hefty commission for themselves.

Apologies for not thanking you earlier. Taxis were OK. about 26 Euros to the Hilton despite stopping after a small accident!

I see that your question is already answered, but for future travellers I would like to add: Always negotiate on price BEFORE you get in the taxi.

Plus one of my Turkish friends advised me to check if the taxi belongs to a certain taxi stand. You can check this by seeing if they have any names written on their side doors.

They are more concerned on the reputation of their stands so they handle their customers fair, I was explained.

I hope this helps!

nettering, if you find a taxi which will negotiate, it means it will not turn on the meter and is prepared to cheat you.

whatever gave you the idea that you should negotiate in a city where cabs MUST turn on their meters?