Private driver, taxi or group tour in Istanbul?
There are several ways to get around Istanbul and to take day trips from the city. Each one suits a different kind of traveller. Here is an honest comparison.
Side by side
The table compares the four options most visitors consider.
| Option | How you pay | Door to door | Your own schedule | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Private car with driver | One fixed price per vehicle | Yes | Yes | Families, groups, luggage, day trips |
| Taxi | Meter, changes with traffic | Yes | Short trips only | One or two people, short rides |
| Airport bus or metro | Per person, cheapest | No | No | Travelling light and alone |
| Group tour bus | Per person | Pickup points | No, fixed plan | Solo travellers on a budget |
Private car with driver
You know the full price before you travel, the car is only for your group, and the driver waits while you visit. For three people or more it often costs about the same per person as the alternatives, without changes or queues. It is the best choice for day trips such as Sapanca, Bursa or Riva, where you want to stop where you like.
Taxi
Taxis are everywhere in Istanbul and are fine for short rides in the city. For long distances the price depends on traffic and route, and a family of five or six with suitcases usually needs two cars.
Airport bus and metro
The cheapest option, and a good one if you travel light. They stop at central squares and stations, so you finish the trip on foot or by taxi, which is hard with children and heavy bags.
Group tour
Group tours to places such as Sapanca are cheaper per person. In exchange you follow a fixed plan, wait for other passengers and spend part of the day collecting people from other hotels.
Our advice
Alone with a backpack: bus, metro or taxi. Two people with luggage, a family or a group, or anyone who wants a relaxed day trip: a private car with driver. With Istanbul VIP a Mercedes Vito for up to 6 passengers costs €50 from Istanbul Airport and €175 for a full day in Sapanca.
Is a private driver in Istanbul worth it?
For families, groups and day trips, usually yes: one fixed price for the whole car, no changes and the driver waits for you.
Is a taxi cheaper than a private transfer from the airport?
For one person, often. For a family with luggage, a private Vito at €50 for up to 6 people is usually similar or cheaper, and you may need two taxis.
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73 Google reviews
Osmanli Travel on Google Maps, our licensed partner agency
- SycoGoogle review · Oct 20265 out of 5 stars
Very quick and professional service. Super friendly and efficient in communication, highly recommend.
- ReemaGoogle review · Oct 20265 out of 5 stars
شكرا للاخ عبدالله جدا متعاون وخدمتهم سريعه جربت توصيل عندهم وعند غيرهم افضل سيارات وسعر الله يبارك لهم
- MeryamGoogle review · Nov 20265 out of 5 stars
Une excellente journée Une très belle expérience bien animée avec le meilleur guide Mr. Karim . Merci pour tous.
- Adel A.Google review · Nov 20265 out of 5 stars
طلعنا جوله ممتعه الى صبنجه ومعشوقيه ترتيب والتزام بالوقت سياره مريحه والمرشدمحمدتعامله راقي
- Francesco C.Google review · Oct 20265 out of 5 stars
Ho trascorso una bellissima giornata con mia moglie grazie al tour di kerim. Abbiamo fatto il giro con il quad , giro sulla funivia e anche la zipline , giro all'acquario e lo zoo dei felini. Ci ha portati a fare una bellissima esperienza che consiglio a tutti! Grazie davvero di cuore Kerim
- Mohammed A.Google review · Oct 20265 out of 5 stars
من افضل الشركات السياحيه بتركيا ، اتعامل مع عبدالله من ٢٠١٧ الى اليوم تعامله راقي وموظفينه راقيين واسعاره بالمنتناول وارخص من كثييييير شركات ، شهاده ويسألني الله عنها . شكرا عبدالله وشكراً لموظفينك ولحسن استقبالك
- Sonia F.Google review · Oct 20265 out of 5 stars
Abbiamo trascorso una piacevole giornata facendo tante attività diverse . La più bella in assoluto la funivia! Con un bellissimo panorama della città dopo il tramonto . Ma soprattutto kerim è stato eccezionale ! Visto il nostro inglese un po' scarso,lui pazientemente ha tradotto sul suo telefono ogni spiegazione in italiano per noi e ci ha aiutati in ogni attività ! Anche se abbiamo pranzato un po' tardi , la carne era buonissima ( pranzo incluso nel biglietto ) . Ogni altra attività è a pagamento . Ma ne vale la pena .
- Mohammed D.Google review · Nov 20265 out of 5 stars
من اروع التجارب ومن افضل الشركات السياحية وخاصتن اسعارهم ورحلاتهم ومرشدهم السياحي والله كل شي 10 علي 10 انصح الجميع فيهم
- Fawaz A.Google review · Oct 20265 out of 5 stars
خدمة جيدة جدا، شرح وفير ، كريم انسان رائع، صبور ، صاحب خدمة رائعة انبسطنا بمرافقته لنا ، يستحق أكثر من خمس نجوم
- Licensed agencyTÜRSAB licence 17384, partner of Osmanli Travel (est. 2016)
- Fixed price per vehicleFuel, bridge tolls and parking included
- Meet and greetName sign at arrivals, up to 30 min waiting
- Free cancellationUp to 12 hours before pickup. No deposit, pay the driver in cash