Is There Uber In Turkey? Yes. Well, Kind Of…

Is There Uber In Turkey? Yes.  Well, Kind Of.  Uber is available in Turkey, specifically in three major areas, making it a viable option for anyone visiting Turkey, including Istanbul. In these regions, Uber primarily serves as a platform for booking licensed taxis through the app.

If you are visiting Turkey, you will want to know how to get around quickly. You can definitely use public transport or taxis, but what about Uber?

In big cities (especially Istanbul), there are lots of public transport options.

What You Need To Know About Uber In Türkiye

Turkey Travel Blog_Is There Uber In Turkey

Uber operates in major cities like Istanbul, Izmir, and Ankara. Uber’s current taxi-based operation followed court decisions in late 2020/early 2021 that allowed access to the app again.

In Turkey, Uber primarily books licensed taxis (commonly yellow and, in some areas, higher-category taxis), and you may also see larger-capacity options depending on the city.

If you want to use Uber, or if you come across a situation where an Uber is the best option, the service is available in

1. Istanbul
2. Izmir
3. Ankara

Uber in Turkey Guide - Uber in Sultanahmet

Different Uber Types

In practice, Uber in Turkey most often connects you with standard yellow taxis. While the app may show higher-category or larger vehicle options in some cities, their availability is inconsistent, and pricing still follows local taxi rules.

When Uber Is Better Than Taking Public Transport

Getting around Istanbul - Taxi in Istanbul

During peak times, especially in city centers, finding a regular yellow taxi can be challenging.

Uber offers a convenient alternative with an upfront price estimate in the app, which can be helpful if you’re unfamiliar with the local language or transport system. Moreover, Uber’s presence in cities like Istanbul includes airport transfers, which are particularly useful forfirst-time arrivalsg at Istanbul airport.

There are certain times of day when hailing a cab on the street or finding a taxi office is literally impossible. For that reason, Uber is the next obvious choice if you want to avoid public transport.

Uber is safe to use, and as it runs the same way, i.e., via the app, if you have any problems, you contact Uber itself, and the issue will be resolved.

As for regular public transport, such as buses, it isn’t always available, e.g., at night. If you’re trying to get back to your hotel after a night out, you may struggle to find a bus, and even if you do, it may not be the safest option to use if it’s incredibly late and you’re on your own. In that case, an Uber is a much safer choice.

Brands We Use And Trust

How To Pay For Your Uber In Türkiye

Uber in Turkey - Paying in Turkish Lira

The payment method for Uber in Turkey is versatile. Users can pay with cash, credit cards, or digital wallets. It’s always a good idea to confirm the payment method before starting your taxi ride.

You pay for your Uber in Turkey exactly as you do everywhere else. You can pay by:

• Cash
• Credit or debit card
• You may see options like PayPal in the Uber app depending on your account and device, but Apple Pay isn’t supported in Turkey.

Note: If you decide to pay cash, make sure you pay the amount stated on the app. Taxi drivers can sometimes try to scam/trick you into paying more than the fare shown.

Alternatives To Uber In Türkiye

While Uber is widely recognized internationally, in Turkey, especially in bustling cities like Istanbul, locals often prefer using homegrown apps like BiTaksi and iTaksi. These apps offer similar ride-hailing services but have a few notable differences that might make them more appealing to those familiar with the local landscape.

BiTaksi

Popularity and Usage: BiTaksi is one of the most popular taxi apps in Turkey, especially in Istanbul and Ankara. Locals widely use it due to its user-friendly interface and reliability.

Vehicle Options: Like Uber, BiTaksi offers a range of vehicle types, from standard yellow taxis to more spacious options. This flexibility makes it a versatile choice whether you’re traveling solo or with a group.

Payment Methods: One of BiTaksi’s key features is its flexible payment options. You can choose to pay via the app using a credit/debit card, or opt for cash payment directly to the driver. This is particularly convenient if you prefer to avoid digital transactions or if your card isn’t accepted for some reason.

Cost Efficiency: Generally, BiTaksi fares are slightly cheaper than Uber, making it a preferred option for budget-conscious travelers. You’ll usually see a fare estimate in the app before the ride starts.

Language and Accessibility: BiTaksi’s app is available in English, making it accessible to non-Turkish speakers. This is a significant advantage for tourists who may not be fluent in Turkish.

iTaksi

Government Backed: iTaksi is an app developed by the Istanbul Metropolitan Municipality, which adds a layer of trust and reliability for users. It’s particularly popular among locals who prefer using services backed by the local government.

Unique Payment Feature: A standout feature of iTaksi is its integration with the Istanbul Kart, a prepaid card widely used for public transportation in Istanbul. This means you can use your Istanbul Kart to pay for taxi rides, simplifying payments if you’re already using the card for other forms of transport.

Availability: While iTaksi is primarily focused on Istanbul, its reach is expanding, making it a solid alternative to BiTaksi and Uber, especially in areas where these services may not be as readily available.

Pricing and Convenience: Like BiTaksi, iTaksi offers upfront pricing, so you know the fare before your ride begins. However, one thing to note is that iTaksi fares can sometimes be slightly higher than BiTaksi, depending on the time of day and traffic conditions.

Comparative Overview

Availability: Uber is available in major cities like Istanbul, Izmir, and Ankara, but in smaller towns yo,u might struggle to find one. In contrast, BiTaksi and iTaksi are more ingrained in the local transport system, especially in Istanbul.

Pricing: Uber is generally more expensive than both BiTaksi and iTaksi, particularly during peak hours or in high-demand areas. Both local apps offer a more predictable and often cheaper alternative.

Safety and Security: All three apps offer a level of security and transparency, but locals might trust BiTaksi and iTaksi more due to their long-standing presence and local roots.

Ease of Use for Tourists: While Uber might be more familiar to international travelers, BiTaksi and iTaksi offer equally intuitive interfaces and additional payment options that cater well to both locals and tourists.

BiTaksi And iTaksi Apps

You can find both BiTaksi and iTaksi apps on Google Play and the App Store for free download. 

Uber in Turkey

Additional Insights On Uber In Türkiye

The introduction of Uber and similar ride-hailing services has sparked debate over unfair competition between Istanbul’s taxi drivers and traditional taxi services.

Regular yellow taxi drivers, particularly those operating around popular destinations such as Istanbul airport, have expressed concerns about unfair advantages and regulatory issues.

Uber Turkey, catering to different needs, offers a more luxurious ride in certain vehicle types, making it a better service option during peak hours. Despite these discussions, Uber’s fastest-growing market remains a convenient transportation option for locals and tourists alike.

Final Word 

Whether you’re considering a quick trip within the city center or need an airport transfer, Uber in Turkey offers a range of options. From standard yellow taxis to larger vehicles, the service caters to different groups and preferences, making it a viable choice for first-time visitors and regular Uber users alike.