Massive price hike: Here are Istanbul taxi fees for 2025
File photo shows an Istanbul taxi with its illuminated 'Taksi' sign. (AA Photo)
Istanbul taxi fares have increased after the Istanbul Metropolitan Municipality approved a significant 40% hike.
During Wednesday’s meeting of the Istanbul Metropolitan Municipality’s Transportation Coordination Directorate (UKOME), a proposed 35% fare increase—endorsed by the Ministry of Transport and Infrastructure—was approved.
According to the decision, the new tariffs are set to take effect on Jan. 20. However, taxi fares were increased by 40%.
As a result, the standard bus ticket price will be adjusted to ₺27 ($0.76), the Metrobus standard ticket to ₺40.07, and the Marmaray standard ticket to ₺59.76.
How are Istanbul’s taxi fares determined?
On Jan. 6, the Istanbul Metropolitan Municipality proposed a 46.09% fare hike for public transportation, including taxis and school and staff shuttle services, during a meeting on fare adjustments. However, the proposal was rejected by a majority vote, notably by representatives from the Ministry of Transport and Infrastructure.
In Istanbul, transportation fares are decided by UKOME, the governing body tasked with regulating public transportation policies and pricing.
Fare adjustment proposals take into account factors such as inflation, fuel prices, operational costs, and broader economic conditions. These proposals are debated during UKOME meetings, where representatives from various institutions cast votes. A majority vote is required for a proposal to be implemented.
UKOME consists of representatives from key stakeholders, including the Istanbul Metropolitan Municipality, the Turkish Ministry of Transport and Infrastructure and other relevant institutions. Proposals undergo detailed discussions and voting before a decision is finalized.
Istanbul taxi fares for 2025
The fare increases also affect taxi rates, making the updated taxi meter tariffs a subject of public interest. While public transportation fares were raised by 35%, taxi fares have been increased even more significantly—by 40%.
Under the new tariff, taxi meter fees have been adjusted as follows:
- Taxi meter opening fare: ₺42
- Short-distance taxi fare: ₺135
Following these changes, taxi drivers will update their taximeters as per new rates.
