All you need to know about Istanbul sea taxis

Nestled between two continents, where the golden hues of history blend with the pulse of modern life, Istanbul’s waterways have long been the lifeblood of this vibrant metropolis.

Today, as the city navigates the challenges of 21st-century urban life, a new chapter in its maritime legacy is emerging: the Istanbul sea taxi. These sleek, agile vessels redefine urban mobility, offering commuters and travelers a swift, scenic escape from the city’s infamous traffic jams.

If this is your first time hearing about Istanbul’s sea taxis, then this comprehensive guide will help you better understand them.

What do the Istanbul sea taxis offer?

The sea taxis operate 24/7, serving more than 20 destinations around Istanbul’s shores, primarily facilitating quick travel between the European and Asian sides of the city without the delays of road traffic.

They are designed with accessibility in mind, making it easier for wheelchair passengers and passengers who are in pushchairs.

A typical trip across the Bosphorus takes 15 to 30 minutes, depending on the exact start and end points along the strait. This is much faster compared to public ferries, which usually take up to 40 minutes for a one-way trip.

Sea taxis operate on demand and can navigate more quickly than ferries because they are smaller and less restricted by fixed routes and schedules. This makes them an efficient option for crossing the Bosphorus, especially for commuters or travelers seeking to avoid road traffic congestion.

So, how does one book a sea taxi?

How to book and pay for a sea taxi?

The sea taxis in Istanbul are operated by the Istanbul Metropolitan Municipality (IMM) and can only be used within Istanbul’s designated piers and berthing points. Passengers will have to make a booking in advance for their rides via the official IMM sea taxi mobile application.

Cash or on-the-spot boarding without making a booking is not accepted. Bookings can be made 5 days in advance.

The cost to ride an Istanbul sea taxi is based on a distance-based fare schedule with a fixed opening fare plus additional charges per mile traveled. According to the official Istanbul Metropolitan Municipality (IMM) Sea Taxi fare structure:

• The opening fare is ₺420, which includes the first mile (1.6 kilometers).
• For distances between 1 and 4 miles (including 4 miles), the fare is ₺310 per mile
• For distances between 4 and 8 miles (including 8 miles), the fare is 250 per mile.
• For distances beyond 8 miles, the fare is ₺200 per mile.

As an example, a short trip just over 1 mile would cost ₺420 opening fare plus ₺310 for the additional mile, totaling approximately ₺730. Longer trips are charged according to the decreasing per-mile rates after the initial miles.

These prices are set by the IMM Transportation Coordination Center (UKOME) and strictly apply within the designated sea taxi areas of Istanbul.

Despite the convenience and speed the sea taxis bring, they are not as popular as the public ferries that run frequently and are much cheaper.

They are seen by most as more of a premium or luxury transport compared to ferries and other public transport.

In summary, Istanbul’s sea taxis provide a modern, app-based, on-demand water taxi service that emphasizes speed, safety, and convenience.

They operate around the clock with a fixed passenger capacity and a distance-based fare system.

Although they compete with regular ferry services, which are often more frequent and cheaper, sea taxis offer a faster and more personalized travel option across Istanbul’s waterways.