Taxi card

To take a taxi to Nişantaşı (Nisantasi), show the driver the destination written in Turkish: “Nişantaşı, Teşvikiye Camii” (Teşvikiye Mosque) takes you to the centre of the neighbourhood. Below are the common destinations and phrases, ready to show on your phone or print; best of all, show your hotel’s full address.

Many Istanbul taxi drivers speak little English, and street names are easy to mispronounce. Instead of explaining, show them the destination written in Turkish. Tap “Show to the driver” to fill your screen with the text, or print this page before you travel.

The best card of all is your hotel’s full address. Copy it from your booking confirmation into your phone’s notes, and add the name of a landmark nearby, for example “Teşvikiye Camii yakını” (near Teşvikiye Mosque).

Going to Nişantaşı

• Nişantaşı, Teşvikiye Camii

  Nişantaşı, Teşvikiye Mosque: the centre of the neighbourhood

• Nişantaşı, Abdi İpekçi Caddesi

  Abdi İpekçi Street, the luxury shopping street

• Osmanbey Metro İstasyonu

  Osmanbey metro station (M2)

• Maçka Parkı

  Maçka Park

Airports

• İstanbul Havalimanı, Dış Hatlar Gidiş

  Istanbul Airport (IST), international departures

• Sabiha Gökçen Havalimanı, Dış Hatlar Gidiş

  Sabiha Gökçen Airport (SAW), international departures

For the trip from the airport into town, a driver waiting with your name is often easier than the taxi queue; see from the airport to Nişantaşı.

Sights and districts

• Sultanahmet Meydanı, Ayasofya

  Sultanahmet Square, Hagia Sophia

• Kapalıçarşı, Beyazıt Kapısı

  Grand Bazaar, Beyazıt Gate

• Topkapı Sarayı

  Topkapı Palace

• Dolmabahçe Sarayı

  Dolmabahçe Palace

• Beşiktaş İskelesi

  Beşiktaş ferry pier

• Kabataş İskelesi

  Kabataş ferry pier

• Taksim Meydanı

  Taksim Square

• Galata Kulesi

  Galata Tower

In the taxi

• Bu adrese gitmek istiyorum.

  I would like to go to this address.

• Taksimetreyi açar mısınız, lütfen?

  Could you turn on the meter, please?

• Kartla ödeyebilir miyim?

  Can I pay by card?

• Burada durabilir misiniz?

  Can you stop here, please?

• Fiş alabilir miyim?

  Can I have a receipt?

• Bagajı açar mısınız, lütfen?

  Could you open the boot, please?

If you need help

• En yakın hastaneye gitmem gerekiyor.

  I need to go to the nearest hospital.

• En yakın nöbetçi eczane nerede?

  Where is the nearest duty pharmacy (open at night)?

• Lütfen 112’yi arayın.

  Please call 112 (emergency number).

• Kayboldum, bu otele gitmek istiyorum.

  I am lost; I want to go to this hotel.

Tips for taking taxis

• Make sure the meter (taksimetre) is running from the start. If a driver offers a fixed price instead, it is usually higher than the meter.
• Istanbul has standard yellow taxis and slightly more expensive turquoise and black ones. All of them should run the meter.
• Taxi apps that call licensed taxis show the route and an estimate before you set off, which avoids most misunderstandings. Many visitors find this the easiest option.
• Have small notes ready. Not every taxi takes cards, and drivers often have little change.
• Bridge and tunnel tolls are added to the fare. Ask for a receipt (fiş) if you need one.
• For trips around Nişantaşı, Taksim and the old city, the M2 metro is often faster than a taxi in rush hour. See our practical tips.

Frequently asked questions