Taxis in Turkey
Fares last verified: June 2026How taxis actually work — and the İzmir Airport specifics
How taxis actually work in Turkey, the scams first-timers run into, and the specific situation at İzmir Airport (ADB).
1. How taxis work across Turkey
The meter (taksimetre) is the law
All licensed taxis are metered and legally must run the meter. Airport and intercity trips add legitimate motorway tolls on top. If a driver refuses the meter and quotes a flat price, that’s your cue to decline.
Cash vs card
Many taxis take cards now, but not all — carry some lira as backup. Round-number “no change” claims are a common way to keep your change; ask before the trip if they can take a card.
Common scam patterns
- “Meter’s broken” → get another taxi; a broken meter is not your problem.
- The long way round → follow the route on your phone map.
- Note-switching → say the amount out loud and keep your own notes visible.
- Unofficial “taxi?” touts inside arrivals → ignore; use the official rank only.
Uber in İzmir books a taxi, not a private car
Uber does work in İzmir (including at ADB), but it dispatches a licensed yellow taxi on the normal meter — no surge pricing — so it’s the same ride as the official rank, just booked through an app. BiTaksi is the main local alternative. See “Is there Uber in İzmir?”.
2. Taxis at İzmir Airport (ADB)
Where the official rank is
Exit the International Arrivals hall and follow the “Taksi” signs to the marked rank directly outside — a line of official taxis with a marshal. Ignore anyone approaching you inside the terminal offering a ride.
Typical fares from ADB — verified June 2026
Metered figures including the motorway toll where relevant — treat as typical, not fixed. A higher night tariff can apply in the small hours.