Key points
- Public transport is often fastest in the centre
- Taxis suit short single trips
- A car is best for day trips, families and the airport
- Renting only for the days you need is efficient
The short answer
It depends on how you'll spend your day. Between Beyoğlu, the Old City and Beşiktaş, walking plus the metro, funicular, tram and ferries is usually the fastest and least stressful option. Taxis work well for single short trips. A rental car is the best choice for long days with several stops, trips out of the city, families with children and luggage, and the drive to the airport. For many visitors the ideal is to rent only for those days.
Comparing the three
| Rental car | Taxi | Public transport | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Getting around the centre | Parking is a hassle | Convenient | Often fastest |
| Day trips out of the city | Most flexible | Impractical over distance | Limited and slow |
| Long day, many stops | Flexible | Find a new taxi each time | Several changes |
| Families and luggage | Comfortable | Depends on the car | Hard work |
| Affected by traffic | Yes | Yes | Rail and ferries are not |
| Extra costs | Fuel, parking, tolls | Fare per trip | Low |
When public transport wins
Taksim is well connected:
- The M2 metro runs north to Şişli, Levent and Maslak, and south across the Golden Horn to Yenikapı.
- The Taksim–Kabataş funicular takes you down to the Bosphorus in a few minutes; from Kabataş the tram continues to the Old City.
- The heritage tram runs along İstiklal Avenue.
- Ferries from Kabataş and Karaköy cross to the Asian side.
Parking in the Old City is hard and most sights there are visited on foot, so public transport usually makes most sense for Sultanahmet, the Grand Bazaar and Galata.
When a taxi makes sense
Taxis are handy for short trips with poor public transport links, late at night or for a single journey. Fares are metered, so make sure the meter is running when you set off. With many stops in a day, finding a new taxi each time adds up in time and cost.
When a rental car comes into its own
Out of the city
The Belgrade Forest, Kilyos, Şile or Polonezköy take a long time to reach by public transport, but are easy day trips by car. See day trips from Taksim by car.
Days with many stops
Exploring several Bosphorus neighbourhoods or holding meetings in Maslak, Levent and on the Asian side on the same day is much more flexible by car. Our Bosphorus drive is a good example.
Families and luggage
With children, a pushchair or lots of suitcases, your own car is far more comfortable. Larger families may want an SUV or a minivan.
The airport run
Spending your last day by car and dropping it off at the airport saves hauling luggage onto public transport. A different return point can be selected in the booking form; availability and any fee are shown while booking. See Taksim to Istanbul Airport by car.
Count the hidden costs
When comparing, include fuel, parking and bridge and motorway tolls as well as the rental itself. Our budget car rental tips for Taksim explain how to keep these down.
The mixed approach
For visitors staying a few days in Taksim, the most efficient plan is usually to explore the centre on foot and by public transport, and rent a car in Taksim for a day for trips out of the city or busy days. That way you don't pay for parking on days you don't drive.
Frequently asked questions
Is it worth renting a car in Istanbul?
If you are staying in the centre, usually not for every day. For day trips, families, business days with many stops and airport runs, a rental car is a good choice.
Should I drive from Taksim to the Old City?
Usually not. Parking is limited and most sights are visited on foot. The Taksim–Kabataş funicular plus the tram is more practical.
How many days should I rent for?
Renting only for days out of the city or days with many stops is usually most efficient. For regular use over most of a week, see weekly car rental.