Istanbul can occasionally be difficult to travel through. However, the Istanbul Municipality has taken a step towards practicality by introducing a sea taxi service that uses the city’s famous waterways.
Convenience at Your Fingertips
With the municipality’s own smartphone app, İBB Deniz Taksi, residents and visitors can easily book a sea taxi. This around-the-clock service ensures that you never have to cancel plans, whether it’s a late-night gathering or an early-morning meeting.
Efficiency and Comfort
The water taxis not only offer a unique mode of transportation but also prioritize comfort and speed. They are an excellent choice for those who want to avoid traffic and reach their destination quickly. Travelers can even plan their trips in advance to guarantee prompt service.
Sharing the Ride
One great advantage is the option to split the fare with up to nine other people. Depending on preferences, users can choose between solo or shared trips.
Fares
The pricing for sea taxis is determined based on distance.
- The starting fare of ₺210 includes the first mile.
- For distances between 1 and 4 sea miles, it costs ₺155 per mile.
- From 4 to 8 sea miles, each additional mile costs ₺125.
- Distances above 8 sea miles are charged at a rate of ₺100 per mile.
For those choosing the option of shared journeys, there is a guarantor feature in the booking system. The guarantor is responsible for making the initial payment in full. As each additional rider joins the trip, one-tenth of the total fee is deducted from their share. These deductions are refunded to the guarantor at the journey’s end, ensuring fair cost distribution.
The sea taxi serves as an inspiring example of what can be achieved when innovation and tradition come together, as cities worldwide seek ways to reduce traffic congestion and provide more environmentally friendly transportation options.