Istanbul is famous for its Bosphorus and ferry network, but there is another option for travelers who want a more private and flexible journey on the water: IBB Sea Taxi.
Unlike regular ferries, Sea Taxis operate with reservations and travel between designated piers and docking points in Istanbul. You can travel alone or with a group of up to 10 passengers.
Sea Taxi services are available only within Istanbul.
Sea Taxis cannot take you to every location along the coast.
They operate between the piers and docking points designated under Istanbul Metropolitan Municipality's Sea Taxi transportation regulations.
You can see the current departure and arrival points directly in the IBB Sea Taxi app.
An IBB Sea Taxi can accommodate up to 10 passengers.
You can make a reservation for yourself or travel with family and friends, as long as the total number of passengers does not exceed the vehicle's capacity.
The fare is not calculated according to the number of passengers. Instead, it is based on the distance traveled.
Reservations can be made only through the IBB Sea Taxi application.
After opening the app, you can select:
Advance reservations are available for up to 5 days ahead, provided that a suitable Sea Taxi is available for the selected route and time.
Yes.
With an advance reservation, IBB Sea Taxis can be used 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
If your reservation is at night when the pier is closed, you should wait at the pier until your reservation time. When the Sea Taxi arrives, its staff will guide you onto the boat.
According to the current information published by Şehir Hatları, Sea Taxi fares use a taximeter-style pricing system.
The fare is calculated according to the distance of the journey and does not change according to the number of passengers.
Because fares can be updated by the relevant authorities, it is a good idea to check the latest price in the official application before traveling.
Payment is made through the bank or credit card registered in the IBB Sea Taxi application.
Cash payment is not accepted.
Yes. You can cancel your reservation through the “Reservations” section of the IBB Sea Taxi application.
The current refund rules are:
These rules are particularly important if your plans change, so it is better to cancel as early as possible.
It is important to be at your departure point on time.
The Sea Taxi captain waits for a maximum of 5 minutes after the scheduled reservation time. If the passenger is not ready within this period, the full journey fare is charged.
No.
The departure and destination points are selected when making the reservation. The route cannot be changed once the journey has started because the Sea Taxi may have another reservation afterward.
One of the interesting features of the IBB Sea Taxi system is the shared journey option.
A shared journey allows different passengers traveling on the same route and at the same time to use the same Sea Taxi.
When making your reservation, you can select “Single” or “Shared” after choosing your route, date and time.
There are two roles in the shared journey system:
The guarantor is the person who starts a shared journey.
The full journey fare is initially charged to the guarantor's account. If no other passenger joins the shared journey, the guarantor pays the entire fare.
The participant is someone who joins a shared journey that has already been created.
A participant pays one-tenth of the total journey fare when joining alone. If multiple people join together, the fee is calculated according to the number of participants.
The amount collected from participants is transferred to the guarantor's account after the journey.
No.
Passenger information is not shared with other passengers under Turkey's personal data protection regulations.
Yes.
IBB Sea Taxis are designed with accessibility in mind. Their bow-side docking system and accessible boat design allow passengers using wheelchairs or strollers to board and travel comfortably.
Yes, under certain conditions.
Pets that can be transported in carriers are allowed.
Dogs can also travel provided that they are on a leash and wearing a muzzle. These rules also apply to shared Sea Taxi journeys.
According to the official information, people over the age of 12 can use an IBB Sea Taxi on their own.
No.
Smoking is prohibited inside IBB Sea Taxis. Violations may result in an administrative fine under Turkey's relevant legislation.
No.
For passenger safety, travelers are required to remain inside the Sea Taxi throughout the journey.
According to Şehir Hatları, the Sea Taxis undergo various tests covering areas such as engine performance, speed, stability, wind measurements and stopping maneuvers.
Life jackets are located under the passenger seats for emergencies, and the Sea Taxis are monitored with camera systems for security purposes.
Each Sea Taxi has a crew of:
So there are two crew members on board.
| Feature | Information |
|---|---|
| Service area | Istanbul |
| Maximum capacity | 10 passengers |
| Reservation | IBB Sea Taxi app |
| Operating hours | 24/7 with advance reservation |
| Starting fare | 500 TL |
| Per-mile fare | 750 TL |
| Payment | Bank or credit card |
| Cash payment | Not available |
| Advance booking | Up to 5 days ahead |
| Shared journeys | Available |
| Wheelchair access | Available |
| Stroller access | Available |
| Pets | Allowed under specific conditions |
| Solo travel age | Over 12 |
For visitors who want to avoid road traffic and experience Istanbul from the water, Sea Taxi can be an interesting alternative to traditional public transportation.
It can be particularly useful for groups, as each boat can accommodate up to 10 passengers. The shared journey option can also make the cost more manageable by allowing passengers to share a trip.
However, keep in mind that Sea Taxis operate only between designated piers and docking points. You should check your route in the official app before making a reservation.
IBB Sea Taxi offers a different way to experience Istanbul's waterways. With 24/7 service by advance reservation, up to 10 passengers per boat, accessible design and a shared journey option, it provides a more flexible alternative to traditional ferries.
If you are planning to use an Istanbul Sea Taxi, remember to make your reservation through the official application, arrive at the departure point on time and check the latest fare and route information before your journey.
Important: Fares, routes and service conditions may be updated. Always check the latest information before traveling.
Official source: Şehir Hatları – IBB Sea Taxi Frequently Asked Questions
YP YAZILIM