Taxis

Taking a taxi (taksi) in Eskişehir can be a convenient and comfortable way to get around, especially if you are not familiar with the city’s public transport system or if you’re traveling with luggage or during late hours. Here’s what to expect when using a taxi in Eskişehir:

1. Availability

• Easy to Find: Taxis are readily available in Eskişehir, especially in central areas, near major tourist attractions, shopping centers, hotels, bus terminals, and train stations.
• Taxi Stands: You’ll find dedicated taxi stands throughout the city, or you can hail one from the street. They are also easy to spot near popular locations like the Espark shopping mall, Vega Outlet, or the university areas.
• Taxi Buttons: Around the city, you will find taxi buttons on some street polls. They are very convenient way of getting a taxi especially in less busy areas of the city. Please also bear in mind that the response time might be slow during rush hours when the taxis are high in demand.
• Taxi Cabins: Taxi cabins are usually clean; taxi drivers may occasionally smoke in the taxi though they may politely ask your consent as you get in. The cabins are not very spacious and can accommodate 3-4 passengers comfortably. Please also consider that many taxis have gas tanks in their trunks leaving less room for passenger luggage.

2. Pricing and Meters

• Metered Fare: All taxis in Eskişehir are required to use meters, and the fare is calculated based on distance and time. Be sure to confirm that the driver turns on the meter at the start of your trip.
• Useful Tem: “Taksimetre açık mı?” – Is the taximeter on?

• Standard Rates: Taxi rates are regulated, so there’s little variation in price. The fare starts with a base fee, which increases with distance. In general, taxis in Eskişehir are affordable compared to other large cities in Turkey.
• Night Rates: Unlike in some cities, Eskişehir doesn’t usually have a different night fare rate; the same rates apply throughout the day and night.
• Rates: As of September 2024, there is an initial charge of 30 TL ($0.88), and 38 TL ($1.11) added for every kilometer.

3. Payment

• Cash Preferred: Most taxi drivers prefer cash payments (Turkish lira), so it’s advisable to carry smaller denominations to avoid complications.
• Digital Payments: Some taxis may accept digital payments or have mobile payment options like credit or debit cards, but it’s less common, so always ask in advance if you plan to use a card.
• Tipping: Tipping taxi drivers is not mandatory, but rounding up the fare to the nearest lira or giving a small tip as a gesture of appreciation is customary.

4. Ride-Hailing Apps

• Eskişehir doesn’t widely use international ride-hailing services like Uber. However, there are local taxi apps that you can download to call a taxi via your phone, making it more convenient to arrange a ride without needing to hail one on the street.

5. Driver Communication

• Language: While many taxi drivers speak basic English, particularly in tourist areas, it’s helpful to know a few basic Turkish phrases or have your destination written down to avoid any confusion.
• Politeness and Service: Taxi drivers in Eskişehir are generally friendly and respectful. However, as with any city, it’s always a good idea to be mindful of your route and use a map or GPS to ensure you’re taking the most direct route.
• A useful terms: “Burada ineyim lütfen” – Please drop me off here.

6. Safety

• Eskişehir is a relatively safe city, and taxis are generally considered a safe mode of transportation. As a university town with many students and tourists, there is a strong culture of hospitality.

7. Taxi Alternatives

• Tram and Bus: Eskişehir has an excellent and affordable tram system, which is a great way to travel short distances within the city. You might prefer using the tram for shorter trips, as it’s both efficient and eco-friendly.
• Biking and Walking: The city is bike-friendly, and many areas are easily accessible on foot, especially around the city center and along the scenic Porsuk River.

8. Locals’ views on taxis

• Based on the article here and comments made under it, we can say that:
• There are range of experiences and opinions about taking taxis in Eskişehir. Here’s a summary of the key points:
  1. Convenience in Emergencies: Several comments emphasize how taxis are essential for urgent situations, especially at night when the tram service is unavailable. Some users shared personal experiences of how taxis helped them reach critical destinations, such as hospitals or family emergencies, when other transportation options were not available.
  2. Frustration with Taxi Service: A few commenters expressed dissatisfaction with taxi drivers’ behavior, including instances of rudeness or unprofessional conduct, such as smoking in the car or taking unnecessarily long routes to increase fares.
  3. Cost Concerns: Some people find taxi fares too high, especially for short distances, and compare the cost of taking a taxi to the more affordable tram. There is a sentiment that taxis are becoming unaffordable for many, especially when nighttime fares are higher.
  4. Defense of Taxi Drivers: There are also voices defending taxi drivers, urging people to be more understanding and appreciative of their service, particularly in emergency situations. They point out that many complaints may be overblown or unfair, as drivers work hard to serve the public.

  Overall, the discussion highlights a balance between the usefulness of taxis for emergencies and late-night travel, concerns about affordability, and varying experiences with the professionalism of drivers.

  Useful Links:

• Istasyon Taxi Station Google Reviews Score: 3.8 stars
• Has Taxi Station Google Reviews Score: 4.1 stars
• Tepebasi Acibadem Taxi Station Google Reviews Score: 3.9 stars