Key points
- We help arrange ramp or lift-equipped vans with independent providers; we do not run our own taxi fleet.
- Transfer prices are given on request for your exact route, vehicle, time and any waiting time.
- Transfers and equipment rental are separate bookings; the rental is delivered to your hotel or residence, not the airport.
In this guide 6 sections
What is a wheelchair-accessible vehicle?
An accessible van has a ramp or a powered lift so the passenger can board while seated in the wheelchair. Inside, the wheelchair is secured to the floor with tie-down straps and the passenger wears a separate seat belt. This is different from an ordinary taxi, which can usually carry a folded manual wheelchair in the boot, but only if the passenger can move to a car seat.
When you ask for a transfer, it helps to know which type of vehicle you need:
- Standard car or minivan: for passengers who can transfer to a seat; the folded wheelchair travels in the boot.
- Ramp or lift-equipped van: for passengers who stay seated in a manual or electric wheelchair during the journey.
- Larger van: for groups, a lot of luggage or more than one wheelchair user.
How we help with transfers
Istanbul Wheelchair does not run its own taxi fleet. We help arrange wheelchair-accessible airport transfers and daily chauffeur services with independent providers, separately from equipment rental. Send us your details, we check availability for your date and come back with an option and a quote, and nothing is booked until you confirm.
We do not offer self-drive van hire, and this is not an on-demand taxi service. Ask as early as you can, especially for airport arrivals and early-morning departures.
Wheelchair van prices in Istanbul
We do not publish fixed transfer prices because the cost depends on the journey. Prices are given on request for your exact route and time. The main factors are:
- the pickup and drop-off addresses and the distance between them;
- the vehicle needed: a ramp or lift van, or a standard car with space for a folded chair;
- the date and time, including late-night or early-morning journeys;
- waiting time, extra stops, a return journey or a full-day booking;
- the number of passengers and pieces of luggage.
What to send when you ask for a quote
A complete request gets a faster and more accurate answer. Please include:
- pickup and destination addresses, the date and time, and your flight number for airport journeys;
- the number of passengers and pieces of luggage;
- whether the passenger will stay seated in the wheelchair or transfer to a car seat;
- the wheelchair type, its weight and its width, length and height when occupied;
- any waiting time, extra stops or return journey you need.
Airport transfers and rental equipment
If you also rent equipment from us, the transfer and the rental are separate bookings. The rental is delivered to your hotel or residence, never to the airport or to the vehicle. On the airport side, the passenger either travels in their own wheelchair or moves from the airport assistance chair to the vehicle seat; tell the provider which applies so the right vehicle is sent.
Getting around during your stay
A transfer is not always necessary. The T1 tram, Marmaray and the newer metro lines are designed for step-free access, with lifts at underground stations, although lifts can be out of service and many historic streets are steep or cobbled. Our accessible Istanbul travel guide covers routes and sights in more detail.