Airport pickup & transport
Have someone greet you in Chinese the moment you land in Istanbul
On a first trip to Türkiye, language, routes and taxis can be exhausting. Yeni İpekyolu (New Silk Road) meets you at the arrivals exit of Istanbul Airport (IST) or Sabiha Gökçen (SAW) with a Chinese-speaking team, takes you to your hotel, office or factory, and also plans business trips covering several cities.
Getting around Türkiye, from the airport to the factory
IST or SAW? The European and Asian side difference
Istanbul has two main international airports: Istanbul Airport (IST) on the European side and Sabiha Gökçen Airport (SAW) on the Asian (Anatolian) side. Both are some distance from the city centre, and travel time depends largely on traffic; mornings, evenings and Friday afternoons are especially busy. Checking whether your destination is on the European or Asian side before buying your ticket avoids unnecessary bridge crossings.
Chinese clients arriving in Türkiye for the first time often face a few small problems at the airport: no phone signal, not knowing which transport option to use, an address written only in Chinese or English that the driver cannot read. A pre-arranged pickup lets you leave these problems to us. The greeter checks the flight in advance, waits in the arrivals hall and gets you safely to your destination.
Fly to Ankara, drive to Bursa: choosing your route
Türkiye is a large country, and distances between cities are often longer than expected. From Istanbul to Ankara, İzmir or Antalya, a domestic flight is usually the fastest option; there is also a high-speed train between Istanbul and cities such as Ankara and Konya. For industrial cities close to Istanbul, such as Bursa and Kocaeli, a car with a driver is usually more flexible and allows several factory visits in a day.
A common mistake in multi-city programmes is overpacking each day and leaving no slack for traffic, security checks and meetings that run long. We recommend the right mode of transport and departure time based on your stops, group size and luggage. Addresses in industrial zones are sometimes hard to find; a driver who knows the route reduces the risk of getting lost and running late.
3 practical tips on İstanbulkart, ferries and taxi meters
For those living in Istanbul long term, public transport is the most practical option. The metro, trams, buses, ferries and cable cars are paid for with an İstanbulkart, which can be bought and topped up at machines in stations. When crossing the Bosphorus, the ferry is often faster than driving and is unaffected by traffic. We can accompany you when you buy your first card and explain the commonly used lines.
There are a few things to keep in mind when getting around: carry your passport or residence card for possible checks; make sure the meter is on in taxis or use official taxi apps; save your destination's address in Turkish on your phone and show it to the driver. On business days or when time is tight, a pre-arranged car with a driver is usually more reliable.
For guests landing in Istanbul and travelling onward
Businesspeople visiting Türkiye for the first time
Travellers heading straight from the plane to a client or trade fair, without worrying about language or directions. After a long flight, finding a taxi and explaining an address is tiring. With someone there to meet you, you can devote your time to business.
Company executives and delegations
Groups travelling together need a commercial vehicle, punctual transfers and single-point coordination. Group members may arrive on different flights with plenty of luggage. By planning vehicle types and pickup times collectively, we spare everyone from looking for separate taxis.
Families relocating to Türkiye
Families arriving with luggage and children who want to reach their new home safely. Child seats and larger vehicles can be arranged as needed. On arrival, we can also help with the key handover from the landlord or building management.
Buyers heading to factories outside Istanbul
Buyers travelling from Istanbul to industrial cities such as Bursa and Kocaeli to visit suppliers. Addresses in industrial zones can be hard to find, and navigation does not always guide you correctly. A driver who knows the route saves a great deal of time.
Transport services, from transfers to İstanbulkart
Airport transfers
We meet you in the arrivals hall with a name sign and take you to your hotel, home or office, and the same on your return. The greeter checks the flight status in advance. For departures, we suggest a pickup time based on your flight time and traffic.
Chinese-speaking driver or companion
Depending on your needs, we arrange a Chinese-speaking driver or a driver together with a Chinese-speaking companion. Chinese-speaking drivers are limited in number and need to be booked in advance. If you need business follow-up or accompaniment to meetings along the way, a Chinese-speaking companion is recommended.
Intercity itineraries
Planning road travel, domestic flights or high-speed trains to cities such as Ankara, İzmir and Bursa. Between cities, car, plane and train each have different advantages. We recommend the best option based on time and group size.
In-city vehicle hire
Half-day or full-day vehicle hire, suitable for several client visits back to back. The driver waits at each stop, so you do not need to keep calling for a car. The schedule can be adjusted flexibly as the day unfolds.
Public transport guidance
We help you buy and top up an İstanbulkart (Istanbul transit card) and explain how to use the metro, ferries and buses. Istanbul has an extensive public transport network, and once you get used to it, getting around becomes quite easy. We also introduce commonly used transport and map apps.
Service summary and requirements
| Airports | Istanbul Airport IST · Sabiha Gökçen SAW |
|---|---|
| Booking | Usually recommended 1–2 days in advance |
| Pricing | Quotation by route, vehicle and duration |
| Service languages | Chinese · Turkish · English |
| Cities served | Mainly Istanbul; also Ankara, Izmir and other cities |
The final price and timeline depend on your documents and scope; we send a clear quote within 2 hours.
What you need to provide
- Flight number and arrival airport (IST or SAW)
- Number of passengers and pieces of luggage
- Destination address (hotel, home or company)
- A WeChat account or phone number reachable in Türkiye
Send your flight details, and we'll be waiting in arrivals
- 1
Send your schedule
Send us your flight number, number of passengers, pieces of luggage and destination address via WeChat. If you have special items such as sample boxes or a stroller, let us know too. The more complete the information, the better the vehicle choice.
- 2
Vehicle and price confirmation
A vehicle is recommended based on group size and route, and the price and greeter details are confirmed. We send you the driver's or greeter's name, phone number and licence plate in advance. The arrangement is finalized upon your confirmation.
- 3
Flight tracking
We track your flight and adjust for delays or early arrivals. Once you land and turn on your phone, you can let us know via WeChat. Time for passport control and baggage claim is also factored in.
- 4
Pickup and drop-off
We meet in the arrivals hall, confirm on WeChat after drop-off, and move on to your next appointment. If you have other errands the same day, the vehicle can stay at your disposal. Your return transfer can be booked at the same time.
Frequently asked questions
Is there an extra charge if my flight is delayed?
We track your flight and adjust accordingly; reasonable delays usually incur no extra charge, and how long delays are handled is stated in the quotation. If your flight is cancelled or changed, please let us know immediately.
Are the airports far from the city centre?
Istanbul Airport is on the European side and Sabiha Gökçen Airport on the Asian (Anatolian) side; travel time to the city centre depends on traffic and can be longer at peak hours, so we plan the timing in advance. If your destination is on the Asian side, Sabiha Gökçen is usually closer. You can also take your destination's location into account when buying your ticket.
Can I book intercity transport only?
Yes. Whether it is a day trip to Bursa or a multi-city programme, we can arrange the vehicle and a Chinese-speaking companion separately. On long journeys, driver rest and safety are also planned.
Is it safe to take a taxi in Türkiye?
Official taxis are generally safe, but without the language, misunderstandings about the route and fare can occur. We recommend making sure the meter is switched on or using official taxi apps. On your first trip to Türkiye, or if you have lots of luggage or limited time, a pre-arranged transfer is more comfortable.
Can I buy a SIM card and exchange currency at the airport?
Airports usually have mobile operator and currency exchange offices that can be used for urgent needs, although the rates and packages may not always be the best. The greeter can help with basic communication at the airport. We can also accompany you later for your main SIM card purchase and IMEI registration.
Does the driver speak Chinese?
A Chinese-speaking driver can be arranged as needed, but since they are limited in number, they must be booked in advance. There is also the option of a Turkish driver with a Chinese-speaking companion, which suits programmes requiring communication or business follow-up along the way. Please state your language needs when booking.
Can I rent and drive a car myself in Türkiye?
It is generally possible, but a valid driving licence and, in some cases, an international driving permit or a licence with a certified translation are required; confirm the exact conditions with the rental company and the relevant regulations. Istanbul traffic is heavy and parking is difficult, so driving can be tiring for newcomers. For business programmes, we recommend a car with a driver.
Tell us what you need in Türkiye
Our Chinese-speaking consultant reviews it for free and gives you a clear price and timeline.
