Üsküdar transfer and taxi on the Asian shore

Üsküdar, the ancient Chrysopolis and the Scutari of European travellers, is a large district with a strong Ottoman heritage and many mosques. Its central square by the ferry docks is a major transport hub, with ferries to Eminönü, Karaköy, Kabataş and Beşiktaş.

The Maiden's Tower stands on a small islet about 200 metres off the Üsküdar shore. On Çamlıca Hill above the district, the Grand Çamlıca Mosque, opened in 2019, is visible from much of the city.

Marmaray trains stop at Üsküdar before running under the Bosphorus to Sirkeci, and the M5 metro starts here. Çengelköy and Beylerbeyi, further up the shore, are part of the district too.

Kuzguncuk, a small quarter on the shore just north of the centre, has colourful wooden houses and is a popular place for a walk.

Üsküdar is also a place to watch the sunset over the historic peninsula, which makes its shore cafés busy in the early evening.

The centre around the square and the ferry docks is busy and partly pedestrian, especially at commuter hours when people run from boats to buses. Hotels there are reached from side streets.

Inland, Üsküdar climbs steep hills with narrow residential streets. The shore road north towards Beylerbeyi is slower but easy for drop-off at waterfront hotels.

Altunizade and the areas around the motorways have modern hotels with forecourts, which makes drop-off straightforward.

When the square is crowded, the driver may choose a hotel entrance on a parallel street instead.

At either airport, the driver stands right at the exit door you come out of with a printed sign carrying your name. Flights are tracked, and waiting for a delay is free.

On the way back, Üsküdar to Sabiha Gökçen is about 35 km and 25 minutes on empty roads, Üsküdar to Istanbul Airport about 47 km and 45 minutes. Bridge traffic is the main variable for IST departures.

From Sabiha Gökçen the van follows the motorways west across the Asian side and comes down into Üsküdar without crossing the strait.

You pay at the end of the ride: cash in euros, pounds or lira, or Visa or Mastercard on the terminal in the car, contactless included. No deposit is taken.

For children, seats and boosters cost nothing; tell us their ages. A return between SAW and Üsküdar costs €100 in the Eco Van; between IST and Üsküdar, €140.

A WhatsApp message with Üsküdar as the destination is enough to ask a question; the booking needs the date, the time and the address.

For a larger group, a Sprinter carries up to 16 people at €80 from SAW.

Pushchairs and folding wheelchairs come along free of charge.