Travelling with children is the kind of journey where planning pays off most. Landing, waiting for luggage and getting into the city all take twice as long with a sleepless baby or a bored child. This guide covers the three questions families ask most when booking an airport transfer: child seats, luggage and vehicle choice, followed by a few small planning tips that make the trip easier.
How to request a baby or child seat
Young children should always travel in a seat suited to their age and height, which is rarely possible in a taxi. This is where the biggest family advantage of a private transfer begins: you can request the seat in advance.
- In the notes field of the booking form, write the child's age and the seat type you need (infant seat, child seat or booster).
- For more than one child, list each separately.
- The request is recorded on your booking and the seat is fitted before pickup; if a fee applies, you are told in advance.
If you are bringing your own seat, mention that too: the driver prepares the vehicle accordingly and allows a few minutes for fitting.
How to count luggage against capacity
The most common family problem is that everyone fits in the car but the luggage does not. To prevent it, the passenger and luggage capacity of every vehicle class is shown during booking. When counting, include:
- Large suitcases (one luggage space each)
- The pram: even folded, it takes roughly the space of one large suitcase
- Carrycot, car seat and sports equipment
- Cabin bags: usually carried on laps or in the footwell, but count them if there are many
The rule is simple: if the total is close to or above the luggage capacity of the class, choose the next class up. Van-class vehicles cover most families' passenger and luggage needs in one go.
Which vehicle class?
- 2 adults + 1 child, two suitcases: the standard class is enough; with a pram, check the luggage capacity.
- 2 adults + 2-3 children: the van class. Child seats fit comfortably in the rear rows and there is a separate luggage compartment.
- Extended family with grandparents (6-8 people): the minibus class; everyone in one vehicle, all luggage in one place.
You can see the vehicle classes and their capacities together with prices on the booking screen.
Timing: the invisible part of travelling with kids
Families take longer than average to leave the terminal after landing: nappy changes, waiting for luggage, toilet stops. That does not matter for your arrival transfer, because your driver tracks the landing time using your flight number, but it does matter for the departure transfer. When choosing your pickup time for the airport, consider the child's sleep and meal routine as well as Istanbul traffic:
- City traffic is heaviest between 07:00-10:00 and 17:00-20:00.
- Heading to Sabiha Gökçen from the European side, allow extra time for the bridge crossing; details in our Sabiha Gökçen guide.
- For international flights, aim to be at the airport at least 3 hours before departure; security with children takes longer.
Small tips that make the journey easier
- Keep the child's favourite snacks and water in your hand luggage; a stop on the way is not always possible.
- On long intercity journeys (for example Istanbul to Bursa), mention any break requests in the booking notes; a rest allowance is added to the driving time.
- Airport meet and greet removes the burden of finding your way with luggage and children; we explain how it works in our meet and greet guide.
- Keep the booking reference from your confirmation e-mail on your phone; the find your booking page gives you the transfer details at any time.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is there a fee for a child seat?
The seat request in your booking notes is recorded on your booking; if a fee applies, you are told in advance, so there are no surprises on the day.
Does a pram count as luggage?
Yes. A folded pram takes about as much space as a large suitcase; include it when counting against the luggage capacity.
Do children count as passengers?
Yes. Every child, including an infant travelling on a lap, is a passenger, and the passenger capacity of the vehicle class is assessed on that basis.
Can I book the outbound and return transfers together?
Yes. Outbound and return legs are planned in one booking; on the return, the driver collects you from the hotel according to your flight time, and the same seat request applies.
The most valuable thing when travelling with children is predictability: knowing who is coming, when and in which vehicle. Check your price, add your seat and luggage notes, and leave the rest to a driver with a plan.