TURSAB Licensed Airport Transfer Companies in Turkey — How to Verify

The most critical decision in airport transfer: company trustworthiness. In Turkey, providing legal transfer service requires a TURSAB (Turkish Travel Agencies Association) license and a D2/B2 operating permit. This guide explains what TURSAB licensing means, how to verify it, and how to avoid fake operators.

What Is the TURSAB License?

TURSAB is the professional association established in 1972 under Travel Agencies Law No. 1618. Group A travel agencies are authorized to provide transfer, tour and accommodation services. Each TURSAB member receives an A-XXXX certificate number. This number is both the firm's identity and your legal guarantee. PickupsPoint operates as a Group A TURSAB member.

How to Verify a TURSAB Number

• Go to tursab.org.tr
• Open the 'Member Search' section in the top menu
• Enter the company name or A-XXXX certificate number
• Review membership status, address and phone
• 'Active' status = valid license; 'Suspended' or not found = risk

D2 / B2 Operating Permit

Beyond TURSAB licensing, transport operations require a D2 (domestic non-scheduled passenger) or B2 (international) permit from the Ministry of Transport. Vehicles without a permit are not legal for transfer service even if plate-registered. Insurance is invalid; passengers suffer in an accident.

Red Flags of a Fake Transfer Company

• No TURSAB number on the website, or not starting with 'A-'
• Only WhatsApp contact; no office address
• Cash-only payment; refuses to issue an invoice
• Abnormally low pricing (50% below market) — surprise fee risk
• Vehicle plate, driver name and model not shared before booking
• No company reviews on TripAdvisor or Google Reviews

Fake Driver Trap at the Airport

Especially at Istanbul Airport (IST) and Sabiha Gokcen (SAW), people shouting 'taxi? transfer?' at the exit are typically unofficial. The driver from your booked company waits with a name board. Your name should be correctly spelled and the driver should be able to verbally confirm your booking code.

Safe Transfer Booking Checklist

• Does the firm appear 'Active' in TURSAB member search?
• Are address, phone, email and privacy policy on the website?
• Are Mercedes fleet photos real (logo/plate visible)?
• Does booking confirmation arrive by email?
• Is online payment secure (3D Secure, SSL certificate)?
• Is the cancellation policy transparent?
• Has customer support been tested (pre-booking)?

PickupsPoint Trust Signals

PickupsPoint is a Group A TURSAB-licensed travel agency. Our Mercedes S-Class, E-Class, V-Class and Sprinter fleet operates under a D2 permit. Booking in 12 languages, fixed pricing, 60-minute free wait and flight tracking are standard. Learn more on /hakkimizda.

Frequently Asked Questions