Your Complete Guide to the Public Transportation Card in Istanbul (Istanbulkart)
Your Complete Guide to the Public Transportation Card in Istanbul (Istanbulkart)
Introduction
Getting around Istanbul, a city that spans two continents, can be both exciting and confusing — especially for first-time visitors. With millions of daily commuters, Istanbul’s public transportation system is extensive and efficient. The key to navigating it with ease is the Istanbulkart, the official transportation card used across almost all public transit options in the city.
Whether you're staying for a few days or moving here long-term, this guide will show you everything you need to know about the Istanbulkart in 2025.
What Is the Istanbulkart?
The Istanbulkart is a smart, contactless transportation card used to pay for rides on:
Metro and tram lines
City buses (İETT) and Metrobus
Marmaray (intercontinental rail line)
Ferries (Şehir Hatları and private lines)
Funiculars and cable cars
Some public toilets and parking areas
It's the most practical and cost-effective way to travel around the city.
Where to Get an Istanbulkart
You can buy an Istanbulkart from:
Yellow vending machines at metro and tram stations
Kiosks near ferry ports
Istanbul Airport (IST) and Sabiha Gökçen Airport (SAW)
Authorized newsstands and convenience stores
The card itself costs approximately 70–100 TL, not including travel credit.
How to Top Up Your Istanbulkart
Once you have the card, topping it up is easy. Use:
Top-up machines at stations (accepts cash or card)
Mobile apps (some offer QR code top-ups)
Authorized shops/kiosks
You can load any amount starting from 10 TL and up. Most rides cost less than paying cash per trip.
How Much Does a Ride Cost in 2025?
As of 2025, here are the estimated fare prices for a standard Istanbulkart:
First ride: ~15 TL
2nd transfer (within 2 hours): ~10 TL
3rd+ transfers: ~8 TL
Transfers are automatically discounted if made within 120 minutes using the same card.
Types of Istanbulkart
There are different types of Istanbulkart depending on your needs:
Standard (Anonymous) – Ideal for tourists
Personalized Istanbulkart – For residents (with photo and ID)
Blue Card (Mavi Kart) – Monthly unlimited pass
Tourist Istanbulkart – Prepaid 1, 3, 5, 7 or 15-day unlimited use cards (available at airports)
Tourists can use either the standard card or buy a Tourist Istanbulkart for convenience.
Where Can You Use It Besides Transport?
The Istanbulkart isn’t just for public transit. You can also use it for:
Public restrooms (Tuvalet)
Municipal parking areas (İSPARK)
Public bike rentals
Occasionally at vending machines or museums
The card's usage areas are growing each year.
Tourist Tips
One card can be used for multiple people, but only the first rider receives transfer discounts.
Check your balance before entering Marmaray or ferry lines — they often cost more.
Use the Istanbulkart app to manage your card in English.
Refunds aren’t available for unused balances on anonymous cards — use up your credit!
Alternatives to Istanbulkart
QR code tickets (one-time use, more expensive)
Contactless credit cards – now accepted on some lines but without transfer discounts
Tourist Travel Cards – for short stays, available with unlimited rides for a fixed period
Still, Istanbulkart remains the best option for both flexibility and savings.
Conclusion
The Istanbulkart is your all-in-one pass to discovering Istanbul comfortably, quickly, and affordably. Whether you're catching a Bosphorus ferry at sunset or hopping between metro lines, this little card opens up the entire city for you.
So don’t wait — get your card, top it up, and explore Istanbul like a local!
