Istanbulkart Guide
If you plan to use public transportation in Istanbul, the Istanbulkart is essential. It’s the city’s official smart travel card and works on almost all public transport systems.
This guide explains what Istanbulkart is, where to get it, how to use it, and why every visitor needs one.
What is Istanbulkart?
Istanbulkart is a contactless travel card used for:
- Metro
- Tram
- Buses
- Metrobus
- Ferries
- Marmaray (undersea train)
- Funicular lines
- Cable cars
Instead of buying separate tickets each time, you simply tap and ride.
Why Tourists Should Use Istanbulkart
Using Istanbulkart is:
✔ Cheaper than single-use tickets
✔ Faster at station entrances
✔ Valid across multiple transport types
✔ Easy to reload
Without it, you pay more and lose time.
Where to Buy Istanbulkart
You can purchase an Istanbulkart at:
- Airport metro stations
- Major tram & metro stations
- Ferry terminals
- Yellow ticket machines
- Small kiosks near transport stops
Look for machines labeled “Istanbulkart”.
How Much Does Istanbulkart Cost?
You pay:
- A small one-time fee for the card
- Then you load credit onto it
The card itself is reusable, and you can share one card between multiple people (though discounts won’t apply when sharing).
How to Load Money on Istanbulkart
You can top up your card at:
- Ticket vending machines
- Istanbulkart kiosks
- Some convenience shops
Steps:
- Insert your card into the machine
- Choose language
- Insert cash
- Confirm and reload
Machines usually accept banknotes.
How to Use Istanbulkart
Using the card is simple:
- Tap your card on the reader
- Wait for the beep and green light
- The fare is automatically deducted
You must tap:
- At metro/tram entrances
- When boarding buses
- At ferry gates
Does Istanbulkart Work for Transfers?
Yes! This is one of its biggest advantages.
If you transfer between vehicles within a short time, the second ride is discounted.
Example: Metro → Tram → Bus
You pay less than buying separate tickets.
Can Tourists Get Discounts?
Standard Istanbulkart for tourists does not include student or resident discounts.
However, it still provides cheaper fares compared to single tickets.
Is Istanbulkart Valid at the Airport?
Yes.
You can use Istanbulkart on:
- Metro lines from the airport
- Airport buses connected to city transport
Important Tips for Visitors
✔ Always tap again when exiting some lines (like Metrobus)
✔ Keep your card safe — lost cards can’t be refunded
✔ Avoid peak rush hours if possible
✔ Carry small cash for top-ups
Is Istanbulkart Worth It?
Absolutely. If you plan to use public transportation more than twice, Istanbulkart saves both money and time.
It’s the easiest way to explore Istanbul like a local