Istanbulkart, also known as Istanbul travel pass, is an electronic card used for payment on all public transport in Istanbul. If you are planning to take public transportation in the largest city of Turkey, we highly recommend purchasing Istanbulkart. The travel card is pre-paid and easy to top-up.
Istanbulkart is valid for boarding buses, funiculars, LRT, subway, commuter trains, ferryboats and trams operated by the Metropolitan Municipality and private companies. Cash and credit cards are not accepted on public transportation in Istanbul.
Istanbulkart Price
The price of the card is only 6 TL (refundable) if purchased at the machines. The card can cost 7 TL or a bit more if bought from one of the kiosks in the city.
Then you will need to top up your Istanbulkart with any desired amount of Turkish Lira. However, the loaded money is non-refundable so you should plan accordingly.
Istanbul public transport ticket price is set per person per ride.
Public Transport Fare with Istanbulkart
Istanbul public transport fare with Istanbulkart:
- Bus - 2.60 TL
- Tram - 2.60 TL
- Metro - 2.60 TL
- Cable Car - 2.60 TL
- Funicular - 2.60 TL
- Boats - 2.60-4.00 TL
Regular Public Transport Fare
You can save significantly with Istanbulkart as the regular Istanbul public transport fare is much higher. Disposable ticket price depends on the number of passes you are buying with it:
- 1 Pass Card - 5 TL
- 2 Pass Card - 8 TL
- 3 Pass Card - 11 TL
- 5 Pass Card - 17 TL
- 10 Pass Card - 32 TL
Where to buy Istanbulkart?
Istanbulkart can be purchased from more than 2,100 representatives at automatic vending machines, ticketmatics, IETT counters, kiosks/private vendors throughout the city. Just look for the points of sale displaying Istanbulkart sign, and you will be able to buy and easily refill your card there.
How to use Istanbulkart?
For using your Istanbulkart, it is sufficient to bring it closer to the validator device in public transportation vehicles or to the card reader located in railway stations, sea transportation docks or on buses. The device will automatically charge the transport fee (or transfer fee, as applicable). The fee charged and your remaining balance is displayed on the card reader.
With Istanbulkart you can transfer to other public transportation vehicles at discounted rates within 2 hours. Discounted rates are as follows:
- Initial ride - 2.60 TL
- 1st Transfer - 1.85 TL
- 2nd Transfer - 1.40 TL
- 3rd Transfer - 0.90 TL
- 4th Transfer - 0.90 TL
- 5th Transfer - 0.90 TL
As you can see, the fare for the first ride is 2.60 TL, first transfer - 1.85 TL, second transfer - 1.40 TL and third transfer - 0.90 TL, when you transfer within 2 hours. If you are planning to use Istanbul public transportation intensively, Istanbulkart will help you save a lot.
Istanbulkart can be used by multiple people. However, in case of a group sharing one Istanbulkart, the discounted transfer price will only be applied to the first person. Every other person will be charged regular fee (2.60 TL) even when transferring within 2 hours.
Loading Istanbulkart
Istanbulkart can be loaded at the same spots where the card can be bought. Look for the points of sale such as Kiosks, Automatic Vending Machines, IETT Counters, newsstands or small shops that can be found all around Istanbul. Istanbulkart can also be loaded on the website www.istanbulkart.istanbul and via Istanbulkart mobile application. Just don’t forget that the credits you load on Istanbulkart are non-refundable.
Istanbulkart App
Istanbulkart App is developed by BELBIM E-Money and Payment Services Co. You can easily transfer money to your Istanbulkart, check your balance and transaction history via this app. It is easy, fast and safe.
Tips
If exploring Istanbul by public transportation doesn’t look appealing for you, choose a hop-on and hop-off bus and explore Istanbul’s multiple attractions at your own pace while enjoying the views of the city from the top deck of a comfortable Big Bus: Istanbul Big Bus Hop-On Hop-Off Tours (Open-Top).
If you are planning to visit the most important attractions in Istanbul, consider buying Istanbul Welcome Card instead of Istanbulkart. This card can be used not only for public transportation but also for museums and sightseeing as you can enjoy Bosphorus cruise and experience fast track entry to Hagia Sophia and the Topkapi Palace with Istanbul Welcome Card.