Istanbul Kart Guide: How to Buy & Use
Planning to fully explore Istanbul? The Istanbul public transport card—commonly called Istanbulkart—is your key to seamless travel across metro, tram, bus, ferry, funicular, and more. In this guide, we’ll cover how to get Istanbulkart, how to top it up, use it—and even troubleshoot common questions visitors ask. Let’s make your transit experience easy and cost-efficient!
What is Istanbul Kart, and why use it?
The Istanbul public transport card is a reloadable, contactless smart pass used on nearly every mode of transport in Istanbul—metro, tram, bus, Metrobus, ferry, funicular, and even some public toilets.
Benefits:
- One card for all transport, no wasting time buying single-use tickets.
- Lower fares and up to 5 transfers with discounts within 2 hours.
- Accepted at airports (IST & SAW), stations, kiosks, vending machines and via an app.
How to buy Istanbul Kart?
Q: Where can I get one?
- Airports: Yellow/blue vending machines at Istanbul Airport (IST) arrive floor –2; also at Sabiha Gökçen (SAW) near shuttle counters.
- Within the city: Available at metro/tram/ferry/funicular stations, kiosks, newsstands, and small shops.
Q: How much does it cost?
The blank ordinary card costs 130 TL (≈ $3.90 USD) as of 2025. It comes without credit, so you’ll need to top it up immediately.
How to load and use the card?
Q: How to top up?
Use the same yellow or blue vending machines, or visit neighborhood “Akbil Dolum Noktası” shops. Accepted banknotes: 5–200 TL; some machines give change.
Q: What are fares and transfer discounts?
- Standard ride: 27–30 TL via card, depending on the vehicle.
- Transfer discounts apply: e.g., 2nd ride ≈ 14.3 TL, 3rd ≈ 10.9 TL, 4th ≈ 6.9 TL—all within 2 hours.
- Metrobus, Marmaray and long-distance ferry lines may charge more.
Q: How do I ride?
Simply tap your card within 8 cm of the reader at station gates or on vehicles—inside wallet or bag works. The card reader beeps and shows remaining balance.
Istanbul Kart mobile app
Yes, the Istanbul Kart app lets you reload with a credit card and check balance without the machines. You can tap your phone’s QR at turnstiles if the app supports it.
FAQs tourists often ask
Q: Istanbul Kart vs. single-use tickets: which is better?
Istanbul Kart is cheaper per ride and includes transfer discounts. But if you take very few rides, using Google/Apple Pay on buses or ferries may end up similarly priced. On average, if you use 4–5 rides, the card cost (~130 TL) is easily recovered.
Q: Can I use it for ferries and funiculars?
Absolutely—as long as they are public municipal services (not private). All state ferries, cable cars, and funiculars are covered .
Q: Can you get a refund for unused balance?
Yes. Visit an IETT office, fill out the refund form, and they may refund remaining balance plus deposit—though the process can take time.
Bonus Tips & Tricks
- Use Google Maps or Moovit to plan routes and check real-time schedules.
- Avoid taxis due to unpredictable fares; public transit with Istanbul Kart is smoother and cheaper.
- Keep some TL for Dolmuş (shared taxis) and public toilets—they don’t accept the card.
- Card never expires, but deactivate balance on lost card by registering via the app or municipality.
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Itinerary Suggestion
- Land at IST or SAW → Buy & top up Istanbul Kart → Take metro or Havabus into town.
- Visit Sultanahmet using metro/tram.
- Take ferry in the evening to Kadıköy or Üsküdar.
- Use funicular or cable car for panoramic city views.
- Explore Karaköy–Taksim via tram/Tünel.
- Return easily using Metrobus or Marmaray.
Not sure where to start your day in the city? Our Private Istanbul Layover Tour make it easy to discover the highlights.
If you're spending a few days or more and plan to ride public transport regularly, the Istanbul Kart is a must-have. It’s affordable, easy to use, and works across all key city transport systems. For short visits with minimal rides, mobile tap‑to‑pay is okay—but for most visitors, Istanbul Kart is the smarter choice.
Have questions about the Istanbul Kart or need help planning your itinerary? Contact us—we’re here to help you glide through Istanbul effortlessly!