The IstanbulKart is the rechargeable card for Istanbul's public transport: you use it to pay for the metro, tram, buses, the metrobus, Marmaray, city ferries and the Istanbul Airport rail line. You can buy and top it up at the machines in the main stations, airports and some bus stops, as well as at kiosks and shops. It is also cheaper than single tickets: according to the Istanbul Metropolitan Municipality (İBB) fare table in force since 16 February 2026, the first ride with an IstanbulKart costs 42 TL, compared with 60 TL for a single-journey ticket, and the following transfers are discounted.
The IstanbulKart is a vital tool for traveling around Istanbul, making it easy to access a wide range of public transport. This article provides a complete guide on how to get and use the Istanbul Kart, highlighting its importance for a convenient and economical travel experience in the city.
How to Top Up and Use the Istanbul Kart?
You can buy an IstanbulKart at the vending machines found in the main transport stations, airports and some bus stops. These machines accept both cash and credit cards. There are also kiosks and shops that sell and top up the card.
To use it, tap the card on the reader at the turnstile when you enter the metro, tram or ferry pier, or on the validator when you board a bus. It is a good idea to load enough credit before you start the day, especially if you will combine several types of transport. If you pay directly with a contactless bank card, the İBB fare table applies the limited-use ticket price, which is higher than the IstanbulKart fare.
Advantages of the Istanbulkart
The main advantages of buying the Istanbulkart are the following:
- Cheaper transfers: With the Istanbulkart you can make up to 5 transfers on different means of transport at a discount: the first transfer, the second and the third to fifth each have their own fare, lower than the first ride.
- More convenience: You will not have to depend on another card or buy tickets on each trip.
- Public toilets: You can get in with the Istanbulkart card and you will only be charged between 1 and 3 TRY.
- Economy: Traveling with the IstanbulKart is cheaper than buying individual tickets.
- Convenience: You avoid the need to buy a ticket for each trip.
- Flexibility: The card can be used on almost all modes of public transport in Istanbul.
- Expense Control: You can control and limit your transport expenses.
Which transport you can pay for with the IstanbulKart
The official İBB fare table sets IstanbulKart prices for these types of transport, the ones visitors to Istanbul use most:
- Metro and tram: the city's rail lines, which connect the neighbourhoods with the historic peninsula.
- Heritage tram and Tünel: the historic tram and the Tünel funicular can also be paid with the card.
- İETT buses and the metrobus: on the metrobus the fare depends on the number of stops you travel.
- City ferries: the lines that cross between Europe and Asia, such as Eminönü-Üsküdar or Karaköy-Kadıköy.
- Marmaray and the Istanbul Airport line: the fare depends on the number of stations. The maximum fare is deducted when you enter and the difference is refunded when you exit according to the distance travelled, so remember to tap out as well.
Public transport in Istanbul
The Istanbul Kart is an invaluable tool for getting around Istanbul efficiently and economically. Whether you are visiting the city for a few days or you live there, this card will simplify your trips and let you enjoy more of everything Istanbul has to offer. For more information, visit the official Istanbul Kart website.
IstanbulKart or a private tour: when each option makes sense
The IstanbulKart is ideal for getting around on your own on your free days. For guided visits, it depends on the route. The classic Istanbul tour is done on foot through the old city, so you do not need any transport during the visit: Hagia Sophia, the Blue Mosque, Topkapi Palace, the Basilica Cistern and the Grand Bazaar are all visited walking with your guide.
If you also want to see the Asian side without chaining ferries and buses, the Pearls of Istanbul tour includes private transport between Kadıköy, Üsküdar and the other stops. And if you have three days, the complete Istanbul tour adds a day of private transport and the Bosphorus cruise. A practical option is to combine both: a guided tour on the first days and the IstanbulKart to explore at your own pace for the rest of your stay.
Sources: transport modes, transfers, paying by bank card, and the first-ride and single-ticket prices, official İBB fare table in force since 16/02/2026; the card, official IstanbulKart website.
Frequently asked questions
Where can I buy an IstanbulKart?
At the vending machines in the main transport stations, airports and some bus stops, which accept cash and credit cards. Kiosks and shops also sell and top up the card.
How many discounted transfers does the IstanbulKart allow?
The İBB fare table sets discounted prices for the first ride and up to five transfers: the first, the second and the third to fifth transfers each have their own reduced fare.
Can I pay for Istanbul public transport with my bank card?
Yes, but when you pay with a contactless bank card the limited-use ticket price applies, which is higher than the IstanbulKart fare. If you will use public transport several times, the IstanbulKart works out cheaper.
