How to get Istanbulkart?

How to Get an IstanbulKart?

Istanbulkart, or Istanbul transport card, is a rechargeable card that provides an economical way to travel around Istanbul. This guide explains where to buy an Istanbulkart, how much it costs in 2026, how to load credit, and how to use it on public transportation. You will also find information about purchasing the card at Istanbul Airport and Sabiha Gokcen Airport, current transportation fares, and how much you can save by using Istanbulkart instead of single-use tickets.

Since it is important, you can continue reading to know where to get it and how. Unlike 1-ride and 5-ride, Istanbulkart can be credited as many times as you want and can be used for more than one person, provided that it has enough credits. It looks like a regular credit card and can therefore easily be adjusted in your pocket or wallet.

The Perks of IstanbulKart

Why should you get it? If you plan for a long tour of Istanbul, you won't cover everything on foot, and taking a taxi would cost a lot. Therefore, getting an IstanbulKart can be a wise option.

• Valid for multiple types of transportation: Most of the transportation services in Istanbul do not accept cash, and you will need an electronic card or ticket. The Istanbul transportation card is valid for various transportation types, which is why you will not have to buy a separate ticket for each.
• Prepaid credits: The card is prepaid. You can load any amount of credit depending upon your rides and distance. This relieves you of the hassle of standing in lines before boarding a bus for tickets or balance.
• Valid for multiple users: On regular days, if you are traveling in a group or are on a family tour, you don't have to buy tickets for everyone. A single Istanbul transport card can be used for up to 5 passengers (however, we recommend using 1 for 3). After paying for the first passenger, wait a bit and then bring the card closer to the reader and repeat that for others.
• Claim discounts: The card offers lower fares compared to limited-use tickets, and you may also receive discounted transfer fares when changing lines.

Important: Transfer discounts depend on the card type and current fare rules. Tourists using anonymous Istanbulkart cards should not assume that every transfer qualifies for a reduced fare.

Unlimited Transportation Card With Istanbul E-pass

You can get the Discounted Unlimited Transportation Card with the Istanbul E-pass. It allows users to enjoy unlimited rides on the city's buses, metro, trams, and ferries for a set period of time. The card is easy to use. It is also a cost-effective option for visitors who plan to use public transportation frequently during their stay.

All you need to book at least 24 hours before. It will be delivered to the hotel reception. Only one person can use a card. On our website, you can find 1, 3, 5, 7, and 15-day options. With an Istanbul E-pass, do not miss the opportunity to get a discounted Unlimited Transportation Card.

Where to Buy an Istanbulkart in Istanbul Airport?

For tourists reaching Istanbul through IST or locals residing near the Istanbul Airport, the yellow/blue machines located on the -2nd arrival floors and the airport's shuttle counters are the best options. You can find these counters near the exits. Various authorized exchanges also provide these transport cards at reasonable prices.

Where to Buy an Istanbulkart at Sabiha Gokcen International Airport?

Across the road from the exit of the arrival terminal of Sabiha Gokcen International Airport are various kiosks that sell Istanbul transport cards. But if you don't find any kiosk (that is unlikely), you can also get it from the Istanbul Electric Tramway and Tunnel Establishments booth located at the public station once you get out of the terminal.

You Can Also Buy the Card From Inside the City

Do not worry if you could not buy the card at the airport because there are many places in the central city where you can get it. Almost every station of the subway, trams, Metrobus, and funiculars has these yellow vending machines where you can purchase the card. Most kiosks located near public stops also provide these cards.

Alternatively, contactless bank and credit cards can be used on participating public transportation services, although the applicable fares may differ from standard Istanbulkart fares.

Types of Istanbulkart

There are several types of transportation cards available in Istanbul. The first one is the Unlimited Public Transportation Card. This card is the most advantageous card for tourists who use public transportation frequently. The second one is specifically for Turkish citizens, known as the monthly card. The third is for students (foreigners or locals studying in Turkish universities), commonly referred to as the student card or discounted. Another is for senior citizens (Turkish citizens above 65). The anonymous IstanbulKart, or Anonim, may be convenient for you if you use less public transportation.

Price of the Card in 2026

The price of the card is 165 Turkish Liras. It does not come with credit. So you have to pay 165 liras or more when you buy from the machine. You can load more credits to the card through the same machine (or any other). Place the card back in the machine and wait while the machine scans your card.

You can also load the card from the card's website.

https://www.istanbulkart.istanbul/

It is always recommended to load a calculated amount because the yellow machines do not offer any change and the refund process is hectic. However, the blue machines provide change, but only 20 TRY banknotes and up 3x 20 TRY. The yellow machines accept 5, 10, 20, 50, 100, and 200 TRY banknotes.

For example, four regular metro, tram, or bus rides cost 184.80 TL in 2026. You can estimate your daily transportation needs before loading credit to avoid adding more balance than necessary.

Fares With the Card

The typical fares with the card are as follows:

• Buses: 46.20 TL
• Tram: 46.20 TL
• Metro: 46.20 TL
• Metrobus: from 33.08 TL to 68.59 TL
• Cable Car: 46.20 TL
• Funicular: 46.20 TL
• Boats: from 50.15 TL to 76.90 TL
• Marmaray Train: from 37.40 TL to 82.17 TL
• One Pass (BİRgeç) - 65 TL (disposable card)
• Two Passes (İKİgeç) - 120 TL (disposable card)
• Three Passes (ÜÇgeç) - 185 TL (disposable card)
• Four Passes (DÖRTgeç) - 230 TL (disposable card)
• Five Passes (BEŞgeç) - 275 TL (disposable card)
• Six Passes (ALTIgeç) - 330 TL (disposable card)
• Seven Passes (YEDİgeç) - 385 TL (disposable card)
• Eight Passes (SEKİZgeç) - 430 TL (disposable card)
• Nine Passes (DOKUZgeç) - 480 TL (disposable card)
• Ten Passes (ONgeç) - 530 TL (disposable card)
• 1st Transfer - 34.40 TL
• 2nd Transfer - 26.42 TL
• 3rd, 4th and 5th Transfers - 17.18 TL

Additional transfer discounts may apply when changing between eligible public transportation services. Transfer discounts do not apply to disposable cards.

The Final Word

Istanbulkart is extremely easy to use, as it operates on radio-frequency identification. It is your best choice to have an unlimited transportation card with the Istanbul E-pass. It allows unlimited rides on public transportation in Istanbul. In addition to providing convenient access to Istanbul's public transportation network, the Istanbul E-pass also offers discounts on popular attractions and tours. It is a cost-effective and valuable tool for visitors.

Click for Istanbul Weather Guide