How to get Istanbulkart | Istanbul Public Transportation Card

Istanbulkart is a smart card for public transportation in Istanbul. You can travel on an economical budget with this card. The price of the card depends on the duration of validity of this card. Please read our blog to get every detail regarding Istanbulkart.

Updated Date : 27.08.2024

How to Get Istanbulkart?

Istanbulkart or Istanbul transport card is a ticket for an economical tour traveling in Istanbul. To cut short, it is like a boarding pass for public transportation. Through Istanbulkart, you can access the whole chain of public transportation in Istanbul.

Since it is important, you can continue reading to know where to get it and how. Unlike 1-ride, 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. Istanbul transportation card is valid for various transportation types, which is why you will not have to buy a separate ticket for each.

Pre-paid credits: The card is pre-paid. 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 you a 40% discount on the fare of every type of transport. There is more than that. In case of interchanges, you get additional discounts.

Unlimited Transportation Card with Istanbul E-pass

You can get the Discounted Unlimited Transportation Card with 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 days options. With an Istanbul, E-pass do not miss the opportunity to get a discounted Unlimited Transportation Card.

Click here to get Unlimited Istanbul 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.

Types of Istanbulkart

There are a total of 5 cards. The first one is the Unlimited Public Transportation card. This card is the most advantageous card for tourists. 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 last of the four is for senior citizens. (Turkish citizens above 65) The fifth card is anonymous Istanbulkart or Anonim. It may convenient for you if you will use less public transportation. 

Price of the Card in 2024

The price of the card is 130 Turkish Liras. It does not come with credit. So you have to pay 130 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 at least 10 rides, you should up to 200 TRY and load more if needed.

Fares with the card

The typical fares with the card are as under

  • Buses: 20 TRY
  • Tram: 20 TRY
  • Metro: 20 TRY
  • Metrobus: from 14,32 to 29,69 TRY
  • Cable Car: 20 TRY
  • Funicular: 20 TRY
  • Boats: 19.21 to 57.94 TRY
  • Marmaray Train: from 17.70 to 39.18 TRY
  • One Pass (BIRgec) - 30 TRY (disposable card)
  • Two Pass (IKIgec) - 50 TRY (disposable card)
  • Three Pass (UCgec) - 80 TRY (disposable card)
  • Four Pass (DORTgec) - 100 (disposable card)
  • Five Pass (BESgec) - 120 TRY (disposable card)
  • Ten Pass (ONgec) - 225 TRY (disposable card)
  • 1st Transfer -  14,32 TRY
  • 2nd Transfer - 10,87 TRY
  • 3rd , 4th and 5th Transfers - 6.87 TRY

But you get additional discounts if you interchange (discounts on transit do not apply to disposal cards)

The Final Word

Istanbulkart is extremely easy to use as it operates on Radio-Frequency Identification. You can get the card with about 2000 points. It is your best choice to have Unlimited Transportation Card with 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

Frequently Asked Questions

  • Which Istanbul card is best for tourists?

    The best transportation card for tourists is Unlimited Public Transportation Card. All you need to book at least a day before with an Istanbul E-pass.

  • Can you get a refund?

    According to the website, you can get a refund after filling out the refund form. After that, you need to visit one of the main offices of IETT. Through various procedures and authorizations, you may get a refund.

  • How much does one ride cost with the card?

    The cost of 1 ride is nearly 15 TRY. 

  • When does the Istanbul kart expire?

    According to the website, the card expires in 3 years unless you top up.

  • Where can I buy Istanbulkart at the airport?

    You can get the Istanbulkart from Istanbulkart vending machines located at the -2 floor of Istanbul Airport. You can use only cash and Turkish Liras.

  • How does Istanbulkart work?

    You get your Istanbul Card from Istanbulkart Vending Machines near metro, tram and bus stops. It cost 50 TL per card. You can load credits at the same machine with cash.

  • Can I buy Istanbulkart online?

    Yes, you can purchase it via the official website but it takes time to deliver to your address. Also, you can buy an online Unlimited Public Transportation Card from Istanbul E-pass's website. Unlimited Public Transportation Card is the most convenient card for tourists in Istanbul.

  • How do I check my Istanbul Kart balance?

    You can see the balance of Istanbul Card while using on the screen of the card reader. It shows how much your ride charge and balance amount in card after charged.

Popular Istanbul E-pass Attractions

Guided Tour Topkapi Palace Museum Guided Tour

Topkapi Palace Museum Guided Tour Price without pass €52 Free with Istanbul E-pass View attraction

Guided Tour Hagia Sophia (Outer Explanation) Guided Tour

Hagia Sophia (Outer Explanation) Guided Tour Price without pass €14 Ticket is not included View attraction

Guided Tour Basilica Cistern Guided Tour

Basilica Cistern Guided Tour Price without pass €30 Free with Istanbul E-pass View attraction

Reservation Required Bosphorus Cruise Tour with Dinner and Turkish Shows

Bosphorus Cruise Tour with Dinner and Turkish Shows Price without pass €35 Free with Istanbul E-pass View attraction

Guided Tour Dolmabahce Palace with Harem Guided Tour

Dolmabahce Palace with Harem Guided Tour Price without pass €42 Free with Istanbul E-pass View attraction

Walk In Whirling Dervishes Show

Whirling Dervishes Show Price without pass €20 Free with Istanbul E-pass View attraction

Reservation Required Sunset Yacht Cruise on Bosphorus 2 Hours

Sunset Yacht Cruise on Bosphorus 2 Hours Price without pass €50 Free with Istanbul E-pass View attraction

Walk In Maiden´s Tower Entrance with Audio Guide

Maiden´s Tower Entrance with Audio Guide Price without pass €28 Free with Istanbul E-pass View attraction

Reservation Required E-Sim Internet Data in Turkey

E-Sim Internet Data in Turkey Price without pass €15 Free with Istanbul E-pass View attraction

Walk In Beylerbeyi Palace Museum Entrance

Beylerbeyi Palace Museum Entrance Price without pass €13 Free with Istanbul E-pass View attraction

Reservation Required Hagia Sophia Skip the Line Ticket w Audio Guide

Hagia Sophia Skip the Line Ticket w Audio Guide Price without pass €32,5 Discounted with E-pass View attraction

Walk In Golden Horn & Bosphorus Sunset Cruise

Golden Horn & Bosphorus Sunset Cruise Price without pass €15 Free with Istanbul E-pass View attraction