Updated Date : 31.01.2024
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 70 Turkish Liras. It does not come with credit. So you have to pay 70 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
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Buses: 17.70 TRY
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Tram: 17.70 TRY
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Metro: 17.70 TRY
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Metrobus: from 12.67 to 26.27 TRY
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Cable Car: 17.70 TRY
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Funicular: 17.70 TRY
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Boats: 19.21 to 57.94 TRY
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Marmaray Train: from 17.70 to 39.17 TRY
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One Pass (BIRgec) - 25 TRY (disposable card)
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Two Pass (IKIgec) - 45 TRY (disposable card)
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Three Pass (UCgec) - 70 TRY (disposable card)
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Five Pass (BESgec) - 105 TRY (disposable card)
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Ten Pass (ONgec) - 200 TRY (disposable card)
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1st Transfer - 12.67 TRY
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2nd Transfer - 9.62 TRY
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3rd , 4th and 5th Transfers - 6.08 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.
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