Tickets explained
Istanbul Card (Istanbulkart): The Complete Guide
The Istanbulkart is the refillable travel card used on almost all public transport in Istanbul. Here’s how to buy one, top it up and get the best value from it.
Jump to: What is it · Where to buy · How to top up · Zones & prices
Works on
Metro, tram, bus, Metrobüs, ferry, Marmaray and funicular
Card price
[₺XX], paid once when you buy the card
Top up at
Station machines, kiosks and the official app
Share it
One card for your group: tap once per person
What is the Istanbulkart?
The Istanbulkart is a contactless smart card run by the city of Istanbul. You load it with credit and tap it on a reader each time you board. Rides cost less than with single tickets, and you get a discount when you change lines within a set time.
Visitors use the standard (anonymous) card. You don’t need to register it or show ID.
Where to buy an Istanbulkart
- Ticket machines (Biletmatik) at metro, tram and Marmaray stations and at ferry piers
- The metro stations at Istanbul Airport and Sabiha Gökçen Airport
- Kiosks and small shops showing the Istanbulkart logo
Tip: Machines have an English option. Carry some cash, because not every machine accepts bank cards.
How to top up your card
- Choose English on the machine’s screen.
- Place your card on the reader and leave it there.
- Insert notes, or pay by bank card if the machine accepts it.
- Wait for the new balance to appear before you take your card.
You can also top up at kiosks with the Istanbulkart sign, or in the official Istanbulkart app.
Zones & prices
Istanbul doesn’t divide the city into zones like London or Paris. Most rides cost one flat fare, while Marmaray and Metrobüs fares rise with distance. Changing lines soon after your first tap is discounted.
| Ride | With Istanbulkart | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Metro, tram, bus, ferry | [₺XX] | Flat fare |
| Transfer within [XX] minutes | [₺XX] | Discounted |
| Marmaray, Metrobüs | From [₺XX] | Depends on distance |
| Airport metro (M11) | [₺XX] | Check current fare |
Fares change several times a year. Last checked: [date].
Istanbulkart or a tourist pass?
Istanbulkart
Best for getting around. Pay as you go on every type of public transport.
City pass
Best for sightseeing. Covers entry to selected attractions and tours. Most passes don’t include public transport, so you’ll still want an Istanbulkart.
Frequently asked questions
Can two people use one Istanbulkart?
Yes. Tap once for each person. Each tap is charged separately.
Do I need to register my card?
No. The standard anonymous card works for visitors without registration.
What if I lose my card?
An anonymous card works like cash, so the balance is lost with it. See Lost card tips.
Now learn the network
Which metro, tram and ferry lines you’ll actually use, and how they connect.