What is the Istanbulkart?
The Istanbulkart is a very useful transportation card for visitors in Istanbul. You can use it on most public transport: buses, metro, trams, ferries, Metrobus, and cable cars. (It cannot be used on dolmuş shared taxis or minibuses.)
To help you move around easily, this guide explains the card types, how to buy them, and how to use them.
As of June 2025, here is the fare table for city buses, Metrobus, and metro.
Types of Istanbulkart
For travelers, there are two main types:
1. Limited Use Cards
- Description: Like a multi-use ticket. You can buy 1-use, 2-use, 3-use, up to 10-use cards.
- Where to use: Buses, metro, tram, Metrobus (uses 2 credits), cable car, funicular.
- Price examples:
1-use: 40 TL / 2-use: 70 TL / 3-use: 110 TL / 5-use: 160 TL / 10-use: 305 TL
Note: Machines add about 3.5% service fee. - Pros: Easy to buy and ready to use on most transport.
- Cons: Some machines only sell 10-use cards.
- Note: Valid for 60 days after purchase.
2. Rechargeable Card (Anonymous Istanbulkart)
- Description: Red card. You pay 165 TL upfront for the card itself.
- Where to use: All city transport (bus, metro, tram, Metrobus, cable car, funicular, Marmaray), city toilets, and some ferries.
- Example fares:
Bus/metro ride: 27 TL (Metrobus: 40.08 TL / Marmaray: 59.76 TL), toilets: 5 TL. - Pros: Easy to recharge. You can share one card among several people.
- Cons: If you use it only a few times, it may cost more than the limited-use option.
HocamIf you have a residence permit (with a foreigner ID number), you can link your card to your personal information. This gives you transfer discounts and partial refunds on Metrobus and Marmaray rides (depending on distance).
How to link your card:
Visit this page and enter your foreigner ID number, name, surname, date of birth, email, Istanbulkart number, and phone number.
You can also use the Istanbulkart mobile app, which is very convenient.
How to Buy an Istanbulkart
How to buy a Limited Use Card
- Where to buy: Ticket machines near stations or bus stops. Some kiosks or shops also sell them (but kiosks often run out).
- How to buy:
- Choose the number of rides on the machine. (Most machines only offer 10-use cards.)
- Pay with a credit card.
How to buy a Rechargeable Card
- Where to buy: Ticket machines in stations, some kiosks or shops.
- How to buy:
- Select “Istanbulkart” on the machine.
- Pay 165 TL for the card plus your initial top-up amount.
Which type is best?
- Short stay (1–2 days): Limited use card is enough.
- Longer stay (3+ days): Rechargeable card is more cost-effective.
- Want to use your phone?: Mobile Istanbulkart is great.
LoccyIf unsure, get a rechargeable Istanbulkart!
You can also use it for public toilets, Şehir Hatları ferries, and Marmaray trains (which connect the European and Asian sides).
Summary
The Istanbulkart is a very helpful tool for visitors. It makes getting around easy and saves time and money. Choose the type that matches your stay and travel style.
For detailed fares and more info, please check the official website.