Istanbul Card (Istanbulkart)
What is Istanbul Card?
Istanbul Card (Or as they call it in Turkey, Istanbulkart) is a public transportation card used in Istanbul. It provides access to Istanbul's entire public transportation system, including the metro, buses, trams, and ferries. It is considered the cheapest and most efficient way to travel around Istanbul. Istanbulkart is owned and operated by the Municipality of Istanbul.
There are 2 variations for this card:
- Istanbul Card (Pay-as-you-go) - Also has a mobile app
- Istanbul City Card (Fixed rate, valid for fixed days)
Cards Comparison Table
| Feature | Istanbul Card | Istanbul City Card |
| Description | A physical card used for public transportation; can be managed via a mobile app | A physical card for tourists offering public transport and attractions access |
| Usage | Public transport (bus, metro, tram, ferry, funicular); manage balance and recharge via app | Public transport and entry to various attractions |
| Purchase Location | Kiosks, vending machines, certain shops; app available on iOS and Android | Online, designated sales points |
| Validity | Permanent, can be recharged; app linked to physical card | Varies (2, 3, 5, 7 days) |
| Cost | βΊ70 plus recharge amount; app is free to download | Depends on the package (e.g., β¬20 to β¬70) |
| Discounts | No discounts for tourists | Includes discounts on attractions and services |
| Top-Up Options | Kiosks, vending machines, online, or through the app | Not applicable (prepaid packages) |
| Tourist Benefits | Limited to transport | Extensive, includes museum entry, Bosphorus cruise |
| Additional Features | NFC functionality via app for direct payment | Free guidebook, map, and fast-track entry |
| Used for Multiple People | Up to 5 people | Only 1 person |
Istanbul Card
This card has been around for may years and can be purchased by tourists as well as Turkish Citizens. You can top it up as much as you use the public transportation.
How to Purchase An Istanbul Card
- π¬ Istanbul Airports (IST and SAW): Kiosks and vending machines in the arrival areas.
- π Major Underground Stations: Yellow vending machines and ticket offices.
- πͺ Streetside Stalls and Kiosks: Ask around in busy areas.
- π» Online: Official website or travel service sites, with potential hotel delivery.
How to Use Istanbul Card
- π³ After loading credit, simply tap your Istanbulkart on the card readers located at stations or inside buses.
- π¨βπ©βπ§βπ¦ One card can be used for multiple passengers (Up to 5), making it convenient for groups traveling together.
- π§ Children under the age of 6 ride for free and do not need an Istanbulkart.
- π° It can only be topped up with βΊ500 in one month period. So as soon as you finish that amount, even though if it's in one week or two weeks, that card will automatically become invalid and then you need to buy a new one and once again do the same procedure.
- π± It has a mobile app by which you can top up freely with your credit card and also skip buying the physical card.
When you're in the yellow vendor machines trying to top it up or to put credits into your card, is that you can only do a maximum of βΊ300 per transaction. So, for example, if you want the 500 all at once, you have to put only βΊ300 maximum, and then some other day you can top it up with the rest of the amount left over that you have for that month.
Istanbul Card Mobile App
Features of Istanbul Card Mobile
- π± QR Code Payment: Users can pay for all public transportation within Istanbul using QR codes, eliminating the need for a physical card.
- πΈ Money Transfer: Users can transfer money between Istanbul Card accounts and make free 24/7 FAST transfers to other banks and e-money institutions.
- π° Balance Loading: Users can instantly load TL or subscriptions to any Istanbul Card using their bank or credit card.
- π Automatic Top-Up and Emergency Limit: Users can set up automatic top-up for when their balance falls below a certain limit and enable the Emergency Limit feature for automatic top-up if their digital account has insufficient balance.
- π³ Cash Support Module: Users can benefit from the cash support module with interest-free periods or suitable interest rates.
- π Campaigns: Users can access campaigns offered by Istanbul Card by providing explicit consent and commercial electronic permission.
Benefits of Using Istanbul Card Mobile
- π Convenience: The app eliminates the need for physical cards and cash, making public transportation payments faster and more efficient.
- β±οΈ Time-Saving: Users can instantly load their balance and manage their accounts without visiting physical kiosks.
- π° Financial Control: Features like automatic top-up and emergency limit prevent insufficient balance issues, while the cash support module provides financial assistance when needed.
- π₯³ Improved City Life: By simplifying transportation and offering various features and campaigns, Istanbul Card aims to enhance the daily lives of Istanbul residents.
Istanbul City Card
This card is ideal for those who are going to be visiting Istanbul just for a few days but are going to use the public transportation quite often.
π The Istanbul City Card is an alternative to the Istanbulkart, offering unlimited travel for 1, 3, 5, 7, or 15 days.
π It provides access to all public transportation lines and selected museums in Istanbul.
ποΈ The Istanbul City Card can be purchased from designated sales points or ticket vending machines throughout the city.
Istanbul City Card Prices
| Card Type | Price |
| 1 Day Pass | β¬20 |
| 3 Days Pass | β¬30 |
| 5 Days Pass | β¬50 |
| 7 Days Pass | β¬60 |
| 15 Days Pass | β¬70 |
You can have unlimited usage for any of these cards.
Frequently asked questions
I Donβt Have an Istanbulkart. How Can I Travel?
The easiest way to travel is by downloading Istanbulkart Mobile and using QR codes for entry. You can also purchase limited-use tickets for 1, 3, 5, or 10 rides from Biletmatik machines. You can use SMS QR for entry by sending a text message. You can make contactless payments for your trips using your bank or credit card with BİRgeç limited-use tickets.
Can I Make Payments with My Bank or Credit Card?
You can make transportation payments with your contactless bank and credit cards for the price of a BİRgeç limited-use ticket.
