Istanbulkart is the most convenient way to pay for all kinds of public transportation in Istanbul. It helps locals and tourists save money and avoid taxi scams in Istanbul, Turkey. How and where to buy this card, how much it costs and how to use Istanbulkart? I will try to give you all the information you need in the article below.
To avoid common scams, overpriced services, and tourist traps, get my detailed Istanbul Asian Side Guide here (it will save you 10x its cost on transportation and eating out alone):
https://olgapronkina.com/istanbul (secret bonus inside!)
Updated information about IstanbulKart 2025:
Where to buy IstanbulKart in Istanbul, Turkey?
Istanbul public transportation card (IstanbulKart) is like any other card, used in a big city. It is just as easy to buy and use. Get it at the airport, bus or metro stations, or kiosks around the city.
Biletmatik
Biletmatik is a small yellow and black kiosk that you can find at the entrance in metro and ferry stations, as well as at the airport near Havaist pick up station.
Here you can buy a new IstanbulKart and also Top Up the balance (refill the card). The process is simple and different menu languages are available.
Kiosk
Another option in Istanbul, Turkey is to buy a Istanbulkart in a kiosk, that you will find next to metro/ferry station. These kiosks sell newspapers, drinks and snacks and look like in the photo below. Go there and say “IstanbulKart”.
What is the IstanbulKart Price?
IstanbulKart will not only save you money on each trip but will also allow you to make transfers at a discounted price. Plus, with a discount for your second trip after a transfer.
To avoid common scams, overpriced services, and tourist traps, get my detailed Istanbul Asian Side Guide here (it will save you 10x its cost on transportation and eating out alone):
https://olgapronkina.com/istanbul (secret bonus inside!)
IstanbulKart price in 2025 is 130 Turkish Lira (€2.8 or $3.1), in 2025 it will have 0 balance. After you buy IstanbulKart, my advice is to load 100-200 Turkish Lira more, if you plan to use public transport in Istanbul for 2-3 days, including buses, trams, metros, ferries, and Marmaray.
For example, one trip with a regular ticket will cost 20 Turkish Lira, but with IstanbulKart, the price for one trip is much cheaper. For example, the first transfer within 30 minutes of initial use of the card is 30% cheaper, the second one is 50% cheaper, and the third one is 75% cheaper.
Also, when you buy multiple trips with IstanbulKart, you will also have lower price per trip. For instance, two trips with IstanbulKart cost 30 TL, three trips cost 50 TL, five trips cost 60 TL, and ten trips cost 110 TL.
Overall, If you’re planning to make at least three trips, IstanbulKart will pay for itself with all the discounts you get.
Can IstanbulKart be used by multiple (more than 1) persons? YES. So if you are a family or group of friends travelling together – you can buy just one transportation card. That way you save the most.
How to use IstanbulKart?
Using IstanbulKart is simple – like everywhere, you just swipe it when you enter metro/ferry station or a bus in Istanbul. Pay attention to how much money you have left on it, because biletmatik kiosks are not everywhere – only at metro and ferry stations.
To avoid common scams, overpriced services, and tourist traps, get my detailed Istanbul Asian Side Guide here (it will save you 10x its cost on transportation and eating out alone):
https://olgapronkina.com/istanbul (secret bonus inside!)
If you need to use a bus and have zero on your IstanbulKart – you may have to ask someone next in line to pay for you and give them cash in return. No biletmatik terminals at bus stations.
Each time you swipe your IstanbulKart you will see the fare for the current ride and the remainder amount.
To load more money onto your card use any Biletmatik kiosk. The older ones take only cash, but the newer have the option of paying with a credit card. It is best to have some cash on you just in case.
IstanbulKart App
You can load money on your IstanbulKart with a credit card using “IstanbulKart” app. The interface is in both Turkish and English language. Available for Android and IPhone. It worth trying it if you are staying in Istanbul long-term and want to check and top up your IstanbulKart balance online.
What kind of public transport can I use in Istanbul?
To avoid common scams, overpriced services, and tourist traps, get my detailed Istanbul Asian Side Guide here (it will save you 10x its cost on transportation and eating out alone):
https://olgapronkina.com/istanbul (secret bonus inside!)
Istanbul is very accessible for tourists with public transportation. And IstanbulKart is not only a metro travel card, it is used almost everywhere:
- metro
- bus
- metrobus (buses that use a dedicated line on the road and connect with regular metro stations)
- ferry (to go from European to Asian side, good alternative to Bosphorus tour)
- Havaist (airport shuttle bus)
- Marmaray (new overground metro line, takes you from the Old city all the way across the Asian side)
IstanbulKart is also the only way you can pay for public toilets in parks, beautiful Güllhane park in the Old city, for example.
A sidenote about Metrobus and Marmaray. While the fair for the metro is fixed, Metrobus and Marmaray give you a discount depending on the total number of stations you travelled. In the beginning of the trip you are charged the full amount, and when you exit the station there is a special refund terminal, you need to swipe your card there. If you can’t find it – just pay attention to the people around you – they all will be swiping their IstanbulKart to get the refund at that terminal.
UPDATE 2025: Non-personalized Istanbulkarts are no longer eligible for refund since January 1st.
IstanbulKart Refund
To avoid common scams, overpriced services, and tourist traps, get my detailed Istanbul Asian Side Guide here (it will save you 10x its cost on transportation and eating out alone):
https://olgapronkina.com/istanbul (secret bonus inside!)
As a tourist you don’t have to worry much about getting a refund for IstanbulKart, unless you loaded too much money onto it by mistake. In that case your best option is to try and sell it to another tourist, because there is no way to get a refund IstanbulKart otherwise. Anonymous cards are non-refundable.
Read More: Traveling in Turkey: Your Ultimate Guide to Must-See Destinations and Insider Tips
Istanbulkart FAQ
To avoid common scams, overpriced services, and tourist traps, get my detailed Istanbul Asian Side Guide here (it will save you 10x its cost on transportation and eating out alone):
https://olgapronkina.com/istanbul (secret bonus inside!)
1. Does the Istanbulkart expire if unused for a long time?
Yes, the Istanbulkart expires after 3 years of inactivity. If you haven’t used or topped up your card within this period, it may become invalid. However, some users have reported that older cards without a serial number may not function anymore.
2. What is the maximum balance I can load onto my Istanbulkart?
The maximum balance you can load onto your Istanbulkart is 2,750 TL.
3. Can I use my Istanbulkart to pay for services other than public transportation?
Yes, the Istanbulkart can be used for various services beyond public transport, including public restrooms, some parking meters, and even at certain cafes and museums.
4. Is it possible to share an Istanbulkart among multiple people?
Yes, a single Istanbulkart can be used by up to five people. However, only the first passenger benefits from transfer discounts; subsequent users pay the full fare.
5. What happens if I lose my Istanbulkart?
If you lose an anonymous Istanbulkart, it cannot be replaced, and any remaining balance is lost. Personalized cards can be reported and replaced, preserving the remaining balance.
6. Can I use contactless credit or debit cards instead of an Istanbulkart?
Yes, Istanbul’s public transportation system now accepts contactless credit and debit cards for fare payment. However, using an Istanbulkart provides access to discounted fares and transfer benefits that may not be available with bank cards.
7. Are there different types of Istanbulkarts available?
Yes, there are several types of Istanbulkarts:
- Ordinary card: For general use by anyone.
- Discounted card: For students, teachers, and individuals over 60 years of age.
- Free card: For individuals over 65, disabled persons, and certain public employees.
- Blue card (Mavi Kart): A monthly subscription card for frequent travelers.
8. Can I top up my Istanbulkart using a mobile app?
Yes, the Istanbulkart mobile app allows users to top up their cards, check balances, and access other features. The app supports secure login options, including face and fingerprint recognition.
9. What should I do if my Istanbulkart is not working?
If your Istanbulkart is not functioning properly, it could be due to damage, expiration, or technical issues. You can visit an Istanbulkart service center for assistance or consider obtaining a new card.
10. Are there any alternatives to the Istanbulkart for tourists?
Yes, tourists can consider the Istanbul City Card, which offers unlimited access to public transportation for a set duration. This card is designed specifically for visitors and can be a convenient option for short-term stays.
To avoid common scams, overpriced services, and tourist traps, get my detailed Istanbul Asian Side Guide here (it will save you 10x its cost on transportation and eating out alone):
https://olgapronkina.com/istanbul (secret bonus inside!)
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how does a lot of people use the same istanbulcard? a nd how much do they charge for each trip on public transport ?
Hi Nammi, the first person swipes the Istanbulcart, then gives it another person and they can do the same. Price of the trip depends on what kind of transport you are using in Istanbul – bus, metro, metrobus, marmaray or ferry. Inflation is high and prices in Turkiye change all the time, it’s almost impossible to keep track. But I can tell you that public transport in Istanbul is very affordable and you will see how much you are spending on each trip, and your leftover balance every time you swipe the Istanbulcart. Or you can check your balance using Biletmatik
Thank you for explaining. I have a question though – is it possible for tourists who didn’t register Istanbulcard to get a refund after using the Marmaray? A friend of mine tried using the refund machine but it didn’t work for him. I would be grateful if you could clarify whether there are any restrictions for Istanbulcards as of January 2023
You are welcome! As of January 2023 it is no longer possible to get discounts with an unregistered Istanbulkart
Thanks for the updated price! If we are traveling as a family, can all 3 of us use the same Istanbulcard?
You are welcome! Yes, Istanbulkart can be used by the whole group when you are traveling together in Istanbul
If I bought the istanbulcard 2 years ago, can I still use it when I come back to Turkey?
So far I always could use my Istanbulkart that I bought 1-2 years ago