Istanbulkart for tourists is the single most important item you will get when you arrive. It is the one and only key to unlocking the entire city, from its historic ferries to its modern metro lines. As locals, we see so many visitors confused by the machines or buying the wrong card. This simple 2026 guide will show you exactly how to get, use, and top-up the right card, saving you time and money.
The best way to get the Istanbulkart for tourists is to buy the standard, anonymous card (usually red, yellow, or blue) from any yellow “Biletmatik” machine at the airport or any metro/tram station. The card itself has a small fee, and you must then load it with Turkish Lira (cash) at the same machine. This one card can be used for the metro, ferries, buses, and trams and can be shared by up to five people.
Istanbulkart for Tourists: Why You Absolutely Need One
Istanbulkart for tourists is not just a “nice to have”; it is essential. You can no longer pay with cash on buses. Buying single-ride “jeton” tokens for the metro or ferry is possible but costs nearly double the price of a ride with the Istanbulkart. The card also gives you valuable discounts on transfers (e.g., when you switch from a tram to a ferry).
It is your all-access pass to the city. This one card works for:
- Metro
- Trams (including the T1 historic tram)
- Buses
- Public Ferries (Şehir Hatları)
- Marmaray (the under-Bosphorus train)
- Funiculars (like the one to Taksim)
The “Real” Istanbulkart vs. The “Tourist” Card (A Local’s Warning)
This is the most important advice I can give you. You will see two different types of cards. Do not get them confused.
1. The “Anonymous” Istanbulkart (The Right Choice) This is the standard, reloadable card that all locals use. It is usually red, yellow, or blue. You buy the physical card for a small, one-time fee (in 2025, this was around 130-165 TL; expect a similar fee in 2026). After that, you just add credit as you go. It is cheap, flexible, and shareable. This is the one you want.
2. The “Istanbul City Card” (The Expensive Tourist Pass) This is a special tourist-only pass that offers “unlimited” travel for a set number of days (e.g., 1, 3, or 5 days). It is much more expensive and is not reloadable.
From my experience, you would have to use public transport over 10-12 times per day to make the unlimited card worth the cost. For 99% of tourists, the standard, anonymous Istanbulkart is far cheaper and more practical.
How to Get and Top-Up Your Istanbulkart: A Step-by-Step Guide
Step 1: Find a “Biletmatik” Machine
You will find these yellow, self-service machines at both Istanbul airports (IST and SAW, in the public transport/metro areas) and at every single metro, tram, and ferry station. You cannot miss them.
Step 2: Buying the Card
The machines have an English language option. Here is the process for buying a new card:
- Press the “English” button.
- Look for the option to purchase a card (it will show the price for the card itself, e.g., “Istanbulkart – 150 TL”).
- The machine will ask you to insert cash. CRITICAL: These machines only accept Turkish Lira banknotes, and they do not give change for the initial card purchase.
- Insert a 200 TL note. The machine will take the 150 TL (example fee) for the card and automatically load the remaining 50 TL onto your card as credit.
- Collect your card from the slot below.
Step 3: Topping-Up (Loading Credit)
Your card now has 50 TL on it. You will need to add more. The process is almost the same.
- Find any “Biletmatik” machine. You do not need to press any buttons to start.
- Place your Istanbulkart on the small plastic scanner area.
- Wait a second. The screen will show your current balance.
- While your card is still on the scanner, insert a banknote (100, 200 TL, etc.) into the slot.
- Wait for the machine to process the payment. The screen will show your new balance.
- You can now take your card.
My Personal Rule: Always load your card with more than you think you need. Running for a ferry only to find you have an “Yetersiz Bakiye” (Insufficient Balance) message is the worst feeling. I recommend loading 300-400 TL per person for a 3-4 day trip to start.
How to Use Your Istanbulkart on All Transport
Using the card is the easy part. At every entry point (metro turnstile, ferry gate, or inside the bus), you will see a small black card reader.
- For Metro, Trams, and Ferries: Simply tap your card once on the reader at the turnstile. The screen will show the fare deducted and your remaining balance.
- For Buses: When you board the bus, tap your card on the reader located next to the driver.
- For Marmaray & Metrobus: This is the only exception. Because these lines charge by distance, you must tap in when you enter and tap out on a special refund machine when you exit to get a partial refund for the distance you did not travel.
Our Top 4 Istanbulkart Tips for 2026
- Sharing is Easy: You only need one Istanbulkart for a group of up to 5 people. The first person taps the card and goes through the turnstile. Then, they pass the card back to the next person, who taps and goes through. (Note: Only the first person will get transfer discounts, but this is still much cheaper than 5 separate cards).
- Use the “Istanbulkart” App: The official Istanbulkart mobile app is a game-changer. You can add your card and top it up directly with a foreign credit card. This saves you from having to find a machine or carry cash.
- Kids Under 6 are Free: Children under the age of 6 do not need a card and can travel for free with a paying adult.
- It’s a Keeper (But Non-Refundable): The anonymous Istanbulkart never expires. You can keep it for your next trip. However, be aware that the initial card fee and any credit left on it are non-refundable. Try to use up your balance on your last day.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much will the Istanbulkart cost in 2026? The price for the physical card itself (without credit) was around 130-165 TL in 2025. Due to inflation, this fee may increase, but it will remain a small one-time cost. A single ride on the metro or ferry will likely cost between 30-40 TL, but this is always subject to change.
Can I use my credit card to buy an Istanbulkart? You can only use cash (Turkish Lira banknotes) at the yellow Biletmatik machines to buy the card and load credit. However, you can use your credit card to top-up your card if you use the official “Istanbulkart” mobile app.
What’s the difference between Istanbulkart and the Istanbul City Card? The Istanbulkart is the standard, cheap, reloadable, and shareable card that locals use. The Istanbul City Card is a more expensive, unlimited pass for tourists that is not shareable. We strongly recommend the standard Istanbulkart for 99% of visitors.
If you have any important questions about this topic, you can reach us at ask@beforeturkey.com or through the contact form on our Contact page.