The Istanbulkart is the most useful thing to get when you arrive in Istanbul. It works on the city’s ferries, metro, trams, and buses. Many visitors are confused by the machines or buy a card they do not need, so this guide explains how to get, use, and top up the right card.
The simplest option for tourists is the standard anonymous Istanbulkart, sold at the yellow ticket machines (Biletmatik) at the airports and at metro, tram, and ferry stations. You pay a small fee for the card itself and then load it with Turkish lira. One card can be used on all public transport and can be shared within a small group.
Card fees, fares, and machine payment options change regularly. Figures here are late-2025 estimates; check the official Istanbulkart website for current details.
Why You Need an Istanbulkart
You generally cannot pay cash on city buses, and single-use tickets cost more per ride than the Istanbulkart. The card also gives you discounted fares when you transfer between lines within a set time.
- Metro
- Trams (including the T1 line through Sultanahmet)
- Buses and the Metrobüs
- Public ferries (Şehir Hatları)
- Marmaray (the rail line under the Bosphorus)
- Funiculars (such as Kabataş-Taksim)
The Standard Istanbulkart vs. Tourist Passes
You will see two different kinds of product. Do not confuse them.
1. The Anonymous Istanbulkart (the right choice for most visitors). The standard reloadable card that locals use. You pay a one-time card fee (around 130-165 TL in 2025) and then add credit as you go. It is flexible and can be shared.
2. Tourist travel passes. Some passes offer unlimited travel for a set number of days at a higher fixed price. For most visitors who make a handful of trips per day, the standard Istanbulkart works out cheaper. Compare the pass price with the number of journeys you actually expect to make.
How to Get and Top Up Your Istanbulkart
Step 1: Find a Biletmatik Machine
These yellow self-service machines are at both airports (in the public transport areas) and at metro, tram, and ferry stations.
Step 2: Buy the Card
- Choose English on the screen.
- Select the option to buy a new card; the screen shows the card price.
- Insert Turkish lira banknotes. Many machines do not give change when you buy a card; any amount above the card price is usually loaded onto the card as credit.
- Collect your card.
Step 3: Top Up
- Place your card on the reader area of any Biletmatik machine.
- The screen shows your balance.
- Keep the card on the reader and insert a banknote.
- Wait until the new balance is shown, then take your card.
Our editors’ tip: Load a little more than you think you need. Seeing “Yetersiz Bakiye” (insufficient balance) when you are running for a ferry is no fun.
How to Use It
- Metro, trams, and ferries: Tap once on the reader at the turnstile. The screen shows the fare and your balance.
- Buses: Tap on the reader next to the driver when you board.
- Distance-based lines: Some lines, such as Marmaray, charge by distance. Follow the signs at the station; you may need to tap again when exiting so you are charged only for the distance travelled.
Top Istanbulkart Tips
- Sharing: One card can be used by several people in a small group: tap, go through, and pass the card back. Transfer discounts usually apply only to the first tap.
- The App: The official Istanbulkart app lets you check your balance and, in many cases, top up by card. Payment options for foreign cards can vary.
- Young Children: Young children traveling with an adult may ride free; check the current age limit.
- Keep It: The card can be kept for your next trip. The card fee and remaining credit are generally not refundable, so try to use up your balance.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does the Istanbulkart cost? The card fee was around 130-165 TL in 2025, and a single ride was roughly 30-40 TL. Fares rise regularly, so check current prices.
Can I use a credit card? Most Biletmatik machines take cash only, although some newer machines may accept cards. You can usually top up through the official app.
Is a tourist pass better than the Istanbulkart? Only if you will make a lot of journeys every day. For most visitors, the standard Istanbulkart is cheaper and more flexible.
Spotted something outdated or inaccurate in this guide? Let us know at ask@beforeturkey.com so our editors can review it.