Istanbul Insider

How to Get an Istanbul Kart, and is it Worth It

Istanbul Kart (Istanbul Card) is in essence an all-round public transportation boarding pass. To immediately answer the question raised in the title: yes it is worth getting one if you plan to use public transportation multiple times during your stay in Istanbul. So, unless you prefer to do everything on foot or take a taxi to get around, please do continue reading to find out where to get it, how to use it, and the advantages it has.

Picture of the Istanbul Kart transportation card.
Istanbul Kart, transportation card.- © Photo by Erlend Geerts

What is Istanbul Kart?

The card was introduced in 2009. It’s a contact less or RFID (Radio-frequency identification) card for public transportation fare payment. It has the exact same size as a regular credit card, so it fits perfectly in your wallet. The card is pre-paid and easily rechargeable.

The Advantages of Istanbul Kart

There are quite a few advantages to getting an Istanbul Kart as opposed to buying a token or a ticket every time you’re going to use public transportation.

  1. Multi-Purpose — This single card enables you to pay for multiple types of transportation: buses, metros, ferries, funiculars, and tramways (yes, even the nostalgic one running on Istiklal Caddesi). Moreover, most of these transportation types no longer accept cash payments, so you’ll have to buy some kind of token or ticket before boarding anyway.
  2. Pre-Paid — Istanbul Kart is a prepaid and rechargeable card. This means that you don’t have to stand in line (and maybe miss the bus or tram) to get a valid boarding pass every time you plan to make use of public transportation. And uploading more credits can be done at designated machines, most of the times without a queue in front of you.
Waving the Istanbul Kart before the reader on a bus in Istanbul, Turkey.
Card reader on bus.
  1. Ease of Use — It is not necessary to bring the Istanbul Kart in contact with the reader. You can pay for your fare by ‘waving’ the smart card within 8 cm (3.1 in) of the reader. In most cases you don’t even have to take it out of your wallet, purse or light hand bag. Upon making a successful payment, the reader will make a sound and the screen will light up showing the amount left on the card. In case of insufficient funds, the screen will read Kontör Yetersiz.
  2. Multiple Travelers — There is no need to buy multiple cards since one Istanbul Kart can be used for up to 5 passengers. After paying the fare for the first passenger, let him or her hop on or pass through the turnpike, wait a few seconds, and again wave the card in front of the reader. Personally, I recommend not to use the card for more than 3 people.
  3. Discounts — By using the card, you already benefit from a 40% discount over the normal fare. Instead of paying 5 TL per ride, you pay 3 TL. And there is more. You can make until five transfers/connections within a two hour period, and you’ll pay less for every transfer, already only 1.9 TL for the first transfer.

Where to Get an Istanbul Kart

The easiest way to get the Istanbul Kart is at major transit stops such as the airport, Sultanahmet, and Eminönü. To buy an Istanbul Kart, you need to pay a non-refundable 10 TL fee (for the actual card and the service), and of course an amount of your choice to load onto the card.

Get Skip the Line Access and Much More

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How to Reload the Istanbul Kart

To reload the card, you can either go to newsstands and small shops (look for the phrase Akbil Dolum Noktası) which offer this service, or use self-service special purpose machines at major transit stations. The machines accept notes of 5, 10, and 20 TL and have instructions in multiple languages. It writes on the machines that it accepts 50 TL too, but it has been cancelled.

Further Recommended Reading

  1. Istanbul Transportation Map with Places of Interest
  2. Use Public Transportation in Istanbul to Reach Most Places of Interest
  3. Istanbul Taxi Fares Every Tourist Ought To Know

Filed Under: Places to Visit Tips, See & Do, Sightseeing, Tourist Passes, Transport Tips, Transportation, Travel Tips, Trip Planning


Comments

    • Hi,

      I don’t think there really is need for that. You normally can buy an Istanbul card at the airport and load some money onto it.

      Kind regards.

      Reply

  5. Hi, Is it possible to pay for taxi fares, museum tickets, parking charges, etc with the Istanbul Kart

    Reply

    • Hi George,

      That has been the plan long time ago, but I’m afraid it’s still a work in progress. So, for now, I wouldn’t count on it.

      Cheers

      Reply

  6. Hi
    Thanks for this, very helpful.
    But few questions please.

    3 TL per ride: but how long are these rides please or how many stops?
    Do I need to touch out (like in UK) as well please?

    On a separate note, HAVAIST airport shuttle shows “Regular round trip fair”. For example Istanbul Airport to Yenikapi 18.00. How does this round trip work? I need to go from airport to Yenikapi but my return journey is 5 days later.
    Thanks

    Reply

    • Hi Sohail,

      You can stay on as long as the ride is. Every time you transfer to a different line within the hour you enjoy the discount. There is no need to touch out.
      As for the HAVAIST shuttles, this ’round trip’ is just a translation error. There is no such thing as a round trip. If you want a round trip, you need to pay the fee twice.

      Have a nice stay

      Reply

  8. Hi,
    Is it possible to pay using a credit card at the vending machines to buy the card or charge it later?
    Thanks

    Reply

  9. Hello.. great article.. please can you let us know If we take our Istanbul kart home to our country with credit on it.. can we use it again when we’re return a year or more later.

    Also like oyster card in London.. can the card be returned in the machines and we get our balance and cart cost back.

    Thanks in advance

    Reply

    • Hi,

      You can not get a refund for the card itself, but you can get money left on the card refunded. At least, that’s the theory, because for that you need to go to the headquarters. Since this is a big hassle, it’s better to make sure you don’t overload your card the last few days.

      And yes, you can keep the card and reuse it the next visit to Istanbul.

      Hope this helps.

      Reply

  10. Hi

    Can you tell me how exactly it’ll work for two people. Will the second person also have the discounted fares?

    Thanks

    Reply

    • Hi Ryan,

      If two people use the same Istanbul card, you both get the discounted fares compared to the cash or ‘jeton’ fares. However, only one of the two gets the discounted transfer rate when transferring from one line to another. If you both want to get that discount, you need to have an Istanbul Kart each.

      Hope this helps.

      Reply

  11. Hello,

    Very useful articles, thanks alot for the information !

    I am traveling this week to istanbul and have my hotel booked in sultanahmet area. After going through your articles i have decided that i will take the havaist transport as it seems to be the best option w.r.t money and time (my arrival time at IST would be 3pm).

    I have one question, is it recommended to buy a local turkish sim card when u land in IST so that you can have acces to the internet mainly to navigate your ways around. For e.g i will reach the Sultanahmet stop via havaist transport service, but the walk afterwards towards the hotel would be easier if i have navigation with me .

    So do you have any information regarding the purchase of local turkish sims with internet enabled. like what would they cost ? recommended or not ?

    Thank you in advance

    Reply

    • Hi Furquan,

      The plans/packages and prices of mobile operators change so often that it’s impossible for me to keep track of them.

      I do have a few general guidelines for you though. The two biggest players are Vodofone and Türkcell. You’ll find branches of both at the airport. I suggest you visit both and compare plans/promotions. In either case, make sure you take ‘fatursız’, which means without monthly subscription. This way you pay a certain amount upfront and you can add extra if needed. Make sure to ask how and where you can do this.

      No matter what, make sure you understand and have read all the details before you sign a document.

      Hope this helps.

      Reply

  12. Erlend nice one, I have been afraid on how to move around but you just help me out, can I use my kart to travel to order city from Istanbul, and how to locate residence permit office in Istanbul which of the bus station will I go to with my kart? Thanks

    Reply

  13. Hello

    At the end this month I’m travelling to Istanbul.
    When I bought my flying ticket few months ago, I would arrive at Atatürk Airport.
    Of course now there is a change and I will arrive at the new Istanbul Airport.
    I am staying in a hotel in Eminönü.
    Can I travel with the Istanbul Kart all the way to my hotel ? (wich bus, metro, or tramway and which line do I have to go on?)

    Thank you very much!

    Reply

  14. Hi and thank you for this detailed article.
    I love it a lot.
    But I have a question regarding a number of people who can use this card simultaneously. There are 4 adults and 1 child of 7 years with us.
    You said that it’s better not to use this card for more than 3 people, but why? If it’s for multiple travelers as well.
    Should we get 2 cards?
    Thank you in advance!
    Best wishes,

    Reply

    • Hi Inna,

      A card can be shared by maximum 5 users. So in theory, you could use one card. However, the reason I recommend no more than 3 is pure for practical reasons. It takes time to swipe the card for a group of five. And also, if you ever split up or get split, what is the second group going to do? And of course, don’t forget the (small) discount for every transfer. Only one person per card receives this.

      I hope this makes sense.

      Reply

  15. Hello, thank you for this very informative post. Question: we are traveling by bus from Bulgaria and will be arriving near Otagar metro station. Is the Istanbul Card available for purchase at that metro station? If so, is it a kiosk type that we can use a credit card for the transaction, or only cash liras? Thanks for your help!

    Reply

    • Hi Linda,

      Normally there should be a vending machine at/in the metro station. If if you don’t plan to continue by metro, you should be able to buy one there.

      Have a nice trip.

      Reply

  16. Hi! How much do you suggest loading onto the card for a trip with three people for four days? 100 TL?

    Reply

  17. Hi

    Nice article, just a few questions. About the rides. Its says it cost 3 TL per ride, so for example I take the metro one stop vs 3-4 stops, does the ride cost the same then? Kind regards Belal.

    Reply

  18. Hi,

    We are coming with a group of 8 for New Year’s Eve. What weather can we expect ? For sure we will get your recommended Istanbul Kart. We are relaxed travellers who can get ourselves to top attractions. We will stay in Sultanahmet, so can you recommend any quirky, local, off-beat, funky, non- touristy activities, places, cafes, bars, , local hang-outs, music places ? Not too much to ask is it. Thanks, Andy

    Reply

    • Hi,

      As for non-touristy, local cafes and bars, you should not stay in Sultanahmet. Check out my post on Istanbul’s nightlife for some good pointers. As for a non touristy thing to do, I would enjoy a good breakfast by the waterfront in Bebek followed by a stroll in the direction of the city center. Also, I prefer the Süleymaniye Mosque over the Blue Mosque. You can walk down to the Eminönü waterfront from there, passing hundreds of stalls where locals shop.

      Have a nice stay.

      Reply

  19. Hi!
    First – very useful article, a lot of practical advises.

    My question – we are 4 people family, 2 kids over 13 years.
    If we use one Istanbulcart to travel together, do all the travellers use discount per a trip or only the first checked person?

    Thanks in advance!

    Reply

  21. Hi Erlend, Indeed very useful article. Thanks!

    I am travelling solo to Istanbul for just two full days.
    Que: For safer side, how many TL should I load in Kart apart from 10 TL non-refundable?

    Reply

    • Hi,

      Nobody will steal your Istanbul Kart. Load according to your expected use of public transportation. Don’t overload either, since adding extra is quick and easy, and yes, it’s non-refundable.

      Hope this helps.

      Reply

  22. Hey,
    I cannot seem to find the price list for the Istanbul card. How much is a 24 hour or a 2 day pass?
    Thanks

    Reply

    • Hey,

      The Istanbul card costs 10 TL to acquire, and then you can upload money as little or as much as you want based on your (public transportation) needs.

      Hope this helps.

      Reply

  23. Hi Erlend,
    You are very generous for sharing these advices and details with us.
    I’m visiting Istanbul by the end of June and would probably come back in a visit by next December or January. Would the Istanbul Kart be still valid by then?
    Also, any advice for a stay? (safe place, easy to reach and close to main real life of Istanbul, non-turistic)
    Thank you in advance and waiting forward for your response.

    Reply

  24. Hello, whether using public transportation in Istanbul can use cash or have to use a istanbul card? Thankyou

    Reply

    • Hi Surya,

      Do yourself a favor and use Istanbul Card: it’s easier and cheaper. You can’t use cash any more in lots of cases.

      Hope this helps.

      Reply

  25. Hello Erlend

    Is it any possibility to see the summary of the trips and money spent on a specific card?

    Thank you,
    George

    Reply

  26. Thank you so much for all the information, maps, and tips on traveling in Istanbul. I used your website for my last trip in 2016 and found all the information you provided to be extremely helpful. We got around town very well and visited all the fun tourist locations using the metro. We got one Istanbul Kart to share and it worked out well. I’m reviewing everything again for my upcoming trip in September. THANKS AGAIN!

    Reply

  27. Hi, regarding the recharge of istanbulkart, I used the 50TL and it worked.
    I wanted to know if I can buy sehir hatlari tickets and hagia Sofia, topkapi place tickets from istanbulkart.

    Reply

    • Hi,

      Yes, it works in some machines. No, I don’t think you can buy tickets for museums with the Istanbul Kart yet. Regarding the ferries, I answered it at your previous comment.

      Reply

  28. I JUST PURCHASED two Istanbul Cards for ten rides each, and it says they are to rent; my question is, how can I return them before I leave Istanbul?

    Can i return them to my hotel, which is the delivery and return point for the alldaywifi device I bought? I bought all these from the same website.
    So, can I return them with the wi-fi device at the end of my journey to Istanbul?

    Thank you in advance.

    Reply

    • Hi Ioanna,

      An Istanbul Kart is not made for a certain amount if rides. You upload money onto the card, use it for transportation, and when the credit is running low, you add some more funds to it. Since you mention that the card you purchased is for 10 rides, this makes me doubt that you bought an Istanbul Kart.

      In case you did purchase an Istanbul Kart, in theory you can return the card and get the value of the card (not the leftovers of money you uploaded) refunded. However, in theory it’s difficult to find these shops and the trouble not worth the money (7 TL or so). You can not return it via the hotel.

      Hope this makes things a bit clearer.

      Reply

  29. hi Erlend, first, thanks for the article and the answers.
    I’m a blind person traveling with my 70 year old mom to Istanbul for a week I am not sure where to stay Taksim or Sultan Ahmet. I want to stay somewhere where I can go to the tourist attractions and go shopping with easy and cheap transportation. The taxi seems a hassle, but is the public transport accessible for me, as I’ll be the one handling machines and cards, or I’d better use taxies. I mean are the machines talking and the buttons have brail or raised English letters on them.

    Reply

    • Hi Samar,

      Since you’ll be staying a week, given your mom’s age and your disability, I would recommend staying in Beyoğlu. Let me explain why: after three days you are really done in Sultanahmet and you will want to visit other districts. Taksim is really a central hub for public transportation. To reach Sultanahmet, take the funicular to Kabataş and the tram to Eminönü and/or Sultanahmet. Or take a taxi, but have your hotel call them, so they’re trustworthy. To reach all the other areas, you have the metro, easy accessible from Taksim.

      Most traffic lights have a sound system to warn you whether the light is green or red. It’s in Turkish, but you’ll get the hang of it really quickly. Public transportation is not difficult to navigate and there are yellow paths especially designed to guide blind people. Unfortunately, I have no clue about the machines that validate the Istanbul Kart. But they are really easy to operate (just put the card on it) and most of the time there is a security guard on duty who will be glad to help.

      Have a nice stay.

      Reply

  30. hi again, I have another question please
    can I pay in cash when taking the airport shuttle from Sabiha to Sultan Ahmet or Taksim or I’ll still need to buy a card

    Reply

    • Hi Samer,

      Cash is not an option. You either buy the Istanbul Card (which is a good investment if you plan to stay a week) or you pay by credit card (of course at the bank’s exchange rates). If I were you, I would buy one Istanbul Kard for you and your mom.

      Hope this helps.

      Reply

  31. hello,
    thanks a lot for this page.

    i am coming to istanbul in 3 days and i booked a hotel in ” beyazit” , after some research i found it is better to get from the airport to the hotel using first the bus ” havaist” which takes to ” sultanahmet. then, once there i will take the tram ” T 1″ which leads to “beyazit. do you think this is a good decision or do you have an other recommendation. by the way, as i will make a transfer from the bus to the tram , i also decided to buy 3 istanbul karts because we are a group of 3 people, in order to benefit from the discount,
    waiting for your answer

    Reply

    • Hi Amanda,

      If you want to use public transportation, your plan is spot on. You really did your homework. As for the cards, three is certainly good, certainly for ease of use. But of course you’ll need to use it a lot to make the discount match the initial price of the card. That’s your call of course.

      Hope it helps.

      Reply

  32. Hi again, this is Hazem,

    I understood that purchase tickets in cash is not an option , so I have to buy Istanbul Kard
    if were couple, should we buy two cards or one card and swap/touch it twice

    Kindly advise,

    Best Regards,

    Reply

  33. Dear Erland, you are doing a wonderful job by providing prompt guidance to newcomers to Istanbul.
    My query is that , I am flying to Istanbul on 7 September and planning to travel to Ankara on 8 September after an overnight stay. This is my first visit to Turkey. I request you to kindly guide me on the following issues.
    1. Which station is best approachable to catch high speed train in view of some heavy luggage ( 2 suit cases)
    2. Which is the best and economical area / hotel to stay overnight, keeping in view the transit from new Istanbul airport to hotel and then next day to railway station.

    Thanks and regards

    Reply

    • Hi Irfan,

      I’ve never taken the high speed train in Turkey. From which Istanbul train station does your train depart? Is there a reason why you want to take the high speed train instead of flying?

      Kind regards.

      Reply

  34. Very helpful but the only wrong info is that the machines where you recharge your card takes up to 100 Turkish Lira, Not 20. I haven’t tried the 200 T.L yet. Thanks.

    Reply

  35. Hello Erlend

    Planing to travel to Istanbul with my family ( 4 adults ) towards the middle of October for 7 days. We’re visiting for the first time and don’t mind if a good hotel is within easy commute from the main attractions as long as there are good transport links. I would really appreciate some recommendations.

    1. A good location / hotel to stay with easy transport links to all the attractions?
    2. Perhaps we’ll buy 4 Istanbul Kards.
    Is there a weekly / daily pass with unlimited travel that can be purchased in advance?
    3. Is it possible to use the Istanbul Kard to travel from/to the airports?
    4. Are all the main attractions still accessible as normal during October?

    Many thanks

    Reply

    • Hi Anjum,

      1. This is very personal and depends on your budget as well as other things. I always enjoy staying at Witt Istanbul hotel for it’s location and service.
      2. You can do that, but I guess 2 will be enough, unless you all plan to travel single.
      3. Yes, but not for taxis.
      4. Yes, but as of October the winter season schedule starts, so opening hours are a bit shorter.

      Have a nice stay.

      Reply

      • Hi Erlend

        Thank you for your.

        Did you say there is a weekly advance ticket for travel throughout Istanbul? If so, how much does it cost and where can it be purchased?

        There was another question I forgot to ask. I wonder if there was a combined ticket available for all the major attractions within Istanbul and its price?

        Thanks & Kind regards

        Reply

  36. Hi Erlend,

    I hadn’t seen your review of the Istanbul Tourist Pass so far. So thank you for that. It is very helpful along with the rest of your feedback. Apparently Witt Istanbul has no vacancies over the period.

    Many thanks & regards

    Reply

  37. Hello, could you please help me? If I and my husband stay just 1 night in Istanbul and need only go from the New Airport to Sultanamhet and back the next day is it worth to buy a Istanbul kart or we just pay the bus rate with a credit card? Or do I need a cash to pay? How much is it?
    Thank you!

    Reply

    • Hi Iva,

      If you don’t plan to take any other means of public transportation, then don’t buy it. Just use a credit card to pay for the Havaist shuttle.

      Have fun.

      Reply

  38. Hi, let me know if i understood corectly. If i purchase one Istanbul Card, and i use it for 3 people, the fares will be these: for the first bus/tram/metro/ferry, the price for all 3 will be discounted (instead of 5 TL will be 2,65/person). If we transfer, for the first person, the fare will be 1,85, and for the next 2 person will be… how much? 2,65 or 5? And for the 2-nd transfer (the 3-rd bus/tram)?
    Thank you!

    Reply

    • Hi Radu,

      It’s all correct until the transfers. At a transfer, the first person will get the transfer reduction, the other people will just get the Istanbul Card discount (2,65 instead of 5).

      Hope this clears it up for you.

      Reply

  39. Hi, me again 🙂

    What’s the difference between E11 IETT (public bus) and Havabus, from SABIHA GOKCEN AIRPORT to KADIKOY ? Time, money etc? Why choose one and not another? I understand i can pay with Istanbul Card for E11. But for Havabus?

    Reply

    • Hi Radu,

      The IETT is a regular city bus. Compared to the Havabus, this bus is cheaper but less comfortable, no luggage storage, can be very crowded, much slower, and has many stops (Havabus only one or two). I would never recommend this with luggage. In fact, I would never recommend a city bus even without luggage if there is an alternative by tram or metro.

      Hope this helps

      Reply

      • Thank you very much, Erlend! It is very helpful, indeed 🙂
        But you didn’t tell me if i can pay for Havabus with Istanbul Card, or i have to buy tickets somewhere in the airport?

        Reply

        • Hi Radu,

          Normally you buy the ticket from the bus driver or a booth at the bus stop. I remember paying cash the last time, but bring a regular credit card just in case. I don’t think you can use the Istanbul Kart.

          Have a good time.

          Reply

  40. Hi, thanks for these great tips.
    I’m in Instanbul now and have seen people tapping these small Istanbul card ‘refund’ readers at the end of their journeys. Do you know when one should tap these?

    Reply

    • Hi Jim,

      Yes, that’s true. It first surfaced with the metro bus line, which is very long. Then the government realized that they should partially refund people when they only travel for a few stops.
      You can not find it on every line though. When you see them, just tap your card. Worst case, you don’t get a partial refund.

      Enjoy your stay.

      Reply

  41. Are you sure that Istanbul Kart can’t be used for mor than 5 pax?
    I have used the old Akbil Kart for more than 10 pax(going to Adalar)

    Reply

    • Hi Mim,

      A card can be loaded for max. 750 TL in a month, and max. 300 TL can be loaded in one go. There is no technical or legal restriction regarding the usage of the same turniquet (turnstile) or limitation about the amount of money spent.

      For example, let’s assume a fee of 2,60 liras per person. In one day 750 / 2,60 = 288 times the same card can be used in the same turniquet or turnstile.
      But then that card can not be used for a full month as it has used up the 750 liras monthly maximum loading limitation.

      I mentioned the max 5 per person for practical reasons. Also, keep in mind that only the first use of the card enjoys the transfer discount.

      I hope this sheds a light on things.

      Reply

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