Istanbulkart is the contactless card used on almost all public transport in Istanbul: metro, tram, Marmaray, funiculars, city buses and the public ferries across the Bosphorus. Paying with it is cheaper than buying single tickets, and it saves you queuing at machines every time you travel.
Where to buy it
You can buy the card at yellow-and-blue ticket machines (Biletmatik) at metro and tram stations, at the airports and at ferry piers, as well as at many small kiosks. Machines accept cash; some also accept bank cards. The card itself has a one-off price, separate from the credit you load.
Topping up
Top up at the same machines or kiosks. Load enough for a few days — topping up every journey wastes time. Official apps also let you check your balance and load credit online, which is handy for longer stays.
Can several people share one card?
Yes. You can tap the same card once per person at the gate. However, discounted transfer fares usually apply only to the first tap, so a family staying for several days is often better off buying one card per person.
Mistakes to avoid
- Do not leave your card with zero balance before a ferry ride — piers do not always have machines that work.
- Keep the card away from phones and other cards in your wallet; contactless readers can pick the wrong one.
- Hold on to your card when leaving — you can reuse it on your next visit.
Is it worth it for a short trip?
If you stay two days or more and plan to use the metro, tram or ferries, an Istanbulkart quickly pays for itself. For a single airport ride, a direct airport bus or a pre-booked transfer may be simpler.
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