Istanbul Card
The Istanbul card is a prepaid smart card that can be used on most public transport systems in Istanbul, including the metro, bus, streetcar, boat and funicular. Each journey or purchase is debited by simply touching the terminals displaying the card logo. It can be used throughout Istanbul.
The cards are already loaded with 700 TL (€20) ready for use. The cost of each trip is automatically deducted after use. Once the credit has been used up, you can easily top up the card at any of the city’s stations. It can also be used as an electronic purse for purchases in minimarkets, certain stores, vending machines or even to pay for toilets in metro stations.
Istanbul Card : The essential travel card for Istanbul
Transportation in Istanbul
Istanbul offers a variety of public transport options: buses, metros, metro buses, dolmus, minibuses, Marmaray, streetcars, boats and funiculars. To optimize your budget and save time, we recommend buying an Istanbul card to simplify your journeys. Please note that the Istanbul card does not work for minibuses and dolmus.
Using the Istanbul Card
Once you’ve bought your Istanbul card, you can recharge it at the “büfe” kiosks or at the machines near the subways and landing stages. An average journey costs TL 9.90. The card can be recharged at any time.
Marmaray is the most expensive means of transport (20 TL), but part of this sum is refunded according to the distance covered. As the Istanbul card is not nominative, you can lend it to your companions, who can scan the card after you. However, you will not benefit from the discount for second consecutive trips. For example, after a metro journey costing 20 TL, the Marmaray will cost less, with a credit recovered at the exit. Children under 6 travel free.
Recharging the Istanbul Card
If your Istanbul card is empty, an audio signal will warn you. Go to a kiosk to recharge it. To do this, place the card in the slot provided, insert a ticket and wait a few seconds. The new amount will appear on the screen. Removing the card too quickly may cancel the transaction and cause the amount inserted to be lost. Instructions are available in several languages: Turkish, English, German, Arabic, Chinese, French, Italian, Japanese, Russian and Spanish.
Transport map
Metro
The metro is a fast and efficient way of getting around the city.
Bus
The bus is an economical and practical way of getting around the city.
Tramway
The tramway is a comfortable way to get around the city.
Funicular
The funicular is an original way of getting around the city.