The Istanbulkart is a contactless smart card used for public transportation in Istanbul. It is your ticket to ride on various modes of transit, including buses, trams, ferries, the metro, and even the nostalgic Istanbul Funicular. Whether you’re a tourist looking to explore Istanbul’s top attractions or a local commuter, this handy card simplifies your journey, making it a breeze to hop on and off public transportation.
Where can I buy an Istanbulkart?
Obtaining an Istanbulkart is a straightforward process, and it can be purchased at various locations throughout the city, including:
- Istanbulkart kiosks at major transportation hubs.
- Automated vending machines in metro and tram stations.
- Authorized resellers.
Tourists can also buy Istanbulkart at the airport or request one from your hotel concierge. Once you have the card, you’ll need to load it with credit to cover your fares.
Istanbul Kart & Passes
Istanbul City Cards
Prices & Timetables = https://www.metro.istanbul/en/SeferDurumlari/SeferDetaylari
Metro/Tramvay = Price Per Trip: 15.00 Turkish Lira
Metrobus = Price Per Trip: 33.00 Turkish Lira
Ferry (Vapur) = Price Per Trip: 18 – 23 Turkish Lira
Marmaray = Price Per Trip 33.00 Turkish Lira
Istanbulkart for Tourists
If you’re visiting Istanbul as a tourist, the Istanbulkart is a must-have for these reasons:
- Sightseeing: With access to trams, buses, and ferries, you can explore iconic landmarks like the Hagia Sophia, the Blue Mosque, and the Grand Bazaar with ease.
- Time and Money Savings: The card allows for convenient transfers between various forms of transport, saving you both time and money.
- Local Experience: Traveling with an Istanbulkart allows you to experience the city like a local, interacting with the people and culture up close.
- Istanbulkart Features
- The Istanbulkart offers numerous benefits that make it an essential part of your Istanbul experience:
- Cost-Efficiency: Istanbulkart users enjoy significant savings compared to single-ride tickets. Frequent travelers can benefit from discounted transfer rates.
- Ease of Use: The card is user-friendly and hassle-free. Simply tap it on the card reader as you enter and exit public transportation.
- Multiple Modes of Transport: Istanbulkart covers an extensive network of buses, trams, metros, ferries, and more. This means you can access all corners of the city with a single card.
- Reloadable: Istanbulkart is easily reloadable. Top it up at kiosks, vending machines, or authorized resellers.
- Non-Personalized and Transferable: You can share your card with family or friends, making it even more convenient for group travel.