In a city where continents meet and layers of history overlap, moving around efficiently is not just a convenience — it’s essential. Istanbulkart sits at the heart of Istanbul’s public transportation system, acting as the master key that connects the city’s metros, trams, buses, funiculars, cable cars, and public ferries under one seamless network. Whether you’re gliding across the Bosphorus by ferry or navigating underground metro lines, Istanbulkart — in its physical, mobile, or contactless form — makes the city instantly accessible.
Today, Istanbulkart is more than a plastic travel card. Visitors can choose between the classic Istanbulkart, the Istanbulkart Mobile app with QR-code access, or contactless credit and debit cards accepted at most turnstiles across the city. This flexibility allows travelers to adapt instantly — whether arriving at the airport late at night, boarding a tram in the Old City, or transferring smoothly between metro lines and ferries using a single payment system.
As a licensed tour guide who has been navigating Istanbul’s streets, tunnels, and waterways for over twenty years, I’ve seen firsthand how mastering Istanbul’s transport system transforms a trip. With the right setup, you save time, avoid unnecessary costs, and move through the city with the confidence of a local — from Sultanahmet’s historic core to Taksim’s lively avenues, or from Europe to Asia in minutes via Marmaray or ferry.
In this updated 2025 guide, you’ll find everything you need to travel smart: where and how to get Istanbulkart, how topping up works, transfer discounts, alternatives like mobile and contactless payments, and practical tips tied directly to Istanbul’s metro, tram, and ferry networks. With the right knowledge, Istanbul’s public transport stops feeling complicated — and starts working exactly as it should.
Istanbulkart 2025 – Visitor Quick Summary
A quick overview of how visitors can use Istanbul’s public transport system in 2025 — with or without a physical Istanbulkart.
• Istanbulkart Card Price: 165 TL (approx. $4, blank card, non-refundable deposit)
• Standard Fare: 35 TL per ride (approx. $1; metro, tram, ferry, bus)
• Alternative Payments:
– Contactless Credit / Debit Cards: Accepted at most turnstiles (slightly higher fare may apply)
– Istanbulkart Mobile App: QR-code access via smartphone (no plastic card required)
• Where to Buy a Card: Yellow “Biletmatik” machines at metro, tram, and ferry stations (including Sultanahmet & Taksim)
• Top-Up: Add credit at “Biletmatik” machines (cash or credit card accepted, approx. 30 seconds)
• Refunds: Available for unused distance on Marmaray & Metrobus via station refund machines
– Refunds apply only to personalized cards (Turkish ID / residence permit required)
• Good to Know: One Istanbulkart can be used for multiple passengers if enough balance is loaded
• Practical Tip: If you prefer not to buy a card, contactless payment works immediately at airports and major stations
• Last Updated: December 2025
How to Buy Istanbul Travel Card?
Buying an Istanbulkart is still the most practical way to use public transport in Istanbul, especially if you plan to travel frequently or transfer between different lines. The classic Istanbulkart can be purchased from the yellow-and-black “Biletmatik” machines located at metro, tram, ferry, and major bus stations across the city — including key areas such as Sultanahmet, Taksim, and major transport hubs.
On the machine’s main screen, simply select Istanbulkart, complete the payment, and collect your card from the slot below. As of 2025, the price of a blank Istanbulkart is 165 Turkish Lira, which is a non-refundable card fee.
You do not need to insert the exact amount. If you pay more than the card price — for example, 200 TL — the machine will issue your card and automatically load the remaining balance as travel credit onto it. This allows you to start using public transport immediately without a separate top-up step.
That said, it’s important to know that buying a physical card is no longer the only option. Many visitors now use contactless credit or debit cards directly at turnstiles, or prefer the Istanbulkart Mobile app, which allows access via QR code on your smartphone. These alternatives can be especially convenient for short stays or late-night arrivals, while the physical Istanbulkart remains the best choice for longer visits and frequent travel.
Where to Buy Istanbulkart in Sultanahmet
If you are staying in or visiting Sultanahmet, the easiest place to buy an Istanbulkart is at the yellow-and-black “Biletmatik” machines located next to Sultanahmet Tram Station (T1 line). This station sits right in the heart of the Old City and is within walking distance of Hagia Sophia, Blue Mosque, and the Basilica Cistern.
To find the station, simply follow the tram tracks along Divanyolu Street — the main road connecting Sultanahmet to the Grand Bazaar. If Hagia Sophia is behind you, walk in the direction of the Grand Bazaar for about five minutes. Once you reach the tram stop, the ticket machines will be clearly visible near the platforms.
This location is especially convenient for first-time visitors, as it allows you to buy your card and start using trams, metros, and ferries immediately without leaving the historic area.
Where to Buy Istanbulkart in Taksim
In Taksim, Istanbulkart can be purchased from Biletmatik machines located at several major transport points connected to Istiklal Street and the city’s metro network.
You’ll find machines at:
- M2 Metro Station (Taksim Square): Located at the northeastern end of Istiklal Street, directly beneath Taksim Square
- F2 Tünel Funicular Station: Situated at the southwestern end of Istiklal Street, closer to Galata Tower
- T2 Nostalgic Tram stops: Running between Taksim Square and Tünel along Istiklal Street
The T2 Nostalgic Tram connects these points on the surface, while the M2 Metro and F2 Funicular provide fast underground access to other parts of the city. No matter which end of Istiklal Street you are on, you can easily reach a machine and purchase your Istanbulkart within minutes.
Price of Istanbul Travel Card for 2025
As of 2025, the price of a blank Istanbulkart is 165 Turkish Lira. This amount is the card fee itself and does not include travel credit. Once you purchase the card, you can load any amount of balance onto it and use it across Istanbul’s entire public transport network.
Each standard ride — including metro, tram, bus, ferry, and funicular lines — currently costs 35 Turkish Lira per person. When using a Biletmatik machine, you do not need to insert the exact card price. For example, if you insert 200 TL, the machine will issue your Istanbulkart and automatically load the remaining 35 TL as travel credit, allowing you to start traveling immediately.
One of the main advantages of Istanbulkart is its flexibility. The card can be topped up easily at stations throughout the city, and a single card can be used for multiple passengers. This makes it especially practical for couples, families, or small groups. As long as there is enough balance on the card, you do not need to buy separate cards for each person.
Another key benefit is the transfer discount system. Istanbulkart charges the full fare on the first ride, but applies reduced fares on up to three subsequent transfers made within a two-hour time window. Each transfer becomes progressively cheaper, making Istanbulkart the most cost-effective option for travelers who combine metro, tram, bus, or ferry journeys during the same trip.
Transfer Discounts for Istanbulkart 2025
One of the most attractive features of Istanbulkart is its automatic transfer discount system, which rewards passengers who change vehicles within a short time. When you use the same card for consecutive trips, the fare becomes cheaper with each transfer, making daily travel noticeably more affordable.
As of December 28, 2025, the standard fares work as follows:
- First ride: 35.00 TL
- Second ride: 26.06 TL
- Third ride: 20.02 TL
- Fourth ride: 13.02 TL
These discounts apply when you make transfers within a two-hour window, and they are valid on the public transport lines most commonly used by visitors, including metro, tram, and city ferries. For travelers who combine different transport modes — for example, tram to metro, or metro to ferry — the savings add up quickly.
It’s important to note that not all transport lines follow the same fare structure. Cross-continental routes such as Marmaray and Metrobus, as well as some buses that travel between the European and Asian sides of Istanbul, use higher base fares. While Istanbulkart can still be used on these lines, the transfer discount amounts may differ.
How to Get Refund on Istanbulkart?
Refunds on Istanbulkart are not available for every journey. They apply mainly to long-distance transport lines such as Marmaray and Metrobus, which operate across large sections of the city and often connect the European and Asian sides of Istanbul.
On these lines, the system initially charges a maximum fare when you enter. This is because Marmaray and Metrobus operate on a distance-based pricing system, assuming you may travel all the way to the final stop. If you get off earlier, the unused portion of the fare is automatically eligible for a refund.
To receive this refund, simply look for the refund machines located near station exits. These machines are usually placed after the turnstiles, especially at busy and central stations to prevent queues. As shown in the photo above, you only need to tap your Istanbulkart on the refund device, and the unused balance will be returned to your card instantly.
It’s also important to clarify a common misunderstanding. In the past, Istanbulkart itself functioned like a refundable deposit: the card could be returned at kiosks, and the card fee was refunded before the card was reissued to another user. This system no longer exists. Today, Istanbulkart cards cannot be returned or refunded. With millions of cards in circulation, the card itself no longer has a refundable value — only unused distance-based fares on specific lines can be reclaimed.
How to Top Up Istanbulkart?
Topping up your Istanbulkart is quick and straightforward. In most metro, tram, and ferry stations across Istanbul, you’ll find the familiar yellow-and-black machines labeled “Biletmatik” — like the one shown in the photo above. These are the standard Istanbulkart top-up machines, and they handle the vast majority of card reloads in the city.
Using a Biletmatik machine usually takes less than 30 seconds. Simply place your card on the reader, select the amount you want to load, and complete the payment. These machines are designed for everyday use and are the easiest option for visitors, as they are widely available throughout the transport network.
In some very central and high-traffic stations, you may also come across new-generation blue machines, which are larger — roughly the size of an ATM. These newer machines serve the same purpose and can also be used to top up Istanbulkart, but they are still limited to certain locations. If you are unsure, the yellow-and-black Biletmatik machines remain the safest and most reliable choice.
Next to many Biletmatik machines, you may notice another device labeled “Jetonmatik.” These machines sell single-use tokens for one-time trips. While useful in emergencies, one-way tickets are more expensive than Istanbulkart fares and do not offer transfer discounts. For anything beyond a single ride, topping up an Istanbulkart is the more practical and economical option.
FAQ – Common Issues for Visitors Using Istanbulkart
Using Istanbulkart as a visitor in Istanbul is generally straightforward, but there are a few important differences between how the system works for locals and for short-term travelers. Most confusion happens when expectations don’t match reality — especially around discounts, refunds, and limits.
Below you’ll find clear answers to the most common questions we hear from visitors, based on real on-the-ground experience and current regulations in 2025.
Do tourists get the same discounts and refunds as locals?
No. Transfer discounts, public holiday benefits, and distance-based refunds are available only for personalized Istanbulkarts, which require a Turkish ID number or a valid residence permit.
Visitors using anonymous (tourist) Istanbulkarts are charged the standard fare on each ride. This includes:
- No transfer discounts
- No free rides on public holidays
- No partial refunds on long-distance lines such as Marmaray or Metrobus
This distinction is one of the most misunderstood aspects of the system.
Can tourists personalize their Istanbulkart?
No. Personalization is not possible without a Turkish ID number or residence permit. Registration must be completed through the official Istanbulkart system, which verifies local identification.
If you are visiting Istanbul temporarily, you should plan to use either:
- An anonymous Istanbulkart
- Or contactless credit/debit cards at supported turnstiles
Is there a top-up limit for tourist cards?
Yes. Anonymous Istanbulkarts have a monthly top-up limit, which is periodically adjusted by local authorities. In recent years, this limit has typically been around 500 TL per month, though exact figures may change.
If you are:
- Sharing one card among multiple travelers
- Staying for an extended period
- Using Marmaray, Metrobus, or ferries frequently
you may reach this limit faster than expected. Locals rarely encounter this issue, but visitors sometimes do.
Why didn’t my card get a free ride on a public holiday?
Because public holiday gratuities apply only to personalized Istanbulkarts. Anonymous tourist cards are always charged the regular fare, even on national holidays.
This is normal behavior and not a malfunction of the system.
Can I share my Istanbulkart with another traveler?
Yes. One Istanbulkart can be used by multiple passengers, as long as there is enough balance on the card.
However, when using an anonymous/tourist card:
- Each ride is charged at the full fare
- No transfer discounts are applied
- The monthly top-up limit may be reached sooner
For couples or small groups, sharing one card is convenient. For longer stays or heavy daily travel, separate cards — or contactless payment — may be more practical.
Conclusion
Getting around Istanbul may look complicated at first, but once you understand how the system works, it quickly becomes part of the city’s rhythm. Istanbulkart — whether used as a physical card, through the mobile app, or alongside contactless payment — remains the backbone of public transport in Istanbul and the easiest way to move confidently between neighborhoods.
For most visitors, having an Istanbulkart ready early — ideally at the airport or near your accommodation — makes the first days in the city much smoother. At the same time, knowing your alternatives helps you stay flexible, especially for short stays or spontaneous trips. With the basics covered, Istanbul’s transport system stops being something you worry about and starts working quietly in the background.
If you’d like to explore the network in more detail, you can continue with our dedicated guides. Our Istanbul Metro Map article helps you understand the underground connections that link distant parts of the city, while the Tram T1 guide focuses on the historic route connecting Sultanahmet, the Grand Bazaar, and Taksim — the backbone of most first-time visits.
Istanbul rewards curiosity, and moving through it efficiently gives you more time to enjoy what truly matters: its streets, stories, and shifting horizons. Once transport is sorted, the city opens up — and the journey becomes part of the experience.
Written by Serhat Engul
Is it true that to get a refund on Marmaray, it is only applicable to residents or personalized Istanbul Kart (registered)?
Yes, as far as I know, in order to get a refund from Marmaray and other means of transportation in Istanbul, your card must be personalized on the Istanbul Metropolitan Municipality website.
To personalize, you are asked for an ID number when you enter this official website. In the first line, there is a field where you can enter a Turkish or foreign ID number. I do not know if tourist ID numbers are accepted.
Hello Serhat,
I have a doubt I think I understand that tourists when we spend 500TL we have to buy a new Istanbulkart.
And we are also not reimbursed when we use Marmaray.
Thank you for your great help.
Hello Matias, unfortunately I have no information about this subject. I’ll edit this answer after I do some research. However, since it is currently a busy tourist season in Istanbul, I do not have much time to update the articles. I will get back to you soon.
Hello Dear Serhat,
I would like to thank you for your nice page and best advises!
You are so helpful and great person.
I need your advice, as I will fly from Sofia to Vietnam in Feb 2024. So we are a group of 6 pax and we have long stop over in Istanbul – nearly 8 hours. So we are planning to go out of airport and have some really good dinner somewhere in Taksim.
From 2022 when my friend was in Istanbul still keeping a card for Istanbul metro. Well, my question is whether we can use that card as we refill it with certain amount of TL. And we shall use 2 lines of the metro – M11 and M2 to get to Taksim.
Another thing I would like to ask you is what your recommendation for nice place in Taksim for food would be.
With gratitude
Mariana
Dear Mariana, thank you for your kind words. Yes, your Istanbulkart can be refilled and used even if it is old (if it has not been physically damaged).
I have 3 Istanbulkarts and the newest one must be 3 years old. I don’t even remember when I bought the others. For this reason, those who plan to visit Istanbul again should keep their cards.
There are many nice restaurants in Beyoglu (Taksim Square, Istiklal Street and Galata). If you like meat, I recommend Munhasir Restaurant as a kebab restaurant. As for luxury restaurants, there are 360 Istanbul and Mikla.
I wrote an article about this. If you wish, you can access the article on the 12 best restaurants in Beyoglu here. I wish you a nice holiday in Istanbul.
Dear Sir/ Madam,
I bought Istanbul Card yesterday at 11am for two people, and paid for two days I paid €9.47 + €20, total of €29.47. We used the card yesterday and today around 6pm the card is finished and I have to top up again, is this normal? Thanks
Dear Hassan Taki, Istanbulkart top up machines only accept Turkish Lira. 30 Euros is approximately 900 Turkish Liras as of November 2023. You can travel dozens of times with this money. I don’t understand how you could pay in Euros. Each Istanbul Card is worth only 70 Turkish Liras, or 2.5 Euros. If you filled the rest as credit, it should be enough for days. So it’s not normal.
I will be arriving by cruise ship and only plan to use the tram two times (one ride from Tophane to Sultanahmet and one ride back at the end of the day).
Is it possible to purchase two single-ride tickets using the machines at the Galataport tram stop?
Do the machines take credit cards?
Thanks in advance.
Hello Peter, one, two, three, five and ten pass tickets can be purchased for public transportation in Istanbul. You can buy these from yellow and black machines called Biletmatik.
However, I don’t know if credit cards are accepted. As far as I know, only cash payments can be made. I think in your case it would be appropriate to buy a two-pass ticket.
Thank you for your reply.
Wondering if there’s a currency exchange place by the cruise ship terminal to get some local currency?
Thanks again
The place where the Istanbul Cruise Port is located is already a giant shopping center known as Galataport. There should be a currency exchange within the complex.
Update September 2023 :
– istanbulkart costs 70 TL
– there are 2 versions, a personalized blue one, for which you need Turkish citizenship / residency; and a red one for torusits
– the red one is limited to 500 TL / month, so if you’re using it for 2 or more people, the limit will be reached quite fast
– also for the red one, there is no refund (for Marmaray and metro bus), no reduction when switching lines (you pay 15 TL each time, except for Marmaray, where you can pay up to 26 TL, I think) and no gratuity on public holidays
Dear Bogdan,
Thank you very much for the updates. You have collected really valuable information and meticulously put it into writing, I am grateful for that. I am sure that it will be a guide for those who read this page.
Best wishes,
serhat
Hi,
I just wanted to confirm Bigdan’s comments on the top up limit, no gratuity on holiday (Republic Day) and the full price for each travel. My experience dates from 31 Octobre 2023.
We used a red card for two and reached the limit after a few days (we moved a lot). I am not sure about the amount in TL per month, but I can confirm that there is a limit. I tested several machines, at different locations, in cash (with different amounts) and by card.
I had the chance to fall on a worker who knew about the existence of this limit and told me to buy a new card.
On Republic Day, I tought that the public transports would be free as explained a bit averywhere on internet, but the normal fares were deducted from my card.
And I noticed during my stay that I did not receive any discount during my transfers. Not even for the first traveler.
For the rest, I really enjoyed my stay, public transportation is really easy to use. It would be useful to have a map of the bus network as it is difficult to use them easily without internet.
Kind regards,
Jos
Hello Jos,
Thank you for sharing with us your experiences on using Istanbulkart in public transportation in Istanbul for foreign tourists.
Kind regards,
Serhat
Hi Serhat, your post is informative but please let me share my experiences for future travellers. If they will stay in Istanbul for a long time then one Istanbulkart is not enough like in my case I use more than 100TL per day.
The marmaray will charge the highest rate irregardless of which station you will go down and no refund. Then the card has a top up limit of 500TL per month, you can’t personalized it unless you have an ID number from Türkiye.
From the airport I was able to buy Istanbulkart without a problem but that’s not the case with other yellow machines I tried at least 10 machines so one time I had no choice but to accept someone’s offer to buy his card not knowing that I can only top it up 300TL for this month.
I tried using my 2016 Istanbulkart but expired. I’ll try buying another card from a newstand if another concern will occur I’ll let you know.
Hello, thanks for sharing your experience. I’m sure this additional information will be useful to foreign visitors reading this page.
Dear Serhat, your page is very great indeed,
We plan to have a week in Istanbul at the end of September visiting as much as possible. We are a couple.
What is your recommendation for the amount to upload to Istanbulkart (we are quite interested in everything so relatively lot of travel and walk.
Thank you in advance
Gabor
Dear Gabor, thank you for your feedback on the blog. After the price adjustment in August 2023, Istanbulkart charges 15 Turkish Liras for each person on each ride.
For this reason, I think a couple visiting Istanbul for 2-3 days should load at least 200 TL on the card. You can use the card on the tram, metro and ferry.
Serhat
Merhaba Serhat,
Thank you for the great post! Super duper helpful. I have 2 questions:
1. Can Istanbulkart used for shuttle bus HViST-16 from Istanbul airport? Meaning, purchasing Istanbulkart in the airport after arrival may be the first thing to do.
2. You mentioned that Istanbulkart can be used for ferry as well. Does that meant I can purchase ferry ticket from IDO Bursa Ferry?
Thanks in advance for your prompt reply
Sophia
Hi Sofia, I don’t know if Istanbulkart is available in airport shuttles. However, if it does, it is useful to have a large amount of credit in it. I guess airport shuttle will be quite expensive compared to city transportation. Because the airport is quite far from the city center of Istanbul.
Istanbulkart is valid for Istanbul ferry transportation. This means that it can be used for short ferry rides between the European and Asian Side. The Istanbul-Bursa ferry you mentioned is between cities and you cannot use Istanbulkart for that. You need to buy tickets online.
You’re such a gem! Thank you so much!
You are welcome Sophia. Have a nice trip!
So, conclusion is…. You can’t get refund for Marmaray if you have nonpersonal Istanbul Kart. So, if you want refund you need to have personal Istanbul kart? How we can get personal Istanbul kart for visit of Istanbul in duration of 4 days? We are 3 adult persons. We have to buy 3 Istanbul Kart? How we personalize them?
Hello, unfortunately, there is no refund in public transport without personalizing the Istanbulkart. After purchasing the card, you can access the official website of Istanbul Metropolitan Municipality via this link and personalize your card by following the instructions. I guess you will have to enter the number on the card along with your credentials.
I don’t know if everyone needs a separate card. In the past, a family could travel in Istanbul with a single card. However, when it comes to refund, I think everyone will need a separate card.
Hello, great article. Thank You. I thought I read somewhere that you could get a 24hr Istanbulkart? Seems like that might not be correct. I also wondered if there are any machines in the Istanbul Cruise Port that disperse the card and enable it to work and be top upped? And are there currency exchange places at the Cruise port in order to top up the card? Thank You in advance
Hello, no, there is no such thing as a 24-hour Istanbulkart. However, there are single-use tram, ferry and metro tickets.
There is definitely a currency exchange office in Galataport. There are also two tram stations close to the cruise port. One of them is “Findikli” and the other is “Tophane” tram stations.
Istanbul card can be filled from the yellow top up machines at one of these stations. I think Tophane tram stop is located closer to Galataport.
Hello, Serhat. A few months ago I read that the Istanbul transport authority, IBB, will begin to accept contactless credit cards for fare payments at the fare gates.
London, Sofia, and Beograd are among cities in which this has already been implemented. I was in Sofia and Belgrad last year and used my MasterCard effortlessly for fare payment.
Has this gone into effect in Istanbul yet? If not, has a start date been published?
JT
Hello JT, unfortunately I don’t know about this. Yes, as you said, it would be very practical if credit cards could be used for entrances in public transportation. However, I have not seen anything like this in Istanbul yet.
Thank you for this information.
We (3 person) are traveling to Istanbul next week and I was planning to take public transport. We are landing around 5PM in SAW airport and I suppose that (next to the fact that it is cheaper) it will take us less time to get to Çemberlitaş (M4 and T1) than with a taxi in rush hour.
I’ve read that there are yellow boxes for the istanbulkart right at the exit of SAW. But if I understand you correctly, those machines don’t distribute the istanbulkart itself and I need to search for a newsstand first?
Hello Zed, I explained in the article that it is not possible to obtain Istanbulkart from standard Istanbulkart filling machines at tram stations. For example, the machines in Sultanahmet do not have such a function.
However, at the metro station in Taksim Square, I saw big Istanbulkart stations different from the standard machines. I think it was possible to buy the card itself as well as filling the card.
Perhaps one of these comprehensive machines could have been placed at Sabiha Gokcen Airport. However, I can’t say for sure as I haven’t experienced it myself.
At the end of the day, there is definitely a way to get an Istanbulkart at the airport. If you ask the tourist information office, I think they will help.
Have a nice trip!
Hi there, I have a blue Istanbul card and I don’t have any difficulties with the refund process in Marmaray and Metrobus, but one of my friends who bought his card 3 month ago has some issues and no refunds make happen with his card (Every time the refund machine gets red), since I don’t understand Turkish I couldn’t find anything on the web about this, do you have any suggestions or thoughts?
Hello, yes, unfortunately Istanbulkart’s refund system has changed. Non-personalized cards are not refundable for travel.
The same warning came to my unregistered card today. It gives a warning that your right to use with an unregistered card is restricted.
Hello, Mr Engul. Thank you so much for the explanation. However, I am curious if tourists without registered Istanbulcards, can enjoy the refund after using the Marmaray? A friend of mine said the refund machine did not work for him. I would really appreciate it if you could tell us whether any restrictions for Istanbulcards exist as of January 2023.
Best wishes!
Hi Maria, you can get a refund whether Istanbulkart is registered or not. I have 3 Istanbulkarts and I registered only one. Istanbul residents registered their cards as there was a registration requirement during the Covid process. Otherwise it wasn’t very common before.
I regularly use my other two unregistered Istanbulkarts and they are also refunded. There’s no way the refund machine can know if I’m a local or tourist when using these cards. In other words, everyone, domestic and foreign, can get refunds on the determined routes.
The restrictions on Istanbulkart that started during the Covid process have been completely lifted. Currently, those who register their cards are generally the ones who top up online. I didn’t bother registering all my cards as I like to load them manually. It’s not mandatory.
2023 February UPDATE: Sorry guys, I realized today that my last answers about the Istanbulkart refund system were wrong. Since January 1, there are no refunds for non-personalized Istanbulkarts.
Since January 1st, I have been to the European Side very little since it is low season. I guess I used my personalized card on those trips. The rest of the time I traveled by car.
That’s why I didn’t notice this change. Today, when the credit ran out on my main card, I used my spare (unregistered) card and a warning came on the screen that my usage rights were limited. I did not get a refund.
Hi Serhat bey, I have one question about the refund system, I have been using the Istanbul kart for several months now and there’s no issue getting the refund at the machine, but recently when I get off from the Marmaray station and trying to get the refund at the machine but it failed to work, it shows Turkish word and the screen display was red in colour. I was wondering if the refund has already been cancel by the government, or could it be because of a broken metro card I have ?
Hi John, frankly it is very difficult to answer this question without knowing the details. You may have traveled on a non-refundable line or a non-refundable distance.
But let me share with you an incident that has happened to me several times. For example, I once got on Marmaray from Sirkeci (Old City) and got off at the first stop on the Asian side (Uskudar). Although it was certain that I could get a refund in this scenario, several times I did not.
While thinking about the reason for this, it occurred to me that I used the same card while entering the public toilet of the subway. If you enter the toilet inside the station after using the card, the devices in the next station cannot detect when you last used the card.
Maybe they fixed this issue. However, since I have had bad experiences a few times, if I need to use the toilet in the subway, I provide access with my spare card.
2023 February UPDATE: Yes, I got a warning on the same red screen today. It seems that non-personalized Istanbulkarts will no longer be refundable on Marmaray (and other long-distance transportation vehicles).
Hello. Thank you so much for the information on this website. I have a question. Is there a limit to how much I can top up an Istanbulkart in a month? I bought one in December when I arrived. I have been using it and topping it up to get around.
However, in the last few days it would not accept a topup, not even in BİM or Mırgos or or online or at the ticket machine. I had to buy a new one. The card was still working though. Is there some kind of limit?
Hi Marsha, as far as I know there is no such limit. However, these are cards with magnetic stripe that can easily be corrupted. Maybe there was an error in the machine you were trying to top up.
I have not encountered such a problem. However, there are 3 Istanbulkarts in my wallet for such situations. Having more than one card is a must for those who use public transport in Istanbul every day.
It doesn’t make much sense to load a lot of money into a card as it can be lost and corrupted at any time. For this reason, I deposit around 100 TL on each card, which will provide approximately 10 metro passes, and I use the other as I run out of one.
Hi, your website is the most useful informative website on Istanbul tourism!! We will be arriving Istanbul via air flight and land at IST airport, where in the airport can I purchase the IstanbulCard? Thanks a lot…
Hi Andrew, thanks for your review of the blog. Unfortunately, I don’t know where you can buy Istanbulkart at the airport. It is probably sold in shops that sell newspapers and magazines.
Hi,
Thank you for the very useful information i found on your blog!
Do you know in the Aksaray area where can we buy the Istanbulkart?
Hi Alina, actually Aksaray is one of the busiest spots in Istanbul. I have never bought an Istanbulkart from there. You can buy it from places similar to the kiosk you can see in the image in the article.
Or you can find it at Marmaray’s Yenikapi Station, which is within walking distance from Aksaray Tram Stop. Aksaray is a chaotic place and finding something there can be a problem.
Hi,
Does the Istanbulkart expire? Just came back from my trip to Turkey and I’ve kept my card which still has a bit of money on it. Do you think it can still be used if I visit the country again in a few years?
Thanks in advance.
Hello Zahaa, no, the credits in Istanbulkart do not expire. The money in the card will be permanent for years. So if you come back to Istanbul, you can use it.
Hi ! Great Blog and Very Informative. As you mentioned for your friends and family you can use one card. So we are a family of 3 , so I can scan the same card for all of us?
Hi Apeksha yes one card can be used for more than one person. I personally used it for up to 5 people. So you, as a family of 3, will not have any problems.
You are welcome!
Do you think it would be cheaper to use the metro card for 3 people to go between places or would it be cheaper to get a taxi? I can’t seem to find rough prices for taxis and unsure of the metro fairs either.
For example, would be cheaper for 3 person to take metro from IST airport to Sultanahmet or would be cheaper to take a taxi? Thanks in advance
Hello Meena, as in all major cities of the world, taking a taxi in Istanbul is much more expensive than traveling by public transport. Even if you are 3 people, taking a taxi is more expensive than traveling by metro.
I just returned back from Istanbul and I had my istanbulkart with balance 185 lira inside it, but we’re planing to visit Istanbul again next year, so does this balance inside the card will be still working or it will be expired?
Hello Noha, no Istanbulkart balance has no expiration date. It will be valid even years later. However, if not stored well, the card’s magnetic stripe may be damaged in the long run.
I hope inflation will slow down and the credits on the card will still mean something next year.
Hello Serhat,
Thank you for the post, it’s very informative!
Are there any biletmatik in Sabiha Gökçen airport that you can purchase Istanbulkart from?
Is payment by card, such as Visa possible or is it cash only?
I need to go to Kadiköy from SAW, is it better to take the metro or Havabüs?
Hi Lena, frankly, I don’t know if Sabiha Gokcen has Biletmatik. However, I think there must be a shop that sells Istanbulkart.
As far as I know, the Kadikoy metro line has not been extended to SAW yet. Construction work still continues. For this reason, you have to go to Tavsantepe, which is the nearest metro stop from SAW. In my opinion, for a first timer in Istanbul, it is not worth the hassle.
I think you can get rid of the need to buy an Istanbulkart in the first place by taking Havabus and paying the fee in cash. Otherwise you will have to go to the nearest metro station by another bus anyway. It is most logical to go to Kadikoy with a single bus.
Hi Im a british disabled lady 67yrs travelling alone in a small disability scooter (scooter suitable for buses/transportation), is their any concession on the trams need a pass for 3/4 days in total.
Most of the public transportation vehicles in Istanbul are free for people over the age of 65. However, only Turkish citizens can obtain a kind of concession card by presenting their identity cards. As far as I know, there is no such application for foreigners.
Hi Serhat,
Thanks for the tons of useful information in your website. I’ve red almost everything and it was very helpful for my family to visit Istanbul 2 weeks ago.
However this article – for Istanbul card is outdated. Here are the changes that your reader should know:
1 – The card is NOT available for sale in the machines, but only from newspaper and other kiosks.
2 – They charge 15-20 TRY for a blank card, THAT SHOULD BE REGISTERED WITH HES CODE. Without HES code, the card is not activated and you cannot put money on it.
The HES code is needed for tourist to enter Galata tower and some big stores and shopping malls, so it is good for you to update this information on this site.
BR
Ivailo
Hi Ivailo,
During the pandemic, I attempted to update the entire site. Since there are about 200 articles, I could only complete 2 out of 3 in a long time. The Istanbul Card article was one of the articles I kept for last. Because due to the pandemic, I do not use public transportation as much as I used to. Yes, Hes code has made it difficult to use Istanbulkart, but it is a temporary measure after all.
By the way, Istanbulkart is not bought from ordinary top-up machines, but there are special machines that sell Istanbulkart in big metro stations like Taksim. What I meant in the article were those official machines.
Many thanks for all this information. I will update as soon as possible.
Kind regards,
Serhat
I just checked instanbulkart website and google translated something about the Mavi Biletmatik being capable to be used to purchase a instanbulkart with a credit or debit card? Do you know if its posible to do this? I always just try to use my debit or credit card, I try not to use cash, thanks in advance
Hi Roy, the name of what you are talking about is Mavi Kart, meaning “Blue Card”. However, this product is a monthly transportation card that can only be purchased by Turkish citizens. It is true that it is paid by credit card, but the price is 275 Turkish liras. This card would not be useful for someone who comes to Istanbul for touristic purposes anyway. You have to pay cash to top up your regular Istanbulkart.
Salaam Serhat,
insha’Allah, we intend to visit Istanbul in April. We are staying in Atasehir Area. If you can give me some information to explore around Atasehir and rest of main attraction in Istanbul. How much will be your price for the half day tour and are the attraction tickets inclusive with your tour. Please advise me. We are family of 2 Adult 2 kids.
Thank you
Hi Aksham, Atasehir is the modern area of the Asian Side of Istanbul. You can visit the Shopping Malls around (Palladium, Brandium etc). You can pay a visit to Bagdat Street. It’s a 10 kilometres long avenue with nice restaurants and shopping areas. If you are looking for a tour organization, you can contact to BarefootPlus Travel.
Hi,
I asked a metro staff where to refund the Istanbulkart and he said it’s not refundable. FYI.
Hi Bilal, thanks for your contribution. I will check and update.
Hello SERHAT,
Thank you for a very detailed article. I have a question though. I’m planning to stay in Istanbul for around a month. Is there a month pass or something similar to that where you can pay for the entire month and have unlimited transportation?
Hi Ghaith, yes there is something called Mavi Kart which means Blue Card. However it’s only for locals. It needs an application and you need to be a Turkish Citizen to get it. I tried to find its advertisment page in English but there was none. Here is the link to the product page (though it’s in Turkish).
Thanks Serhat🙏🏻
Hi Serhat
I am coming from Sahiba Gocken Airport and going to elite world hotel
My plan is to take a taxi to there
how much will this cost?
Thank you
Hi Mona, I am not quite sure about it. The taxi fares have changed recently. I assume it would cost around 60-70 Turkish Lira.
It doesn’t seem possible to get the card or the money on it refunded anywhere. Apart from that it’s a great card.
Hi Joshua, newsstands selling Istanbul cards must also receive a refund. Some follow the rules, some do not.
Thanks Serhat, very useful.
Just to confirm, i will get a 2.6TL refund in Sirkeci?
My other questions is – suppose i have 5 TL in my Istanbulkart, will it allow me to board marmaray and let the balance go negative?
You are welcome. I do not know how much does it charge from Pendik to Sirkeci. It refunds different amounts depending on the length of your journey. It does not work unless you have enough money in it. There is no negative balance.
Hi Serhat
I am coming from Sahiba Gocken Airport and going to Sirkeci.
My plan is to take MR60 to Pendik and then Marmaray to Sirkeci.
Is this correct and how much will this cost?
Thank you
Hi Devanshu, Yes you can take the MR60 bus in order to get to Pendik area. Then you can get the Marmaray all the way to Sirkeci. However, sometimes Marmaray trains do not go directly to Sirkeci. They empty the whole train in Sogutlucesme transportation center (to send the empty train back to busy stations) and you may have to wait for the next one.
MR60 will cost you only one ticket price which means 2.60 Turkish Lira. Marmaray will charge probably 5.20 TL. Once you get off the train at Sirkeci, make sure you get your refund from the small machines in the courtyard of the station. Have a good journey!
Thank you for this! Very thorough. One question… Can you top up with credit card?
Thank you!
Hi Lisa, you can not top up with credit card. Only banknotes (5, 10, 20, 50 TL) are accepted.
Hi, Is any other Currency accepted?
No, you can only use Turkish Lira to purchase or refill an Istanbul card.
Thanks dear! How and where can we check the balance of the Card?
At Metro, Tram, Marmaray and Ferry stations, there are machines called “Biletmatik” in yellow to fill Istanbulkart. You can place the card in the rectangular magnetic slot in these machines and see the balance on the screen.
Normally, when you place the card in the relevant compartment and feed money, you load credit on Istanbulkart. However, even if you do not feed money, the current balance of the card appears on the screen.
Hello SERHAT ENGÜL.
Please may I confirm with you the maximum amount of passengers allowed to use 1 IstanbulKart ?
Many thanks
Tanya
Hi Tanya, I don’t think there is any limitation. You can use it as many times as needed, provided that there is enough money in it.
Hello
First of all, i would like to thank you so much for this extra website.
I have one question : I heard that you can get some credits back on your card if you use the metro (you can get it by checking the card when leaving the station in a yellow machine). Is it true ?
Hi Alan! Yes, but it’s only for Marmaray. Marmaray runs between Gebze and Halkali. Gebze is out of Istanbul on the Asian Side, Halkali is also far end in the European Side. Marmaray charges much more than other vehicles. On the other hand, you can get some refund if you use it for a shorter ride. For example if you get on the Marmaray from Sirkeci (nearest stop to Sultanahmet Old City), it charges 5.20 Turkish Lira. Next stop is Uskudar on the Asian Side, if you leave the Marmaray there, you get 2.60 TL back through those refund machines. It’s not the same yellow machine where you top up your Istanbulkart. It’s a smaller device which can be found in Marmaray Stations.
Hello, I try to get the refund in the machines in Marmaray, but it always get a red screen, not green like others passanger around me, so I never get the refund. I am only taking it for 2 stations, what am I doing wrong?
Hi Ivana, frankly, it is not possible for me to give you a clear answer. But my guess is maybe you are getting on and off at the last stations of Marmaray on the same line, so there is no longer any distance to refund.
So let’s say there are 30 stops on Marmaray. If you get on the train from the first stop, you get a refund if you get off at the middle stops. But those who get on from the last stops pay less fare, so there is no refund.
I tried to get refund on my card after riding few stops on the Marmaray line and I was also greeted with a red screen saying I have to individualise my card to get the refund. How can I register my personal information on the card to be able to get refunds.
Hi Hashim, You can access the Istanbul Metropolitan Municipality’s Istanbulkart personalization page by clicking this link. There appears to be an English option in the upper right corner.
Hello serhat. I am planning to come to istanbul soon and guide is just Amazing. Thank you so much for sharing really informative and helpful stuff…
Kindly guide me that how can i get cheap wifi or internet while traveling? As in i will be needed to see tracks and nearby things.
Hi Mehak, thank you for the feedback. However I don’t know the answer of this question. I do not have up to date information about this issue.
Hello
Please let me know the fare of bus 16s or E-10 for Sabiha Gokcen Airport.
Regards
Hello. It should be 2,60 Turkish Lira. It operates between the Sabiha Gokcen Airport and Metrobus Station (Uzuncayir).
cat costa HAVAIST dela aeroport pana in piata Taxim ?
The cost of airport shuttle should be 18 Turkish Lira from Istanbul Airport to Taksim. You can also check How to get from Istanbul Airport to Taksim blog post.
multumesc pentru sfaturi !
Cu plăcere. I think it means: you are welcome. 🙂
Can you buy Istanbul card in Yenikapi ferry terminal?
Sorry, I am not sure about it!
Hi Serhat, you say that the deposit on the card is refundable (7L). However, what about any unused balance on the card itself? Is this refunded, too?
Also, any idea if there are public transport options from the new Istanbul Airport yet? I will be travelling there with my family in early June 2019… less than two months from now.
Thanks, in advance!
Hi Nitish, you can refund the price of the card but not the unused balance. You need to empty it, before you return it. The New Istanbul Airport’s metro line is still under construction. You can use “Havaist” shuttle buses in order to get to the airport. You can pay the fare via Istanbulkart.
Hi, I thought that an Istanbulkart can only be used for five passengers maximum at one go. There is no limit now? Because i plan to use mine for my group of eight, and I thought I needed an additional Istanbulkart for the remaining three people. Thanks for your response!
Hello Barbara, I have never heard about your argument. There is no limitation as far as I know. I checked from the official site of IstanbulKart and there is nothing mentioned about maximum number of usage for multiple people. I also googled “8 people Istanbulkart limitation” in every logical keyword combination (in Turkish) and there has never been a limitation like that. It must be a misunderstanding.
Do kids under 12 pay require a travel card as well?
Public transportation is free for the kids under the age of 6. So the answer is yes! On the other hand, Istanbul Museums are free for the kids under the age of 12. That means they do not need Istanbul Museum Pass.