Whether you're a tourist or a newcomer, the golden rule for using public transport in Istanbul is this small but magical card.
If you're ready, let's learn how to navigate Istanbul's transportation labyrinth without getting lost.
What is Istanbulkart?
Istanbulkart is an electronic transportation card valid on all public transportation in Istanbul. You can easily use this card on all lines, including buses, metro, metrobus, ferries, trams, and Marmaray. So, if you want to use public transportation in Istanbul, Istanbulkart is a must-have. The card system is contactless, allowing you to start your journey simply by swiping your card at turnstiles or boarding devices.It is also possible to use the same card both in transportation and in some social areas – for example, at the entrance to markets, car parks or museums.
In short, Istanbulkart is a single-card system that is at the heart of the city's transportation infrastructure.
Istanbulkart Types
Istanbulkart has different versions for everyone:1. Istanbulkart (Standard / Full Card)
It is an Istanbulkart that can be used in Istanbul public transportation and shopping.For Whom?
- It is the anonymous or non-personalized version that anyone can get.
- Card Fee: A one-time card fee is paid when obtaining a new card.
- Personalization: The card does not contain any personal information.
- Usage: Valid for public transport (metro, metrobus, bus, tram, ferry, Marmaray).
- Balance Loading: You can load your balance via kiosks, vending machines, the Istanbulkart Mobile application and Bilet.com.
- Transfer: The card can be transferred to another person; more than one person can use it at the same time.
2.Istanbulkart Plus (Virtual Card)
It is a prepaid virtual card that works with the digital account in Istanbulkart Mobile and can be used for online shopping and payments can be made with the balance loaded into it.For Whom?
- It is suitable for digital users and those who prefer online transactions.
- Card Fee: None; defined as free of charge.
- Personalization: It is a card that works digitally instead of a physical card.
- Usage: It works integrated with the Istanbulkart Mobile application and is valid in public transportation.
- Online Shopping: It can also be used as a virtual card; it allows you to pay for online shopping.
3. Discounted Istanbul Card
It is a personalized card that provides discounted fares on public transportation for special groups such as students, teachers and people over 60.For Whom?
- Students
- Teachers
- Citizens over 60 years of age
- Card Fee: Free for students and teachers; may be free for citizens over 60 under certain conditions.
- Personalization: The card must have personal information.
- Usage: Discounted fares are applied to public transport.
- Visa: The visa process must be completed every year; otherwise, the card will charge a fee at the normal rate.
4. Blue Istanbulkart (Subscription Card)
For Whom?- Blue
- Island Resident
- Subsistence
- Card Fee: Monthly subscription fee is paid.
- Personalization: The card must have personal information.
- Usage: Offers unlimited or a certain number of passes per month.
- Advantage: It is advantageous for those who need long-term transportation.
5. Free Istanbulkart
It is a personalized card that allows certain beneficiaries (over 65 years of age, disabled people, some public officials) to use public transportation without paying any fees.For Whom?
- Over 65 Years Old
- Mother
- Member of the Press
- Municipal Police
- Veteran
- Veteran Family
- Police Service Class
- Disabled
- Privates and Non-Commissioned Officers
- National Athlete
- Mukhtar
- Martyr's Family
- TUIK
- Card Fee: Free for certain groups.
- Personalization: The card must have personal information.
- Usage: Provides free passage on public transport.
- Conditions: Those who meet certain conditions, such as disabled people, citizens over 65, or public officials, can obtain this card.
6. Limited Use Card (Limited Use / Pass Cards)
It is a card that offers a certain number of passes, designed for people who stay in the city for a short time or who will rarely use public transportation.For Whom?
- It is suitable for visitors who will stay in the city for a short time or who will rarely use public transport.
- Card Fee: The card fee is paid; however, there is no balance loading fee.
- Personalization: The card does not contain any personal information.
- Usage: Contains a certain number of passes, for example, 1 pass, 3 passes, 5 passes.
- Duration: The card has a limited validity period; it must be used within a certain period.
7. Istanbul City Card
Istanbulkart is the card that provides free public transportation for 1-3-5-7-15 days, Bosphorus Tour and museum entrance for local and foreign tourists visiting Istanbul.For Whom?
- It is a card designed for tourists.
- ONE Late
- TWOLate
- ThreePass
- FourPass
- FivePass
- SIXTIME
- SEVENLate
- EIGHTYET
- NINELate
- Predecember
- SMS QR
- Card Fee: Card fee is paid; however, it includes some advantages.
- Personalization: The card does not contain any personal information.
- Usage: Provides unlimited usage rights in public transport.
- Benefits: Offers discounts or free admission to some museums and attractions.
- Duration: Provides unlimited public transportation use for periods such as 1, 3, 5, 7 or 15 days.
How and Where to Get Istanbulkart?
To use public transportation in Istanbul, you first need to obtain an Istanbulkart. Fortunately, this process is quite easy and can be done in a few different ways. For more information, you can also check out our article on our website, " Where to Get an Istanbulkart? How to Use It? "Online and Physical Sales Points
You can get Istanbulkart both physically and online:- IETT toll booths : You can get your card and load your balance from toll booths throughout the city.
- Metro and metrobus stations : You can obtain cards from vending machines or ticket offices.
- Large kiosks : Some kiosks and markets sell cards.
- Istanbulkart Mobile Application : You can obtain the card virtually and load your balance through the application.
- Discounted and special card applications : Students and citizens over the age of 60 must provide certain documents to obtain a Discounted Card. Students are required to provide proof of current education, an ID card, and a passport-sized photograph taken within the last six months. For citizens over the age of 60, a passport-sized photograph and ID taken within the last six months are sufficient to obtain the card.
- Blue Card : The same formalities apply to those seeking a Blue Card. This means that applicants simply need to submit a passport-sized photo and ID documents.
- Online Application : In addition to applying physically, you can also apply online to obtain any of the cards you need. You can apply online through the Istanbul Card website. Once your application is approved, your card will be delivered to you via PTT (Turkish Postal Service).
How to Use Istanbulkart?
- First, you need to top up your balance. If it's an Istanbulkart you purchased online, it doesn't have any. You can top up your balance online on our "Load Money to Istanbulkart" page. (If your phone has NFC, you can transfer money by bringing your phone closer to the card after topping up.)
- Touch your Istanbulkart to the Istanbulkart reader of the public transportation vehicle you want to take.
- The Istanbulkart reader will verify that you have a valid ticket or top-up on your card and confirm it. At this point, your boarding is complete.
- When your Istanbulkart runs out of balance or your valid ticket expires, you'll need to reload your card. To do this, you may need to visit an Istanbulkart sales point or use the Istanbulkart mobile app.
- If you lose your Istanbulkart, you can apply to Istanbulkart sales points to cancel your lost card and get a new one.
Istanbulkart Fees
Getting and using an Istanbulkart is quite easy, but each card type has different fees and terms of use. Because fees are updated periodically, it's a good idea to check the current prices before purchasing your card. You can find information about all cards and their fees in the table below.| Card Type | Card Fee | Visa Application |
| Istanbulkart | 165₺ | - |
| Personalized Istanbulkart | 140₺ | - |
| Discounted Istanbul Card | 140₺ | 50₺ |
| Free Istanbulkart | 140₺ | - |
| Free Istanbulkart 2 (TUIK) | 280₺ | 280₺ |
| Free Istanbulkart 3 (Private Soldiers and Non-Commissioned Officers, Veterans and Veterans' Families, Martyrs' Families) | - | - |
| Blue Istanbul Card | 140₺ | - |
| Island Resident Istanbul Card* | 140₺ | 50₺ |
| PDKS (Personnel Attendance Control System) | 140₺ | - |
| Control Card | 180₺ | - |
| Vehicle Usage Certificate (Public transport, freight transport, usage certificate certificate card) | 250₺ | - |
| ONE Late | 50₺ | - |
| TWOLate | 90₺ | - |
| ThreePass | 145₺ | - |
| FourPass | 175₺ | - |
| FivePass | 205₺ | - |
| SIXTIME | 250₺ | - |
| SEVENlate | 290₺ | - |
| EIGHTYET | 325₺ | - |
| NINELate | 370₺ | - |
| Predecember | 400₺ | - |
Istanbul City Card Price List
| Card Type | Transportation Fee |
| 1-Day Unlimited Pass | 165₺ |
| 3-Day Unlimited Pass | 140₺ |
| 5-Day Unlimited Pass | 140₺ |
| 7-Day Unlimited Pass | 140₺ |
| 15-Day Unlimited Pass | 280₺ |
Where is Istanbulkart Valid Apart from Public Transport?
Istanbulkart can be used not only on public transportation but also in other areas. You can find more detailed information in our articleon places where you can pay with Istanbulkart . Here are some places you can use your Istanbulkart outside of public transportation:- Toilets affiliated with IMM
- Hamidiye water vending machines
- Ispark Parking Lots
- Social facilities affiliated with IMM
- City beach entrances
- In Migros, Şok, Bim and A101 markets
How to Load Balance to Istanbulkart?
One of the most annoying things about using public transportation in Istanbul is encountering an "insufficient balance" warning just as you're about to pass through the turnstile. Fortunately, loading funds onto your Istanbulkart is now incredibly easy — you can do it in seconds, both through traditional methods and online.Let's first look at all the loading options and then explain how you can load your tickets via Bilet.com step by step.
There are multiple ways to top up your Istanbulkart. Each offers different advantages:
1. Vending Machines and Kiosks
You can load your balance with cash or a debit/credit card from the yellow "Biletmatik" devices located at every metro, metrobus, tram and ferry station in the city.- Have the device scan your card,
- Select the amount you want to load and pay by cash or credit/debit card,
- The balance will be reflected on the card within a few seconds.
2. Istanbulkart Mobile Application
You can top up your card online by downloading the Istanbulkart Mobile app to your phone.- Open the app,
- Identify your card number,
- Pay with your debit or credit card.
- If you are using a phone with NFC (near field communication) capability, you can instantly sync your balance by placing your card near your phone after loading.
3. Markets and Kiosks
- Istanbulkart loading services are also available at authorized markets and kiosks in many parts of Istanbul.
- Just say "I want to load balance to my Istanbulkart" at the checkout.
4. Online Istanbulkart Loading via Bilet.com
And the most convenient way, of course, is Bilet. No more waiting in line or searching for a device. Top up your card with just a few clicks.Moreover, thanks to its mobile-friendly interface, you can complete the process in seconds from your computer or phone.
Steps to Load Istanbulkart on Bilet.com
Step 1 : Go to Bilet.com website.Step 2 : Select the “Top Up Istanbulkart” tab from the main menu.
Step 3 : Enter your complete Istanbulkart number (written on the back of the card).
Step 4 : Select the amount you want to load and proceed to the payment step.
Step 5 : Enter your bank or credit card information and confirm the payment.
Step 6: Transaction complete! The balance will be reflected on your card instantly.
Quick Tip : There are no additional service fees for top-ups made through Bilet.com. What's more, you can shop 24/7 and skip the lines during rush hour.
What is the Istanbulkart Visa Process and How is it Done?
The renewal/activation process is crucial for students, teachers, or special fare users who benefit from public transportation discounts. Failure to do so could result in the card losing its discounted fare and starting to charge regular fares.Below, I explain step by step what the visa process is, why it should be done and how to do it.
Why is a Visa Necessary?
- For those using a discounted card (student, teacher, etc.), a "visa" is required for the card to be valid every year.
- If visa application is not made, the discount right will be cancelled and the card will be deducted from the normal full fee tariff.
- In other words, visaing is an official approval process that ensures that the discounted card remains active.
How is the visa process carried out?
You can apply for an Istanbulkart visa in a few different ways. Whichever method you use, you'll need to have sufficient funds on your card (for example, a minimum balance of 50 TL, according to Bilet.com).Common visa methods:
1. Visa from Ticket Machines / Vending Machines
- Scan your card at the automatic machines located in metro, metrobus, tram or ferry stations.
- You will see the “Visa” option on the screen; select it.
- Confirm the visa fee (e.g. 50 TL).
- When the transaction is completed successfully, a message stating "Your visa application was successful" will be sent to your card.
- Remember that you must have a minimum balance on your card.
- Download Istanbulkart Mobile and register.
- Go to My Cards.
- Click on Add card.
- Enter your Istanbulkart information or have it scanned using the NFC method.
- After adding your card, go back to the 'My Cards' area.
- Click on your relevant card.
- Click on the 'Visa' option under the card information.
- If your Istanbulkart balance is sufficient, your visa application will be processed using the balance on your card.
- If you do not have any balance on your Istanbulkart, first load it onto your relevant card and then follow the steps above again.
- Go to the official website of Istanbulkart ( istanbulkart.istanbul ).
- Log in to your Account/Card section.
- Select the card you want to apply for.
- Click on the “Visa” option and start the process.
- Confirm the fee and you will receive notification that the transaction was successful.
Visa Fee and Duration
- For example, the student Istanbulkart visa fee for 2025 has been set as 50 TL.
- For the transaction, the card must have at least this amount of balance.
- The visa is usually valid for 1 year; once it expires, it is necessary to re-visa it to continue with the discounted tariff.