In a massive city like Istanbul, with over 16 million inhabitants, public transportation is central to daily life. The 2026 list of Istanbul public transportation fares is crucial for commuters, students, tourists, and anyone traveling within the city. Choosing the wrong mode of transport can waste time and strain your budget.
In this guide:
- Istanbul metro fares in 2026
- Marmaray prices
- Istanbulkart fares
- Student transportation pass price
- Airport transfer fees
- The most economical transportation methods
Istanbul Public Transportation Fares 2026 Updated List
In 2026, new fare increases were implemented for public transportation in Istanbul. Following a decision by UKOME (Transportation Coordination Center), metro, tram, bus, metrobüs, and ferry fares were updated.2026 Istanbul Transportation Prices
| Type of Transportation | Full | Student | Teacher | Students who have turned 30 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Metro | 42 TL | 20.50 TL | 30.07 TL | 37.80 TL |
| Bus | 42 TL | 20.50 TL | 30.07 TL | 37.80 TL |
| Tram | 42 TL | 20.50 TL | 30.07 TL | 37.80 TL |
| Funicular | 42 TL | 20.50 TL | 30.07 TL | 37.80 TL |
| Metrobus (min) | 30 TL + | 13.25 TL | 18.61 TL | 27.06 TL |
| Metrobus (max) | 62 TL + | 20.50 TL | 34.19 TL | 56.11 TL |
| Marmaray (Short) | 34 TL | 16.48 TL | 24.16 TL | 30.60 TL |
| Marmaray (Long) | 74.70 TL | 33.75 TL | 52.08 TL | 67.23 TL |
| City Ferry | 45.59 TL + | 22.21 TL | 32.65 TL | 41.03 TL |
Note : Metrobus, Marmaray, and ferry fares may vary depending on the distance traveled. The minimum prices mentioned are for a distance of one stop.
Note : The prices listed for city ferries are starting prices based on the cheapest routes. Prices vary depending on the route.
Istanbulkart Prices 2026
If you regularly use public transportation in Istanbul, the Istanbulkart has become almost mandatory. Using transportation without the card is both more expensive and more inconvenient.Istanbulkart Card Fee
A one-time card fee is charged when purchasing a new card. Prices may vary depending on the point of sale.- Anonymous Istanbulkart
This is the ideal card type for tourists and short-term visitors. It does not require identity verification.
- Student Istanbulkart
Those with an active student certificate can benefit from the discounted rate.
- Blue Card (Monthly Subscription) 2026
The Blue Card is a personalized transportation card in Istanbul that allows users to load a monthly subscription onto their account for frequent public transport users. For a fixed monthly fee, it offers a limited number of discounted or included passes throughout the month, providing an economic advantage for regular users.
| Card Type | Fee |
|---|---|
| Full Blue Card | 3,298 TL |
| Student Subscription | 593 TL |
| Students over 30 years old | 2,968 TL |
Istanbulkart Card Prices 2026
| Card Type | Card Fee |
|---|---|
| Istanbulkart | 165 TL |
| Istanbulkart Plus | 140 TL |
| Personalized Istanbulkart | 140 TL |
| Discounted Istanbulkart, Student Istanbulkart Plus | 140 TL |
| Free Istanbulkart 1 (65+ Years, Mother's Card, Press Member, Municipal Police Officer, State Athlete, EHS, Disabled Istanbulkart) | 140 TL |
| Free Istanbulkart 2 (TUİK) | 280 TL |
| Free Istanbulkart 3 (Private and Non-Commissioned Officers, Veterans and Veteran Families, Martyr Families) | - |
| Blue Istanbulkart | 140 TL |
| Island Resident Istanbulkart* | 140 TL |
| PDKS (Personnel Attendance Control System) | 140 TL |
| Control Card | 180 TL |
| Vehicle Usage Certificate (Public transport, freight transport, usage certificate card) | 270 TL |
| One pass | 60 TL |
| TWO pass | 110 TL |
| Three Passes | 170 TL |
| FOUR | 210 TL |
| FIVE | 250 TL |
| SIX | 300 TL |
| YEDİgeç | 350 TL |
| EIGHT pass | 390 TL |
| NINE | 440 TL |
| ONgeç | 480 TL |
| SMS QR | 60 TL |
For those who commute regularly, a subscription is often more advantageous than paying for a single ride.
How much will the Istanbul Metro cost in 2026?
The full fare for a metro ticket in Istanbul will be 42 TL in 2026.The same basic fare applies to frequently used lines such as M2 Yenikapı–Hacıosman, M4 Kadıköy–Sabiha Gökçen, M7 Mahmutbey–Yıldız and M11 Gayrettepe–Istanbul Airport.
| Card Type | Fee |
|---|---|
| Full | 42 TL |
| Student Card | 20.50 TL |
| Students who are 30 years of age or older | 37.80 TL |
| Social | 30.07 TL |
When is the Metro advantageous?
- during rush hour
- Over long distances
- Airport transportation
- In European-Anatolian transfers
How much will Marmaray cost in 2026?
Marmaray fares are calculated based on distance.| Distance | Full | Student Discount | Students over 30 years old | Teacher/Elderly | Subscription |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Minimum (Minimum transport fee) | 34 TL | 16.48 TL | 30.60 TL | 24.16 TL | 1 Credit |
| Maximum (Full course fee) | 74.70 TL | 33.75 TL | 67.23 TL | 52.08 TL | 4 Credits |
Marmaray is used very heavily, especially on the Halkalı, Yenikapı, Üsküdar, Ayrılık Çeşmesi, and Pendik lines.
Marmaray or Metro?
- Marmaray is faster for intercontinental crossings.
- For short distances within the city, the metro is more practical.
- It is much more economical than a taxi in traffic.
Istanbul Metrobus Fare 2026
Metrobüs fares are determined by the number of stops.Fares are more affordable on shorter journeys, while fares increase on longer routes such as Beylikdüzü – Söğütlüçeşme.
Who benefits from this?
- Those living along the E-5 highway
- Those who want to get to work quickly
- Those who don't want to get stuck in traffic
| Stop | Full | Student Discount | Students over 30 years old | Teacher/Elderly | Subscription |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 30.07 TL | 13.25 TL | 27.06 TL | 18.61 | 1 |
| 2 | 35.97 TL | 14.43 TL | 32.37 TL | 22.24 TL | 1 |
| 3 | 42.00 TL | 16.80 TL | 37.80 TL | 25.77 TL | 1 |
| 4 - 9 | 48.01 TL | 19.17 TL | 43.20 TL | 30.07 TL | 2 |
| 10 - 15 | 53.73 TL | 20.50 TL | 47.45 TL | 30.49 TL | 2 |
| 16 - 21 | 55.17 TL | 20.50 TL | 49.66 TL | 32.42 TL | 2 |
| 22 - 27 | 56.97 TL | 20.50 TL | 51.28 TL | 32.42 TL | 2 |
| 28 - 33 | 58.21 TL | 20.50 TL | 52.38 TL | 34.19 TL | 2 |
| 34 – 43 + | 62.35 TL | 20.50 TL | 56.11 TL | 34.19 TL | 2 |
Transportation Fares for Students in Istanbul 2026
Transportation is still advantageous for students in Istanbul.How much does a student travel card cost?
Single pass: 20.50 TLIs a student subscription a good idea?
For someone who goes to school every day, absolutely yes.Example:
2 trips there + 2 trips back = 4 trips per day.
20 days of use per month = 80 rides
Instead of paying individually, a subscription might be much more advantageous.
Student Card for those over 30 years old
It continues in 2026, but it's more expensive than the standard student card.How to find the cheapest transportation in Istanbul?
If you want to protect your budget, try these methods:1. Using a Subscription
The most sensible option for regular travelers.2. Choosing the Metro
Fast and economical over long distances.3. Planning Transfers
Using the right transfer system instead of a single vehicle can save you time and money.4. Avoiding Taxis During Rush Hours
Taxi fares in Istanbul can increase significantly during heavy traffic.Istanbul Airport Transportation Fares 2026
One of the most frequently asked questions by those visiting Istanbul is how to get to the city center.Istanbul Airport Metro Fare
Affordable transportation is possible thanks to the M11 line and its connection to Gayrettepe.- Havaist Prices
It is more comfortable and luggage-friendly. Pricing is based on route.
- Taxi Fare
Traveling towards Taksim, Kadıköy, or Beşiktaş during peak traffic hours can result in high costs.
- Cheapest Option
Metro + transfer system.
Where can I buy an Istanbulkart?
Buying an Istanbulkart is quite easy.Points of Purchase
- Metro stations
- Tram stops
- Ticket vending machines
- Istanbul Airport
- Authorized sales points
Where can I buy personalized cards?
Personalized Istanbulkart cards are cards that are identified by their holder and match their identification information. Discounted or free cards such as student, student (over 30), teacher, 60+, 65+, and mother cards fall into this category. Unlike anonymous (nameless) cards, they offer certain advantages.Points of Purchase
- Through the official Istanbulkart individual transactions website or mobile application
- Istanbulkart Application Centers
- 153 Support Line
Where can I top up my balance?
- Vending machines
- Mobile application
- Markets
- Digital banking channels
For tourists, is Istanbulkart or a single-trip ticket better?
- 1-2 Day Trip:
A single-use ticket might be considered.
- 3 Days or More:
Istanbulkart is definitely more advantageous.
- If you're going to travel a lot:
If you plan to use the metro, ferry, and tram, we can say that an Istanbulkart is essential.