Istanbul is a massive city, but don’t let it intimidate you. The public transport system is incredibly efficient. Your key to navigating this system is very simple, the Istanbulkart. This little card will be your best friend, giving you access to busses, metros, ferries, and trams. Here is a simple guide to get one and start exploring.

What is the Istanbulkart?

The Istanbulkart is a card that is used for the public transport in Istanbul. To use the card you have to top up the card with money. When there is money on the card, you can use the card for different types of public transport:

• Ferries
• Trams
• Metros
• Busses
• Cable Cars
• Metrobus
• Marmarays (Train)

How to Get the Istanbulkart?

The Istanbulkart is very easy to get. There are many places to get the Istanbulkart. On main transportation hubs there are yellow machines where you can attain the card. The machines can be used in English and other languages. It is possible to pay with cash or with credit card. There are also small kiosks and shops all around the city that sell this card, as you can see in the picture below.

The price of the card is currently 130TL (Sept. 2025), and you need to put money on the card right away. All the instructions are given clearly on the machines. At a kiosk or shop, you just give the amount of money that you want on the card, and then they will put this money on the card for you.

How to Use the Card?

The card is very easy to use. For most transportation methods you have to go through gates to get in the transportation vehicle. You can only get through the gates by tapping your card on the screen. For busses for example, you have to check in when you step into the bus.

The price of the trip varies, depending on which transportation method you use and how far it will go. If you make a transfer you will automatically get a discount on the following trip.

Important: Not for all transportation methods you can use the card. The most significant exception is the dolmus. This is a small bus (see picture). Here you can only pay with cash.

Tips & Tricks

• Tip 1: Make sure you have enough money on your card
• Tip 2: Google Maps gives a great indication of what transportation methods you can use and how often they make the trip
• Tip 3: Most metal detectors are not really used (for example, when entering the metro). You don’t have to take off your bag and empty your pockets. Unless given other instructions.

The Istanbulkart might seem like a small detail, but mastering it is your first step to feeling truly at home in this amazing city. It’s not just a card; it’s your ticket to endless adventures and discoveries.

I hope this guide has made the process a little easier for you. Are you excited to start exploring? Do you have any other questions about getting around Istanbul? Let me know in the comments below! And follow me on social media.