Where to buy an Istanbulkart, how to top it up at machines or in the app, approximate fares and money-saving tips for families using Istanbul public transport.
The Istanbulkart is the single card valid on all public transport in Istanbul: metro, tram, bus, metrobus, Marmaray, city ferries and the Islands ferries. Cash is not accepted on board, so you need a card as soon as you leave the airport. One card can be used by several people; you tap it once per person at the turnstile, although the transfer discount only applies to the first person. All prices below are approximate and change from time to time, so ask us on WhatsApp for the current rate.
Where to buy it
Cards are sold at the yellow-and-blue machines (Biletmatik) at the metro entrance of Istanbul Airport and beside the bus stops at Sabiha Gokcen. The card itself costs about 130 TL and is non-refundable; you then load as much credit as you like. In the city it is also sold at every metro and tram station, at major bus stops and at kiosks displaying the Istanbulkart sign.
How to top up
The machines accept cash (TL) and bank cards, with Arabic and English language options. Place the card in the tray, choose the amount and pay. You can also top up from an NFC-enabled phone through the Istanbulkart app (iOS and Android), which accepts foreign credit cards. A digital Istanbulkart lets you tap your phone directly on the turnstile.
Fares and transfers
A full fare is approximately 27 TL, and fares are revised periodically; transfers made within two hours are charged at decreasing rates. The airport metro (M11) reaches the city centre and is paid with the Istanbulkart. The Islands ferry, Marmaray and metrobus all use the same card; only Bosphorus cruise boats and some private ferry companies require separate tickets.
Tips for families
Discounted cards are only issued to students registered in Türkiye; visiting children pay the full fare, but under-6s travel free and pass through the turnstile with a parent. If you lose the card the balance is not refunded, so do not load more than about 500 TL at a time. For larger families a vehicle with a driver is often cheaper than public transport; a family of four can easily spend around 400 TL a day on fares.
Alternatives
For short stays, unlimited tourist passes for 1, 3 or 5 days are sold at the airport machines; the 3-day pass costs roughly 600 TL and pays off for frequent metro users. Taxis do not accept the Istanbulkart, but the BiTaksi and Uber apps let you pay by card. For Nivo Travel guests, our team buys your first card for you at the airport welcome and shows you how to use it. On our Istanbul Tour (7 Nights / 8 Days), airport transfers and tour days use a private vehicle, so you will only need the card for your free time.
