How To Get Istanbul Kart? (Update 2024)

If you are planning a trip to Istanbul, one of the first things you will want to sort out is your Istanbul kart. Istanbul has developed and integrated public transportation facilities that provide convenience for visitors who are eager to discover the city. You will see that your Istanbul card saves lives while traveling around the city. The Istanbul Card makes everything super easy and convenient, whether you are jumping onto the tram, metrobus, ferry, bus or metro. That’s how you can get one and start exploring this incredible city like a pro.

We will try to summarize how to get an Istanbul kart and use it in the most proper way.

What Is It?

The Istanbulkart is an electronic smart card that is used to pay fares on public transport in Istanbul. Think of it as your all-access pass to the city’s public transport network. It’s similar to London’s Oyster card or New York’s MetroCard but way cooler because it’s Istanbul!

Istanbulkarts

Where Can You Purchase An ıstanbulkart?

Firstly, to have the advantage, every single person has to have a separate card. The reason is, you will have to get from one vehicle to another and if you have an Istanbul kart you can take the following vehicles much cheaper. When you have only one card, the first transfer is charged with a discount but not the rest of the passengers as they will be charged fully.

1. At Istanbul Airports (IST or SAW)

Immediately after landing at either Istanbul Air Port (IST) or Sabiha Gökçen Airport (SAW), you can buy an istanbul kart from there. Check out for kiosks or vending machines around the arrivals area which are usually yellow in color and quite visible. They receive cash payments and some accept cards too.

2. Key Underground Stations

Istanbulkart can be bought at most major underground stations as well. These yellow machines can be found all over and also ticket offices available within them. Some favorite ones where these are available include Taksim, Sultanahmet and Kadıköy among others

3. Streetside Stalls and Kiosks

Many kiosks and newsstands throughout the city sell Istanbul Cards. If you’re staying in a busy area, just ask around, and you’ll likely find one nearby.

4. The Internet

For the tech-savvy travelers, you can also purchase an Istanbul kart online through the official website or some travel service sites. They might even deliver it to your hotel, so it’s ready when you arrive.

Handing Istanbulkart and Kiosk

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How Much Does It Cost?

An Istanbulkart costs around 80 TL, which is roughly $2-3 USD. You’ll need to add some credit to the card for your journeys. If you plan to do a lot of sightseeing, we recommend starting with around 200 TL (about $5-6 USD).

How to Top Up Your Istanbul kart?

Istanbulkart Kiosk

Topping up your Istanbulkart is super easy. You can do this at the same yellow vending machines you bought it from, as well as at kiosks, newsstands, and even some grocery stores. The machines have an English option, so you won’t have any trouble understanding the process. There is another way to go online and register your card through the official website. Then you can top your card up with your credit card and your phone that has NFC compatibility.

Using Your Istanbul Card

Once you’ve got your Istanbul Card loaded up, you’re good to go! Just tap it on the card readers at the entrance of any public transport. The fare will be deducted automatically.And don’t worry if you run low on credit – topping up is quick and easy.

Istanbul Tram Inside and Passengers

What if you have money left in your Istanbul kart?

The vacation is getting to the end and you have some money left in your Istanbul kart. Sorry, but there is no way of getting cash by handing the card but there are some ways that you can spend your money on your card. Please do not forget that you can take the buses to head to the airport from any central location in Istanbul. You may get rid of the taxi fee and find a way to spend your money on the card this way. Or you can spend the money on the card in any major supermarkets as they have the option to pay with Istanbulkart.

Alternative to Istanbulkart: Istanbul City Kart

Another travel card you can use while exploring Istanbul, as an alternative to the Istanbulkart, is the Istanbul City Card. With this card, you can take unlimited rides on public transportation within Istanbul throughout the day. You can choose from options valid for 1, 3, 5, 7, or 15 days, depending on your preferred travel period. For more detailed information, you can visit our Istanbul City Card blog page.

FAQ

Q: Can more than one person use a single Istanbul kart?

A: Yes but each person will have to touch the card separately, meaning every individual who utilizes it will be charged for their fare.

Q: Can I get a refund for my Istanbul Card?

A: Unfortunately, the card is not refundable but the outstanding balance can be transferred to another card if yours is lost or damaged.

Q: Can I use my Istanbulkart for other things besides public transportation?

A: Oh yes! In addition to using an Istanbulkart at some public toilets, certain parking meters accept them and even some cafes and museums.

Q: How can I check out my balance on Istanbulkart?

A: You may verify it either at any vending machine, online via its official website or through mobile app of İstanbul Kart.

Q: Are there any discounts with this Istanbul kart?

A: Yes, there’s a reduced fare for transfers within 2 hours. Also consider buying a monthly pass if you are staying longer as it gives you unlimited travel options.

Please do not forget that you also may use your Istanbulkarts during your excursions with Guided Istanbul Tours. We also arrange tours with public transportation which occasionally saves time and money. However, in terms of comfort for transportation, our team can provide a private van service with a licensed driver for your tour here in our city. Please feel free to drop us an email to ask for more detailed assistance to plan your Istanbul tour. And please share through the comments section below. We hope this travel article helps and we wish you a nice trip to Istanbul.

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