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How to Buy Istanbulkart | Top Up and Use Istanbul Card | Bus, Ferry, Tram, Metro and Metrobus
By Turkey Residence Agency advisory team · Updated · 2 min read
Istanbulkart is the prepaid card for buses, metro, trams, ferries and the Metrobus in Istanbul. Buy it from Biletmatik machines at stations and piers, at kiosks, or on the bus floor at Istanbul and Sabiha Gökçen airports, then top it up at machines, partner kiosks, Migros shops or in the Istanbulkart app. The card price and fares change several times a year.
Key takeaways
- One Istanbulkart covers buses, metro, trams, ferries and the Metrobus.
- Buy it from Biletmatik machines, Istanbulkart kiosks or the machine on the airport bus floor.
- Top up at machines, partner kiosks, Migros shops or in the Istanbulkart mobile app.
- Changing lines within 2 hours of your first ride costs less than a new full fare.
- Fares last rose in July 2026; check current prices on istanbulkart.istanbul or metro.istanbul.
How to Buy Istanbulkart
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Get your ISTANBULKART to use public transportation in Istanbul. You can use Bus, Ferry, Tram, Metro and Metrobus in Istanbul with a single transportation card. This guide explains:
- Buying your Istanbulkart
- Top up Istanbulkart
- Using Istanbulkart for public transportation
- Fees of Istanbulkart
What is Istanbulkart?
- Istanbulkart is a prepaid card offering a fast and safe payment option for public transportation in Istanbul
- One Istanbul card is enough to use bus, metro, ferry, tram and metrobus
- It can also be used at İstanbul Metropolitan Municipality Social Facilities and cafeterias, WCs, vending machines, partner shops
How to get Istanbulkart by yourself?
- You can purchase it from the electronic ticket machines (Biletmatik) at stations and piers. The card price changes from time to time: the machine shows the current price before you pay, and any extra money you put in is loaded onto the card as credit. Check on the screen which payment methods the machine accepts
- You can purchase it from kiosks that sell Istanbulkart
- If you come to Istanbul Airport and Sabiha Gokcen Airport, you can go to the electronic ticket machine on the bus floor.
Topping up Istanbulkart and how to use it for public transportation
- You can top up Istanbulkart from electronic machines
- You can top up from the mobile app of Istanbulkart
- You can top up at partner kiosks and Migros shops
- To use Istanbulkart, you need to press the card on the card reader
Istanbulcard fee and costs of transportation
- The card price and the fares change several times a year (the most recent increase was in July 2026), so check the current card price and fares on istanbulkart.istanbul or metro.istanbul before you travel
- One full fare covers a single ride on most buses, metro lines, trams and ferries; Metrobus and Marmaray fares depend on the distance you travel
- If you change to another line or vehicle within 2 hours of your first ride, the transfer costs less than a new full fare
Card price and fares checked in October 2026. They change often, so confirm them on istanbulkart.istanbul or metro.istanbul before you travel.
Frequently asked questions
Where can I buy an Istanbulkart?
From the Biletmatik electronic ticket machines at stations and piers, or from kiosks that sell Istanbulkart. At Istanbul Airport and Sabiha Gökçen Airport, use the electronic ticket machine on the bus floor.
How do I top up Istanbulkart online?
Use the official Istanbulkart mobile app. You can also top up at the electronic machines at stations, at partner kiosks and at Migros shops.
How much does an Istanbulkart cost?
The card price changes from time to time. The machine shows the current price before you pay, and any extra money you put in is loaded onto the card as credit.
Can I use one Istanbulkart for the bus, metro, tram and ferry?
Yes. One card is enough for buses, metro, trams, ferries and the Metrobus. One full fare covers a single ride on most of them, while Metrobus and Marmaray fares depend on the distance you travel.
Is there a discount when I change lines?
Yes. If you change to another line or vehicle within 2 hours of your first ride, the transfer costs less than a new full fare.
What else can I pay for with Istanbulkart?
Besides public transport, you can use it at Istanbul Metropolitan Municipality social facilities and cafeterias, public toilets, vending machines and partner shops.
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