If you’re visiting Istanbul, buying an Istanbulkart is a MUST. It’s cheap, easy, and makes you feel like a local.
✅ What is it?
A rechargeable travel card used on all public transport in Istanbul:
- 🚋 Trams
- 🚌 Buses
- 🚇 Metro
- 🚡 Cable cars (like Eyüp–Pierre Loti)
- 🚊 Funiculars (like Kabataş–Taksim or Karaköy–Beyoğlu)
- ⛴️ Public ferries (Şehir Hatları + Dentur)
- 🚻 Some public toilets (yes, really!)
📍 Where to Buy It (2025)
- Look for yellow Istanbulkart vending machines (called “Biletmatik”) at:
- Airport metro stations
- Ferry docks
- Tram stations (like Sultanahmet, Kabataş, Karaköy)
- Metro entrances
- Cost:
- ₺160 TL for the card itself
- Then load any amount of credit. Start with 200 lira (~$5USD).
🔁 How to Use It
- Just tap at the gate or validator when entering.
- You can use one card for multiple people — just wait 5 seconds between taps.
🏷️ Why It’s Better Than Paying Cash
- Huge savings:
- ₺30 (~50 cents) per ride with Istanbulkart
- Versus ₺35–40 for single tickets
- One ride lets you transfer to another form of transit (e.g., tram → ferry) for even cheaper.
🔄 Where to Reload
- Same yellow machines (Biletmatik), you can find these by each tram station.
- Tap the card, select “Yükleme”, insert cash or card, done in seconds.
🧭 Example Route Using Istanbulkart
Tram from Sultanahmet → Kabataş → Ferry to Kadıköy → Metro to Moda
Tram from Eminent to Eyupsultan → Cable Car to Pierre Loti Hill → Back by Bus to Eminönü
All possible on one card — total cost: under $4-5 USD for the day.
🔐 Insider Tip: Keep the card as a souvenir – the 2025 designs are pretty cool this year!