How to Get an Istanbulkart: Price and Usage Guide
Istanbulkart is one of the most preferred tools that make life easier when using public transport in Istanbul. Questions such as how to buy an Istanbulkart, how much it costs, where and how to use it are frequently researched by both those living in Istanbul and those visiting the city. Istanbulkart, which is valid in public transport such as bus, metro, metrobus, tram, ferry and Marmaray, offers the opportunity to use many means of transport with a single card. In addition, it provides solutions suitable for everyone's needs with different card types and discounted options. In this article, you can find all the details you need to know, from the process of getting an Istanbulkart to its prices, usage and balance loading methods.
What is Istanbulkart and Why is it Preferred?
Istanbulkart is a contactless and prepaid travel card valid in public transport in Istanbul. Istanbulkart, which can be used in all types of transport such as bus, metro, metrobus, tram, ferry, funicular and Marmaray, makes travelling easier by eliminating the need to carry cash. This system, which is managed by BELBIM, can be used as a means of payment not only in transportation but also in ISPARK car parks and some municipal services.
The card is offered in various types according to different user needs. While the anonymous Istanbulkart can be purchased by everyone, there are special discount cards for certain groups such as students, teachers, and those aged 60 and over. The Blue Card, which offers unlimited monthly use for heavy travellers, is preferred by frequent travellers in the city. There are also cards with limited pass rights for tourists and special cards for certain people with free use rights.
Source: Istanbul Tourist Pass
How to Buy Istanbulkart?
Buying an Istanbulkart is quite simple. You can use ticket vending machines at public transport stations such as metro, tram, metrobus and common sales points such as kiosks and newsstands. Card application centres and the official Istanbulkart website and mobile application are also available. As of 2025, the price of anonymous cards is around 165 TL; this price includes the cost of the card and the initial balance top-up. Prices for discount cards and monthly subscriptions vary according to the type of user.
Istanbulkart Types and Prices (2025)
Anonymous Card: Approx. 165 TL (card cost + balance)
Discount Cards: Special for groups such as students and teachers, around 140 TL
Blue Card (Monthly Subscription): Approximately 2,119 TL for full users, 380 TL for students
Limited Use Passes: Offers 1-10 passes, single pass costs around 40 TL
Free Cards: Issued free of charge for certain beneficiaries
Source: Istanbul
How to Use Istanbulkart?
It is very practical to use Istanbulkart. Simply touch your card to the turnstile or, in most cases, hold it in your wallet and scan it. Card readers report the balance status and pass approval both audibly and visually. If there is insufficient balance on the card, the system warns you immediately. Istanbulkart also supports the transfer system; you can get a discounted or free pass by changing public transport vehicles up to five times within two hours. Distance-based pricing is applied especially on Metrobus and Marmaray lines.
How to Load Balance to Istanbulkart?
You can use the ticket machines at public transport stations to top up your card. In addition, you can give instant balance top-up and automatic payment instructions via the official Istanbulkart mobile application and website. Thanks to the digital Istanbulkart application for NFC-enabled phones, you can easily make contactless payments by loading your card on your phone. Loading limits are determined as 300 TL at once and 1,500 TL in total per month.
Advantages of Istanbulkart
Istanbulkart allows you to easily reach every point of the city and makes the use of public transport very practical. While reducing your journey costs thanks to the possibility of transfer, it offers options suitable for everyone's needs with different card types. With the possibility of digital use, transactions such as balance loading and card tracking are fast and effortless. In addition, the fact that it is used as a means of payment in ISPARK and some municipal services shows that Istanbulkart is a versatile payment system.
Source: Turkish Airlines
Where to Buy an Istanbulkart at Sabiha Gökçen Airport?
Obtaining an Istanbulkart is very important for passengers landing at the airport in Istanbul. At Sabiha Gökçen Airport, Istanbulkart can be purchased from ticket sales points near the bus stops located in the airport terminal building or from authorised dealers. In addition, it is also possible to purchase cards and top up the balance from the ticket machines located at some bus stops. Using Istanbulkart for transportation from Sabiha Gökçen to the city centre or other regions saves both your time and your budget.
Where to Buy an Istanbulkart at Istanbul Airport?
It is easy to buy an Istanbulkart for those who want to use public transport from Istanbul Airport to the city centre. Istanbulkart can be obtained from ticket sales points and automatic machines located at the airport terminal, metro and bus stations. It is also possible to buy a card and top up the balance at the authorised sales offices located at Istanbul Airport. You can reach the city centre from the airport quickly and economically by transferring to the metro and other public transport vehicles with Istanbulkart.
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