Istanbulkart Purchase Guide For Airport Arrivals

Istanbulkart is a prepaid, multi-use, and contactless transportation card that is used across all public transport options in Istanbul. It is owned and served by the Municipality of Istanbul. It is a must-have for tourists and locals alike as it provides access to metros, trams, buses, ferries, and more with just one card.

You can buy the Istanbulkart at Istanbul Airport from the 24 yellow/blue machines located at the -2 arrivals floor, or from the Havaist (airport shuttle) counters located along the exits, or the authorized exchange offices. You can also buy it from the ticket machines at the transportation floor of Istanbul Airport and load money onto it from the same ticket machines.

The Istanbulkart costs around 50-70 TL. When you first buy the Istanbulkart, there won't be any credits in it, so you need to load credits into it before using it. You can do this by using the same machines that you bought your Istanbulkart or via vendors.

The Istanbulkart mobile app allows you to manage your card digitally, track your balance, top up your card, and see your travel history—all from your phone.

Where to buy an Istanbulkart at the airport

The Istanbulkart is a must-have for anyone visiting Istanbul and wanting to use public transportation. The Istanbulkart is a prepaid, contactless transportation card that can be used across all public transport options in Istanbul. It is valid in every public transportation vehicle, including metros, trams, buses, metrobuses, ferries, and even the Marmaray.

The Istanbulkart costs around 70 Turkish Lira (TL) and can be purchased from the following locations at the airport:

• Ticket machines at the transportation floor of the airport.
• Ticket machines at the -2 (minus second) floor of the arrival hall.
• Havaist (airport shuttle) counters located along the exits on the -2 floor.
• Authorized exchange offices.

Simply follow the signs to the metro or the Havaist shuttles, and you will find the ticket machines and counters.

In addition to the standard Istanbulkart, tourists can also benefit from combined travel and attraction passes such as the Istanbul MegaPass, Istanbul Tourist Pass, and Istanbul E-pass, which offer free or discounted entry to major attractions along with unlimited public transport.

How to buy an Istanbulkart from a vending machine

Istanbulkart is a must-have for anyone visiting Istanbul and wanting to use public transport. It's a prepaid, contactless card that allows you to travel seamlessly on metros, trams, buses, ferries, and Marmaray. Here's a step-by-step guide on how to buy an Istanbulkart from a vending machine:

• Locate a Vending Machine: These machines are available at most metro, tram, and ferry stations, as well as at Istanbul Airport (IST) and Sabiha Gökçen Airport (SAW). Look for machines labelled "Istanbulkart" or "Biletmatik."
• Select the Istanbulkart Option: On the vending machine screen, look for an option that says "Istanbulkart" or "Istanbulkart – 70 TL" (the price may vary). If you don't see this option, move on to another machine, as some machines only allow you to add credit to an existing card.
• Initiate the Purchase: Once you've found the correct option, press the corresponding button. A new screen will appear, indicating that you are about to purchase one card.
• Insert Cash: The machines accept Turkish Lira banknotes in denominations of 5, 10, 20, 50, 100, and 200 TL. Insert cash amounting to 70 TL or more. Any extra amount you insert will be added as credit to your card.
• Confirm the Purchase: Press the "Onay" or "Confirm" button, and wait for your new Istanbulkart to be dispensed by the machine.
• Check Your Balance: Before you start using your Istanbulkart, it's a good idea to check your balance. You can do this by placing your card on a Biletmatik machine or using the Istanbulkart mobile app.
• Top-Up Your Card: If you need to add more credit to your Istanbulkart, you can do so at any time using the same vending machines. Simply place your card on the designated spot, add cash, and your card will be topped up.

Remember, the Istanbulkart itself costs around 70 TL, and you'll need to add additional credit for your travels. This card offers significant savings compared to buying individual tickets, especially if you plan to use public transport multiple times during your stay in Istanbul.

How to top up an Istanbulkart

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 up your card with your credit card and your phone, which has NFC compatibility.

You can also top up your Istanbulkart through your Papara account. Save your Istanbulkart to your Papara account and make your transactions easily. You can view your transaction history and set up automatic top-up details for your Istanbulkart.

Where to Top Up an Istanbulkart

At the Airport

You can buy your Istanbul kart from one of the ticket machines, so-called Biletmatik, on the minus second floor of Istanbul Airport (it's also called the public transportation arrival floor) and you will see the Istanbul card price list on the machines.

You can also buy it from the ticket offices of the Havaist Airport Shuttle Bus Station, which is located on the same floor.

In the City

You can find Istanbul kart Biletmatik at almost every metro, tram, Metrobus, and ferry station. Besides that, you can also buy at every kiosk or store located near the stations.

Look for the sign with "Istanbul Card" or "Akbil"! Previously it was called "Akbil" in Istanbul. Some shops still use Akbil signs on the kiosks.

How to use an Istanbulkart

Istanbulkart is a prepaid, contactless transportation card that can be used across all public transport options in Istanbul. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to use an Istanbulkart:

Purchasing an Istanbulkart:

• The Istanbulkart costs around 70 Turkish Lira (TL) and can be purchased from vending machines at metro, tram, and ferry stations, as well as airport kiosks at both Istanbul Airport (IST) and Sabiha Gökçen Airport (SAW).
• Look for shops displaying the "Akbil Dolum Noktası" sign, which offer Istanbulkart purchases and top-up services.

Topping Up Your Istanbulkart:

• Use vending machines at metro, tram, and bus stations to load credit onto your card. These machines accept Turkish Lira in various denominations, including 5, 10, 20, 50, 100 and 200 TL.
• Alternatively, "Akbil Dolum Noktası" shops can top up your card.
• The Istanbulkart app allows you to top up your card directly from your bank account.

Using Your Istanbulkart:

• Metro, Tram, and Marmaray: Tap your Istanbulkart at the turnstile, and the fare will be deducted from your balance. Transfers within 2 hours are free or discounted.
• Bus: Tap your card at the entrance when boarding the bus, and the fare will be deducted.
• Metrobus: Fares are distance-based, calculated based on the number of stops traveled.
• Ferry: Tap your card at the ferry terminal gates to travel between the European and Asian sides of Istanbul, particularly across the Bosphorus.

Istanbulkart Mobile App:

• The Istanbulkart mobile app allows you to manage your card, check your balance, top up, and use QR codes for entry on some buses and services.
• The app is available on App Store and Google Play.

Pricing and Fares:

• Metro/Tram: Full fare starts at 20 TL, with discounts for transfers.
• Marmaray: Fares are distance-based, with a full trip costing up to 39 TL.
• Metrobus: Fares range from 8 TL to 22 TL, depending on the number of stops.
• Ferry: Fares range from 12 TL to 65 TL, depending on the route.
• Transfers within 2 hours are discounted.

Tourist Pass Options:

• Istanbul MegaPass: Combines public transport with entry to attractions, including a Bosphorus Cruise and skip-the-line access.
• Istanbul Tourist Pass: Includes unlimited public transport and access to Topkapi Palace and Hagia Sophia.
• Istanbul E-pass: Covers attractions and unlimited public transport rides.

Refunds and Expiry:

• Leftover balance on your Istanbulkart may be refundable via vending machines, but the card itself is non-refundable.
• Cards are generally valid for an extended period and can be reused on future trips.
• Check your balance on Biletmatik machines or the Istanbulkart app.

Istanbulkart vs Istanbul City Card

Istanbulkart is a prepaid, rechargeable, and contactless card for public transportation fare payment. It costs 70 Turkish Lira (2.17 $) and can be purchased from the ticket machines on the -2nd floor of Istanbul Airport. It can also be bought at the exits of both Domestic and International Arrivals on the -2nd floor, next to the Havaist Shuttles Offices. The card can be used for up to 5 people and is valid on buses, metros, ferries, tramways, and cable cars.

The Istanbul City Card, on the other hand, offers unlimited rides for 1, 3, 5, 7, and 15 days and can only be used by one person. It can be purchased from designated machines at metro stations, docks, airports, and main bus terminals. The card can be bought using a debit or credit card. The prices for the Istanbul City Card are as follows:

1 day – 345 TL (10.72 $)

3 days – 680 TL (21.13 $)

5 days – 1350 TL (41.96 $)

7 days – 1735 TL (53.92 $)

15 days – 2610 TL (81.11 $)

Frequently asked questions