?What is the Istanbulkart (Istanbul Smart Card
It's a smart card used to pay for public transportation in Istanbul — like the metro, Metrobus, trams, buses, and Marmaray trains.
The card is a quick and easy way to pay: just tap it on the scanner when you enter.
What Services Does the Istanbulkart Offer?
Public Transport Payments:
You can use the card on all types of public transportation in Istanbul — including Metrobus, metro, trams, buses, sea taxis, and Marmaray.
Student Discounts:
The card offers special discounts for students, teachers, and senior citizens.
Use at Gas Stations & Shops:
Some selected gas stations and stores in Istanbul also accept Istanbulkart as a payment method.
Check Balance & History:
With the Istanbulkart Mobil app, you can check your balance and see your travel history.
How to Get an Istanbulkart
Metro, Tram, and Marmaray Stations:
You can buy the card from ticket machines at most metro, tram, and Marmaray stations.
Street Kiosks & Sales Points:
You’ll also find the card at kiosks across major streets and tourist areas.
Retail Shops & Shopping Centers:
Many stores in Istanbul sell Istanbulkarts.
Online via App or Website:
You can also order the card online and have it delivered to your address in Istanbul.
2025 Istanbulkart Prices
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Card Price (empty): 130 Turkish Lira
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Single Trip Fare: Ranges between 17–27 TL, depending on the transportation mode
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Metrobus Fare: 27 TL
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Maximum Balance Limit: Up to 2750 TL
How to Top Up Your Istanbulkart
Using the App:
You can recharge your card through the Istanbulkart Mobil app (available on Android and iOS).
Stations & Kiosks:
You can top up your card at metro, tram, and Metrobus stations, as well as public kiosks.
Online Recharge:
Use the official website or app for online top-ups.
Self-Service Machines:
There are Biletmatik machines all over Istanbul that accept cash (5, 10, 20, 50, 100, 200 TL notes).
How to Use the Istanbulkart
Just tap your card on the electronic scanner when entering metro stations, buses, trams, Marmaray, or Metrobus.
The fare is calculated automatically based on distance, and if you switch between transport types within 2 hours, you get a discount.
Istanbulkart App Features
Istanbulkart Mobil is the official app and lets you:
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Top up your card
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Check your balance
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Buy digital tickets
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Find nearby top-up locations
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View your usage history
Download Links:
Who Gets Discounts?
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Students get reduced fares
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Teachers and Seniors also get special discounts
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Transfer Discounts apply when switching between different transport within a short time (usually 2 hours)
Tips for Using Istanbulkart
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Keep your card topped up to avoid any issues while traveling
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Install the Istanbulkart Mobil app to stay updated with notifications or route changes
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Save your card number: If you lose the card, call customer service to freeze it and recover your balance
Other Card Types
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Mavi Kart (Blue Card): A monthly subscription card with discounted fares
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Discounted Card: For students, teachers, and seniors
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Free Card: For people with disabilities and seniors over 65
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