How to Top Up Istanbulkart in 2025 – Step‑by‑Step for Tourists

Traveling to Istanbul in 2025? You’ll likely need an Istanbulkart to use buses, trams, metro, ferries, and even funiculars. This guide shows you how to top up (add credit to) your Istanbulkart easily. It’s written for tourists, using simple English and clear steps. Ready? Let’s go!

What Is Istanbulkart?

• Istanbulkart is a reusable transit card for Istanbul’s public transport.

• You can buy it once and reload it many times.

• Using Istanbulkart is much cheaper than buying single tickets each time.

• It works on nearly all city transport: metro, buses, trams, ferries, and more.

Need one? Learn more here: Istanbulkart.

Step 1: Buy an Istanbulkart

If you haven’t got one yet, you can buy an Istanbulkart:

• At vending machines in metro stations or major transport hubs.

• At small newsstands or “kiosk” shops near transit stops.

• At Istanbul Airport (IST) or Sabiha Gökçen Airport counters.

• The price is usually around 130 TL deposit.

Step 2: Find a Top‑Up Machine

Almost every metro station and many bus stops have top‑up machines (called “bakiye yükleme” in Turkish). These machines accept:

• Credit/debit cards (Visa, MasterCard, contactless).

• Cash (Turkish lira).

• Some accept foreign credit cards too—look for the card symbols on the machine.

Step 3: Top Up Your Card

Here’s how to add balance to your Istanbulkart:

1. Insert or tap your card on the card reader at the machine.

2. Choose your language (English is usually available).

3. Select “Top‑up” or “Load value.”

4. Pick an amount — common options: 50, 100, 200 TL—or enter a custom amount.

5. Pay using cash or card.

6. Wait for confirmation—your card balance will show on the display.

7. Take your receipt, if you need it.

That’s it! Your card is now topped up and ready to use.

Step 4: Double‑Check Your Balance

You can check your balance:

• At top‑up machines.

• At metro station barriers: tap your card before entering.

• At ticket office windows.

Always check before you leave the machine, so you know you loaded enough.

Step 5: Use Your Card on Transport

When boarding buses, trams, ferries, or metro:

• Tap your Istanbulkart on the reader.

• The fare will automatically deduct.

• On metro turnstiles, tap and push through.

• On buses, tap as you board; on ferries, tap at the gate.

You can also transfer between lines with a discount—just keep tapping within the allowed time window.

Tips for Tourists

• Load extra credit—it’s easier than find top‑up points last minute.

• Keep small Turkish coins or TL handy if you use cash machines.

• If your card gets out of balance during a trip, you can top up on the spot and continue.

• Machine glitches? Just retry or go to another machine—most stations have multiple.

What If My Card Doesn’t Work?

If a machine doesn’t top up or your card doesn’t get read, don’t worry. Just move to another machine or ask staff at the station. They’re usually helpful. You can also buy an extra card at no extra deposit cost and transfer your balance if needed.

Why Use Istanbulkart?

• It’s faster and cheaper than buying single-ride tickets.

• Works on almost all modes of public transport in Istanbul.

• You can add more credit anytime, anywhere.

• Options for daily, weekly, or long‑term use (via automatic top‑up settings).

   

For full background, check out this: Istanbulkart.

Topping up your Istanbulkart in Istanbul is a straightforward process—even if you’re not fluent in Turkish. Use the machines at metro stations or major hubs, follow the English steps, and always check your balance. You’ll pay less, ride faster, and enjoy Istanbul with ease!

You can also take the Havaist shuttle — here’s the guide.
If you prefer the metro,see our Istanbul Airport Metro tutorial
Don’t forget, you’ll need an Istanbulkart to ride the metro or bus.