Istanbulkart 2026: Price, Where to Buy & How to Use It

Where to Buy Istanbulkart?

As a budget traveler, or as someone who wants to explore Istanbul and its culture more deeply, you will probably want to use public transportation during your visit.

Istanbulkart is the main reusable transportation card used on Istanbul's metro, tram, ferry and bus network. Limited-use tickets are also available at many stations, but Istanbulkart is usually the more practical option for visitors who will use public transportation several times.

Where to Buy Istanbulkart at Istanbul Airport?

You can buy your Istanbulkart from the ticket machines called Biletmatik on the -2 floor of Istanbul Airport . This is also the main public transportation level of the airport.

After buying the card, you can add balance and use it for the M11 Istanbul Airport Metro .

Havaist airport buses also operate from the airport transportation level. You can check our Havaist Airport Shuttle guide for current routes and transportation information.

Where to Buy Istanbulkart at Sabiha Gokcen Airport?

You can find Istanbulkart sales points around the public transportation area outside the arrivals terminal at Sabiha Gokcen Airport.

Biletmatik machines and authorized transport points are the easiest places to look for the card before using Istanbul's public transport.

Where to Buy Istanbulkart in the City Center?

You can find Istanbulkart Biletmatik machines at most metro, tram, Metrobus and ferry stations.

Istanbulkart is also sold at many authorized kiosks and shops located around major public transportation stations.

You may still see the word Akbil used locally. Akbil was the older transportation payment system used in Istanbul, and some kiosks still use the name informally.

Which Istanbulkart Should You Buy?

There are several Istanbulkart types. For most international tourists, the card to look for is the standard Anonymous Istanbulkart.

Other types include student, discounted, personalized and free cards. These cards have eligibility requirements and are mainly intended for residents or people with a qualifying status in Turkey.

What Is the Istanbulkart Price in 2026?

After buying your Istanbulkart from a Biletmatik, you need to add balance before using it.

Scan your card at the machine, choose one of the language options and follow the instructions to load money onto the card.

It is better not to load significantly more money than you expect to use, especially if you are visiting Istanbul for only a few days.

How to Check Istanbulkart Balance

You can check the balance of your Istanbulkart at Biletmatik machines and other card readers at many stations.

You can also use the official Istanbulkart mobile application for balance and card services.

Where Can You Use Istanbulkart?

Istanbulkart is accepted across a large part of Istanbul's public transportation system, including buses, Metrobus, metro, tram, funicular and many ferry services.

This includes some of the transport services most frequently used by visitors, such as the T1 tram, Istanbul Metro and public ferries.

For a complete overview, see our Getting Around Istanbul guide .

Istanbul Public Transportation Fares

Public transportation fares change periodically. As of the current 2026 tariff, the regular full fare with an Anonymous Istanbulkart is 46.20 TL.

The T1 tram is particularly useful for visitors because it connects areas including Sultanahmet, Eminonu, Karakoy and Kabatas.

Tophane tram station is also close to Galataport, where many cruise passengers begin their visit to Istanbul.

How Many People Can Use One Istanbulkart?

One Anonymous Istanbulkart can be used for more than one traveler by tapping the same card separately for each passenger.

However, using one card for a group can affect transfer discounts and other personalized transport benefits. For regular use, separate cards may be more convenient.

Can I Return Istanbulkart and Get a Refund?

The 165 TL card purchase price is not normally refundable.

If you still have balance remaining on the card, refund procedures may require an application through Istanbulkart or an official service point.

For short-term visitors, the easiest approach is usually to load smaller amounts as needed instead of leaving a large unused balance.

Is There a Monthly Istanbulkart Pass?

Yes. Istanbul has monthly subscription products, including Mavi Kart. These are personalized products intended mainly for residents and regular public transportation users.

Most short-term international visitors will simply use an Anonymous Istanbulkart and add balance when required.

Limited-Use Istanbul Transport Tickets

If you do not want to buy a reusable Istanbulkart, limited-use electronic tickets are also available.

Istanbulkart Price for Children

Young children can use public transportation free of charge according to Istanbul's applicable age rules.

Older children normally need a valid transportation card or ticket. Discounted student Istanbulkart products have separate eligibility and registration requirements.

Istanbulkart App

Istanbulkart has an official mobile application provided by BELBIM. The application can be used for services such as checking your card and adding balance.

Some mobile functions require NFC support on the phone. International visitors may find Biletmatik machines easier for simple balance loading during a short trip.

Useful Istanbul Transportation Guides

Istanbulkart 2026 Video Tutorial

You can also watch our Istanbulkart tutorial on YouTube: Istanbulkart Video Tutorial .