Can You Share The Istanbulkart? Tips for Families & Groups

Traveling with your family or friends in Istanbul? One of the most common questions tourists ask is: “Can we share the Istanbulkart?” The answer is yes, but with some important details you should know.

In this post, we’ll explain how many people can use one Istanbulkart, when it makes sense to share, and when it might be better for everyone to have their own.

First time hearing about Istanbulkart? Read this: https://turkeytraveljournal.com/istanbulkart/

Can You Use One Istanbulkart for Multiple People?

Yes, Istanbul’s public transport system allows one card to be used by more than one person — great news for couples, families, and small groups. You can use one istanbulkart for up to 5 people.

But there are a few things to keep in mind:

• The card must be tapped once per person at gates or validators.

• Only the first tap gets the full discount (transfer discounts may not apply for the second or third rider).

• You must wait a few seconds between taps. Some stations may require a short delay before accepting the next ride.

So yes, you can share — but it’s not always ideal in every situation.

When Sharing an Istanbulkart Works Well

Sharing one Istanbulkart is simple and cost-effective if:

• You’re traveling in a small group (2–3 people).

• You’re using transportation without strict turnstiles (like buses or ferries).

• You’re only staying in the city for a short time (3–5 days).

On buses, each person taps the card separately when boarding. On trams or ferries, this is even easier as the validators are more flexible.

When You Should Get More Than One Card

There are times when having one card per person makes more sense:

1. Large Groups (5+ people)

• Waiting between each tap slows things down.

• Can cause confusion at busy stations or on crowded buses.

2. Using the Metro Often

• Metro gates usually accept only one person at a time.

• It's difficult to coordinate multiple taps in a busy metro line.

3. If You Want Discounted Transfers

• Only the first rider gets the full transfer discount (within 2 hours).

• Others pay the regular fare every time.

4. Planning to Register Cards

• Only personalized Istanbulkarts can be registered.

• Shared cards can't be personalized or linked to apps for balance tracking.

How to Share a Card the Right Way

Here’s how to avoid problems when using one Istanbulkart for more than one person:

1. Tap for the first person, then wait 5–10 seconds.

2. Let the gate reset or validator beep again.

3. Tap again for the second person, and so on.

4. Be patient during busy hours — rushing may cause errors.

Some buses or stations might temporarily block the card if it’s tapped too quickly — this is a fraud prevention measure.

What About Children?

• Kids under 6 years old ride for free, no card needed.

• Older children must pay full fare (no student discount unless they have a Turkish-issued student card).

Cost Tip: One Card vs. Several

Istanbulkart costs 130 TL (non-refundable), plus top-up credit. For short stays:

• One card for up to 5 people = less hassle and less cost

• One card each = better transfer discounts and independence

For example, a family of 4 might:

• Share one card for trams and buses.

• Buy a second card just for smoother metro access.

You can top up any card anytime, so don’t worry about running out of credit.

Yes — you can share your Istanbulkart, and it works well for small groups or short stays. But if you're using the metro a lot, traveling as a large group, or want to benefit from full discounts, having more than one card might be better.

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.