Istanbul Public Transport Guide: Istanbulkart
One of the most economical ways to explore the historical and cultural riches of Istanbul is by using public transport. All you need to use the network of metro, tram, ferry, metrobus, and bus is an Istanbulkart. In this guide, we explain step by step everything a tourist visiting Istanbul needs to know about Istanbulkart.
What is Istanbulkart?
Istanbulkart is a prepaid and reloadable electronic card valid on all public transport vehicles in the city. Instead of dealing with cash or tokens, it allows you to pay quickly and easily by holding your card close to the reader. It also makes your travels even cheaper by offering discounts on connecting journeys.
How to Get an Istanbulkart?
The most suitable one for tourists is the "Anonymous Card". You can easily obtain this card from many points in the city:
- Biletmatiks: These are yellow vending machines located at main points such as airports, metro, and metrobus stations. You can easily purchase a card and load balance by changing the language option on the menu (Turkish, English, German, etc.).
- Authorized Kiosks: You can also buy the card from kiosks and markets that have the sign "İstanbulkart Dolum Noktası" (Istanbulkart Top-up Point).
You need to pay a small fee for the card itself and then load as much balance as you want to use.
How to Top Up?
Topping up is as easy as getting the card. You can load cash onto your card using Biletmatiks or authorized kiosks. At Biletmatiks, you can insert your card into the relevant slot and add money by following the on-screen instructions.
An Important Note: Alternatives for Comfort and Convenience
Although Istanbulkart is a great tool for exploring the city, it may not be the most practical solution for some situations:
- Airport Transportation: Trying to figure out the public transport network tiredly with luggage after a long flight is challenging.
- Large Groups and Families: Getting separate cards for everyone, tracking balances, and trying to stay together in a crowd can reduce your travel pleasure.
- Night Transportation: Public transport services become sparse or stop after midnight.
In such cases, a private transfer service like Dodo Transfer saves you time, energy, and provides comfort with its fixed price, door-to-door comfort, and 24/7 service concept. You can perfect your trip by taking advantage of the economy of Istanbulkart while exploring the city, and the comfort of Dodo Transfer for your critical transportation needs like the airport.