How to get around Istanbul by public transport

Introduction

Before exploring the main methods of getting around Istanbul, it is important to consider how long you will stay in the city. While several passes are available from a few days to a year, these are mainly for residents of Turkey. Unfortunately, the options available to tourists are limited and often cost more than those paid by residents. However, there are still a few options to choose from to get around comfortably during your stay:

• If you are staying for a few days or plan to move around mainly on foot: In this case you can easily buy the Istanbul City Card or pay with your credit card at the turnstile before entering the metro;
• In all other cases: I recommend the IstanbulKart, which offers greater convenience and savings.

In the next sections, I will explain the pros and cons of each alternative.

Alternatives for taking public transport

First of all, you have the possibility to decide between various alternatives for getting on the transport:

Istanbul City Card

What is Istanbul City Card?

The Istanbul City Card is a great option for those who are staying in the city for a few days and want to combine the use of public transport with access to the main tourist attractions. In addition to providing discounts on admission to museums and attractions, it also includes free or discounted rides on public transport such as trams, buses, metros and ferries. It is ideal for those who want a more touristy and organized experience.

Where to buy Istanbul City Card?

You can buy the card at this link by selecting a different duration based on the days you will stay in Istanbul.

Once purchased, you will receive instructions on how to collect it and, to activate it, simply go to a "Biletmakit" kiosk that you can find at practically any public transport stop and follow the instructions on the screen.

IstanbulKart

What is IstanbulKart?

The IstanbulKart is a rechargeable card that makes it easy and convenient to get around the city using public transport. Valid on trams, buses, metro and ferries, it allows you to save on individual tickets and makes access to transport quicker. It can be recharged at various automatic stations around the city and is ideal for those who want to move around Istanbul comfortably, avoiding the queues to buy individual tickets.

Where to buy the IstanbulKart and how much does it cost?

To purchase it, simply go to any public transport stop (for example the metro) and find a yellow "biletmatik" machine. Follow the instructions on the screen to collect your IstanbulKart. Please note that:

• The IstanbulKart has a fixed cost that you will have to pay to collect the card (as of September 2024 it is 130 TL);
• In addition to this cost, you will also be charged a service fee of a few cents for using the machine;
• Upon the first collection, you will be asked for the top-up amount.

For example, assuming you want to top up 50 TL, when you pick up the card you will have to pay 130 TL (card cost) + 13 TL (service fee) + 50 TL (top-up) = 193 TL. Of these, only 50 TL (top-up) can be used to access public transport.

How to access the transport with IstanbulKart?

Once you have the card, you just have to pass it over the turnstile to access the public transport. Typically there is a screen on the turnstile that will show you how much you have paid to access and the remaining credit. This is particularly useful because when you are below a certain threshold (for example 30 TL) you can make a new top-up.

What are the different types of IstanbulKart?

There are several types of IstanbulKart, but tourists can only buy the red card. Other versions, such as the blue card for residents, offer various benefits, including progressive discounts when using the card multiple times in a short time, making it useful for transfers. In addition, the blue card allows you to get a refund on the Marmaray line based on the distance traveled. The red card, on the other hand, does not offer these benefits: you will always pay the full fare on each public transport and the entire route on the Marmaray, with no possibility of refund. However, even with these limitations, it is still more convenient than buying single tickets.

If you do not want to get the physical card, you can also use the "İstanbulkart - Dijital Hesabım" application that you can download from the app store. After registering, you will have the possibility of obtaining a qr code with which to access public transport. You can top up your account directly on the app and the virtual card works the same as the physical one.

How much does public transport with IstanbulKart cost?

You can view the updated costs for using public transport by clicking at this link.

Single tickets

Currently, you cannot purchase paper tickets for individual journeys. The only option you have is to use your credit card directly at the turnstile.

What is the public transportation in Istanbul?

Istanbul offers a varied and well-organized public transport network, which includes different means of getting around the city:

• Metro: Istanbul's metro system is constantly expanding and connects different parts of the city, including the central areas and the suburbs. The most popular lines are M1, M2, M3 and M4.
• Tram: Trams are fast and efficient, especially in the tourist areas. The most popular line is T1, which runs through Sultanahmet, the historic heart of Istanbul.
• Marmaray: An underground train that crosses the Bosphorus, connecting the European and Asian sides of Istanbul. It is a convenient way to quickly travel between the two sides. Useful if you are arriving from Sabiha Gökçen Airport.
• Bus: An extensive bus network covers the entire city, including the suburbs. It is useful for reaching areas not served by the metro or tram, but you will most likely not need it if you are staying in the tourist areas.
• Funicular: The funicular connects points of great difference in altitude, such as Karaköy with Taksim Square (line F1) and Kabataş with Taksim.
• Ferry: Ferries are one of the most scenic ways to travel between the European and Asian sides of the city, or to explore the Princes' Islands.

Conclusions

In conclusion, choosing the right means of transport in Istanbul depends on the type of stay and your travel needs. If you plan to move around a lot, the IstanbulKart remains the most convenient solution, while for those who are staying for a few days, the Istanbul City Card could be useful. The variety of means of transport available, from the metro to ferries, makes getting around easy and pleasant, allowing you to fully enjoy everything Istanbul has to offer.

If you have any feedback or doubts, you can use the comments section below.

Thanks for reading,

Explorer's Tale.