In Istanbul you can get almost anywhere by tram, metro and ferry. For us, the taxi remains the exception – and for almost everything else you need an Istanbulkart.
Do you need an Istanbulkart in Istanbul? Where do you get it, what do you use it for – tram, metro, ferry or bus – and when is a taxi or transfer worth it?
We plan Istanbul by routes and neighbourhoods so that we don't have to cross the whole city. Public transport is the tool for that: if you understand it, you save time, nerves and money.
- For tram, metro, bus and most ferries in Istanbul you need an Istanbulkart (a rechargeable chip card).
- You can buy and top it up at machines and kiosks – the machines have an English language option.
- One card can often pay for several people: everyone taps once, with a short pause in between.
- Card price, fares and top-up rules change. Check current prices directly at the machine – we deliberately don't quote numbers here.
- Tram for the old town, metro for routes you can plan, ferry for journeys between Europe and Asia.
Do I need an Istanbulkart in Istanbul?
In short: Yes, if you make more than one or two trips. The Istanbulkart is the payment card for local transport: tram, metro, bus and most ferries. If you explore Istanbul along our routes, you'll use it several times a day.
Without a card you depend on single tickets for every journey. With the card you tap, ride and simply top up when needed. Especially with a family, that is much more relaxed.
Where do I get the Istanbulkart and how do I top it up?
The card is available at machines (often at stops and stations) and at kiosks. Topping up also works at the machines and at kiosks; the machines have an English option. How exactly this works at the airport or in the app changes – so it's best to check briefly on site.
Our tip: don't top up too little. If you're out and about a lot, it saves you trips to the machine.
- Card price, minimum balance and fares change regularly. We deliberately don't give amounts here – at the machine you always see the current figures.
What do you use in Istanbul – and for what?
Tram: the old town
For Sultanahmet and the old town, the tram is the simplest means of transport. Our first route mainly uses it as a link between the areas you otherwise explore on foot.
Metro: plannable, no traffic jams
For many longer journeys the metro is the most plannable solution because it doesn't get stuck in traffic. It is also an option for getting from the airport – you'll find details in our articles on Istanbul Airport (IST) and Sabiha Gökçen (SAW).
Ferry: Europe and Asia
The ferry is part of everyday life in Istanbul and part of the experience. Eminönü–Kadıköy takes about 20 minutes according to the timetable. Our route for day 4 uses exactly this connection. You'll find more about it, including the difference between a scheduled ferry and a tour, in our article Bosphorus Cruise in Istanbul.
On foot and slopes
In Istanbul one kilometre is not the same as one kilometre: hills and stairs belong in the decision of how you take a route. That's exactly why we built the Istanbul Guide: it shows you the slope and stairs along the way, plus the metro/tram network map, ferries (Şehir Hatları) and buses (İETT) in one place.
When a taxi or transfer?
For us the taxi is the exception. With many changes it can make sense – then it's best to ride with the meter running. From the airport, with children and several suitcases, we prefer a private transfer; alone or as a couple with little luggage the metro is often the most plannable solution.
Transport in our routes
All our routes are planned geographically: each day stays within a connected area so that you spend as little time as possible in transport.
- Istanbul in 3 Days: a compact introduction
- Istanbul in 4 Days: with a ferry to Kadıköy
- Istanbul in 5 Days: the complete route to Üsküdar and Çamlıca
What Istanbul costs overall
Transport is only one part of the budget. How to plan accommodation, food and entrance fees together is explained in What Does Istanbul Really Cost?. Whether a pass is worth it is explained in Tourist Pass or MuseumPass.
Frequently asked questions
Can you pay for several people with one card in Istanbul?
Usually yes: each person taps once, with a short pause in between. If in doubt, check at the first stop.
Should I download offline maps?
Yes, as a backup. Internet should also be arranged in advance: eSIM for Istanbul.
– Amra
