Istanbulkart: How to Get, Reload, and Use It for Multiple People, A Complete Guide

Planning a trip to Istanbul? Whether you’re exploring the historic streets of Sultanahmet or cruising along the Bosphorus, getting around is super easy with the Istanbulkart. But before you hop on a tram or ferry, you might be wondering, Where do I buy one? How do I reload it? And can I share it with my friends? In this guide, I’m going to answer all these questions and share some personal tips to help you navigate Istanbul’s public transport like a local. If you want more details on the best spots in Istanbul, check out my Istanbul guide for all the best places to visit.

How to Get an Istanbulkart?

You can easily buy an Istanbulkart at vending machines located in metro stations, ferry terminals, bus stops, and airports. If you’re arriving at Istanbul Airport (IST), there’s a dedicated Istanbulkart kiosk near the exit of the arrivals hall. Look for the small booth with the bright yellow and blue sign labelled “Istanbulkart Sales & Top-up.” The staff will help you purchase and load credit onto your card.

You’ll also find self-service vending machines nearby that accept cash payments only. These machines take only 10, 20, 50, and 100 TL bills, so make sure to carry smaller notes as they don’t accept coins or give change.

The cost of a new Istanbulkart is 130 TL (as of 2025), which covers the card itself but does not include any balance. Be sure to add credit before using it to travel. You can see the up-to-date prices here. 

How to Reload or Check the Balance on an Istanbulkart?

Reloading your Istanbulkart is simple. You can top it up at vending machines in metro stations, ferry terminals, major bus stops, and popular tourist areas. However, we’ve found that the machines at crowded spots near tourist attractions often don’t work properly, leading to long queues.

To avoid the hassle, it’s best to reload your card at less crowded locations, such as metro stations away from the main attractions. Alternatively, you can top up at small kiosks and convenience stores displaying the Istanbulkart logo. For a digital option, use the Istanbulkart mobile app for online recharges.

To check your balance, just tap your card at any ticket machine or validator, and the remaining amount will be displayed on the screen.

Can One Istanbulkart Be Used for Multiple People?

Here’s a neat little hack: one Istanbulkart can be shared by up to five people. So, if you’re with a group, you don’t need separate cards for each person. Just tap the same card multiple times when hopping on buses, trams, or ferries.

However, a couple of things to keep in mind: after each tap, wait a few seconds before tapping again to let the card register properly. Also, when transferring between different modes of transport, you have a 2-hour window to use the same card without extra charges. The catch? The discount only applies to the first person using the card. So, if you’re travelling with a group, the first tap gets the discount, but everyone else will pay the full fare.

While you’re navigating the city, don’t forget to check out the coolest spots that you’ll want to see on your trip. For more tips, my Istanbul guide has all the details on how to make the most of your time in this beautiful city.

Is Istanbulkart Worth It?

Now, let’s talk about whether the Istanbulkart is actually worth it, spoiler alert: it totally is. We’ve been to Istanbul twice, and both times, having the Istanbulkart made getting around so much easier. It’s like having a key to the city. No need to carry cash, no worrying about whether the transport system will accept your credit card, you just tap, go, and enjoy the ride!

Some of the buses, trains, and metros do accept credit/debit cards, but honestly, they’re not always reliable, and you might end up paying extra fees. The Istanbulkart, however, works across all public transport, making it super convenient and reliable.

The only downside is that it’s non-refundable, so once you load money onto it, you need to use it all up before you leave. But let’s be real if you’re using it to get around the city, that won’t be a problem! Honestly, for the ease, convenience, and savings, it’s totally worth it.

For more details, be sure to check out the official Istanbulkart website for the latest updates and top-up locations.

If you’re also looking for even more tips on making the most of your time in Istanbul, this Istanbul guide covers all the best things to do. Plus, for a deeper dive into Istanbul, you can check out our YouTube playlist, where we share more about the city, our transport tips, and how to make the most of your trip!

Our Essential Travel Gear

CamelBak eddy+ Water Filter Water Bottle by LifeStraw Integrated 2-Stage Filter Straw 
This one purchase has truly transformed our travels. After visiting 19+ countries, we never had to worry about staying hydrated because this stainless steel water bottle has our back. It’s leak-proof, so you can toss it in your bag without a second thought!

Travel Insurance
Make sure to research a solid travel insurance policy before jetting off to any country. We’ve been with SafetyWing since the beginning of our journey, and they’ve provided top-notch customer service. Based on our experience, we can confidently recommend them!

eSIM 
This has been a game-changer for us! When we started our 625-day adventure, I was initially overwhelmed by the pricing and limited data options. But switching to eSIM while in Istanbul has been a lifesaver! It offers instant connectivity as soon as you land in a new country. Roaming and local SIMs can be tricky, but eSIMs are seamless and super easy to install before you even arrive. We’ve tried both Eskimo and Airalo and recommend them! If you purchase through our link, we get a small commission at no extra cost to you, and we’d really appreciate the support!

Carry-On luggage 
Seriously, this bag feels bottomless! It fits so much stuff, and I’m amazed every time I pack. We initially bought one for Sagar for our Japan trip last November, and after seeing how much he loved the design and pocket accessibility, I just had to get one too! If you’re after a stylish, long-lasting bag, this is it. It’s a bit pricey, but after using it daily for the past seven months, it’s been worth every penny.

Wise Card
What did we do before this card? It’s been a blessing! Transferring money is super easy with minimal fees, and the user-friendliness is next level. Highly recommend it!

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