Quick Answer
What is an Istanbulkart and how do I get one?
The Istanbulkart is a contactless smart card for all public transport in Istanbul — metro, bus, tram, Marmaray, and ferries. Buy one from vending machines at any metro station (₺100 refundable deposit + top up). Tap on entry to each vehicle. Long-term residents should register a personalised card to protect their balance and access monthly passes.
Card Types
Standard Istanbulkart (Blue)
Who: Anyone — tourists and residents
Deposit: ₺100 (refundable)
Benefits: Transfer discounts, all transit modes
The default card. Can be used by multiple people consecutively (tap, pass, tap) — useful for families on a visit.
Personalised Istanbulkart
Who: Residents with Turkish ID or residency permit
Deposit: ₺100
Benefits: All standard benefits + discounted monthly passes + lost-card balance recovery
Registered to your name — if lost, remaining balance can be transferred to a new card. Essential for long-term residents.
Student Istanbulkart
Who: Students with valid Turkish student ID
Deposit: ₺100
Benefits: Discounted fares (roughly 50%) + monthly student pass
Must be activated at a Belbim kiosk with student documentation.
Senior/Disabled Istanbulkart
Who: 65+ residents or those with disability certificate
Deposit: Free
Benefits: Free or heavily discounted travel on all transit
Requires registration with documentary proof at a Belbim office.
Where to Buy
| Location | Hours | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| AKBIL / vending machines at metro stations | 24/7 | Most convenient; machines have English interface |
| Belbim kiosks (blue booths) | 07:00–22:00 most days | Staff available; good for personalised card registration |
| Authorised newsagents and shops | Shop hours | Widespread in central Istanbul; look for the Istanbulkart sign |
| PTT post offices | Business hours | Can also do top-ups and balance checks |
| İDO / ferry terminal kiosks | Ferry hours | Available at main ferry terminals (Eminönü, Karaköy, Kadıköy) |
How to Top Up
| Method | Payment | Min. Load | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Vending machines at stations | Cash or card | ₺20 | Fastest method; machines at every metro station |
| İstanbulkart mobile app | Credit/debit card | ₺20 | Top up remotely; card must be tapped on a reader to update within 24 hrs |
| Belbim kiosks | Cash or card | ₺20 | Staff-assisted; good for first time or issues |
| Authorised shops (PTT, newsagents) | Cash | ₺20 | Common in central areas; show the card to the shopkeeper |
| Online via belbim.net | Credit/debit card | ₺20 | Must tap card on a reader within 24 hours to apply the top-up |
Which Transport is Covered?
Transfer Discount — How It Works
- When you tap Istanbulkart on a second vehicle within 2 hours of the first tap, you receive a significant discount (roughly 50% off the second fare)
- A third journey within 2 hours receives an even bigger discount on most registered cards
- The transfer window is 2 hours from your first tap — plan multi-leg journeys accordingly
- Transfers work between metro, bus, tram, and Marmaray — crossing modes is fine
- Ferry journeys also count as legs — Kadıköy ferry then metro is two taps with transfer discount
- Personalised cards get better transfer rates than anonymous cards — another reason to register
How to Register a Personalised Card
As a long-term resident in Istanbul, registering your Istanbulkart is essential — it protects your balance and unlocks monthly passes.
Buy a standard blue Istanbulkart
From any vending machine or kiosk — you will need this to start
Gather your documents
Bring your ikamet (residence permit) or Turkish ID card, your passport, and the card you purchased
Visit a Belbim service point
Located at major metro stations (Taksim, Kadıköy, Eminönü, Levent). Bring originals and copies.
Request personalised card registration
Staff will link the card to your identity — takes 10–15 minutes
Note your card number
Write down or photograph the number on the card — needed if you ever report it lost
Download the İstanbulkart app
Link your registered card for remote top-ups and balance monitoring