Transportation

How to Get an Istanbul Kart: A Beginner’s Guide

I am eager to leave my comfort zone and push myself to try new things. The best way to do it is by traveling. So I keep exploring the world and myself.

If you have time to explore and enjoy the city, then renting a car in Istanbul is probably not your first choice. However, for those who need to commute frequently or for those who want to visit locations outside touristic areas, having an Istanbul kart is convenient. With an Istanbul Kart, you can get from one place to another conveniently without worrying about traffic congestion and parking spaces. Istanbulkart is the budget-friendly public transportation card that will help you as you are visiting Istanbul, as you use metrobus, marmaray, subway and more. As the ultimate Istanbul transportation card, it will be the only card you need in your wallet. If you are also planning to get an Istanbul kart, read on for useful information about this Istanbul card on our complete guide:

1. Where to get an IstanbulKart

helpful

You can get an Istanbul kart at numerous locations across the city. There are several bus terminals that rent out Istanbul karts, a special vending machine called biletmatik at metro entrances and locations can be found online. You can also find several car rental companies in Istanbul that offer kart rental. You can either book online or go to their location in person to rent a kart. Finding the closest rental location is important because you will need to complete certain formalities before you drive off with your kart. For example, you need a valid ID, a credit card and a deposit. The deposit amount depends on the company, but typically, it is around 25-50% of the card’s value.

2. Is it worth it to get the IstanbulKart?

transportation

An Istanbul kart is an excellent way to get around the city. It is cost-effective, convenient, and a good way to explore the city.

The metrobus has its own lane, making it easier to drive. You don’t have to worry about getting stuck in traffic. It is also a lot quicker to get around the city because there are fewer stops with the kart than with the bus. Another advantage of the Istanbul kart is that you can drive to places that are not accessible by bus. If you want to go to places like the Black Sea, you can easily drive to the shoreline. Similarly, if you want to visit places like Cappadocia, you can drive to the region and even come back to Istanbul.

3. How much does transportation cost in Istanbul?

how-much

The cost of renting a kart depends on a few factors. The Kart itself costs 70 TL. If you want to rent an Istanbul Card for a week, you may be able to get a cheaper deal than renting one for a day. Similarly, you can get a discounted rate if you are a student or if you rent the kart with a group of friends. If you are renting a kart for a day, you can expect to spend about 35-65 TL for a day. If you are renting the kart for a week, the cost will be about 200-300 TL.

4. Do I need a ticket or a card to use the transportation Istanbul?

ticket

You don’t need a ticket to use the public transportation in Istanbul. Instead, you need to have an Istanbul Kart. The Istanbul Kart works on Istanbul’s metro system, tram system, ferry, and buses. You can use the kart to travel to different parts of the city. It is a good option if you want to visit less frequented locations like the Black Sea or Cappadocia. The kart comes in two different forms — a magnetic card or an electronic device. The electronic device works much like a debit card. You can put money on the card and use it to pay for transportation. The magnetic card is similar to a metro card. You can load money on the card and use it to pay for transportation.

IstanbulKart is preferred by the people who want to go from one spot to another via public transportation in the city. One card allows you to access all sorts of public transport modes easily, quickly, and with an affordable price. There are booths all over the city, inside metro stations, as well as corner shops and kiosks that help you top up your IstanbulKart under 30 seconds. When using the card, holding it to the card reader from a distance of 5-10 centimeters is enough for the machine to detect it. Only one person can use a card.

Also, there is an app for IstanbulKart that you can pay online and show the QR code to use public transportation;

App Store
Google Play Store

5. Can I use the Istanbul Kart for things other than transportation?

other

Yes, you can use the kart for more than just transportation. You can use the kart to pay for parking, petrol, and car washes. You can also use the kart to pay for certain meals in restaurants. However, keep in mind that the kart can only be used at specific locations. The list of locations where you can use the kart is on the company’s website. If you are not sure where you can use the kart, you can call the customer care number.

You can find detailed information about the usage of Istanbul Card outside of public transport from the official website of the Istanbul Metropolitan Municipality, or the app. Istanbulkart allows to make payments across 30,000 new food & drink centers that accept MultiNet meal card. Other than the financial benefits of the Istanbul Card, which reduces the price by almost 60%, Istanbul Card offers other opportunities. If you take a ferry from either the Asian side to the European or vice versa, you enjoy an unforgettable experience of changing continents in 20 minutes!

6. How to deposit the Istanbul Kart

reload

You can directly load money on your Istanbul Card at any metro station or bus station with the amount of Turkish lira that you need to get around the city center. You can also deposit money into your account online and use the account details to deposit money on your kart. You can also buy an Istanbul kart from one of the rental companies in the city. Remember to check the cost of the kart and the rental rates before you make a decision.

You can also buy a second-hand card from several websites or from card owners. Before buying a second-hand kart, make sure that it is in good condition. Check that the kart has all the necessary documents. Similarly, make sure that the kart has been properly maintained. Apart from getting a new Istanbul Card, you can also choose to rent a kart. If you are renting a kart, make sure that the terms of the contract are fair.

7. Can I buy Istanbul card in airport?

Yes, you can buy an Istanbul card at the Istanbul airport. There are machines located in the arrivals hall of both Atatürk and Sabiha Gökçen airports where you can purchase an Istanbul card. These cards can be used to pay for public transportation in Istanbul.

Including buses, trams, metro, and ferries. It is recommended that you purchase an Istanbul card if you plan to use public transportation frequently during your stay in Istanbul as it offers discounted fares compared to paying with cash.

Tips

  • You can check your balance by going to the official website of Istanbul Card.
  • Or, you can call their customer service center
  • You need a credit or debit card to get the balance. It will take 5 minutes for them to get it.
  • Don’t forget that when you buy the Istanbul kart from any Biletmatik, they will charge your card with 20 liras and give you a paper receipt for that money. You need to go back home and exchange this paper receipt into Istanbulkart card in order to use it .
  • The Istanbul Tourist Pass is a popular choice among travelers who are not a Turkish citizen visiting Turkey’s largest city. This all-in-one pass offers access to some of Istanbul’s most iconic tourist attractions, such as Sultanahmet, Galata Tower, Taksim, Hagia Sophia, Topkapi Palace, and the Bosphorus Cruise. If you are not traveling by taxi throughout the city, this is a good option for access to all public transportation vehicles. With three different pass options to choose from, travelers can customize their experience based on their interests and length of stay. The pass also includes skip-the-line privileges, saving time and hassle during peak tourist season. Additionally, the pass provides discounts at various restaurants, shops, and tours, making it a convenient and cost-effective option for tourists looking to make the most out of their time in Istanbul.

All in all, public transportation is a great way to save money on your trip to Istanbul. Compare public transportation fares and find the best option for you! Make sure to check our must have apps in Istanbul for more convenient trip!

FAQ

What is Istanbul card used for?

The Istanbul card is a rechargeable smart card used for public transportation in Istanbul, Turkey. It can be used on buses, metros, trams, funiculars, and ferries operated by Istanbul Electric Tramway and Tunnel Company (IETT), Istanbul Metropolitan Municipality (IMM), and other municipal transportation providers. The card allows for convenient and cost-effective travel throughout the city, as it offers discounted fares compared to paying cash for each trip. The Istanbul card can be purchased at vending machines located at transit stations or online, and can be easily recharged with funds as needed.

Where Can You Use Istanbulkart ?

Istanbulkart is a rechargeable electronic card that can be used to pay for public transportation in Istanbul, Turkey. This includes buses, trams, metro lines, and ferries operated by the Istanbul Metropolitan Municipality (İBB) and some private operators. In addition to public transportation, Istanbulkart can also be used to pay for parking at İSPARK car parks and access to certain museums and cultural sites. The card can be purchased and recharged at various kiosks and vending machines located throughout the city, as well as online. Overall, Istanbulkart is a convenient and cost-effective way to get around Istanbul's extensive public transportation network.

What is the Istanbul Card?

The Istanbul Card is a rechargeable smart card that is used for public transportation in Istanbul, Turkey. It can be used on buses, trams, metros, ferries, and some funiculars and cable cars throughout the city. The card can be easily purchased at kiosks located in major transportation hubs or online. Users can add credit to their card as needed and simply tap it on the card reader when boarding a vehicle. The Istanbul Card offers discounted fares compared to buying single tickets and also eliminates the need to carry cash or purchase tickets each time you use public transportation. It's a convenient and cost-effective way to get around Istanbul!
4.5/5 - (8 votes)

Related Articles

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Check Also
Close
Back to top button