Which transport card should I buy in Istanbul (Istanbulkart) and how does it work?
Based on 2 discussions with 7 participants · Last activity: 4 days ago
TL;DR
In Istanbul you need an Istanbulkart — it works on metro, tram, bus and ferry. It's sold at yellow vending machines at stations; it has a 2750 TL monthly discount limit, after which you just wait for the cycle to reset or pay full fare without discount.
What the community said
On some routes (certain buses or distance-based fare systems) you need to tap the card again when exiting, otherwise the maximum fare gets charged.
2 days ago Tap again on exit
If the 2750 TL monthly discount limit runs out early, you don't need a new card — keep using the same one, just without the transfer discount, until the 30-day cycle resets.
6 days ago 2750 TL monthly limit
For all types of transport (metro, tram, bus, ferry) the universal Istanbulkart card is the best choice — it covers the entire network.
8 days ago Istanbulkart
You can buy the transport card right at tram stations — there are vending machines or kiosks near the stops.
10 days ago Vending machines at tram stations
After hitting the 2750 TL monthly limit, you don't need to buy a new Istanbulkart — you can just wait for the cycle to reset (e.g., if bought on June 10, it resets around July 10).
22 days ago Limit resets after 30 days
The OlduBil card is a different regional transit card and doesn't work for Istanbul transport — you need an Istanbulkart specifically.
38 days ago OlduBil doesn't work here