Navigating through the vibrant cityscape of Istanbul demands an understanding of its diverse and intricate public transportation system. This article serves as your comprehensive guide to the fares across Istanbul's city buses, metros, trams, funiculars, and ferries, featuring detailed fare structures, discounts, special journey charges, and transfer costs. You'll also uncover valuable insights about the Istanbulkart, the crucial travel card that empowers your journey across this culturally rich metropolis.
Whether you're planning for a short ride or contemplating longer journeys like the Metrobus or Marmaray, this guide has got you covered. Delve into the realm of electronic ticketing, grasp the nuances of refund and transfer policies, and discover where to purchase tickets or top up your Istanbulkart. Embark on your Istanbul exploration with this knowledge, making your transit experience as seamless as possible.
Public Transport in Istanbul
Istanbul offers a comprehensive and efficient transportation network, comprising various modes of travel. The city boasts a well-connected system of metros, trams, buses, ferries, seabus services, taxis, and more. Understanding the different options available will help you choose the most suitable mode of transport for your needs when you visit Istanbul.
Transport Fares Istanbul: A Comprehensive Guide
This comprehensive guide on Istanbul's public transportation fares provides insights into the cost structures across various transit modes, including city buses, metros, trams, funiculars, and ferries.
Basic Istanbul public transit fares are as follows.
Please note: due to the fluctuating currency situation, we have chosen to list the costs in USD. However, all payments would be made in Turkish lira.
City bus, Metro, tram, funicular, ferry: full-fare costs 0.84 cents; the first transfer to another vehicle: 0.63 cents. Children 6 years and older must pay a fare; those younger than six years who do not occupy a seat may travel without a ticket.
For discounted student fares, you must have a Student Istanbulkart, and the first ride costs US$0.41. In order to get a student card, students need to have a residency permit in Turkey.
These are the fares for most short rides on most means of transport (Metro, bus, tram, funicular, ferryboat). Longer or special journeys may require higher fares, especially Metrobus and Marmaray.
Also, you'll pay twice the full fare when you're crossing to Asia from Europe or the other way around by using the bridges.
Metrobus Fares
| Number of stops traveled | Full-fare |
|---|---|
| 1 | $0.60 |
| 2 | $0.72 |
| 3 | $0.84 |
| 4-9 | $0.96 |
| 10-15 | $1.06 |
| 16-21 | $1.11 |
| 22-27 | $1.14 |
| 28-33 | $1.17 |
| 34-43 | $1.23 |
There are some important points of information you should know about Metro buses. You can get a refund after you use the refund machine. In order to receive that, you should at least go to one more station. The refund time is 2 hours for Metrobus. This means within two hours, you can get your money back accordingly to the number of stops you traveled.
The transfer time is 2 hours if your card allows you to transfer. However, there’s no discount for transfers from other public transport vehicles to Metrobus but there is a discount for transfers from Metrobus to other public transport vehicles.
Transfer Fares
| Number of Transfers | Full-fare |
|---|---|
| 1st transfer | $0.63 |
| 2nd transfer | $0.48 |
| 3rd transfer | $0.31 |
| 4th transfer | $0.31 |
| 5th transfer | $0.31 |
Istanbulkart
A plastic RFID chip card that you purchase, load money onto it, then use it to pay transit fares, the Istanbulkart is the only way to travel on public transit in Istanbul.
Currently, contactless credit and debit cards, except for Marmaray, can be used on all public transportation vehicles in Istanbul. However, since Istanbulkart offers discounted fares and is widely accepted across the entire public transportation network, it is still highly recommended. Tokens and cash payments are not accepted. By using this rechargeable card, you can save both money and time while getting around the city.
Electronic Ticket
Disposable paper electronic fare cards for a pre-determined number of trips:
Fare Pricing Information
| Name | Price |
|---|---|
| Single ticket (Tek geçişlik bilet) | $1.20 |
| Two-pass ticket (İki geçişlik bilet) | $2.17 |
| Three-pass ticket (Üç geçişlik bilet) | $3.49 |
| Five-pass ticket (Beş geçişlik bilet) | $4.93 |
| Ten-pass ticket (On geçişlik bilet) | $9.62 |
You can buy disposable fare cards from Biletmatik machines. You can buy your card from these machines or you can top up your card. It is also possible to buy cards from some kiosks and markets. However, you can probably get the most suitable card from places called Istanbul Municipality Solution Center, which are located in central places such as Beşiktaş and Şişli.
You can use these tickets in every vehicle except the ferries going to Princess Islands. You need to use your Istanbulkart to visit the islands.
Where to Buy Tickets
Fare machines are located at major bus stops, Metro stations, tram stations, ferry docks, etc., allowing you to buy fare cards and reload credit onto your Istanbulkart using coins, Turkish lira notes, or credit/debit cards. While these machines now accept cards, some may still have limitations or may not offer change when using cash, so it's advisable to carry both cash and a card to ensure a smooth transaction.
Instructions are in Turkish, English, and German.
Remember, if the machine bears a sign saying Arızalıdır or Hizmet dışı, it's out of order.
Istanbulkart Application
You are recommended to download the Istanbulkart mobile application to your phone. Foreigners who have a residence permit or work permit in Turkey and hold a Foreign Identification Number (YKN) can register and use the application. Within the app, you can get a QR code that works on almost all public transportation vehicles in Istanbul. Simply scan the code or hold it up to the card reader when boarding buses, ferries, metros, and more. You can top up your balance online using your credit or debit card. An internet connection is required to use the app actively. The application also provides access to various discounts at partner stores, which you can browse through once it’s installed.
You can also use your Istanbulkart and the mobile app to travel to Sabiha Gökçen Airport and Istanbul Airport via the metro lines. However, if you take shuttle buses like Havaist or Havaş, the driver might ask for cash payment, so make sure to carry some cash. Similarly, in minibuses called dolmuş, payment is accepted only in cash. There are also “sarı dolmuş” (yellow shared taxis), which only accept cash as well.Apart from these exceptions (dolmuş and Havaist/Havaş), Istanbulkart and the Istanbulkart app are valid for nearly all public transportation in the city.
Istanbul City Card
The Istanbul City Card is designed for tourists and gives you unlimited access to public transport for 1, 3, 5, 7, or 15 days. It also comes with a small guide kit to help you around the city. The cards have special Istanbul-themed designs, so you can keep them as a souvenir after your trip.
Public Transportation Fare Updates
The price information given above has been arranged in accordance with the public transport fare tariff valid since January 2nd, 2023. Note that it is no longer necessary to have an HES code to use public transportation, as was required during COVID-19 restrictions.
Do not forget to check the current public transport fares from the Istanbul Metropolitan Municipality, which are available on IETT’s official site as well as Istanbulkart's website.
Conclusion
Understanding the transport fares in Istanbul is essential for a seamless and convenient journey through the city. This comprehensive guide has provided valuable insights into the fares of buses, metros, trams, funiculars, and ferries, along with information about the Istanbulkart and other ticketing options.
By familiarizing yourself with the fare structures, discounts, and transfer costs, you can navigate Istanbul's transportation system with ease. Whether you're a resident or a visitor, this knowledge will empower you to make informed decisions and explore the vibrant streets of Istanbul with confidence. So, get ready to embark on your Istanbul adventure, armed with the understanding of transport fares to make your travel experience enjoyable and hassle-free.
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