How To Use Public Transport In Istanbul?

The Istanbul kart (transport card) – Istanbul Kart In order to use all public transportation in Istanbul (boats, subways, buses, tramways, funiculars), you will need the magnetic card, Istanbul Kart, You can find it in the small kiosks near all metro stations, piers, and also bus stations.

• It costs 25 TL, you will then add credit.
• Eep in mind that most trips cost approximately 7,70 TL each way.
• For more information you can visit the website of the municipality: https://www.iett.istanbul/en If you buy a card with a limited number of trips, you can do it directly in front of the turnstiles.

The prices are 15 TL for one way, 25 TL for two ways, 32 TL for three ways, 49 TL for five ways, and 88 TL for ten ways.

How do you pay for public transport in Istanbul?

How to Pay for Public Transportation? – There are basically two ways to pay for the fare: either you get a token ( jeton ) from the sales booth or vending machines ( jetonmatik ), or you use the Istanbul Card ( Istanbul Kart ) — an electronic boarding pass.

How do you pay for public transport in Turkey?

Where to Buy Them – Fare machines and Jetonmatik token machines located at major bus stops, Metro and tram stations, ferry docks, etc. allow you to buy jeton s and fare cards, and to reload credit onto your Istanbulkart or Akbil with coins, Turkish lira notes, or credit card,

Can you pay cash on Istanbul bus?

You need to get an Istanbul kart – its a prepaid card which works on all the modes you mention. Cash or card is not accepted.

Is public transport free in Istanbul?

A single ticket for public transport costs 15 TL per person. There are also 2-ride tickets for 25TL, 3-ride tickets for 35 TL, 5-ride tickets for 45 TL and 10-ride tickets for 90 TL. In addition, there is an electronic card that is used for the entire public transport network in Istanbul, the Istanbulkart.

How much is a metro card in Istanbul?

How does Istanbulkart work? You get your Istanbul Card from Istanbulkart Vending Machines near metro, tram and bus stops. It cost 50 TL per card. You can load credits at the same machine with cash.

Can I use Istanbul card for bus?

Easy to Use – Using the Istanbul Transportation Card is extremely simple. You do not have to touch or contact the card reader, either. 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.

If the payment has been accepted, you will hear a specific sound notifying you to proceed and you will also be able to see the remaining amount of money on the screen of the card reader. If there is not enough money in the card, the text “Yetersiz Bakiye” will appear on the screen. You will also hear a different sound alerting you to top up.

You will be able to quickly and easily recharge your Istanbul Transportation Card from the nearest top up point. Using the Unlimited Istanbul Transportation Card is even easier. Since it is unlimited, you don’t need to think about the balance of your card! Just enjoy riding around all the public transportation vehicles.

How much money should I bring to Turkey?

For the purpose of this itinerary, I’m going to suggest spending two weeks in Turkey. It’s a big enough country with plenty to see and do.

	Estimated cost
Airfare	$1,000
Accommodations	$2,100
Local transportation	$250
Attractions	$400

What is the best card to use in Turkey?

Which exchange rate is the best? – Transactions on Visa, Mastercard and American Express branded credit cards and debit cards use the card scheme exchange rate. This is as close to the market rate as you’re likely to get when you exchange funds from pound sterling to Turkish lira.

Travel cards use a different rate. The financial institution which provides the travel card applies a margin when you exchange funds between currency wallets. Visa and Mastercard are widely accepted in Turkey. American Express cardholders may have issues with card acceptance, especially outside the major cities.

There is an abundance of ATMs in Turkey and if you think you’re going to have an issue using your card in a particular destination, make a withdrawal and use cash instead. There are debit cards that waive the currency conversion fee as well as the international ATM fee.

What is the best way to pay in Turkey?

Turkish Lira is accepted in Turkey but still most of the places accept Euro or Dollars with lower currency rate. What is the best way to pay in Turkey? Most of the restaurants, hotels, cafes are accepting credit cards Visa or Mastercard. Paying cash in Turkish Liras can save you becuase of exchange rates.

Should I carry cash in Turkey?

Using Cash In Turkey – Cash is still a necessity for travellers in Turkey, cards are accepted widely in hotels and restaurants, but there will be occasions where you will have to rely on cash. Taxis, public transport or street vendors rarely accept card payments.

How much money should I bring to Istanbul?

High-end traveller: 5000 TRY / person / day – A generous budget of 276 USD per person per day (or 1932 USD/week) is more than enough for Istanbul. A boutique hotel costs around 2500 TRY/night (twin share), which leaves you with spending money of 2500 TRY/day: Use it for taxis, a fancy Turkish breakfast and other meals at higher-end or international restaurants, a private guided tour and fun experience such as a cooking class, a luxury hammam treatment, and a sunset cruise on the Bosphorus.

How much cash can I carry to Istanbul?

Foreign Exchange – Foreign Exchange – There is no limit to the amount of foreign and Turkish currency to be brought into Türkiye. – More than US$5000 worth of Turkish currency can not be taken out of the country. – Up to US$5000 worth of foreign currency can be taken out of the country.

• US$5000 in cash may be taken out of the country by foreigners living abroad, or Turkish citizens working abroad, and those settled in Türkiye, if they document that they have purchased currency from authorised banks.
• Larger amount of foreign or Turkish currency must be transferred abroad through banks.

– All personal belongings and articles made of precious stones or metals (with no commercial purposes) worth under $15,000 may be brought into and taken out of the country. Jewellery worth more than that may only be taken out of the country providing it has been registered on entry or purchased in Türkiye with legally exchanged currency.

What is the cheapest way to travel in Istanbul?

1. Get an Istanbulkart, Istanbul’s public transport card – It is the cheapest and the most efficient way to get around Istanbul. You may access the whole public transportation network of the city via this single transportation card. Istanbulkart is owned and served by the Municipality of Istanbul. The cost of 1-ride public transportation is 7,67 TRY,

How much is day pass Istanbul?

Pricing – The pass pricing depends on how many days you want to use it for. Prices per person below:

1-Day Pass – €95 (Adult) | €55 (Child) 2-Day Pass – €105 (Adult) | €65 (Child) 3-Day Pass – €125 (Adult) | €75 (Child) 4-Day Pass – €135 (Adult) | €85 (Child) 5-Day Pass – €150 (Adult) | €100 (Child) 7-Day Pass – €175 (Adult) | €125 (Child) 10-Day Pass – €195 (Adult) | €145 (Child)

What is the best way to get around Istanbul?

The best ways to get around Istanbul are the buses and trams, which conveniently cover the touristy areas. But remember, buses don’t have maps inside and drivers do not announce stops, so you’ll need to remain vigilant and watch where you are going. The metro is also a reliable and cheap means of getting around; however, stops are farther apart and not as well-positioned for seeing the sights.

• The city’s metro and bus networks can also be used to get to downtown from Istanbul Atatürk Airport (IST).
• When visiting Sultanahmet and Eminönü, walking between the area’s attractions is doable, but you’ll need to rely on another mode of transportation to reach other neighborhoods.
• Driving is strongly discouraged since road signs are in Turkish and accidents are fairly common.

Ferries are also available to get to the Princes’ Islands and between the European and Asian sides.

On Foot	You’ll find walking is easy and enjoyable in neighborhoods like Sultanahmet and Eminönü, but other areas are less dense. Definitely explore the alleys and bazaars on foot, but hop on a bus or tram if you are going greater distances. Also, be sure to carry a reliable map.
Bus	Istanbul’s bus system – operated by Istanbul Metropolitan Municipality – is very effective, with routes running throughout the entire city. Buses do not have maps, so you should know where you’re going before stepping on. A bus map can be picked up at any terminal, and timetables for all routes are available on Istanbul Metropolitan Municipality’s Route/Station Search page, Most buses run daily between 6 a.m. and midnight. To ride one of the city’s buses, you’ll need to purchase a limited use ticket or an Istanbulkart card. Limited use tickets are good for one, two, five or 10 rides; fees start at 4 Turkish lira ($1). Istanbulkart cards, meanwhile, work on buses, trams, metros and ferries and cost 6 Turkish lira (about $1.50). When using one of these reloadable, plastic cards, ride fees are reduced to 2.30 Turkish lira ($0.50); trips to and from the airport cost 8 Turkish lira (roughly $2). Istanbulkart cards can be refilled at bus and metro stops, and limited use tickets and Istanbulkart cards are sold at more than 2,100 transportation counters and participating vendors. Istanbul Metropolitan Municipality Istanbulkart
Tram	You’ll see the tram scurrying through the streets, and you’ll want to hop on. They are a good way to see the city and get from one place to the other. Four tram lines are available, but the Bagcilar-Kabatas (T1) Tram will probably be the most helpful to get around the touristy portions, as it makes stops near must-visit sights like Galata Tower, Istanbul Modern and the Hagia Sophia Museum, One-time rides on any tram line will set you back 4 Turkish lira (approximately $1). If you have an Istanbulkart card, each tram ride costs 2.30 Turkish lira ($0.50). A tram network map is available on Metro Istanbul’s website, Note: Metro Istanbul’s Taksim-Tünel (T2) and Kadiköy-Moda (T3) tram lines are not handicap-accessible. Metro Istanbul Istanbulkart
Metro	Metro Istanbul offers six metro lines, most of which service the European side of the city. The Yenikapi-Atatürk Havalimani (M1A) makes stops at the airport and the central bus station (Otogar). The majority of the metro’s stations are not the closest public transportation option for popular attractions, but this system’s underground tracks made it a quicker option during rush hour. One-time rides cost 4 Turkish lira (about $1) per person, while travelers with Istanbulkart cards will pay 2.30 Turkish lira (roughly $0.50) per ride. Metro Istanbul Istanbulkart
Ferry	Known locally as vapurlar, ferries – which are operated by Sehir Hatlari – depart multiple times a day from the city’s European and Asian sides. Several ports along the Bosphorus, the Sea of Marmara and the Golden Horn are available, including ones in Kadiköy, Eminönü, Ortaköy and Karaköy. Using the ferry system is the best way to reach the Princes’ Islands, and it is also the most affordable way to tour the Bosphorus. To ride the ferry, you’ll need to purchase a one-way token for 4 Turkish lira ($1) – trips to and from the Princes’ Islands cost 5.50 Turkish lira (about $1.50) – or tap your Istanbulkart card. Fares for Istanbulkart cardholders vary by route but start at 2.30 Turkish lira (roughly $0.50). Two-hour Bosphorus tours cost 12 Turkish lira ($3) per person, while full-day, round-trip tours are 25 Turkish lira ($7) per passenger. Sehir Hatlari Istanbulkart
Taxi	Taxis are plentiful, cheap and convenient in Istanbul, but the drivers have a reputation for scamming riders. A sly cabbie might tell you the meter is broken and quote you a higher flat rate. If this happens, you should have no qualms about getting out of the cab and into a different one. It might also be helpful to write down the address of your final destination to and show your driver – this will make communication much easier. Taxis can be hailed on the street, but to decrease your chance of getting scammed, ask your hotel to call one for you. Taxi drivers are less likely to overcharge passengers being picked up from a hotel because it may hurt their future business. All taxis charge a base rate of 3.45 Turkish lira (about $1), plus a metered rate of 2.10 Turkish lira per kilometer traveled (or less than $1 per mile). The Uber ride-sharing service also operates in and around Istanbul. Uber
Car	Driving in Istanbul is not recommended. Istanbul traffic tends to be slow and congested, distances are measured in kilometers, parking is hard to find and gas is expensive. The roads are also difficult to navigate. But if you absolutely need to have your own set of wheels, you can acquire a rental car at the airport. You’ll need to get an international driving permit, which is available through AAA and DMV.org, Rental car fees vary by company, but expect to pay $20 to $30 per day for standard models. Alamo Budget Europcar Thrifty

Can two person travel with one metro card?

Up to four people can use a Metro card when you go on a per ride basis. The Unlimited Ride can only be used by one person if you calculate lat you will ride the subway or the bus more that 13 times each, it is recommended that each of you get an Inlimited Pass.

How long is Istanbulkart valid?

Can I Return It and Get a Refund? – When you buy Istanbulkart you will be paying 13 TRL which is not refundable. But if you still have some balance left on the card, you can get a refund but it’s a very long process. You need to fill the istanbulkart refund form on their website or you need to go to one of the main offices of IETT and wait until they complete the necessary inspection (that’s how their website says).

1. They will ask for your IBAN number and refund you in 5 working days.
2. For that reason, I recommend you to top-up a small amount each time and pass it or sell it to the next traveler that you met in the hotel.
3. Or reception does it for you.
4. Or you just take it home with you.
5. Istanbulkart expires in 3 years unless you top-up.

You can check Municipality’s website for more information about Istanbul kart refund,

Is uber cheap in Istanbul?

Black Taxi Uber – Black Taxis are an 8-seater Uber taxi with a large seating area designed to accommodate families and groups of friends. They launched in 2022 and are a major hit for locals and foreigners alike. Black Taxi Uber in Istanbul utilizes premium vehicles so riders can travel in style and comfort.

How do I use Istanbulkart?

How To Use Istanbulkart – After you have recharged your card with the desired amount, you will be able to use it in all public transportation systems in Istanbul, including the metro, subway, tram, funicular, ferries, and public buses. All public transportation contains Istanbulkart card readers; simply place your card near the reader and wait for a second until you hear the beep, which indicates that the ticket price has been deducted from your balance, and you will also see the remaining amount of your card’s balance on the reader’s screen.

Because the card is not a personal card, if you are a group, you may purchase just one card and use the same card for each passenger, but you will lose most of the transit savings. A card is also not required for children under the age of six. Please keep in mind that, owing to the emergence of the Corona virus, the Istanbul municipality forbids the use of public transportation without a HES code.

You may get this code by using the specialist smartphone apps available in the Apple and Google Play stores.

Can I use Istanbulkart for metro?

Istanbulkart Card With this card, you can pay for the buses, metro, trams, boats and the funicular, The plan is, that in the future the card will also be valid to pay for taxis and museums

Is hes code still required in Turkey?

HES code is mandatory. HES codes will be checked 24 hours before travel and will be notified regarding their status. Passengers who are not approved by the Ministry of Health will not be permitted for travel.

Can you pay by card in Istanbul?

Contactless or card payments are widely accepted in Istanbul. If you have a Visa or Master card, you don’t need to worry about paying at different hotels or restaurants.

What is the best way to pay in Turkey?

What is the best currency to take to Turkey in 2022? – The Turkish lira is the accepted currency in Turkey. Although you can pay with euros in some places, you’ll always get a better deal paying in the local currency. Get lira from ATMs using your debit card or travel card – withdrawing cash on credit is not advised.

Do you have to pay when you arrive in Turkey?

To Aid Tourism Travel to Turkey is Now Visa Free – Mr Hami Aksoy, the spokesperson of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, said: ” Turkey has decided to exempt visa requirements for the members of the European Union Schengen area, Austria, Belgium, the Netherlands, Spain, Poland as well as the United Kingdom citizens for touristic travels to Turkey for every 90 days within 180-day periods.

This step aims at increasing our tourism potential with these countries as well as further developing our trade, economic and cultural relations. ” “You will still need to have a valid passport with at least 6 months of validity left from the date you enter Turkey and to ensure there is a blank page in your passport for exit stamps.

” If you’re thinking of making the most out of travelling to Turkey visa-free, read on for the top hotspots to visit.

How do you pay with card in Turkey?

Using a debit card – A travel debit card lets you spend your own money through ATM withdrawals and making purchases anywhere Visa or Mastercard are accepted. You can use a debit card over the counter and to withdraw money from ATM where Visa and Mastercard are accepted throughout the country, which is most places.

Tip: Citibank no longer has a presence in Turkey. You can use your Citibank Plus to make free ATM withdrawals from Denizbank ATMs (and most ATMs from Turkish banks), the company which purchased Citibank’s Turkish operation.