Welcome to the ultimate guide on public transportation fares in Istanbul for 2023! As an expert in the city, we aim to provide you with accurate and comprehensive information about transportation options and costs. This article will help you navigate the bustling streets and public transit options of Istanbul with ease.
Istanbulkart: Your Key to the City
The Istanbulkart is a must-have for any traveler visiting the city. This electronic card can be used for all modes of public transportation, including buses, trams, metros, and ferries. The Istanbulkart is not only practical but also offers significant savings compared to single-use tickets. The card can be purchased at any metro station or major transit hub and can be topped up with credit at any time.
Read: The Ultimate Guide to IstanbulKart: Price, Where to Buy& How to Use
Stress-Free Transport Cards for Your Istanbul Adventure
We recommend to book transport card, pre-charged with 5 or 10 rides, for a seamless travel experience in Istanbul. It is not as cheap as public transport in Istanbul, but available for pickup at Havalines Kiosks at the airport or delivered to your hotel, this card allows you to effortlessly navigate the city and focus on soaking up the rich history and culture that Istanbul offers.
Bus, Tram and Metro Fares in Istanbul
Standard Fares for Buses, Metros, and Trams and Funikulers
Whether you’re traveling by bus, metro, or tram, using an Istanbulkart is the most convenient and cost-effective way to pay your fares. The card itself costs 50 TL and can be topped up at various points across the city. For standard fares, the following charges apply:
- First ride: 9.90 TL
- First transfer: 7.09 TL
- Second transfer: 5.38 TL
- Third transfer and beyond: 3.40 TL
Limited Use Ticket Tariffs without Istanbulkart.
- Single Pass Ticket: 20 TL
- Two-Pass Ticket: 30 TL
- Three-Pass Ticket: 50 TL
- Five-Pass Ticket: 60 TL
- Ten-Pass Ticket: 110 TL
Metrobus Fare
Metrobuses provide a convenient way to traverse Istanbul, and fares are calculated based on the number of stops:
- One stop: 7.09 TL
- Two stops: 8.48 TL
- Three stops: 9.90 TL
- Four to nine stops: 11.31 TL
- Ten to fifteen stops: 12.43 TL
- Sixteen to twenty-one stops: 13 TL
- Twenty-two to twenty-seven stops: 13.43 TL
- Twenty-eight to thirty-three stops: 13.72 TL
- Thirty-four stops and beyond: 14.69 TL
Note: The initial charge is 14.69 TL, but you can request a refund at the machine after the trip.
Read our full guide about Metrobus >>
Roaming Revelations: Tours with Public Transport Rides to Unveil City Wonders
Embark on enthralling tours that masterfully employ public transport to unveil the city’s many marvels. Immerse yourself in the rhythm of local life, effortlessly traversing between landmarks and uncovering hidden gems, all while sidestepping traffic and embracing the adventure.
Marmaray Fares
- Shortest transportation fee: 9.90 TL
- Full track fee: 21.91 TL
| Distance | Fare |
|---|---|
| 1 – 7 stations | 9.90 TL |
| 8 – 14 stations | 12.73 TL |
| 15 – 21 stations | 14.69 TL |
| 22 – 28 stations | 16.95 TL |
| 29 – 35 stations | 19.79 TL |
| 36 – 43 stations | 21.91 TL |
Note: The initial charge is 21.91 TL, but you can request a refund at the machine after the trip.
Limited Use Ticket Tariffs without Istanbulkart.
- A single pass ticket costs 45 TL.
- Two-pass ticket costs 60 TL.
- Three-pass ticket costs 125 TL.
Read our full guide about Marmaray >>
Taxi Fares in Istanbul
Yellow taxis are a popular mode of transportation in Istanbul. The new fares for 2023 are:
- Taxi Opening Fee: 12.65 TL
- Distance Fee: 8.51 TL per km
- Short Distance Fare: 40 TL
Don’t miss:
- Read our full guide about taxi fares in Istanbul >>
- Read how to use taxi to get to/from Istanbul Airport >>
- Also: be sure of taxi scams in Istanbul!
Minibus and Dolmuş Fares
Minibuses and dolmuş are shared taxi-like vehicles that operate on set routes. The new hop-on hop-off fee is 7 TL, while fares for longer distances may vary depending on the route and distance traveled. Typically, fares range from 7 TL to 25 TL. It’s important to note that minibuses and dolmuş do not accept IstanbulKart, so you will need to pay in cash (Turkish Lira).
Minibus and Dolmuş Fare Examples:
- Taksim to Beşiktaş: 10 TL
- Kadıköy to Bostancı: 9 TL
- Üsküdar to Ümraniye: 12 TL
- Beyoğlu to Şişli: 11 TL
Keep in mind that these are approximate fares, and prices may change slightly based on the specific route and driver discretion.
Read our full guide about Dolmus in Istanbul >>
City Line Ferries and Private Sea Buses
City Line Ferries Fares
| Route | Fare |
|---|---|
| Üsküdar–Eminönü | 11.25 TL |
| Ortaköy–Üsküdar | 10.25 TL |
| Ortaköy-Kadıköy | 13.00 TL |
| Üsküdar-Kadıköy | 11.75 TL |
| Kadıköy–Eminönü | 12.25 TL |
| Kadıköy–Karaköy | 12.25 TL |
| Beşiktaş–Üsküdar | 9.90 TL |
| Kabataş-Üsküdar | 10.00 TL |
| Kadıköy–Beşiktaş | 12.25 TL |
| Kadıköy–Kabataş | 11.75 TL |
| Beykoz – Yeniköy | 10.00 TL |
| Karaköy-Bostancı | 14.50 TL |
| Anadolu H.-Küçüksu-Aşiyan | 9.90 TL |
| Aşiyan-Üsküdar | 12.75 TL |
| Beykoz-Sarıyer | 11.50 TL |
| Çengelköy-Kabataş Hattı | 11.75 TL |
| Bostancı-Moda-Kadıköy-Kabataş Hattı | 14.50 TL |
| Avcılar-Bakırköy-Yenikapı-Kadıköy Hattı (2) | 33.25 TL |
| Avcılar-Bostancı Hattı (2) | 36.25 TL |
| Uğramalı Hatlar (3 İskeleden fazla uğramalı, Adalar hariç) | 9.90 TL |
Transfer Fares for Ferries
| Transfer | Fare |
|---|---|
| 1st Transfer | 7.91 TL |
| 2nd Transfer | 6.51 TL |
| 3rd Transfer | 5.65 TL |
| 4th Transfer | 5.65 TL |
| 5th Transfer | 5.65 TL |
Public Ferry to Adalar (Princes’ Islands)
| Route | Fare |
|---|---|
| Adalar (Şehir Hatları ve Özel Deniz Motorları) | 28.27 TL |
Read our full guide about ferries in Istanbul >>
Airport Public Buses
Airport public buses provide convenient and affordable transportation to and from Istanbul’s airports. Below are the fares and routes for these buses:
| Route | Route Name | Fare |
|---|---|---|
| H-1 | Mahmutbey Metro – İstanbul Havalimanı | 19.79 TL |
| H-2 | Mecidiyeköy – İstanbul Havalimanı | 19.79 TL |
| H-3 | Halkalı – İstanbul Havalimanı | 19.79 TL |
| H-4 | Atatürk Havalimanı – İstanbul Havalimanı | 19.79 TL |
| H-6 | Mescidi Selam – Arnavutköy – İstanbul Havalimanı | 19.79 TL |
| H-7 | Alibeyköy Cep Otogarı – İstanbul Havalimanı | 19.79 TL |
| H-8 | Hacı Osman – Sarıyer – İstanbul Havalimanı | 19.79 TL |
| H-9 | Cevizlibağ – İstanbul Havalimanı | 19.79 TL |
| H-10 | Otogar – İstanbul Havalimanı | 19.79 TL |
| H-11 | Bakırköy – İstanbul Havalimanı | 19.79 TL |
In case of new routes being added by İETT, the fares for Arnavutköy and Kemerburgaz lines will be charged with 1 full ticket, other intracontinental lines with 2 full tickets, and intercontinental lines with 3 full tickets.
| Route | Route Name | Fare |
|---|---|---|
| SG-1 | Sabiha Gökçen Havalimanı – Kadıköy | 50.88 TL |
| SG-2 | Sabiha Gökçen Havalimanı – Taksim | 67.85 TL |
Read also: The Ultimate Guide to Transport to/from New Istanbul Airport / Istanbul (2023)
Tourist IstanbulKart Subscription Fees
The Tourist IstanbulKart offers various subscription options tailored to the needs of visitors to Istanbul. The card provides access to various public transportation options within the city, including buses, trams, metros, ferries, and more.
| Subscription | 1-Day | 3-Day | 5-Day | 7-Day | 15-Day |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Pass Limit | 30 Limit | 70 Limit | 150 Limit | 200 Limit | 300 Limit |
| Price (TL) | €21 | €32 | €55 | €65 | €90 |
The Tourist City Card can be purchased at designated sales points, such as airports, metro stations, and tourist information centers.
You can also purchase a pre-charged transport card for a seamless travel experience online! This card would be delivered to your hotel. To buy a transport card, click on the link below.
Buy City Travel CardConclusion
The updated fare prices for Istanbul’s public transportation aim to accommodate the needs of both residents and tourists while offering a comprehensive and efficient network of options to navigate the city. The IstanbulKart provides an easy and cost-effective way to access multiple transport services, making it a popular choice for locals and visitors alike.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: Where can I purchase an IstanbulKart?
A: You can purchase an IstanbulKart at designated sales points, such as airports, metro stations, and tourist information centers.
Q: Can I use the IstanbulKart for multiple passengers?
A: Yes, you can use a single IstanbulKart to pay for multiple passengers. However, each passenger will be charged separately based on the applicable fare.
Q: Are there discounts for students, seniors, or disabled passengers?
A: Yes, Istanbul offers discounted fares for students, seniors, and disabled passengers. To access these discounts, eligible passengers need to apply for a personalized IstanbulKart that reflects their respective discount category.
Q: Can I use the IstanbulKart on airport public buses?
A: Yes, you can use the IstanbulKart on airport public buses. However, the fare for these routes is higher than standard bus fares.
Q: What is the Tourist IstanbulKart?
A: The Tourist IstanbulKart is a special card designed for tourists, offering various subscription options for 1, 3, 5, 7, or 15 days. The card provides access to various public transportation options within the city, including buses, trams, metros, ferries, and more.
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