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Exploring Ankara with Ankarakart: A Guide to Efficient Public Transportation

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Ankara, the capital of Turkey, has a well-developed public transportation system that includes buses, metro, and trams. One of the most convenient and efficient ways to use this system is with an electronic bus card, which can be used to pay for fares on all forms of public transportation in the city.

The name of the bus card in Ankara is “Ankarakart”. It’s a rechargeable, contactless smart card that can be used to pay for fares on all public transportation in the city, including buses, metro, and trams. Ankarakart can be obtained from various sales points such as bus card vending machines at metro stations, and selected shops and kiosks.

To obtain the card, the user will have to pay a refundable deposit, and then credit can be added to the card at the same sales points, or via the mobile application.

Ankarakart can be used to pay for fares on all forms of public transportation in Ankara, including buses, metro, and trams. To use the card, simply hold it up to the electronic reader as you enter the bus or metro, and the fare will be automatically deducted from the card.

Ankarakart also can be used to transfer between different forms of transportation, with discounted fares, and the system also offers monthly passes with even lower fares.

Ankara’s public transportation system is extensive and efficient, and Ankarakart makes it easy and convenient to use. However, it’s important to note that Ankarakart is only valid in Ankara, and if the user wants to travel to other cities, she must obtain a different card for that location. Additionally, It’s also important to check the balance of your Ankarakart before you travel, to avoid any inconvenience on the transportation.

In conclusion, Ankarakart is a convenient and efficient way to use the public transportation system in Ankara, making it easy to pay for fares on all forms of transportation in the city. With the card, travelers can benefit from discounted fares and the ease of use of the transportation system. Obtaining and using the card is simple and straightforward, and with many sales points and easy ways to top up, anyone can make use of this convenient service.

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FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

What are the types of discount EGO Transportation Cards?

There are 3 different types of discount electronic transportation smart cards which can be personalized and obtained by a:     1. Student     2. Teacher     3. Elderly between 62-65

What are the procedures students need to follow in order to apply for the discount Ankarakart? They need to be a: •    Student studying in the formal or open education institution, •    Student studying in the formal educational institution mentioned in paragraph C, Article 2 of Law No 5580 •    Student studying in accordance with the Higher Education Act of 2547 and  •    Student whose student rights are continuing. 

Requested documents: If the person's current student information comes up in the system : 1- Birth certificate 2- One passport size photograph   If the person's student information does not comes up in the system; For University Students 1- Birth certificate 2- One passport size photograph 3- Student verification letter issued from their University within the past one month   For High School Students 1- Birth certificate 2- One passport size photograph 3- Student verification letter issued from their High School within the past one month

  What are the procedures teachers need to follow in order to apply for the discount Ankarakart? They need to be a: •    A teacher who works under the Education Services classification    Requested documents: 1- Birth certificate 2- One passport size photograph 3- An official document showing that they are in the Education Services classification     (Either a teacher ID or certified payroll statement)

What are the procedures 62 - 65 years elderly need to follow in order to apply for the discount Ankarakart?

They need to be: •    62 years of age as of the time they apply (down to the year, month and day) •    A resident of Ankara (address will be verified by the MERNIS SYSTEM)  •    Cards can be used only at certain times of the day (10:00 to 16:00 & 19:00 to 24:00) 

Requested documents: 1- Birth certificate 2- One passport size photograph

How can I get to the airport in Ankara? You can reach the Ankara Esenboğa Airport in the following ways:

1. With BELKO Buses - line number 442 Departure & Arrival Location Same (Loop):  From  & To : Domestic and International Terminals - Balıkhisar Mh. Esenboğa Airport, Akyurt, Ankara To access BELKO Buses transportation information to Airport - click here

2. With Taxi Departure Location : Taxis are available 24 hours / 7 days a week at the Taxi Stops by the Domestic and International Terminals at the Arrival and Departure Levels - Balikhisar Mh. Esenboğa Airport Akyurt, Ankara 

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Transport to/in Ankara, Turkey

Last Updated on September 16, 2023

Ankara, the national capital of Turkey, is a bustling city with a well-developed public transport system that includes metro stations, bus lines, and public buses, making it easy to navigate the city centre and beyond. The city's transport network is a crucial hub in Central Anatolia , connecting various regions through train, plane, bus, and highway routes.

Ankara's international airport, Esenboğa Airport , offers both domestic and international flights, further enhancing the city's connectivity. Here’s  how to travel between Ankara and Cappadocia , a popular route for tourists traveling in central Turkey.

AŞTİ , Ankara intercity bus terminal is the hub of the country’s road transport network, with service to all points at all hours of the day and much of the night.

AŞTİ is the biggest bus station in Turkey, and you can travel to all provinces of Turkey from here. If you are going to Ankara by bus, you can use the services that depart from the bus station when you get off, or you can easily reach the city by taking the metro, Ankaray. There are lockers in the bus station where you can leave your belongings.

When traveling by bus between cities, do not forget that there are many bus companies, and you should buy your tickets in advance. However, here you can find the average ticket price list prepared by AŞTİ on its website. You can use websites and applications such as Enuygun and Obilet to purchase your tickets online by comparing all the prices.

The renovated Ankara Garı  ( train  station) provides a very good opportunity to travel by high-speed train. You can travel to Ankara from Istanbul, Eskişehir, Konya, İzmir, and Eastern provinces with the Eastern Express ( Doğu Ekspresi ). To reach Ankara Station, you can use the newly opened Ankara Station metro stop in the direction of M4.

Traveling to Ankara by train or going from Ankara to another city by train may be a better option than going by plane. Prices are much more affordable, and you can spend your journey comfortably with the renewed high-speed trains.

Train stations are in the city center in most cities, so you will not have any problems with transportation. To reach Ankara Station, you can use the Ankara Station metro stop in the direction of M4. You can buy your tickets here . Pre-purchasing your ticket online will ensure your trip. This way, when you want to go from the station and buy a ticket, you will not be left in a situation where there are no seats left at the time of the flight you booked. Especially during peak travel times tickets can be sold out in advance.

Esenboğa Airport  is 33 km (21 miles, about 50 minutes in normal traffic) northeast of  Ankara ‘s city center, reached by  Havaş airport buses  from the  AŞTİ  bus terminal or  Ankara Gar  train station, or by taxi. Esenboğa Airport is an international airport, so you can come directly to Ankara from abroad by using airlines such as Lufthansa, British Airways, Austrian Airlines, and Turkish Airlines.

Turkish Airlines ,  AnadoluJet ,   Pegasus Airlines , and other domestic airline companies have frequent flights to/from  Istanbul and all over Turkey.

Here are the distances and driving times  between Ankara and various other Turkish cities. Highways in Turkey are highly developed, so traveling by car is quite comfortable. If you want to  rent a car  in  Ankara  to drive elsewhere or to return a rental car here, consider renting or returning at  Esenboğa Airport , which may make the task a bit easier. You can also use BlaBlaCar which is a shared travel platform. In this way, you can make your travel more convenient and meet new people.

Ankara Metro/Ankaray and Buses

Ankara has five underground metros : 4 different metro lines and  Ankaray .  You can easily reach the metro lines going in various directions in Ankara. Kızılay is an important stop for both metro lines and buses. You can change lines there.

Metro lines in Ankara are usually known by the names of the first and last stops of the metro stations. The lines are as followed:

• A1: AŞTİ ↔ Dikimevi
• M1: Batıkent ↔ Kızılay
• M2: Çayyolu ↔ Kızılay
• M3: Batıkent ↔ Sincan/Törekent
• M4: Keçiören ↔ Atatürk Cultural Center (AKM)

Other important modes of transport:

• T1: Yenimahalle ↔ Şentepe Teleferik (cable car)
• B1 (Başkentray): Sincan ↔ Kayaş (commuter rail line)

Buses affiliated with EGO (an affiliate of Ankara Metropolitan Municipality providing transportation services in Ankara) operate in Ankara. In cases where you need to use buses for your urban transportation, you can use applications such as Google Maps or Moovit to find out which bus you need to take and where.

Taxis in Ankara are a convenient and reliable mode of transportation. They are available 24/7 and can be hailed from taxi stands, on the street, or booked via phone or taxi apps. All taxis are equipped with a meter, and the fare is calculated based on the distance traveled. Taxis can accommodate up to four passengers, and the fare remains the same regardless of the number of passengers. For longer distances or specific routes, it is advisable to negotiate the fare with the driver beforehand.

Transportation Card

The AnkaraKart is the public transportation card of Ankara. It is a rechargeable card that you can use to pay for public transportation. The card can be purchased at metro stations from machines or cashiers. The AnkaraKart is an essential item for anyone planning to use public transportation in Ankara, as it is accepted on buses, metros, and even some taxis. It offers a convenient and cost-effective way to travel around the city, and it can be topped up with credit as needed.

You can use buses ( otobüs) , minibusses (in white and blue), or dolmus. Dolmuş is less expensive than a taxi, but it has stops ( durak ) as a bus.

Ankara Transportation

Ankara  is  Central Anatolia ‘s transport nexus for  train ,  plane ,  bus , and  highway  routes. As the national capital, Ankara is a key transport hub in Central Anatolia, seamlessly connecting different regions via train, plane, bus, and highway routes. The city's international airport, Esenboğa, is a gateway to the world, offering a wide range of domestic and international flights. Whether you're a local or a visitor, the city's comprehensive public transport system ensures that you can reach your destination with ease.

—by  Tom Brosnahan , updated by Melike Kocaer

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Ankara Metro

Updated on: August 14, 2023

The Turkish capital city of Ankara, which is also the country’s largest city , has excellent public transportation connections. The Ankara Metro, which currently has four lines operating, is an excellent method for traveling throughout the city. In addition, there are a large number of buses and trams, and the Ankara-Kayaş Commuter Rail Line connects the city to the towns that are located in the surrounding area. The Ankara Intercity Bus Terminal acts as a hub for buses that travel to various destinations in Turkey and is located in the capital city of Turkey. In addition, the city is home to a number of different transportation firms run by private businesses. Overall, Ankara’s public transportation system is dependable and effective in its operation.

Metro system in ANKARA – Basic information

The Ankara Metro is a rapid transit system located in the Turkish capital city of Ankara. It consists of six lines and a total of 81 stations across the city . The metro began operations in 1997 and has since expanded to become Turkey’s second-largest system of its kind. The metro provides access to a variety of significant locations since it links the central business district to the surrounding suburbs. The Ankara Metropolitan Municipality is in charge of the operation of the metro system, and service runs between the hours of 6:00 am and 11:00 night every day .

The lines of the Ankara subway system

The Ankara Subway also referred to as the Ankara Metro, is the name given to the city of Ankara, Turkey’s rapid transit rail network. Ankara’s residents have access to a convenient and dependable mode of transportation in the form of the city’s eight different metro lines, which make up the system.

Line M1 (RED)

The opening of the Ankara Metro’s first line took place in 1996. It was the Kızılay-Atatürk Cultural Center (KAC) line, which stretched for 7.7 kilometers and featured 8 stations in total. In 1998, an extension of this line was completed to Batkent, and in 1999, it was completed to Kecioren. 1999 saw the debut of the Tandoan-Kızılay line, which stretched for a total of 9.5 kilometers and featured a total of 9 stops along its route. In 2006, the service was expanded all the way to Sincan.

Line M2 (AZURE)

The M2 line, which is part of Ankara’s fourth metro system, is the city’s first underground metro line. The AT and Dikimevi stations are connected by this line, which started operating in 2017. The length of the M2 line is 24 kilometers, and it stops at 19 different stations.

Line M3 (BLUE)

In 2014, the M3 line became operational, making it the sixth line overall. This line has a total of 14 stops and spans a distance of 17.2 kilometers. The Soütozü and Beşevler stations are connected by the seventh line, which was opened in 2016 and is designated as the M4 line.

Line M4 (BLACK)

This line extends for a total of 13.5 kilometers and is serviced by 13 stations. In 2017, the M5 line became operational, marking the opening of the eighth and final line. This line is 14.3 kilometers long and features a total of 14 stations along its route.

Ankara’s residents have access to a mode of transportation that is both dependable and effective thanks to the city’s underground system. It has made it easier for people to get around the city, which has contributed to reducing the amount of pollution and traffic congestion in the city. Also, the construction of new development projects all around the metro stations has made it possible for the city to grow as a result of the metro lines. The dedication of the city of Ankara to providing its residents with a transportation network of the highest possible standard is demonstrated by the city’s metro lines.

Map of Ankara Metro 2023 – Free Download in PDF

The updated map of the Ankara Metro for 2023 may now be downloaded for free in PDF format. The map was just released. Because it provides a complete picture of the whole metro system, including both existing and planned stations, this new map is an incredible asset to individuals who are traveling to and from Ankara. The map also provides information on the various transportation routes and connection locations, making it simple to identify the mode of travel that will get you from one station to another in the shortest amount of time and with the fewest number of hassles. You will be able to confidently plan your route in advance using the map, and you will even be able to save money by avoiding expensive transfers. You can improve the quality of your time spent traveling in Ankara by going online right now and downloading a free PDF of the Ankara Metro map for the year 2023.

Public transport tickets in ANKARA – Best types for travelers & actual prices

To move around Ankara, Turkey’s capital city, using the public transportation system is both an effective and economical option. There are many different kinds of tickets available, and your choice of one will depend on the kind of trip you take, how long it lasts, and how often you use it. This article will provide in-depth information on the various sorts of tickets, along with their prices and instructions on how to acquire them.

The first category of tickets is the ones that can only be used once (tek seferlik bilet). This is the most fundamental type of ticket, and it only allows for one journey to be taken. It can be utilized on any kind of public transportation and is valid for up to two hours after the purchase has been made. This ticket may be purchased for 7.50 Turkish Lira.

The weekly ticket is the second type of pass that may be purchased (haftalik bilet ). This ticket is good for seven days and allows for an unlimited number of rides during that time. Buying multiple tickets at once is ideal for people who make frequent use of public transportation as it is a lot more economical than buying single-use tickets. This ticket can be purchased for a total of forty (40) lira.

The monthly ticket is the third variety of admission pass (aylik bilet) . This ticket is good for an entire month and admits the holder to an unlimited number of rides. Those who rely on public transportation on a regular basis might consider this alternative. This ticket can be purchased for a total of 140 Turkish Lira.

The student ticket constitutes the fourth category of admission (ogrenci bilet) . This ticket is offered to students between the ages of 6 and 25 and is valid for the entirety of their academic career. It is an excellent option for students who make frequent use of public transportation as it is far more economical than purchasing single-use tickets. This ticket can be purchased for a total of 70 Turkish Lira.

There are multiple locations where you can buy tickets, including the ticket offices at metro and bus stations, as well as certain kiosks. It is also possible to purchase tickets using the “ETT Mobil” app or online at the ETT website.

The use of Ankara’s public transportation, which is both convenient and economical, is the best way to navigate around the city. There is a selection of tickets available, so there is bound to be something that meets the requirements of each individual.

Summary of fares for public transport in Ankara

• The unlimited boarding monthly student EGO subscription card fee is 140.00 TL .
• The single ticket 7.50 Turkish Lira.
• The weekly ticket is 40 TL .

Timetables & Schedules oF Ankara Metro system

The purpose of the Ankara Metro system is to offer fast and dependable public transportation to citizens of the city as well as those living in the districts immediately surrounding it. Monday through Friday, service begins at 5:00 am and continues until midnight. On Saturdays and Sundays, service begins at 6:00 am and continues until midnight . The trains operate around every 4 minutes during peak hours, while during off-peak hours, they only run approximately every 10 minutes. Because there are a total of 28 stations, using the metro makes it simple to move around the city in a way that is both rapid and convenient. In addition, the metro is connected to the larger system of public transit in the city, meaning that passengers can easily transfer to buses and other modes of transportation.

What Are Other Options For Public Transportation In Ankara?

In Ankara, Turkey, there are a number of different modes of transportation that can be utilized to move around the city. There is a wide variety of alternative modes of public transit one can take, despite the fact that the metro system is the most well-known and widely used. Every mode of public transportation, from taxis to buses to trams, has its own set of defining characteristics and advantages. This article takes a deeper look at the many modes of public transit that are available in the city of Ankara.

Buses in Ankara

In Ankara, the employment of buses for public transit is the norm rather than the exception. The Ankara Metropolitan Municipality runs a huge fleet of buses across the city, making taking public transportation an easy and affordable option for getting about Ankara. The buses are equipped with air conditioning and nice seating, although during rush hour they are frequently overcrowded with passengers.

Trams in Ankara

There is also a tram system in Ankara, which serves as a mode of public transit that is both quicker and more efficient than buses. There are two lines that make up the tram system , and they extend all the way from the downtown area to the suburbs. Even though the trams are up-to-date and equipped with air conditioning, there are frequently lengthy lines for them during peak hours.

Try out the Ride Sharing

There has been a rise in the number of people using ride-sharing apps in Ankara, such as Uber and Bolt. The use of these apps offers a low-cost and hassle-free alternative to driving throughout the city, making urban mobility more accessible than ever before.

In general, Ankara’s public transportation system is quite diverse and offers many different options. Every mode of public transportation, from taxis to buses to trams, has its own set of defining characteristics and advantages. To move around the city, you can choose from any of these several modes of transportation, and it might be a good option for you.

How To Get From ESENBOĞA Airport (ESB) To The City Center With Public Transport?

With the public transportation system in Ankara, Turkey, it is possible to arrive at your destination in the city center from Esenboğa Airport in a quick and cost-effective manner . You may reach your destination in the heart of the city from the airport in a short amount of time by following a few straightforward procedures.

To go from the airport to the main part of the city, the first thing you need to do is take the EGO Airport Shuttle . This shuttle service runs continuously every twenty minutes between the hours of 8:00 am and 8:00 pm and only costs 6.75 TL (Turkish Lira) . You will arrive in the city center, depending on the amount of traffic, roughly 25 minutes after taking the shuttle.

You will need to switch to the Ankara Metro after you have reached the central business district of the city. This metro system serves the entirety of the city and has multiple stops concentrated in the downtown area. The price of a journey on the metro is 2.60 TL , and the travel itself will take roughly 10 minutes, however, this can vary depending on where you are going.

In conclusion, if you want to go around Ankara quickly and easily, you can take advantage of the city’s public bus system. The buses will transport you to virtually every location in the central business district of the city, and the fare for the ride is only 1.35 TL. Although using the bus will take a little bit more time than taking the metro, it is still a fantastic alternative for traveling around the city.

The method of traveling from Esenboğa Airport to the heart of Ankara at a low cost and with little difficulty is possible. It is possible to reach your destination in the central part of the city from the airport in a short amount of time by utilizing the EGO Airport Shuttle, the Ankara Metro, and the city’s public transportation system.

What kind of sightseeing DO you have to see if you visit Ankara for THE first time?

The Turkish capital, Ankara, is also one of the most popular tourist destinations in all of Turkey. It should come as no surprise that such a large number of people choose to vacation in Ankara given the city’s dynamic culture, illustrious history, and one-of-a-kind attractions. The city is home to a wide variety of sights and activities, ranging from historic landmarks to cutting-edge architecture and beyond. The following is a list of the most popular tourist destinations in Ankara.

• Anitkabir, also known as the Monument of Ataturk, is often regarded as the city’s most important tourist destination. Mustafa Kemal Ataturk, the first President of Turkey, is buried there in his final resting place. The mausoleum is a magnificent and imposing structure, both in terms of its construction and the spectacular view it provides of the city below. The interior of the building houses the Ataturk Museum, which guests can explore to gain a deeper understanding of the life and legacy of Turkey’s modern founding fathers.
• The Citadel of Ankara is yet another attraction in the city that visitors just cannot miss. The citadel, which can be found on a hilltop that looks out over the city, is an excellent location to investigate the history of the city. Ancient ruins, a clock tower from the time of the Ottomans, and a museum can all be found inside. Because it provides such breathtaking vistas of the city and the surrounding area, the citadel is an excellent location for taking photographs.
• K izilay Plaza is the place to go if you want to get a feel for contemporary Ankara . The heart of the city is teeming with activity thanks to the abundance of stores, restaurants, and cafes that can be found there. Many congregate at night to take advantage of the living environment and street entertainers, making this time of day particularly popular.
• In addition, Ankara is home to a number of the country’s most acclaimed museums. The Museum of Anatolian Civilizations has relics dating from as far back as the Bronze Age and as far forward as the modern day. The Turkish fight for independence is commemorated in detail at the Museum of the War of Independence. And the Ethnographic Museum is where you may learn about the history, customs, and culture of Turkey’s many different ethnic groups.
• Last but not least, a trip to Ankara Castle is an absolute necessity during any stay in the city of Ankara . The castle, which is perched on a hilltop above the city, is an excellent location from which to take in the scenery. On the inside, you will find a museum that has a collection of items from the history of the city. You can also tour the historic walls that surround the citadel.

These are only some of the most popular tourist destinations in Ankara, Turkey. It should come as no surprise that Ankara is such a well-liked travel destination given the abundance of wonderful sites and activities it offers. Ankara is a city that offers something enjoyable for everyone, whether you are interested in learning about the history of the city or you simply want to take in the city’s lively environment.

Summary of our tour guide for Ankara

The city of Ankara is situated in the heart of the Anatolian area of the country. It has a population of about 5 million people. The Mausoleum of Antkabir, the Kocatepe Mosque, and the Museum of Anatolian Civilizations are some of the city’s most famous historical landmarks . The city is also recognized for its museums. The quality of Ankara’s public transportation is quite high, as seen by the city’s very own metro system and an extensive bus network. In addition to the ease with which one can hail a cab and the proliferation of ridesharing options in recent years, taxis are also readily available in large numbers. Because it is home to its very own international airport, Ankara serves as a significant transportation hub for both domestic and international flights.

Top 5 FAQs and answers about Ankara public transport?

Ankara is a city that provides a comprehensive network of options for public transit, making it an attractive place to live. Ankara’s residents and guests have access to a diverse selection of modes of public transportation, including but not limited to buses, trains, trams, and taxis. In light of this, I’ve compiled a list of the five inquiries that I hear most frequently concerning the public transportation in Ankara so that you can better plan your journey.

• The Ankara Metro, buses operated by the Ankara Metropolitan Municipality (At), the Ankaray light rail system, the Ankaray tram, and taxis are the primary forms of public transportation offered in Ankara. The Ankara Metropolitan Municipality is in charge of operating the Metro as well as the Ankaray light rail system. On the other hand, the A.T. corporation is in charge of operating the A.T. buses.
• The amount that you will have to pay for Ankara’s public transportation will change based on the kind of transportation that you choose. Children under the age of six are not charged to ride on either the Metro or the Ankaray light rail system. The fee for each ride for adults is 2 TL, which is the Turkish Lira. The fare for riding the AT buses is one lira, whereas the fare for riding the Ankaray tram is two lira. Taxis have meters, although the base fare starts at six Turkish Lira.
• Ankara’s public transportation system does offer a number of different discounts to riders. For example, the Ankara Metropolitan Municipality extends discounts to groups like students, senior residents, and individuals with disabilities. In addition, there are passes that are offered on a monthly and yearly basis, both of which can help you save money.
• Your individual interests and the length of your stay both play a role in determining which mode of transportation in Ankara will serve you the best. Both the Metro and the Ankaray light rail systems are excellent options for traveling shorter distances. It’s possible that the AT buses and the Ankaray tram are better suited for lengthier journeys. Taxis are another option for those who are looking for a more private mode of transportation during their trip.
• The use of Ankara’s public transportation does require a few pointers, however. Before boarding the Metro, the AT buses, or the Ankaray tram, check to see that you have enough money with you to pay the fare in full. Y ou should also be aware that taxis in Ankara do not have GPS systems installed, thus it is recommended that you bring either a paper map of the city or a reputable guidance app with you. In addition, if you are going to use the Metro or the Ankaray light rail system, you should check the schedule ahead of time to ensure that there will be no dela ys.

Useful links

Official website of public Ankara transport company

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Ankara Public Transport Card – EGO Ankarakart

Ankara, the capital of Turkey, has a well-developed public transport system including buses, metros and trams. One of the most convenient and efficient ways to use this system is with an electronic bus card, which can be used to pay fares for all public transport in the city.

The name of the bus card in Ankara is “Ankarakart”, a rechargeable, contactless smart card that can be used to pay fares for all public transport in the city, including buses, metros and trams . Ankarakart can be obtained from various outlets such as bus pass vending machines at metro stations and selected shops and kiosks.

To obtain the card, the user will have to pay a refundable deposit, then the credit can be added to the card at the same points of sale, or via the mobile application.

Ankarakart can be used to pay fares for all public transport in Ankara, including buses, metros and trams. To use the card, simply hold it close to the electronic reader when entering the bus or metro, and the fare will automatically be deducted from the card.

Ankarakart can also be used for transfers between different means of transport, with reduced rates, and the system also offers monthly subscriptions at even lower rates.

Ankara’s public transport system is extensive and efficient, and Ankarakart makes it easy and convenient to use. However, it is important to note that Ankarakart is only valid in Ankara, and if the user wishes to travel to other cities, she must obtain a different card for that region. In addition, it is also important to check the balance of your Ankarakart before traveling, to avoid any inconvenience during transport.

In conclusion, Ankarakart is a convenient and efficient way to use the public transport system in Ankara, making it easy to pay fares for all means of transport in the city. With the card, travelers can benefit from reduced fares and ease of use of the transport system. Obtaining and using the card is simple and straightforward, and with numerous outlets and easy ways to top up, anyone can take advantage of this convenient service.

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وبلاگ سپهران | Travel Guide | Ankara Travel Guide

Ankara Travel Guide

• heliya erfani
• 10 months ago

An Ankara travel guide is an unforgettable experience of the rich heritage of this country. Therefore, in this guide, we will discuss key points about tourist attractions, local foods, and how to use public transportation, which helps travelers to enjoy their trip to this historic and beautiful city.

Ankara, with its unique museums, stunning architecture, traditional markets, and modern restaurants, offers an unforgettable experience for every traveler. This city, which holds a rich heritage from various civilizations, provides a unique opportunity to explore Turkish culture, art, and history. By wandering the glittering streets of Ankara, you can create memorable experiences for yourself.

In our travel guide to Ankara, we will introduce you to the beauties of this exciting city and everything you need for your trip. So, stay tuned with Sepehran Blog .

Introduction to the City of Ankara | The Capital of Turkey

Ankara, a city perched atop the hills of Anatolia, is known as the beating heart of Turkey. This historic and modern capital, with its tourist attractions, tells stories of both ancient and recent pasts. In Ankara, every street corner, every building, and museum, narrates the tumultuous history of Turkey. Additionally, with its lush parks and diverse entertainment spaces, Ankara offers tourists a comprehensive experience of rich culture and urban life. From delving into history at Ankara Castle to enjoying delicious Turkish cuisine in cafes and restaurants.

The city is an ideal place for those looking to discover a unique blend of the past and present. Ankara is not only the political center of the country but also a place to experience the cultural and historical beauties of Turkey, making it a unique destination on the world tourism map.

All embassies and many representations of global companies are located in Ankara. Furthermore, Ankara’s location in the center of Anatolia has enhanced its commercial and industrial value.

Do You Need a Visa to Travel to Ankara?

When it comes to traveling to Ankara and Turkey, the excitement among Iranians increases. This is because, unlike many other destinations that require a visa application process, Iranian citizens are exempt from this rule for entry into Turkey. So, this privilege allows them to plan an exciting trip more easily and quickly, without the need to go through time-consuming and complex visa procedures. This advantage has made traveling to Ankara an attractive option for Iranians. It provides them with faster and easier access to the rich culture and tourist attractions of the country. This feature makes traveling to Turkey a worry-free and enjoyable experience for Iranians.

Ankara Climate | Ankara travel guide

In first, Ankara, the capital of Turkey, has a continental climate influenced by its geographical location on the elevated Anatolian plateau. The city experiences different climates in different seasons, which we will detail below:

Summers: In the summer, Ankara has a warm and dry climate. The temperature can rise above 30 degrees Celsius, but it rarely gets hotter than this. Summer nights in Ankara are usually cool and pleasant.

Winters: Winters in Ankara are cold and snowy. The temperature can drop below zero degrees Celsius, and heavy snowfall is often observed in this season.

Spring and Autumn: Spring and autumn are seasons with moderate climatic conditions. During these times, temperatures are more balanced and the weather conditions are generally calmer. Spring may be accompanied by occasional showers, while autumn is usually drier.

Rainfall: Rainfall in Ankara occurs mostly in autumn and winter.

In summer, rainfall is rare. Overall, Ankara has a distinct and specific climate. Therefore, planning a trip to Ankara depending on the desired season can offer different experiences, as each season has its own attractions.

The best time to travel to Ankara | Ankara travel guide

So, the best time to travel to Ankara depends on your personal preferences regarding the weather and the activities you want to do. However, based on the city’s climatic features, the seasons of spring and autumn are often considered the best times to visit Ankara:

Spring (late March to early June): Spring is when the weather in Ankara is very pleasant. The temperature is moderate, and nature comes back to life. This season is great for exploring the city and enjoying Ankara’s cultural and historical attractions. Spring showers are common in Ankara during this season, but they usually don’t hinder tourist activities.

Autumn (September to November): Autumn is also an ideal season to visit Ankara, featuring moderate and pleasant weather. During this time, the air temperature is cooler, and the city gradually takes on beautiful autumn colors. This season is perfect for those who want to avoid the summer crowds while still enjoying good weather.

Summer in Ankara can be very hot and dry, and if you find it difficult to tolerate intense heat, you might not choose this season for your trip.

Winters can also be cold and snowy, which will be appealing for lovers of winter activities and snowy landscapes.

Ultimately, selecting when to travel to Ankara depends on individual preferences and the type of experiences you are seeking.

Ways to travel to Ankara | Ankara travel guide

There are two main ways to travel from Iran to Ankara. One of the primary methods is by air.

Travel to Ankara by Plane:

There are direct flights from major cities in Iran to Ankara. This option is the fastest way to reach Ankara. The price of air tickets from Iran to Ankara can vary based on several factors. Here we mention a few key factors that have a direct impact on ticket prices:

Reservation Timing: The earlier you book your ticket, the more likely you are to find a lower price. Last-minute bookings are usually more expensive.

Travel Season: Prices are usually higher during peak travel seasons like summer and the Nowruz holidays. In less busy tourism seasons, such as autumn or winter, you may find cheaper tickets.

Airline: Prices vary among different airlines. Some airlines offer specific economy services that might be more expensive than others.

Ticket Type: Round-trip tickets are usually cheaper than one-way tickets.

Flight Route: Direct flights are generally more expensive than flights with one or more stops.

Land Travel to Ankara

Another way to travel to Ankara is by land. This route, despite being less expensive, is much longer, and you will need to spend more time on the road. However, if you are comfortable with long distances, you can enjoy the attractions along the way and create a memorable and unforgettable journey.

These two methods of travel from Iran to Ankara are among the most common and popular options for Iranian travelers.

The cost of traveling to Ankara | Ankara travel guide

The cost of traveling to Ankara can vary based on several factors and greatly depends on your travel style, the timing of your trip, and your choices regarding accommodation, transportation, and food. Here we mention some of the main aspects of travel expenses and the factors that influence them:

Airfare: The largest expense is usually the flight ticket. This cost varies depending on the travel season, booking method (advance or last-minute), and the chosen airline.

Accommodation: Accommodation costs can range from luxury hotels to budget guesthouses and hostels. Choosing to stay in the city center is usually more expensive than in the suburbs.

Local Transportation: Transportation in Ankara includes buses, metro, taxis, and car rentals. Using public transport is more cost-effective than taxis and car rentals.

Food and Beverages: Food expenses vary depending on the type of restaurant and its location. Eating at local and street restaurants is cheaper than dining at expensive establishments.

Attractions Visits: Entrance fees for visiting tourist attractions like museums and castles should also be considered.

Other Expenses: Additional costs such as buying souvenirs, travel insurance, and communication expenses (like local SIM cards) should also be taken into account.

We will detail the expenses further in the following sections:

For a more accurate estimate of costs, it is recommended to research and plan regarding prices before your trip, especially if you have a limited budget. Additionally, checking out various offers and discounts for flight tickets, accommodation, and tourist tours can help reduce expenses.

Buying a SIM card in Ankara | Ankara travel guide

When you are planning a trip to Ankara, one of the important and key points you should prioritize at the top of your list is buying a local SIM card. This not only helps you avoid the often exorbitantly high roaming charges but also provides an exceptional opportunity to save on costs related to calls and messaging by using local internet. Additionally, it allows you to easily and worry-free stay in touch with family, friends, and even colleagues, whether through phone calls or via social networks and messaging apps.

Costs of public transportation in Ankara | Ankara travel guide

In Turkey, especially in cities like Ankara, you will encounter a very efficient and comfortable public transportation system. This allows for easy and hassle-free movement around the city. If you are among those travelers who prefer to use public transport to reduce travel costs and experience a closer style to the local lifestyle, we have good news for you. In Ankara, you will find several diverse and efficient options for transportation, including buses, metro, taxis, and other public vehicles, which can meet your various needs during the trip.

In Ankara, like many large cities, there are various options for public transport.

Here are the details of each of these options:

Taxis in Ankara: Taxis are one of the most common and accessible means of transportation in Ankara. Taxis are usually yellow and equipped with taximeters. You can hail a taxi directly on the street or reserve one through taxi apps like BiTaksi.

Metro in Ankara: Ankara’s metro system includes several lines that cover different areas of the city. Therefore, the metro is one of the fastest and most cost-effective ways to move around the city. Metro stations are well distributed across the city, providing easy access to key points. Generally, metro operating hours are from 6 AM to midnight.

Buses in Ankara: There is an extensive network of city buses in Ankara that service different parts of the city and its suburbs. Buses are often an economical option for longer city trips. Bus route and timing information is accessible through mobile apps and information boards at stations.

Minivans in Ankara: Minivans are also a suitable option for public transportation in Ankara. They are typically used for shorter distances or as a service to areas not covered by large buses or the metro. Minivans are usually priced between buses and taxis and can be a good option for small groups or local trips. In Turkey, this type of service is known as “Dolmuş”.

These public transportation options in Ankara provide flexibility and good accessibility for both travelers and locals. To make the best use of these systems, it is recommended to use public transport maps and related apps.

Tourist attractions in Ankara | Ankara travel guide

Ankara, amidst its modern structures and historical monuments, serves as the cultural center of Turkey, offering an exciting tourist destination with diverse museums, art galleries, various shops, and unique restaurants. While Ankara may not have as many historical attractions as Istanbul, its sights are definitely worth visiting. In this guide, we will introduce a few of the special and well-known attractions of Ankara.

The best restaurants in Ankara

In Ankara, you can have diverse culinary experiences. From luxurious and modern restaurants with beautiful décor to cozy and traditional cafes serving local dishes.

Restaurants in Ankara are often known for their high-quality food and customer service. They offer a variety of Mediterranean and Anatolian dishes, along with delicious desserts and traditional beverages. Additionally, many restaurants boast beautiful city views or calming interior environments that enhance the dining experience. Below, we have listed some of the well-known restaurants in Ankara.

The best shopping centers in Ankara | Ankara travel guide

Ankara, with its numerous and diverse shopping centers, is considered a paradise for shopping enthusiasts. From large and modern shopping malls featuring international and Turkish brands to traditional markets with a pleasant atmosphere and handicrafts.

In addition, visiting Ankara’s traditional markets and local stores is very exciting. Here, you can find local handicrafts, traditional clothing, and a variety of local products. These markets offer great opportunities for buying authentic souvenirs and discovering unique treasures.

Ankara offers a wide range of choices for every taste and budget. Visitors can have a unique shopping experience in this city.

The best hotels in Ankara

Regarding the hotels in Ankara, it can be generally said that the city hosts a wide range of hotels with various styles and levels of service. In Ankara, there are different hotels ranging from traditional to modern styles. This city is also a suitable place to stay for those who travel for business or leisure. Considering Ankara’s tourism diversity and commercial importance, these hotels offer various facilities, including conference rooms, spas, restaurants, and fitness clubs. Additionally, the geographical location of the hotels is often such that they provide easy access to important urban areas like shopping centers, museums, embassies, and historical attractions.

Following is a list of some of the best hotels:

Festivals and events in ankara | ankara travel guide.

Ankara hosts a variety of festivals and events that showcase the culture, art, music, and other aspects of life in the city. These festivals are often held with the aim of displaying the region’s cultural and artistic richness and attracting tourists. Here are a few examples of these festivals and events:

Ankara International Film Festival: One of the most prestigious film festivals in Turkey, it features cinematic works from around the world. International Music Festival in Ankara : This music festival brings together international and local artists in various genres, including classical, jazz, and other styles. Theater Festival: Another famous festival in the city, it is known as a venue for both domestic and international theater artists. Ankara Food Festival: This festival offers traditional Turkish and international cuisines, providing an opportunity to explore the region’s culinary diversity. Cultural and Artistic Festival: These festivals typically include art exhibitions, cultural workshops, and events focused on the region’s cultural and artistic heritage. Local and Regional Festivals: These festivals celebrate local customs and regional traditions of Ankara, including musical performances, traditional dances, and other cultural activities.

These festivals and events serve not only as tourist attractions but also as opportunities for cultural and artistic exchange between locals and visitors from other parts of the world.

For traveling to Ankara, you can purchase tickets from various airlines. Sepehran Airlines is one of these airlines, which, with its outstanding reputation, offers various services to passengers. This airline provides different services such as seat selection , pet transport, and excess baggage . Finally, to buy a flight ticket from Tehran to Ankara, click on this link.

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"Ankara- Anchor of Turkey"

Ankara tourism.

Ankara is the capital of Turkey and the second largest city after Istanbul. It is located in the centre of the Anatolian region and is known to be the nation's administrative centre. It is home to many well-preserved Roman and Ottoman relics scattered throughout the city.

Ankara is a sprawling metropolitan that appears as a concrete jungle at a glance. However, it has much to offer to those willing to look deeper. It has several historical landmarks, museums, and mosques. It is also a green city with many parks and open spaces. The highlight of the city is Ankara Castle, a medieval citadel on a high hill overlooking Ankara. Ankara is a huge city with several neighbourhoods. Most attractions are located around the long Ataturk Boulevard, which runs from the north to the south of the city. Ulus is the historic centre of Ankara which houses the Ankara Castle and most museums. Kavaklidere, also known as Tunali district, is another popular area. It is more cosmopolitan and is full of restaurants, cafes and pubs. Once known as Angora, Ankara gave its name to the famous Angora wool, which is shorn from Angora rabbits, Angora cats and Angora goats. Ankara is also known for its pears, muscat grapes, honey and doner kebab.

Must Know Before You Travel to Ankara

Airport Transfers: To reach Ankara city center from Esenboga International Airport (ESB), bus line 442 and the Havas shuttle are both economical at 65.00 TL (€2.50), taking about 60 and 50 minutes, respectively. Taxis provide a faster, direct route in 30-40 minutes for around €10 (TL 180).  Ankara Kart: Buy Ankarakart for 40 TL (topped up additionally) to ride buses and metros for 15 TL per ride instead of paying 18 TL per ride by single use tickets.

Things To Do In Ankara

Ankara Castle

Roman Baths of Ankara

Haci Bayram Mosque

Kecioren Falls

Aqua Vega Aquarium

Top Hotels In Ankara

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More on Ankara Travel

Currency in ankara, exchanging money in ankara.

• This city of Ankara has become very much modernised, and you would be able to find banks as well as money-changing outlets all through the city. 
• There are a lot of banks and ATMs in the Ulus, Kizilay and Kavaklidere neighbourhoods.
• The currency exchange offices generally offer the best rates without any commission.

Ankara Customs

• Turkey is a conservative country concerning dress. Avoid beachwear outside the beaches and revealing clothes like miniskirts and shorts in tourist areas.
• Nude sunbathing is not acceptable in most places.
• Smoking is banned in all public buildings, enclosed public spaces and public transport.
• Cover your head, shoulders, and upper arms when visiting a mosque. Take off your shoes before entering

Language of Ankara

History of ankara, nightlife in ankara, shopping in ankara, best time to visit ankara, top stories about ankara tourism.

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Ankara blog — the fullest ankara travel guide for first-timers.

Ankara is not only the capital but also one of the most famous tourist cities of Turkey. With a long history of formation and development, this place contains countless interesting things for you to explore. And in this article, we will share with you the most complete Ankara guide. So, is Ankara worth visiting, what to do in Ankara and how to plan a budget trip to Ankara perfectly? Let’s check out our Ankara blog (Ankara travel blog) with the fullest Ankara travel guide (Ankara city guide, Ankara guide, Ankara tourist guide) from how to get Ankara, best places to do, best time to come, what to eat as well as top things to do in Ankara to help you maximize your trip as follows!

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This is considered the cradle of many civilizations, the ancient architectural works are of great importance until today. Not only that, the Ankara economy also develops rapidly, the city is vibrant and bustling with shopping, service and tourism centers. Therefore, Ankara promises to bring many interesting things to your trip.

Overview of Ankara (#ankara blog)

Ankara, also known as Ancyra or Angora, is the capital of Turkey and is also the country’s second largest city, after Istanbul. It has an area of about 25,000 square kilometers (capital city and metropolitan municipality) with a population of more than 5,3 million according to the 2022 census.

Ankara is the capital, political center and home to many great civilizations with a history dating back to the Stone Age of Turkey. It’s located in central Anatolia, walking along the streets here will find a mixture of modern elements and ancient history. Coming to Ankara is one-of-a-kind opportunity for you to experience the culture and architecture of Turkey.

Since 1920, Ankara has been chosen as the capital of Turkey. Since then, this city has always been known as a leading administrative, economic and educational center of the country. Not only that, with beautiful natural scenery, ancient architectures and a unique culture, Ankara is also a great destination that anyone traveling to Turkey wants to visit.

The capital Ankara is considered the cradle of many great civilizations, the architectural works are a mixture of modern elements and ancient history. Not only that, the city’s economy develops very quickly, bustling with shopping centers, and tourist services. Ankara is the only destination where you can explore the culture and architecture of Turkey to the fullest.

The city is located at an average elevation of 938 meters above sea level, on the vast plains of central Anatolia, with montane forests to the north and the arid Konya plains to the south. The main rivers are the Kızılırmak and Sakarya river systems, 50% of the land is used for agriculture, 28% is forest and 10% is grassland.

When to come? (#ankara travel guide)

Although only a not too large city, Ankara is influenced by two types of climate at the same time: semi-arid and Mediterranean. The climate here is characterized by hot dry summer and very cold winter, the temperature often drops below 0 degrees Celsius. You should come here in the period from May to September every year. This is the time when the weather is warm, pleasant and rainfall is also little.

Ankara summer is usually very hot so you should avoid coming here at this time. And spring, autumn or winter are all quite cool.

In addition to the stunning architectural works and attractions, when traveling to Ankara, don’t forget to choose a time to coincide with extremely attractive events and festivals. In April, Ankara has many special festivals, which is the Tulip festival of thousands of flowers blooming together. An international film festival featuring humorous productions by both adults and children, the winners will be screened across the city.

Or in May, Ankara with the Flying Broom International Women’s Film Festival. This is an annual event of the year to recognize and honor the contributions of women in the field of film.

In December, there will be an Ankara International Dance Festival, you will be immersed in concerts, enjoying fashion shows or participating in international art workshops will make your trip more special.

How to get to Ankara? (#ankara guide)

Currently, there are quite a few airlines that are exploiting direct routes to Ankara such as Turkish Airlines, Cathay Pacific Airlines, Qatar Airways, etc. from many cities across the world with fares of about 500 – 1,000 USD/way depending on each route. You should book tickets about 1 to 2 months in advance to get the most favorable fares. Ankara international airport called Ankara Esenboğa Airport (IATA: ESB, ICAO: LTAC) is located about 29 km from the city center, you can use the bus to get to the downtown.

You can check the airfare as well as the best routes base on your location on Google Flights , Skyscanner or Kayak .

As the capital city of Turkey, you can easy to get Ankara by train from Istanbul, Eskisehir and Konya. The train from Istanbul takes around 3 hours to get to Ankara.

Getting around Ankara (#ankara tourist guide)

Ankara has a very developed public transport system. You can choose to travel around by bus, dolmus (minibus), metro, taxi, private car or bicycle depending on your preferences. In particular, the bus is the means of transport chosen by many tourists. Ankara has a long-distance bus system with air conditioning system, reservation, and good service. Traveling by bus in the city is very convenient, you will find buses across the city.

Where to go and what to do in Ankara? (#ankara travel blog)

Ankara castle (#ankara blog).

Address: Kale, 06240 Altındağ/Ankara, Turkey Hours: 10AM–8PM

Ankara Castle is located in Altindag district, through many ups and downs in history, Ankara castle has been owned by many empires, including Hittites, Phrygians, persian, Byzantine, Arab and even Ottoman Turks. Through many restorations by the Romans, Seljuks and Ottomans, Ankara Castle consists of a citadel and fortress divided into 20 separate towers. Currently, the castle is both an exhibition of paintings and music, and a concert festival venue in the summer.

The castle is surrounded by walls with towers located close together, covering an area of about 350mx150m. The date of the castle’s construction has not been determined, but it was remodeled by the Persians in 622. The inner walls may date from the reign of emperor Constans II, the outer wall is believed to have been built later.

Ankara Castle is the place to visit to learn about the history and culture of the city. The castle is surrounded by four solid walls, divided into 20 separate towers. Ankara Castle is a witness to many historical periods, from the Hittite empire to Persia, Ottoman, Roman… Today, the castle displays art exhibitions as well as held some major festivals and events in Ankara. Especially at the top of the castle, you can admire the beautiful view of the whole city. To climb to the top of the castle, you will have to go through a rather laborious journey. However, you will be well rewarded for passing it.

Today, the castle is used as a museum to display and exhibit art as well as to host major festivals and events in Ankara.

Anitkabir (Mausoleum Mustafa Kemal Atatürk)

Address: Yücetepe, Akdeniz Cd. No:31, 06570 Çankaya/Ankara, Turkey

Anitkabir is the mausoleum of Mustafa Kemal Atatürk – the leader of the war for independence in Turkey (Türkiye) and the first President of the Republic of Turkey. The mausoleum is located in Ankara and was designed by architect and professor Emin Halid Onat and assistant professor Amet Orhan Arda. Construction of the mausoleum began in October 1944 and was completed in September 1953.

This site is the mausoleum of the first and second President of the Republic of Turkey. Its design is extremely majestic like a museum, attracting not only tourists but also famous historians and architects to visit. Coming to the Mustafa Kemal Mausoleum, you will see a collection with an extremely large number of paintings, watch Turkish soldiers in parades. Not only possessing a unique architecture, Anitkabir also has many valuable antique collections and unique works of art.

Not only that, visiting the mausoleum, you can also visit the Peace Park filled with green trees. There is even a Turkish national flag made entirely of real flowers.

Atakule Tower (#ankara travel blog)

Address: Canakaya district, Central Ankara, Turkey

Atakule is a tower built in 1989 by the order of then-8th President Turgut Ozal.. It has a height of up to 410 feet (125m) and is considered a great spot to admire the city of Ankara from above. In particular, there is also a restaurant that rotates 360 degrees.

After visiting the first presidential mausoleum of Turkey, do not forget to visit the Atakule tower. From here, you can stand on the terrace area or drop by the restaurant to both enjoy the unique cuisine and enjoy the panoramic view of the city. The 360-degree view space, along with the cool breeze, watching the bustling streets will make you feel much more comfortable.

Kocatepe Mosque

Address: Kültür, Dr. Mediha Eldem Sk. No:67, 06420 Çankaya/Ankara, Turkey Hours: Open 24 hours

As the largest mosque in Ankara, Kocatepe Mosque is very recognizable thanks to its soaring minarets and giant domes, which took two decades to complete. It has long been a prominent landmark on the skyline, as clear skies you can be seen from almost anywhere in the city.

Comprised of several floors elaborately decorated with delicate details, this mosque’s inspiring design is significantly different from the traditional design and has been controversial over the years. The domes and minarets exude a patterned Gothic resemblance to the domes, the stylish terraces and the main entrance of the mosque are unique to the mosque’s architecture.

Museum of Anatolian Civilizations

Address: Kale, Gözcü Sk. No:2, 06240 Ulus/Altındağ/Ankara, Turkey Hours: 8:30AM–5:30PM

The museum preserves hundreds of thousands of fascinating artifacts associated with the region’s past. Here, visitors will learn about every aspect of human history in Anatolia, from the Paleolithic Age to the recent arrival of the Greeks and Romans. Artifacts in the museum are spread throughout two buildings dating from the time when the Ottomans ruled.

You can admire fascinating historical artifacts that highlight the stories of Anatolia, the land located in the Asian part of Turkey.

Genclik Park

Address: Doğanbey Mahallesi, Talatpaşa Blv No:38, 06050 Altındağ/Ankara, Turkey Hours: Open 24 hours

Genclik Park is known as the green lung of the city. Here, there are many trees, lakes, outdoor theater, giant ferris wheel… around the traditional pottery shops, in the evening the lake area will perform impressive water music. Tourists often choose to come here to take a stroll and enjoy the lively street performances.

Roman Baths

Address: Anafartalar, Çankırı Cd. No:43, 06050 Altındağ/Ankara, Turkey Hours: 10AM–4:30PM

Visiting the Roman-style baths that were built in the 3rd century will also bring you many unforgettable memories. They are divided into 3 types: hot baths, warm baths and cold baths. Although so far not as intact as before, the statues, patterns or history of this place are always told in a vivid and extremely interesting way.

Where to stay?

Below we recommend more best budget, mid-range and upscale hotels with good ratings and reviews you can refer to.

• New Park Hotel ( Agoda , Booking )
• Divan Ankara Hotel ( Agoda , Booking )
• Hotel Cinnah ( Agoda , Booking )
• CPAnkara Hotel ( Booking )
• Hotel Ickale ( Booking )
• Radisson Blu Hotel, Ankara ( Agoda , Booking )

Check out more top & best hotels in Ankara on Agoda.com or Booking.com

What to eat?

The capital Ankara is considered to have a rich, unique and attractive cuisine. Below are some dishes you should try when coming here.

Simat Donut: A favorite dish of Ankara people, the donut is round, topped with sesame, eaten with some cheese and enjoyed with a cup of tea.

Doner Kebab: This is a Turkish sandwich famous around the world. Grilled pieces of meat are seasoned with delicious spices, sandwiched with bread and some vegetables and two special sauces.

Pide bread (Turkish pizza): The bread is made with a thin layer of dough, topped with chicken, tuna, cheese and chopped vegetables. The cake looks very attractive when baked. Tantuni: Super delicious snack in Ankara, it is made from minced meat, tomatoes, peppers, onions, rolled into thin tortilla bread.

Lahmacun: This dish is a type of Turkish pizza, served with parsley, some lemon juice, rolled up and enjoyed.

Turkish Red Lentil Soup (Corba):  Traditional soup of the Ankara people as well as Turkey. The soup is fragrant, easy to eat and very nutritious. You can enjoy this dish at the hotel where you stay, or at the restaurants and bars in the city.

Kofte meatballs: Turkish-style meatballs are very soft and fatty, the people of Ankara create this dish with its own unique character. Kofte meatballs are often used as the main dish in the menus of restaurants.

Tips and things to know before you go

Ankara is the new capital of modern Turkey, although unlike the ancient capitals like Istanbul and Konya, this city still contains many “unspoken rules” that you should follow for your trip to be complete, safe and enjoyable.

Ankara summer is usually very hot so you should avoid coming here at this time. Spring, autumn or winter are all quite cool. In particular, tourists often choose to come here in the period from April to June because the weather and nature are very beautiful at this time. In addition, there are many attractive festivals, notably the brilliant tulip festival, which attracts many people to visit and take pictures.

When coming to local people’s homes or mosques you need to take off your shoes before stepping inside, or you can also put your shoes in a bag and carry them with you.

Clothing when going to mosques should also pay attention not to wear “lack of cloth, too short“ or overly flashy and extravagant costumes.

In Ankara, only certain places are allowed to sell and drink alcoholic beverages. Therefore, if you drink in public, you will be fined a huge amount. Drinking alcohol on the street is completely prohibited and violators can have to pay huge fines.

If you want to travel to Turkey cheaply, you can choose a means of transportation that is a bus, but at peak hours such as early morning or evening it will be very crowded, need to be aware of theft and safety issues. In addition, you can also take a taxi, but remember to avoid going after 10pm because the price of a taxi at this time increases a lot and can make you be burnt “pocket” with just a short ride.

Choosing public transport you should pay attention to theft when it is crowded, and if you take a taxi, you should ask the price in advance to avoid losing a lot of money. And also remember to pay the price when shopping at the traditional markets here, because that’s the culture in Turkey.

When you go to the markets and local shops, remember to bargain, this is a typical Turkish culture, if you don’t bargain, 99% you will be pay overpriced because sellers often increase the price by 2-4 times compared the original price.

When visiting the city, you should not openly criticize any local traditions or customs as this is extremely insulting because the indigenous people of Ankara are extremely proud and respectful of the traditions of their ancestors and they’re very sensitive to criticism so if you see something you don’t like, it’s best to keep it to yourself.

Tips for staff at restaurants, cafes, hotels is an act of showing the generosity and satisfaction of customers with the service of the staff, it is popular in many countries and territories around the world but not common in Ankara. If you really want to tip a waiter, you can leave 10% of your total bill or just leave a small reward, no more than 1 USD for the porter, hotel room cleaner, would be greatly appreciated. However, you absolutely should not tip the taxi driver, this behavior is not acceptable in this city.

The act of taking pictures of women, especially women wearing black headscarves, is completely prohibited here, if you take pictures of men, you also need to ask for his permission first.

Some best day tours, trips, activities and transfer services, tickets in, from and to Ankara and Istanbul you can refer to

• Ankara: Private Tour with a Local
• Ankara: Guided Walking Tour
• Ankara: Unlimited 4G Internet in Turkey with Pocket WiFi
• From Ankara: Private Cappadocia & Underground City Tour
• Ankara: Private Romantic Tour
• Goreme: Open Air Museum & Fairy Chimney Tours
• Istanbul Welcome Card
• Hagia Sophia Introduction Tour with Audio Guide
• Istanbul Classics Tour
• Hagia Sophia and Blue Mosque Small Group Tour
• Hagia Sophia, Topkapi Palace, & Basilica Cistern Combo Tour in Istanbul
• Istanbul Big Bus Hop-On Hop-Off Tours (Open-Top)
• Hop-on Hop-off Bosphorus Sightseeing Cruise
• 4G SIM Card (MY Delivery) for Turkey from joytel2u
• Istanbul Museum Pass
• [Sale] Sea Life Aquarium Ticket in Istanbul
• Round Trip Ferry Tickets between Prince’s Islands and Istanbul
• Princes’ Island Full Day Tour from Istanbul
• Istanbul Bosphorus Cruise Tour
• Istanbul: Mevlevi Sema and the Whirling Dervishes Show
• Istanbul: Bosphorus Music and Dinner Cruise w/ Private Table
• Istanbul: Bosphorus Cruise with Audio App
• Istanbul: Blue Mosque & Hagia Sophia Small-Group Tour
• Best of Istanbul in 1 Day
• Istanbul: Topkapi Palace Guided Tour and Skip The Line
• Istanbul: Bosphorus Sunset Cruise on a Luxurious Yacht
• Istanbul: Basilica Cistern Skip-the-Line Guided Tour

Are you looking for more top things to do in Istanbul: Tours, activities, attractions and other things? Let’s check it out here . And My trip to Istanbul — Explore the bridge city of Asia and Europe. And Turkey travel guide here .

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Best Turkey Sim Card For Tourists in 2024

Co-Founder of The Turkey Traveler. Globetrotter, Adventurer, and Frequent Traveler to Turkey!

This website uses affiliate links. For more information, click here .

If you’re visiting Turkey anytime soon, you’re going to want to stay connected. This is why you should consider getting yourself a Turkey sim card for tourists.

Whether you need data plans so you can share photos with those back home, you want to stream Netflix whilst camping, or you have business calls you need to make – there are many reasons why you need the best Turkish sim card when visiting the country.

But what are the best Turkish sim cards for tourists and how much will it cost? Is it worth getting a sim card or should you look towards eSIM deals? These are all great questions we’ll be answering in this guide to the best Turkey Sim Cards for tourists.

Our Top Pick

Airalo E-Sim Cards

If you need a SIM card but don’t have a lot of time, then our top pick for tourist SIM cards in Turkey is the e-Sim packages from Airalo .

You can choose from as little as 1GB for 7 days up to 20 GB for 30 days packages .

The prices are the most affordable and the most transparent we have found compared to local companies and it’s quick and easy to connect. You can read our full review of Airalo in Turkey here .

Why Buy a Prepaid Tourist Sim Card in Turkey?

There are many reasons why you should consider buying a sim card, and not just so you can share Instagram stories.

There are many network providers these days that allow you to use your home network abroad. T-Mobile and 3 are two examples of companies that allow their contract users to use data abroad, but there’s always a catch.

Some network providers only allow their users to use 2G abroad. To put that into perspective for you, it will take you 5 minutes to load a webpage. Other network providers only allow you to use 500MB. This can be used up in a few days and is not suitable for more than a weekend in Istanbul .

So if you want to stay connected, or you need calls and texts while you’re away, the solution is to get a tourist sim card in Turkey.

Getting a Turkish sim card means you have access to fast, reliable data since you are connected to the country’s network. Having fast data is extremely helpful for using things like Google Maps, and Google Translate, and looking up information about attractions or how to get from A to B (such as how to get to Ephesus from Istanbul ).

A local sim card also gives you calls and texts, which is extremely useful when you want to book tours and need to keep in contact with the guide or driver.

But most importantly, having a tourist sim card in Turkey means additional safety. Not only so you can call emergency services, but so you can look up directions when you’re getting lost, you can download maps and GPS tools.

Are you reading this from Turkey? Maybe you need a VPN!

If you’re already in Turkey, there is one thing you absolutely NEED: a reliable VPN .

You may find some of your favorite websites and apps are blocked in Turkey , such as popular hotel site booking.com

A VPN allows you to get passed this ruling and enables you to browse these sites without any hassle, and it’s completely legal.

We use Express VPN when we’re in Turkey and we’d recommend it to anyone. It’s affordable, quick, and easy to use.

Things To Consider Before Buying a Turkish Sim Card

Before you go browsing through the airport service counters, you need to know what to look for in a Turkish sim card. Here are some things you need to consider before making a purchase.

What is the registration process?

Usually, the registration process is quite simple. When we bought our Turkish sim card in Istanbul, we only had to present our passport for them to register our details to the sim card.

How do you activate the sim?

If you’re buying your sim card from a shop, the assistant will set it all up for you and you’ll likely be connected before you’ve even left the store. If you’re buying a sim card online or opting for an E-Sim, does the activation process seem simple? Will you have access to the tech support if you cannot figure it out?

What if you need to top up?

You should make sure to ask how to top up your sim card when purchasing it. If you buy your sim card from a store, they will usually tell you where you can top up such as from kiosks, convenience stores, or coming back to one of their stores.

You are usually given a card with your sim card that has these details on it so do not throw this away.

Where to Get Sim Cards in Turkey

The good news is there are many ways you can buy a sim card in Turkey, so you don’t need to worry about finding a place. Here are three main ways to buy a Turkish sim card…

At The Airport

The most obvious place to get a sim card is at the international airports (Istanbul, Antalya, Izmir etc). However, we don’t recommend this. When we landed at Istanbul airport, we compared deals to what we found online and they were three times more expensive at the airport.

We’re not sure why, but we can only put it down to “airport prices.” Either the sales assistant thought we don’t know any better, or they just charge more for being in the airport.

Unless the airport is missing free WiFi or you absolutely need a sim card before you leave the airport, we don’t recommend this option.

📖 Read more: Is Turkey Expensive?

There are many stores across Turkey where you can get tourist sim cards in Turkey. The main providers are:

• Turk Telekom

You will find several shops for each of these providers in all major cities, as well as travel company shops offering sim cards as well.

We recommend you visit the official stores for each provider, such as the Vodafone store, Telecom store, or Turk Telekom stores, as they will have the best deal. You won’t have any issues finding a store no matter which area of Turkey you’re visiting, even in small towns like Fethiye.

However, you should scout around different stores . Turkcell does not share its prices online, and we found we were quoted different prices at different stores. You should be sure to visit a few different stores to scout out prices and get the best deal.

If you’re planning ahead and you have the time to wait for delivery, you can always get an e-sim card online before you visit.

Sometimes you can arrange for the sim to be delivered to your home address, or you can arrange to pick it up when you arrive at the airport. At present, there is no option to do this with the local sim cards in Turkey.

Best Turkish Sim Card Providers for Tourists

Now you know what to look for in a Turkish sim card, here is an overview of each plan available for tourists in Turkey. You can purchase these plans online before you visit, or you can pick them up from any of the network provider stores in Turkey.

Note : due to the fluctuation of the Turkish Lira, Turkcell, and Vodafone have removed their prices from their website and prices vary from store to store. As of August 8th, 2023, we have seen prices anywhere from $25 USD to $28 USD, and you should scout around for the best deal. In the below table, I have included the price in USD so you can check the exchange rate on the day of purchase. We try to update these prices regularly, but cannot always keep up with the moving exchange rates. These prices were given to us by members of staff in the network’s official stores in Turkey in August 2023.

Prepaid Tourist Sim Cards for Turkey

*Scroll left-right to view more

Data Coverage Map

Perhaps the biggest decider on which sim card is best for you is determined by the data coverage. While many Turkish sim cards connect you across the country, there are some patches that coverage cannot reach.

Here is a map of each provider’s data coverage.

Turkcell Data Coverage

As you can see from this data coverage map for Turkcell, the map is washed in red. This means that most of the country is connected to 4G+, even in rural areas. You’ll find no problems finding data coverage wherever you visit, as even Cappadocia has 4G and 4G+.

If you are planning a road trip and will pass through some of these rural areas, this is the best network provider for you in terms of data coverage. There are not many areas that have 5G with Turkcell.

Telekom Data Coverage

As you can see from the map above, Telekom has pretty good data coverage in the cities with most areas seeing 4G+ network service. In the region of Cappadocia, you can see there are 3G, 4G and some spots with 4G+ in most towns. In Istanbul, it is possible to connect to 5G.

There are a lot of rural areas in Turkey that don’t have connectivity according to this data coverage map, but these areas don’t tend to be on the main tourist trail. For tourists, Telekom provides decent data coverage, but if you are visiting Cappadocia you might find some areas a bit spotty.

Vodafone Data Coverage

Vodafone has similar connectivity as Telekom, but with few areas connecting to 5G. If you are sticking to the main tourist areas and not planning a road trip, the data coverage provided by Vodafone in Turkey will suffice.

e-Sim Cards for Turkey

Another option is to get an eSIM card. These are great for people who don’t have the time to find a sim card shop or you’re not visiting for long enough to make the purchase worth it.

eSIMS work by allowing you to buy flexible data packages without the need to buy a sim card. eSIM companies usually connect you to the local network, as they have deals with the providers who operate there.

They are quick and convenient, especially if you are planning to visit multiple countries on your trip.

Here are some eSIM providers we would recommend:

eSim Cards for Turkey

No calls or SMS

1 GB / 7 Days – $4.50

2 GB / 30 Days – $6.50

3 GB / 30 Days – $8.00

5 GB / 30 Days – $12.00

10 GB / 30 Days – $18.00

20 GB / 30 Days – $26.00

OneSimCard (eSIM World)

$0.25 USD per MB

Free to receive texts and calls

$0.45 per minute to call anywhere in the world

$0.59 per text anywhere in the world

Free Whatsapp

Holafly Turkey

Unlimited data / 5 days – $19.00

Unlimited data / 7 days – $27.00

Unlimited data / 10 days – $34.00

Unlimited data / 15 days – $47.00

Unlimited data / 20 days – $54.00

Unlimited data / 30 days – $64.00

Unlimited data / 60 days – $84.00

Unlimited data / 90 days – $99.00

300MB / 3 Days – $2.50

1GB / 15 Days – $6.00

2GB / 10 Days – $11.00

5GB / 30 Days – $29.90

10GB / 30 Days – $55.00

1GB / 3 Days – $4.50

1GB / 8 Days – $5.00

1GB / 15 Days – $5.50

3GB / 8 Days – $12.50

3GB / 15 Days – $13.50

5GB / 15 Days – $20.00

5GB / 24 Days – $21.50

7GB / 15 Days – $24.50

7GB / 24 Days – $25.00

10GB / 24 Days – $31.00

50GB / 90 Days – $100.00

The TRASST e-SIM Card for Turkey

Unlimited / 3 Days – €16.95

Unlimited / 5 Days – €17.95

Unlimited / 7 Days – €19.95

Unlimited / 14 Days – €26.95

Unlimited / 30 Days – €44.95

Unlimited / 90 Days – €89.95

Prepaid Sim Cards vs Pocket WiFi

If you’re just after a sim card for the data, then you might consider getting a pocket WiFi instead. These are small gadgets that allow you to connect to a mobile hotspot from wherever you are.

If you’re on the beach, simply connect to your pocket WiFi and you can share photos, chat with friends, and browse the internet just as you would with data. They also connect you to the whole of Turkey, and not just limit you to a region or city.

You can also connect to more than one device, so if you’re traveling as a family and everyone needs mobile internet, this could be better valued than getting everyone a sim card.

Pocket WiFi’s are usually expensive to buy, but fortunately, you can rent one for your trip and pick them up and drop them off at the airport. The fee is determined by how long you need it for.

Here’s where you can pick up pocket WiFis in Turkey…

Tips for Buying a Turkish Sim Card

Before you run off to buy your sim card, I have a few more words of advice for you.

• Don’t buy the sim card from the airport. The deals we were offered were a lot more expensive than in the city. We’re not sure why, but they were working out to be around 3x the price.
• Scout around for the best deals. Unfortunately, some companies do not advertise their prices and we found that the price varied depending on which shop we visited. Go to a few and compare prices.
• Remember the exchange rate for the Lira changes dramatically. You may find that the price of a sim card changes from week to week, this is because the exchange rate for the Lira is always changing. You should have an idea of prices in USD and then convert it to Lira on the day. In fact, many stores in Turkey are now accepting Euros or British Sterling instead, so if you’re visiting from Europe, be sure to carry some of Euros as well.
• Keep your receipt and the packaging. The little card that the sim card comes in usually has details on how to top up and emergency numbers, as well as your sim card’s pin code, so don’t throw this away.
• Don’t leave the store until you’re up and running. If there’s a problem and you’ve left, you need to go back and get it fixed. This adds more time and effort. It should connect you within minutes, but sometimes it can take up to 15 minutes to an hour. So just wait around until you’re good to go.
• Don’t remove your sim card unless you’re finished with it. The sim card is locked with a pin number (found on the card that the sim card comes in), which you need to enter to be able to open your mobile phone. If you forget your pin, you’ll be unable to use your phone if you take the sim card out and put it back in again.

FAQs About Turkey Sim Cards for Tourists

Here’s what people usually ask us about sim cards for tourists in Turkey…

Can tourists get a SIM card in Turkey?

Yes, tourists only need to show their passports to get a sim card anywhere in Turkey.

What is the best SIM card to use in Turkey?

In our opinion, the Telekom 40 GB data plan is the best value deal for tourists. If you want good connectivity, the Turkcell 20 GB plan has the best data across the country.

How much is the SIM card in Turkey?

This is dependent on the provider and the plan. You can find plans for as little as $2.50 USD, to as much as $40 USD. The most popular options are around $25 USD.

Can I use WhatsApp in Turkey?

Yes, you can use Whatsapp in Turkey.

The Verdict: Best Sim Card in Turkey for Tourists

As you can see there are a lot of choices to choose from when picking the best Turkish sim card for tourists. When we visited, we chose a Turkcell sim card for tourists because we planned to stay longer than a month and were traveling to more rural areas.

We were quite happy with Turkcell and found we always had connectivity, even when hiking in Cappadocia. We also found it easy to top up by visiting the store and asking for assistance. Their staff spoke English and were very helpful.

At the time, we believed Turkcell to be the best value for money. You get decent network coverage and 40GB lasts a long time, plus the price makes it a pretty good deal for those who need a lot of data. You can stream movies on long-distance buses for that amount.

However, we have started using the Airalo E-Sim Card because they are more transparent with their prices, and they also connect to the Vodafone Turkey AND Turk Telekom networks. If you only need data and no calls, this is the cheapest and most convenient option.

However, if your phone doesn’t support E-Sim Cards, then Telekom is the cheapest option, just be sure to shop around for the best price.

So in short, for the best data coverage, go for Turkcell, for the best-priced data plan, go for Telekom.

Co-Founder of The Turkey Traveler

Louisa Smith

Louisa is a professional travel blogger with an insatiable wanderlust for exploring the captivating country of Turkey. With a deep appreciation for the country’s diverse history and natural beauty, Louisa has made it her mission to share the wonders of Turkey with the world. Born in the UK and raised by two Travel Agent parents, she was born with a perpetual case of the travel bug and now travels full time as a travel writer. Louisa has embarked on numerous adventures across Turkey, and shares her first-hand expertise and experience about her favorite destinations in Turkey, such as Antalya, Alanya, Fethiye and Bodrum.

32 thoughts on “Best Turkey Sim Card For Tourists in 2024”

Hiya Sean & Louisa,

This is an awesome explanation. ‘Short’, straightforward and easy to understand. My family and I will be visiting Antalya and Istanbul in the summer (I know, 🥵 😅). And this has given us enough infos in term of connectivity (our flight lands 10:00pm). Keep on writing, I enjoy your writing. Best, Yuni

Hi, thank you for the in-depth guide on data/sim in Turkey. For the E-sim, I can’t seem to find the same deal of 20gb+200mins at 13USD on the onesimcard website? Can you advise how to get this done? Thank you

Hi Sel, I think you are referring to the OneSim, eSim card which sadly doesn’t have that deal anymore. The best deal for eSIMs (I think) is the Airlo eSim, which gives you 10gb of data for 30 days, for $18.00 USD. You can see the Airlo deals here .

hello, the prepaid sim card prices you posted, are they the prices at the airport or the normal price? thank you

From our experience, no the prepaid sim prices at the airport were a lot higher. I can’t remember exactly the price now because it was a few months since I last visited Turkey, but it was definitely cheaper to buy a sim card in the city.

Arrived at Antalya Airport yesterday (04/03/2023) sims cards were on sale for over 1100tl (€55), total rip off! The hotel I’m staying at was offering them for €35, as we arrived after 9pm local time most of the shops were closed so will head into town and see what the prices are, surely will be cheaper. I will update this side with my findings.

Hi Habs, thanks for letting us know about the prices you saw! It’s a shame that it’s so much more expensive at Antalya airport as well. I hope you are able to find a better deal by going into the shops today. We found the shops were the cheapest option in Istanbul.

Hello. We are planning to arrive at the Istanbul airport on May 1 and will need GPS from there as we will be driving around Turkey for 18 days as far East as Cappadocia. How do we avoid buying the Turkcell or Telekom SIM at the airport? We live in the US. Thank you.

It will probably be better for you to get an e-Sim card if that’s the case. You can find great deals on Airlo.

If you go to app store and get Maps.me (Green square with suit case in it) you can then through WIFI search the world or in your case Turkey and as you home in it will prompt to download the map. Once you have done this you dont need a phone signal just use like Google maps. Just second check the route because sometimes it tries to be too clever and take short cuts that no longer there. Also make sure you download all the maps there may be more than 1for Turkey. Load now and practice locally to experience it; you can drop pins find walking trails etc, etc at no cost.

Hi Mark, thank you for the advice you shared. MapsMe is a great app and is really helpful for navigating around Turkey, especially if you want to do some hiking.

I went to Turkcell in the Mall of Istanbul today and asked for the Tourist Welcome Pack. The guy who helped me said the pack would cost me 800 TRL in stead of the advertised 165 TRL. Total rip off!!! Do they really think tourists are stupid?????

Hi Adriaan, I’m sorry to hear this happened to you. There are unfortunately some shops that try to take advantage of tourists, though we have not been to the shop you mentioned. I hope you were able to find a better deal at another store.

Today at Izmir city centre I went to some Turkcell and Vodafone shops and they only had one option for tourists with 20GB and it cost around 600 TRL. I went to a few different shops, all similar prices. And they didn’t have any official flyer or poster with the values, you just need to trust what the guy tells you. A bit sketchy, I find! No official info at the store. I was wondering where can I find these deals of 169 TRL?

Hi Marina, unfortunately, Turkcell and Vodafone have stopped advertising their prices online and we are always hearing of people being quoted different amounts from different shops. If you are sure you want to use their sim package, the only way to find the best deal is to go to different stores and compare prices. It’s not convenient and can be very frustrating for the consumer. At present, only Telekom are advertising their prices online and it’s much cheaper than 600 TL. Their coverage is not as good but it should be good enough if you just visit the tourist places: https://www.turktelekom.com.tr/tt-en/Pages/prepaid-tourist-sim-turkey.aspx

Thank you for your reply. I see the advertised price on the Turk Telekom website as 85 TL for the 25GB package. But today I went to the Turk Telekom shop in Izmir centre and they told me the price is 558 TL. I still can’t understand what’s happening… are all the shops trying to rip me off, or have the sim card prices gone up insanely in the last few months? Are the shops even allowed to sell at a different price than the one advertised online?

Hi Marina, I don’t see the package you mentioned on the Turkcell website, perhaps you were looking at the prepaid sim rather than the Tourist Sim Card. A prepaid sim is for locals and cannot be bought by tourists. Sometime in early 2023, Turkcell and Vodafone removed their prices from their website for this because the Lira is always fluctuating. The exchange rate in March 2023 is at an all-time low which is suspected to be due to the earthquakes . I believe the prices you are seeing are a result of the exchange rate dropping. As of this time, it seems the most affordable way to get data in Turkey as a tourist is to choose an eSim.

What about BIM sim card. Prepaid

We didn’t include BIM as we have not used BIMcell or have any experience with them. I see that you can get them from the BIM supermarkets, which is handy.

Hello, if I take off the sim cart and leave turkey when I come back to Turkey could I use it again?

Usually with these tourist sim cards, they are registered for a period of time only. Once that period is over, you need to purchase another one. If you had a 30 day sim card, left Turkey, and came back within the 30 days, then it should work fine. If you leave for a longer period of time, then you would need to get another tourist sim when you return back to Turkey.

Thanks very much guys! Extremely helpful Nick

Thanks for this, very clear and just what I needed.

I see Turk Telekom prices have gone up on their website (hardly surprising, given Turkish inflation and the exchange rate) but at least they are still quoting them and they look good value.

Is there any additional cost on top of this to get the physical prepaid SIM that you then activate the Prepaid Tourist Plan on?

Hi Peter, thanks for reaching out. There are no additional costs on top of the prepaid tourist plan. The fee includes the data package and the sim card combined.

Hi guys, great article and very helpful indeed. I had normally used roaming on my phone on previous visits. Since the UK left the EU mobile providers have cheekily removed the roaming to Turkey and charging a lot now which won’t be feasible for longer visits. With a view of getting a tourist sim I just sent a message to Vodafone Turkey as the price was not listed on their website. It is just wrong to advertise a package without the price clearly. They came back with a quote of 562 TL for a 20GB plan for 28 days. Whereas the T&Cs link states a different price. Very misleading and deceptive. Anyways looking at more options. Will share if I find something better. At this point Turk Telekom and Bimcell are looking better if only they honour the advertised prices.

Update – Turk Telekom customer services quoted 473 TL for a blank SIM card and 190 for 50GB data for 28 days. 663 TL Total. This again is extremely misleading as no mention of the extortionate charge for a blank SIM card on Turk Telekom website. They only advertise 110 TL for 20GB and 190 TL for 50GB plans.

Hi Rick, thanks for the update. This is surprising to hear as we used Telekom sim cards and were not charged a Sim Card price. It seems that times have changed.

Looks that way. I’m off to Kusadasi in a couple of weeks. Will update you with latest my findings 🙂

Thank you for your clear and informative article. Regarding esim card Airalo, I’m traveling with a family of 5. Some are not very good in technology or don’t have credit card. How can I help them to buy the e-card? A bit silly question but I wonder can I buy multiple ones and then transfer to their phone or they need to buy it with their phone?

Hi Mer, Airalo have some great tutorials on their Youtube Channel that show you how to activate the plans and set it up. You can view the Youtube Channel here.

Hi guys, check out esim-turkey.com, they have unlimited data volume for any budget, like 16,95€ for three days to 89,95€ for 90 days. I happened to come across the link for them.

Hi Star, thank you for passing this on. The deals on this site look to be the same as the TRASST e-sim deals, however I don’t know that this site you suggest is reputable as it doesn’t specify the company. We would recommend booking through Trasst instead, as this is a reputable company and has the same prices on their official website.

Orientation

City centre is the broad strip from Ulus south through Sıhhiye to Kızılay:

Citadel is the term used here to describe the older districts east of Ulus: Hisar around the hilltop castle, and Hamamönü just south down the hill.

Further south from Kızılay are the upmarket (and uphill) districts of Kavaklıdere, Gaziosmanpaşa and Çankaya. The city's most expensive hotels and restaurants are found here, as are the embassies.

Southwest from Kızılay is Bakanlıklar (meaning government ministries), then İsmet İnönü Boulevard leads into the district of Eskişehir Yolu (referring to the former highway to Eskişehir ). It's lined by university campuses and public buildings, including the National Parliament. Interminable ribbon-development eventually gives way to the open steppe.

Ankara has a semi-arid, continental climate, with hot, dry summers and cold, snowy winters. Most rainfall is spring, with afternoon showers and thunderstorms.

Summers are hot, regularly topping 30°C in July and August, but humidity is low. Summer nights can be chilly, especially if a breeze starts up.

Early autumn has the best climate. Nights are cold but daytimes are mild and dry, unlike the wet spring months.

Winters are cold and often snowy, though the snow is seldom heavy, and cold below -20°C is very rare - not like the mountainous east of the country with perishing cold in mid-winter.

Transport is the major shortcoming of this airport. It's 30 km north of the centre, along a congested main road; there are no plans to extend the Metro here.

Belko Air [ dead link ] bus runs downtown every 30 min 05:30-22:00 and overnight according to flight times. It runs via the railway station and Kızılay to AŞTİ bus terminal, which is on the Metro. With luck this takes an hour, traffic permitting, and in 2023 cost 11 TL. But belki is Turkish for "maybe" so the recurring joke is inevitable; the bus gets held up in city traffic.

Local ( belediye , city council) bus Route 442 runs from the airport (arrivals level, watch for a crowd on the very far end of the dropoff lane on the arrivals level) and takes 40-50 minutes to the train station. Driver accepts cash, journey costs 25 TL (Jun 2023).

Havaş buses run to the bus terminal, AŞTİ .

A taxi downtown costs about 180 TL.

Ankara is on the YHT high-speed rail network, with trains:

Other mainline trains ( anahat trenler ) are slow and scenic, with the emphasis on slow, but are called "Express" to compensate.

Some of these trains have tourist versions, though all remain suspended in 2023. For instance the Turistik Doğu Ekspresi runs from Ankara to Kars with long stops for sightseeing eastbound at İliç (for Kemaliye ), Erzincan and Erzurum ; the westbound train makes long stops at Divriği and Bostankaya. Journey time each way is 30 hours.

For all times and reservations (strongly recommended) see TCDD Turkish Republic State Railways website [ dead link ] .

Local trains ( bölgesel trenler ) run five times a day to Polatlı. These can't be booked.

The railway from Azerbaijan and Georgia was completed in 2017 and passenger trains have been promised ever since, but to date the line only carries freight. Trains from Syria and Iraq are all suspended indefinitely and the tracks are ruined.

Eryaman is a station in the west suburbs of Ankara where YHT trains also stop, and you can transfer to the cross-town Başkentray train. They no longer stop at Sincan (terminus of the Başkentray line) but slow trains from the west stop there not at Eryaman.

Buses from Istanbul depart every 15 min round the clock, and take six hours to Ankara non-stop, for a fare in 2023 of 250 TL. Slower services may stop at Gebze , Izmit , Adapazarı and Bolu . Many are running through to cities further east, all of which have good connections to Ankara, see individual pages.

Buses from Izmir take 8 hours and from Adana 7 hours, with hourly services. From Bursa is six hours, but the usual method is to take the bus to Eskişehir to join the YHT fast train. Similarly from Antalya you join the train at Konya .

The main bus operators are Metro Turizm , Pamukkale and Flixbus, who took over Kamil Koç. Buses are clean and comfortable, see Turkey#Get around for tips on using them and buying tickets.

The city has a dense bus network, a two-line Metro, and an east-west suburban railway called Başkentray . Good luck finding network information, even in Turkish.

There is no provision by any mode of public transport for travellers with restricted mobility.

There are two bus operations, competing on the same routes and using the same stops. EGO ( Ankara Belediye Otobüsleri ) are white and run by the city, who also run the Metro and the Yenimahalle - Şentepe cable-car. In 2009 the system was part-privatised: ÖHO buses ( Ankara Özel Halk Otobüsleri ) are blue. Central bus stops often have displays of real-time services. There are no indicators or announcements within buses, ask other passengers where to get off, or track your location on your phone.

EGO (white) bus fares cannot be paid in cash: you need to buy a card from a kiosk or metro station. A single trip is 1.65 TL, two trips 3.30 TL, three 4.95 TL, five 8.25 TL, ten 16.50 TL and twenty is 33 TL. The same cards are used for the Metro, and each trip permits a transfer between bus and Metro not exceeding 45 min. Note these are not the Ankarakart, a discount card for Turkish students, teachers and elderly Ankara residents.

ÖHO (blue) bus fares are cash, for a flat fare of 2.75 TL.

The Metro, run by EGO the city transport operator, has three lines, which intersect at Kızılay. Remarkably, EGO have contrived to muddle their numbering.

Tickets are identical to the EGO buses and valid for transfer, see above for prices, and you buy them at kiosks or metro stations.

All stations are announced both on a display and by voice in the metros.

Suburban railway

Başkentray [ dead link ] is the suburban line, transecting the city between Sincan and Eryaman in the west, through city centre and the main railway station, to Kayaş in the east. Trains run every 10 minutes from 07:00 to 21:00, then every 30 min to 23:00. Buy tickets in cash at any station. In 2022 a one-way ticket costs 1.70 TL and a return ticket costs 3 TL.

The line is shown in blue on transport maps and may be marked as B1. It's 37 km long, all above ground, and has 24 stations. There's nothing of visitor interest near the outlying stations, but to the west Eryaman is an interchange with YHT trains to Konya, Eskişehir and Istanbul, and Sincan is an interchange with other mainline trains. Kayaş to the east is also a mainline interchange, but not for YHT.

The system is owned and operated by TCDD Turkish State Railways, and until 2016 the same track carried mainline trains. That was incompatible with YHT and expansion of the suburban service so in 2016 the system closed for a couple of years while Ankara station was rebuilt and new tracks were laid parallel. It's planned to extend it northwest to Yenikent and Akçaören.

Taxis are numerous: they are yellow, have the sign Taksi on top of the car, and the letter T in their license plates. Have nothing to do with unlicensed drivers.

Flagfall in 2022 is 7.50 TL, then 6 TL/km. The rates for day and night are same. Tipping is not usual but you round up to the next TL.

Scams are the same the world over: offering a fixed price way above the metered rate, special airport / luggage fees, failing to start the meter, going a silly route, tricks with banknotes / change, and so on.

Avoid using a car in Ankara. Local drivers are fast, unpredictable and impatient even by Turkish standards, and parking is scarce.

• North Tower is another bastion of the citadel, 200 m north of the castle. You're aiming for the fluttering Turkish flag.
• Turk-Russian Friendship House ( Türk-Rus Dostluk Evi ) is a bright modern art gallery at Kale Kapısı Sk 20 below the castle, open daily 10:00-17:00.
• Ahielvan Mosque , Koyunpazari Sk ( 200 m below Arslanhane Mosque ). Built in the late 14th and early 15th centuries, it has a richly carved walnut mimber or pulpit. ( updated Apr 2023 )

• Kelime Museum , Gözcü Sk 11 ( opposite Museum of Anatolian Civilisations ), ☏ +90 312 311 6893 . Tu-Su 10:00-17:00 . Small private art museum. Signage is only in Turkish. ( updated Apr 2023 )
• Koç Museum , Depo Sk 1 ( 100 m south of Museum of Anatolian Civilisations ), ☏ +90 312 309 6800 . Tu-Th 10:00-17:00, Sa Su 10:00-19:00 . Rahmi M Koç (b 1930) is the businessman who built up Kâmil Koç bus company, now part of Flixbus. This museum, a smaller version of the one in Istanbul, is crowded with exhibits on transport, communication and science since the 1850s. It's housed in Çengel Han, a caravanserai built in 1523. Adult 175 TL . ( updated Apr 2023 )
• 39.9348 32.8633 5 Chess Museum ( Gökyay Vakfı Satranç Müzesi ), Basamaklı Sk 3, off Ulucanlar Cd , ☏ +90 312 312 1304 . Tu-Su 10:00-18:00 . More chess sets ancient and modern than you'd think possible, including weird versions such as the three-sided game. Adult 15 TL . ( updated Apr 2023 )
• 39.9404 32.8688 6 Molla Great Mosque ( Molla Büyük Cami ), Yasa Sk . A modest building in spite of the name, this was built around 1500. ( updated Apr 2023 )
• 39.9369 32.8705 7 Cenâbî Ahmet Paşa Mosque , Ulucanlar Cd 56 . Built by the famous architect Sinan in 1566, it's in finely-crafted Ankara stone. The mimber (pulpit) and mihrap (prayer niche) are of white marble. ( updated Apr 2023 )

• Cardo Maximus is a stretch of Roman road 216 m long by 7 m wide, coursing north from Anafartlar Cd towards the Column of Julianus. It was discovered in 1995: its artefacts have been taken to the Museum of Anatolian Civilisations.
• 39.9433 32.856 10 Column of Julianus ( Julian Sütunu, Belkıs Minaresi ) is a 15 m column in the square behind the İş Bankası building. It was erected in 362 CE to commemorate the visit of Emperor Julian (331-363 AD), who stopped off in town while marching against Persia. He rejected Christianity and revived earlier pagan rites, so by Christians he was derided as "Julian the Apostate". His campaign in Persia started well then was a debacle and he was fatally wounded; his successor Jovian reinstated Christianity so Julianus was the last pagan emperor. His story is retold, with many artistic liberties, in the 1964 novel Julian by Gore Vidal.
• Aviation Association Museum ( Türk Hava Kurumu Müzesi ), Hipodrom Cd 2 ( 200 m northwest of railway station ), ☏ +90 312 303 7452 . Tu-Su 08:30-17:30 . Small collection of aircraft around a parachute training tower (only 41 m, so don't expect much freefall time). Not to be confused with the military aviation museum west edge of the city. ( updated Apr 2023 )
• Korean War Memorial just west of the Aviation Museum commemorates the Turkish Brigade, which fought under UN command in the Korean War. Their biggest engagement was the series of battles at Kunu-ri in late 1950. Some 15,000 rotated through the Brigade, with 721 killed in action, 2111 wounded and 168 missing.

• Melike Hatun Mosque next to Vakif Museum was built in 2017 but in traditional Ottoman style.
• Gençlik Park stretches east from the railway station to Hatun Mosque. It has a large ornamental lake and is sometimes a venue for open-air events.
• Mehmet Akif Ersoy Home Museum , Hacettepe University ( within Taceddin Mosque 200 m east of Art Museum ), ☏ +90 312 312 1873 . Tu-Su 10:00-17:00 . Ersoy (1873-1936) trained as a vet but became politicised in the dying days of the Ottoman Empire. He's best known for composing the Turkish national anthem. This museum reconstructs his stay here. Free . ( updated Apr 2023 )

Most sights are in Sıhhiye beyond the railway tracks or a couple of km further in Kızılay.

• Hall of Honor holds the tomb. What you see is the symbolic ground-level sarcophagus. Atatürk lies 7 m below in an ornate but private Tomb Room, where he mingles with soil from all the Turkish regions of his day, including from Salonica his birthplace now in Greece, parts of Hatay now in Syria, and northern Cyprus.
• Atatürk & Independence War Museum ( Atatürk ve Kurtuluş Savaşı Müzesi ). M-Sa 09:00-17:00 . This is beneath the Hall of Honor and displays belongings and memorabilia of Atatürk, the 1915 battles of Gallipoli / Çanakkale and the 1920/21 War of Independence, and the postwar overthrow of the Ottomans and proclamation of the republic. Free . ( updated Apr 2023 )
• Mausoleum of İsmet İnönü (1884-1973) is southwest side of the Ceremonial Plaza. He was Atatürk's right-hand man, the country's second president and had three spells as Prime Minister, embedding the Republic's modernisations. The tomb is small at ground level but below is an exhibition hall - this is only open for one week from Oct 29 Republic Day and for two weeks from Dec 25 the anniversary of his death.
• Ten towers line Ceremonial Plaza, but they're set within the colonnade and don't stand tall. Their low pitched roofs are meant to symbolise Turkic tents, and they contain various statues and inscriptions of an uplifting patriotic nature. For example the tower west side of the Hall of Honor depicts the opening of the Turkish Grand National Assembly on 23 April 1920, and holds Atatürk's Cadillac. So it's called 23 Nisan Kulesi but he didn't own 23 Nissans.
• 39.9267 32.8552 17 Hittite Sun Disc Statue is the twee structure on Atatürk Blv as it enters Sıhhiye beneath the railway tracks. Its deer, two oxen and sun disc are supposed to commemorate Anatolian Hittite culture - a powerful realm from 18th to 12th century BC then gobbled up by Egyptian and Assyrian rivals. If you were disappointed at Anitkabir by not finding 23 Nissans, they're right here nose-to-tail in the traffic snarl.

• 39.8862 32.8561 21 Atakule Tower is an oh-so-Seventies telecoms tower, 125 m high, with a rotating observation deck and restaurant. However it's closed as the shopping mall at its foot is demolished, and in 2023 it's not known when it might re-open.
• Botanical Park is the large green space north of the tower, bounded by Cinnah Cd west and Çankaya Cd east. It's free 24 hours.

This covers all other districts out to the ring road O-20 some 20 km out.

• 39.945 32.7957 24 Atatürk Forest Farm ( Atatürk Orman Çiftliği ), Alparslan Türkeş Cd 68 ( Başkentray train to Gazi then one km north ), ☏ +90 312 211 0170 . W-Su 09:00-17:00 . Extensive model farm established by Atatürk, to prove that the dusty steppes around Ankara could be converted into good farmland. (His successors preferred to cover everything with concrete.) The barn has been turned into a museum of farming methods. Free . ( updated Apr 2023 )
• 39.9475 32.7044 25 Turkish Air Force Museum ( Türk Hava Kuvvetleri Müzesi ), Fatih Sultan Mehmet Blv ( corner with 2453rd Sk ), ☏ +90 312 244 8550 . Tu-Su 09:00-16:00 . A collection of two dozen military aircraft. Adult 60 TL . ( updated Apr 2023 )
• Tulumtaş caves are by the intersection of O-20 and Turgut Özal Blv. They're extensive decorated caves discovered during construction of the ring road. As of Feb 2023, people are finding their way in but they're not yet officially open as show caves.

• IF Performance Hall is a live music venue at Tunus Cd 14 in Kavaklıdere.
• Ankara International Music Festival is in April, with the next on 4-28 April 2023.
• Bilkent Mayfest is organised by Billkent University but events are open to the public. It's unlikely to happen in May 2023.
• Burn Sonance Festival of music is next held 9-10 June 2023.
• Jazz Festival is in Oct / Nov, dates for 2023 TBA.
• Ankara Film Festival is next held on 3-11 Nov 2023.
• Şefika Kutluer Festival [ dead link ] of music is in December, dates for 2023 TBA.
• 39.992 32.6505 2 Goksu Park , off 1 TBMM Cd, Etimesgut ( Bus 501, 502 ). Daily 06:00-23:00 . Ranged around Susuz Lake, with an island restaurant, cafes and funfair. ( updated Apr 2023 )

• Football: MKE Ankaragücü were relegated in 2024 so they play soccer in TFF First League, the second tier. Their home ground Eryaman Stadium (capacity 20,560) is in the western suburbs, take the Metro to Devlet Mahallesi. MKE, since you were wondering, stands for Machinery and Chemical Industry.
• Golf: courses and ranges within the city remain closed in 2023. Regnum Golf Country Club is 50 km southwest near Halaçlı village.
• Citadel approaches up Kale Kapısı Sk have been a merchandising area for centuries. There are lots of tourist-trappy outlets for carpets, leather and fake antiquities. At least you hope they're fake, because if genuine it's illegal to export them.
• 39.9127 32.809 2 Armada , Dumlupınar Blv 6 , ☏ +90 312 219 1319 . Daily 10:00-22:00 . Large mall 500 m south of the bus terminal. ( updated Apr 2023 )
• Karum AVM , Iran Cd 21 , ☏ +90 312 468 4984 . Daily 10:00-21:00 . Next to the Sheraton, this is the main south-side mall. ( updated Apr 2023 )
• 39.9832 32.6107 3 Metromall , 30 Ağustos Dumlupınar Cd 2, Eryaman , ☏ +90 312 504 1515 . Daily 10:00-22:00 . Large mall with cinema, bowling alley and food court. It's northwest edge of the city so visitors might use it arriving or departing on the Istanbul motorway. ( updated Apr 2023 )

Ankara has trad Turkish fare, with classics such as döner kebap , and seafood. It lacks the international variety of western capitals, though there are a handful of Chinese / Korean places. That's because in modern times it never had international immigration, but it did have incomers from other parts of the country, so regional cuisines are represented.

• Meşhur Adıyaman Çiğköftecisi and Meşhur Köfteci are chains serving meatballs, multiple locations.
• Kızılay has a pedestrianised block full of little cafes and takeaways. It's east of Atatürk Blv and north of Ziya Gökalp Cd.
• Ward Restaurant and café مطعم ورد , Bayındır-1 Sk ( in Kızılay cafe block ), ☏ +90 505 033 0022 . Daily 08:00-00:00 . This is the place to come for Iraqi food. ( updated Apr 2023 )
• 39.9198 32.8591 1 Kızılay Komagene , Mithatpaşa Cd 56/B , ☏ +90 312 430 1112 . M-F 11:00-00:00, Sa Su 12:00-22:30 . Komagene are a chain serving meatballs and other trad fare. This outlet in Kızılay gets good reviews for food and service. ( updated Apr 2023 )
• Zelal Cafe , Yüksel Cd 24 ( 50 m north of Komagene ), ☏ +90 312 431 3232 . Inexpensive trad food. ( updated Apr 2023 )
• Nado's , Ataç-1 Sk 26 ( 100 m east of Kızılay cafe block ), ☏ +90 312 433 3131 . Daily 11:00-19:00 . Friendly budget pizzeria. ( updated Apr 2023 )

• 39.9305 32.8729 2 Kırık Oklava , Cemal Gürsel Cd 16 , ☏ +90 312 362 1989 . Daily 08:30-22:30 . Great place by Ankara University Cebeci Campus for inexpensive wraps and pancakes. ( updated Apr 2023 )
• Cebeci Komagene , Cemal Gürsel Cd 51 ( just south of Kırık Oklava ), ☏ +90 312 320 3053 . Daily 10:00-02:00 . A Komagene chain outlet open late, mixed reviews for food quality. ( updated Apr 2023 )
• Yargitay Evi Lokali , Milli Müdafa Cd 10, Kızılay ( west side of Güvenpark ), ☏ +90 312 418 5675 . M-Sa 12:00-22:00 . Inexpensive place looking onto Kızılay Square, quality erratic. ( updated Apr 2023 )
• 39.9249 32.8522 3 Tarihi Çiçek Lokantası , Necatibey Cd 15 , ☏ +90 312 229 4400 . Daily 08:00-21:00 . Smart place with good cuisine. ( updated Apr 2023 )
• James Cook Pub , Tunus Cd 19 , ☏ +44 312 419 9688 . Daily 10:30-01:00 . Good value pub and restaurant. ( updated Apr 2023 )
• Sudem is a tavern at Konur Sk 63 with tapas / meze-style servings and Turkish music, open daily 11:00-01:00.
• Korelee , Bestekar Cd 27 , ☏ +44 312 418 0688 . Daily 11:30-21:00 . Delicious Korean food. ( updated Apr 2023 )
• 39.9066 32.8611 4 Cafe des Cafes , Tunalı Hilmi Cd 83/A, Kavaklıdere , ☏ +44 312 426 5511 . M-Sa 09:00-23:00, Su 09:30-22:00 . Slick European-style cafe with Italian and Spanish choices. ( updated Apr 2023 )
• Kıtır , Tunali Hilmi Cd 114 ( south of Cafe des Cafes next to Kuğulu Park ), ☏ +90 312 427 4444 . Daily 12:00-00:00 . Traditionally a rock bar but nowadays more of a restaurant. ( updated Apr 2023 )
• Ege (which means Aegean) serves seafood on Tunali Hilmi Cd, open daily 12:00-01:00.
• Göksu Lokantası , Bayındır-1 Sk 22, off Ziya Gökalp Cd ( 200 m east of Kızılay station ), ☏ +44 312 431 4727 . M-Sa 11:00-23:30 . Great dining here. They have another branch south at Nenehatun Cd 5. ( updated Apr 2023 )
• 39.920461 32.857962 5 Marti Restaurant , Bayındır-2 Sk 37, Kocatepe . It has a nice and relaxing atmosphere. There are two outdoor seating areas. The appetizers are great, and the food is perhaps even more so. ( updated Aug 2022 )

• 39.933 32.8657 6 Hanzade Konağı , Hacettepe İnanli Sok., Hamamönü, Tacettin Dergahi Karşisi No:5 . It is a very stylish place with plants hanging on the wall and from the ceiling. Decor, presentation and taste are great. Employees are smiling and interested. ( updated Sep 2022 )
• Uludağ Kebapçısı , Denizciler Cd 54 , ☏ +90 312 309 0400 . Daily 11:00-22:00 . Named for the mountain above Bursa, this is an above-par kebab restaurant. ( updated Apr 2023 )
• Kınacızade Konağı , Kale Kapısı Sk 28 ( by castle ), ☏ +90 555 256 9755 . Daily 10:30-21:00 . Atmospheric place just outside castle, good value, not tourist-trappy. ( updated Apr 2023 )
• 39.9257 32.8649 7 Urumchi Uyghur Restaurant , Ziya Gökalp Cd 76 , ☏ +90 312 433 5204 . Daily 11:00-09:30 . Ürümqi is in the far west of China, so they've quite a range of Asian cuisines to go at. It's a great place for different flavours, try the roast macaroni. ( updated Apr 2023 )
• 39.918838 32.85958 8 Tarihi Mutfak Lokantası , Kocatepe, Mithatpaşa Cd. No:64 . Historical Kitchen Restaurant. Typical Turkish cuisine. One of the places that make the best beyti in Ankara. A great presentation and the waiters are incredible. ( updated Sep 2022 )
• Aşkabat Cd is a street west side of Anıtkabir with a slew of eating places. La’lozi Ocak Başı is a grill at the corner of 72nd Sk open daily 11:00-00:00.
• 39.8959 32.878 9 Quick China , Uğur Mumcu Sk 64/B, Çankaya , ☏ +90 312 437 0303 . Daily 11:00-22:00 . The name suggests a fast-food chain, and they do have other branches in Ankara and elsewhere, but this is excellent Chinese, Korean, Japanese and Thai cuisine. Pricey for Ankara but no big layout by Western standards. ( updated Apr 2023 )

Most cafes and restaurants serve beer, wine and rakı. Free-standing bars are uncommon in Turkey away from the beach resorts, but Ankara has a strip flanking Atatürk Blv from Sıhhiye station south down to Kavlıdere Cd. Try Bestekar Cd and Tunus Cd.

Meyhanes are taverns with fixed meze-style menus, drinks and traditional Turkish music and dancing. "Meyhane" is Persian for "house of wine" though it's more likely to be rakı nowadays. They're along the same stretch as the other bars. There used to be a cluster around the citadel, but these relied on the tourist trade and disappeared during covid.

• Telwe Bar , İnkılap Sk 6 , ☏ +90 312 433 5454 . Daily 11:30-05:00 . Bar and late spot in the Kizilay eating strip. ( updated Apr 2023 )
• Soul Pub , Olgunlar Cd 18 , ☏ +90 312 424 0144 . Daily 12:00-01:00 . Friendly place with generous servings of pub food. ( updated Apr 2023 )
• Corvus , Bestekar Cd 59 , ☏ +90 312 426 5480 . Daily 17:00-02:00 . Lively late-night pub with rock music. ( updated Apr 2023 )
• Twister , Bestekar Cd 82A , ☏ +90 553 888 0841 . Daily 10:00-01:30 . Pub with live music and belly-dancing. ( updated Apr 2023 )
• Hayyami wine bar is next door at Bestekar Cd 82B.
• Sakal Kafe Bar , John F Kennedy Cd 13 , ☏ +90 312 424 1670 . Daily 09:00-01:00 . Cool place with a wide range of music. ( updated Apr 2023 )
• Zodiac Pub is next to James Cook Cafe at 17 Tunus Cd.
• Manhattan Rock Bar is at Üsküp Cd 11, open W-Sa 20:30-04:00.
• Sixtiees Pub , Tunalı Hilmi Cd 96 . The only outright gay bar in Ankara gets mixed reviews. ( updated Apr 2023 )

Accommodation is clustered in Ulus north of the railway station, in Sıhhiye south of the tracks, and in Kızılay further south. A strip of mid-range business hotels follows D200 a few km west - these are more convenient for the bus station.

• Deeps Hostel 2 , Southside at Libya Cd 2 , ☏ +90 533 789 0886 . Another branch.  
• 39.9443 32.8544 2 Yeni Bahar Oteli , Çankırı Cd 25 , ☏ +90 312 310 4895 . Clean and helpful, you can find cheaper on this strip north of Ulus Square but most are dismal. B&B double 1000 TL . ( updated Apr 2023 )
• Divan Ankara Çukurhan , 3 Depo Sk, off Gözcü Sk ( facing Koc Museum near castle ), ☏ +90 312 306 6400 . Charming hotel in a han , a former marketplace. B&B double 2500 TL . ( updated Apr 2023 )
• 39.9126 32.8559 3 Ankara Gold , Güfte Cd 4, off Tunus Cd , ☏ +90 312 419 4868 . Clean friendly central place. B&B double 1000 TL . ( updated Apr 2023 )
• 39.9114 32.8562 4 Hotel Midas Kavaklıdere , Tunus Cd 20 , ☏ +90 312 424 0110 . Welcoming central mid-price hotel. B&B double 1500 TL . ( updated Apr 2023 )
• King Hotel , Güvenlik Cd 13 ( east side of Parliament ), ☏ +90 312 418 9099 . Simple rooms but good value for the prime location. B&B double 1000 TL . ( updated Apr 2023 )
• 39.9082 32.8615 6 Ramada , Tunalı Hilmi Cd 66 , ☏ +90 312 428 8000 . Functional central hotel, a bit worn. B&B double 1800 TL . ( updated Apr 2023 )
• Grand Mercure , Yaşam Cd 1 ( west side of bus station ), ☏ +90 312 999 0006 . Next to bus station, but not the ideal flop after a long journey as they play loud music to 1 am. B&B double 1500 TL . ( updated Apr 2023 )
• 39.9031 32.8124 7 Green Park Hotel , 1443rd Cd ( block west of Mevlana Blv ), ☏ +90 312 258 0000 . Value-for-money hotel one km south of bus station, rooms kinda worn. B&B double 1500 TL . ( updated Apr 2023 )
• Airport ( ESB   IATA ): the hotel within Esenboğa airport remains closed in 2023. Ibis is 1 km south, and Holiday Inn Express is a further km south.

• Ankara Hotel , Celal Bayar Blv 78 ( within railway station ), ☏ +90 312 508 1010 . Opened in 2022, this is a smart convenient place within the YHT Gar, pity the sound-proofing is inadequate. B&B double 2000 TL . ( updated Apr 2023 )
• Mövenpick Ankara , Yaşam Cd 1 ( facing Mercure west side of bus station ), ☏ +90 312 258 5800 . Slick business hotel, the only gripe is street noise. B&B double 3000 TL . ( updated Apr 2023 )
• 39.8997 32.8644 8 Sheraton Ankara , Şehit Ömer Haluk Sipahioğlu Sk ( off Arjantin Cd ), ☏ +90 312 457 6000 . Good reviews for comfort and service at this hotel and convention centre, which towers like a monument above the south-side streets. B&B double 2500 TL . ( updated Apr 2023 )
• Ankara HiltonSA , Tahran Cd 12 ( 200 m north of Sheraton ), ☏ +90 312 455 0000 . Good scores all round for this efficient friendly hotel. B&B double 2500 TL . ( updated Apr 2023 )
• 39.9468 32.7682 9 Crowne Plaza Ankara , 171th Sk ( next to Gimart shopping mall ), ☏ +90 312 320 0000 . Smart business hotel in IHG chain, clean and efficient. B&B double 3000 TL . ( updated Apr 2023 )

Ankara is generally safe, even for single females at night, since as the capital it's well-policed. (The cops are looking for traffic offences, dissident trouble-makers and squaddies in town without a liberty pass.) Take usual care of valuables. The main hazard is traffic - vehicles are driven at silly speeds with scant regard to traffic lights and pedestrians. The side walks are often in poor condition: anyone with restricted mobility will be forced onto the roadway, and on ill-lit streets at night you risk falling into uncovered drains.

For emergencies call the emergency number 112 or approach any officer or go to the nearest station. Ankara nominally has a tourist police section with multilingual staff, based at AŞTİ bus station. The covid slump in tourism saw them redeployed to other duties, but perhaps staffing will resume as tourism and related incidents increase.

Ankara is the national capital so most countries have an embassy or equivalent consular service. Most are in the southern districts of Kavaklıdere, Gaziosmanpaşa and Çankaya.

Ankara has 4G from all Turkish carriers. As of Jan 2024, 5G has not rolled out in Turkey.

• Northwest, Highway D140 follows an ancient trade and pilgrimage route from Baghdad to Ankara and Constantinople. Towns along it westbound are Ayaş, Beypazarı , Çayırhan and Nallıhan.
• Kızılcahamam 80 km north has thermal springs amid forests — bears and wolves lurk in Soğuksu National Park.
• Boğazkale northeast is the hub for visiting ancient Hattuşa, the capital of Hittites.
• Çağırkan Japanese Gardens are 10 km past Kaman on the road southeast to Kırşehir.
• South you pass Tuz Gölü ("Salt Lake") on the road to Aksaray.
• Aksaray is a laid-back city and great base for the attractions near Güzelyurt .
• Haymana 80 km southwest is a down-at-heel spa town with hot springs. Gavurkale and Kulhoyuk nearby have rock friezes and Hittite burial grounds.
• Gordion (Yassıhöyük) is 96 km west, near Polatlı off the highway to Eskişehir . One of the most important ancient cities in Turkey, it had been home for Hittites, Phyrigians, Persians, Greeks, and Romans since 3000   BC. The remnants of the city are displayed in Gordion Museum and Anatolian Civilizations Museum in Ulus.

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Is Ankara Safe? Crime Rates & Safety Report

Turkey : Safety by City

Ankara is the capital city of Turkey and, at the same time, the second-largest city in the country after Istanbul.

It is also the administrative center of Turkey and a huge university town.

As there are more than ten universities in Ankara, a considerable amount of the city’s population is made up of students.

Since it’s is the capital, it hosts many different activities, concerts, and organizations, and there are many huge parks where you can spend your time in Ankara.

There aren’t nearly as many foreigners or English-speakers living in Ankara as there are in Istanbul, which is why many people say it’s a lonely city.

• Warnings & Dangers in Ankara

OVERALL RISK: MEDIUM

Ankara is safe to visit. You should be aware that tourist hotspots, restaurants, shops, and public transportation are places where most thefts and pickpocketing occur, and that violent crime exists here, too.

TRANSPORT & TAXIS RISK: LOW

Generally, transport in Ankara is rather safe and reliable, though if you're driving you should keep in mind that local drivers in the country are reckless and tend to ignore traffic rules and signs.

PICKPOCKETS RISK: MEDIUM

As for pickpocketing, it is a recurring concern on the streets of Ankara, which is a popular tourist destination, so be careful and hold your bags tightly by your side.

NATURAL DISASTERS RISK: MEDIUM

As for natural disasters, floods and heavy rains have been known to hit Ankara, but apart from that, you're perfectly safe here.

MUGGING RISK: LOW

The majority of violent crime doesn't happen in Ankara so you don't have to worry but do avoid deserted areas and places that are poorly lit and abandoned.

TERRORISM RISK: HIGH

Terrorism is the greatest worry for tourists, as it's been active in Turkey in recent years. The deadliest terrorist attack happened in January 2017. Most of these attacks are linked to Kurdish separatist terrorist activities in south-east Turkey.

SCAMS RISK: HIGH

The common scam in Ankara is locals befriending tourists, taking them out for a drink, or dinner and then expecting the tourist to pay for it. Taxi drivers might try to trick you into paying more, giving you wrongful information about the price of the ride.

WOMEN TRAVELERS RISK: MEDIUM

If you're a woman traveling solo you should avoid walking alone after dark in this country. There have been reports of sexual assaults and verbal insults. These can happen even if you are accompanied by a group. Avoid isolated or poorly lit areas.

• So... How Safe Is Ankara Really?

Ankara is mostly safe when it comes to crime and its biggest risks stem from their political situation and terrorism risks.

However, that isn’t to say that violent, as well as petty crimes, don’t exist in Ankara, because they do.

Since the city dies after a certain hour in the evening, city streets can get desolate and dangerous.

Moreover, being an alone woman may also be risky in the city.

As long as you stay away from the Sincan district, which is full of drug dealers and other sorts of dangerous people, you’ll be perfectly fine.

Another advice that might come in handy in Ankara is that you should take every precaution while driving, as drivers in this country are mostly reckless and completely ignoring traffic signs, commonly causing traffic accidents.

The real danger in Turkey and the reason many tourists are a skeptic when it comes to safety in this country are the continuous and frequent terrorist attacks all around Turkey that have to do with the political situation in the state and most of them are linked to Kurdish separatist terrorist activities in south-east Turkey.

However, recently the situation has settled and the last attack happened in January 2017.

• How Does Ankara Compare?
• Useful Information

Some nationals do need a visa to enter Turkey, but they can be purchased online at http://www.evisa.gov.tr/ before traveling to Turkey. Make sure your passport is valid for at least six months past the date of your arrival to Turkey. If you are not sure about your visa status, contact your local Turkish embassy for further information.

The Turkish lira is the official currency in Ankara. ATMs are widespread throughout the country and credit cards are widely accepted in most establishments.

Generally, the best time to visit Ankara is during April, May, September, and October as they are pleasantly warm. The summer months from June through to September are very hot.

Ankara Esenboğa Airport is the international airport of Ankara, the capital city of Turkey. The airport is located northeast of Ankara, some 28 km from the city center.

Travel Insurance

Just like anywhere else, we advise getting travel insurance when traveling to Ankara, because it would cover not only medical problems but also theft and loss of valuables.

Ankara Weather Averages (Temperatures)

• Average High/Low Temperature

Turkey - Safety by City

• Where to Next?

4 Reviews on Ankara

Ankara very safe generally.

I lived in Ankara for 18 months, home at the time was London. Never had any incidents of personal danger at any point, and this included wandering home from clubs and bars at 2am or later.

Public transport is excellent and a token of how safe the city is. On municipal buses you use a prepaid travel card. The buses are so crowded that what usually happens is that you pass your card down to the front of the bus, somebody touches the machine at the front and the card makes its way back down the bus to you. Now the first time I did this I thought ‘ I’ll get somebody else’s card back with half the credit’ that never happened. Similarly, on a dolmus (small mini buses) you pay with cash. You pass your money down the bus when it’s busy and you always get the right money back. It sums up the general honesty of the place.

I was living in Çankaya and the only other general worry was the packs of stray dogs. They are mostly harmless and look more worrying than they are.

The only negative experience I ever had was on National Day in October. Police were just overly heavy handed. Oh, and everybody smokes (I am convinced Turkish people don’t smoke after sex but during it!). Finally, as a pedestrian drivers are oblivious – be careful!

Otherwise, Ankara is one of my favourite cities in the world. A great cafe society and

It was good I was born there and very safe overall risk should be low

Ankara Is A Beautiful City But The Only Trouble Is Altundağ And Sincan Because I Lived In Mamak, The Most Dangerous Districts Of Ankara It’s A Quiet Place But Don’t Go To Gülveren Çankaya Yenimahalle and Mamak are the Best Places

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Article Contents

• Ankara : Safety by City
• Overall Risk
• Transport & Taxis Risk
• Pickpockets Risk
• Natural Disasters Risk
• Mugging Risk
• Terrorism Risk
• Women Travelers Risk
• Weather Averages (Temperatures)
• User Reviews
• Share Your Experience

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U.S. Embassy Ankara, Turkey - ANK

Please follow the steps below before  your immigrant visa interview at the U.S. Embassy in Ankara, Turkey.

Step 1: Register your appointment online

You need to register your appointment online. Registering your appointment provides us with the information we need to return your passport to you after your interview. Registration is free. Click the “Register” button below to register. Each passport holder applying for a visa must register their passport pickup location with Turkish Post (PTT) before coming to the Embassy at: ais.usvisa-info.com/en-tr/iv or calling +90-850 390 2884 (or 703-520-2490 from inside the United States).   

Register >>

Step 2: Get a medical exam in Turkey

As soon as you receive your appointment date, you must schedule a medical exam in Turkey. Click the “Medical Exam Instructions” button below for a list of designated doctors’ offices in Turkey. Please schedule and attend a medical exam with one of these doctors before your interview.

Medical Exam Instructions >>

Step 3: Complete your pre-interview checklist

It is important that you bring all required original and translation documents to your interview. We’ve created a checklist that will tell you what to bring. Please carefully review the checklist and interview Guideline before your interview to avoid any delays.

Pre-Interview Checklist >>

Additional Instructions for Iranian Applicants >>

Step 4: Review interview guidelines

Read our interview guidelines to learn about any special actions that you need to take before your visa interview.

Interview Guidelines >>

Medical Exam Instructions

All immigrant visa applicants, regardless of age, are required to undergo a medical examination by one of the medical doctors or clinics on the following list. Only a physician accredited by the U.S. Embassy can perform this exam. Medical examination results from other physicians are not  accepted.

It is your responsibility to schedule a medical exam with one of the doctors listed below before your interview at the U.S. Embassy.  Failure to complete your medical exam before your visa interview may result in processing delays.

Each applicant is required to show his/her passport as identification at each step of the medical examination process. In some cases, an applicant may need a follow-up examination.

Once the medical exam is completed, the panel physician will electronically send the medical report to the Immigrant Visa Unit.

Note: Fiancé(e), Diversity and Following-to-join Asylee visa applicants receive a sealed medical report which should not be opened prior to the interview.

Medical exam instructions can be found at: tr.usembassy.gov

Approved Physicians:

Dr. Mehmet Ungan Dr. Handan Ungan Atatürk Bulvarı 237/44-45, Ankara Emails: [email protected] , [email protected] , or [email protected] Website: www.doctorun.com Hours: Monday to Friday: 09:00-19:00, Saturday: 9:00-13:00

Items to bring to your medical examination

The doctor will need the following items to complete the medical exam forms:

• Your visa interview appointment letter.
• Your passport.
• Two (2) recently taken passport-sized color photographs.
• A copy of your immunization records (medical records from Iran will not be accepted). 
• If you suffer from a chronic illness, have been treated for any disease, ever had any important operation, or are under psychiatric care, doctors recommend you present your medical file during examination.
• If you are using medicine, bring their names or the boxes of your medicine.
• If you use eyeglasses, bring your glasses with you.
• For women who are pregnant (or planning to become pregnant): Applicants are required to have a chest x-ray. Please be aware that if you prefer not to have a chest x-ray your medical report cannot be completed until the end of your pregnancy. Please consult your obstetrician or physician regarding any health concerns on this subject. When you go to the panel physician’s office for your medical exam, bring a written document from your doctor detailing your decision.
• DS-260 confirmation page.  

Charges for the physical examination and other required tests are to be paid by the visa applicant directly to the examining physician’s practice. Total standard fee is $270, which includes the blood test, urine test, chest x-ray, gonorrhea testing and the physical examination. If further testing is needed additional fees my apply, like sputum smears and culture testing for TB, drug screening test, pregnancy test, etc. Vaccination fee varies from $20 to $200 depending on age and vaccines required.

IMPORTANT NOTE: Applicants ages two (2) years to fourteen (14) years of age must undergo the medical examination at least four (4) work days prior to their scheduled appointment at the embassy. Failure to do so may result in processing delays or rescheduling of initial appointment.

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During the medical exam

The medical examination will include a medical history review, physical examination, and (for applicants 15 years of age or older) chest x-ray, gonorrhea test, blood test and urine test.  Please be prepared to discuss your medical history, medications you are taking, and current treatments you are undergoing. More information on general medical requirements for U.S. immigrants is available on the  Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) website .

U.S. immigration law requires immigrant visa applicants to obtain certain vaccinations prior to the issuance of an immigrant visa. Instructions and procedural guides direct panel physicians who conduct immigrant visa medical examinations to verify that applicants have met the vaccination requirement, or that it is medically inappropriate for the visa applicant to receive them. Current immigrant vaccination requirements are available on  the CDC website . You can also read Frequently Asked Questions about medical examination requirements on Travel.State.Gov .

In order to assist the panel physician and avoid delays in the processing of your visa, all immigrant visa applicants should have their vaccination records available for the panel physician’s review at the time of the medical examination.  Visa applicants should consult with their regular health care provider to obtain a copy of their immunization record, if available. If you do not have a vaccination record, the panel physician will work with you to determine which vaccinations you may need to meet the requirement.  Certain waivers of the vaccination requirement are available upon the recommendation of the panel physician.  Only the panel physician can determine which of the listed vaccinations are medically appropriate for you, given your age, medical history and current medical condition.

IMPORTANT NOTE: Immunization records and other test results from Iran will not be accepted.

After the medical exam

When your examination is completed, the doctor will either provide you with exam results in a sealed envelope or send them directly to the U.S. Consulate. IF GIVEN AN ENVELOPE TO CARRY TO YOUR INTERVIEW,  DO NOT OPEN THIS ENVELOPE. Instead, bring it to your visa interview.

Any x-rays taken will be given to you on a CD. You DO NOT need to bring the CD to your visa interview unless you suffer from tuberculosis. However, you must carry the x-rays with you when you travel to the United States for the first time.

The panel physician will give you a copy of Form DS-3025, which is U.S. Department of State vaccination documentation worksheet. An original will be in your sealed medical package to take to the embassy. Please DO NOT lose your copy of the vaccination documentation sheet. You should make several copies of your Form DS-3025 vaccination sheet because various U.S. authorities will need it after you arrive in the country.

Your medical report must be less than six (6) months old when you enter the United States as an immigrant. The validity of your visa will be limited to the validity of your medical report. Medical reports classified as “Class B1 (TB)” are valid for three (3) months from the date the doctor signed the report. All other medical reports classified as “No apparent disease or defects” are valid for six (6) months after the doctor’s signature date. Expiration date of your medical examination is on the right upper corner of the four-language information sheet attached to your medical package. 

If your case is subject to further administrative processing, or if the processing of your file is delayed due to missing documents, the medical report may expire before your visa is issued. In that case, you would be required to renew all components of the examination and submit a new medical report to our office before you receive your visa.

Pre-Interview Checklist

Please refer to the list at: tr.usembassy.gov  to identify the documents that you must upload to your online application and/or bring with you to the interview. To help avoid delays or a refusal, make sure that you carefully review the interview guidelines for your immigrant visa category and follow the instructions. 

The National Visa Center attempts to collect documents for all files assigned to Ankara. Some files take an extended amount of time, and some documents can expire before your visa interview. In that case, you must bring (and for electronic PIVOT cases upload) updated documents to your interview. 

Uploading/Scanning Documents

If your case is electronic/paperless (PIVOT), all required documents listed below must also be uploaded/scanned to your file in the Department of State’s Consular Electronic Application Center (CEAC) at ceac.state.gov/IV . Failure to upload these documents will cause processing delays. If you need guidance on uploading/scanning your documents, instructions can be found at: tr.usembassy.gov .

Please visit the Reciprocity and Civil Documents by Country to learn more on the civil documents for each country how to obtain them. 

Pre-appointment Document Checklist

For Immigrant Visa Applicants: Complete the DS-260 “Immigrant Visa Electronic Application Form” for each applicant (spouse, children, etc.). The DS-260 is available at: ceac.state.gov/iv/ .

By filling out Form DS-260 (the online immigrant visa application form) accurately and completely, the process will be faster. The applicant's entire employment history is needed, not just the past 10 years. Responses such as "retired" or "self- employed" without an explanation of where the applicant worked will lead to delays. In addition, exact dates of every trip (not just the year) to the United States must be provided. If the applicant stayed more than 6 months in the United States on a tourist visa, he/she must bring to the interview proof that the U.S. Department of Homeland Security granted an extension of stay. Administrative processes can take six months or more. 

Reminder: IR-5 visas (parents of U.S. Citizens) are for individuals only. Separate files and documents are required for each parent. Children under age 21 of IR-5 applicants do not qualify to immigrate on their parent's petition. 

• A copy of your NVC interview letter (does not apply to Diversity Visa, fiancé(e), adoptive, or asylee/refugee applicants).
• Unexpired passport valid for six (6) months beyond your intended date of entry to the United States. 
• Previous passport with valid US. nonimmigrant visa,  if applicable.
• Two (2) color passport-size photographs of each person applying for a visa (5 cm x 5 cm, or 2 inch x 2 inch).  Please review our online photo requirements . For PIVOT (electronic) cases, please bring one per each applicant.   
• Confirmation page from the Form DS-260 Application for an Immigrant Visa you submitted online at ceac.state.gov/iv .
• The applicant must obtain an original or certified copy of their birth certificate and those of any family member immigrating with the applicant.  
• Diversity Visa (DV), Fiancée Visa (K1/K2), Following to join asylees (V92), Following to join refugees (V93) - Medical examination results in a sealed envelope. Other visa categories will be sent directly to the Embassy.
• Original or certified copies of birth certificates for all children of the principal applicant (even if he or she is not accompanying).

Applicants who fall into any category below should bring these additional documents:

For family-based visa applications:  

• The appropriate Form I-864 Affidavit of Support sponsor (if it has not already been submitted to National Visa Center) for each financial sponsor along with a photocopy of the sponsor’s IRS transcript OR their most recent U.S. federal income tax return and corresponding W-2s.  
• Proof of your U.S. petitioner’s status and domicile in the United States (photocopy of a U.S. passport, naturalization certificate, or lawful permanent resident card).  
• Evidence of the relationship between the petitioner and beneficiary. Evidence varies by visa type. If the petitioner is a parent, child, or sibling, bring an original birth certificate with a translation and a photocopy to verify this relationship. For marriage-based or fiancée visas please bring photographs, letters, emails or any other evidence to support your relationship.
• If you are married:   Your original marriage certificate. A certificate is required for all marriages, including those that have been terminated.  
• If the applicant is applying for an IR5 or an F4 visa:   They must bring the original or certified copy of the petitioner’s birth certificate. 
• If you were previously married:   Your original final legal divorce decree, death certificate, or annulment papers. 
• If you are under 14 years of age:   An original power of attorney signed by the petitioner. The power of attorney must be notarized and contain either the passport number or national ID number of the visa applicant.
• If you are older than 16 years of age:  The original police certificate from your country of current residence and countries of previous residence. If these three items are all true, you must bring a more recent police certificate to the interview:

1. You are older than 16 years;

2. You obtained a police certificate more than two years ago; and

3. You still live in the country that issued the police certificate.

If any applicant has lived in any other foreign country for more than 12 months, where a police certificate is available or was arrested for any reason, regardless of how long they lived there, a police certificate is also required from that country. Please visit travel.state.gov for information regarding other country police certificates.

For employment-based visa applications:  Letter from your U.S. employer dated less than one month ago.

If you have ever been convicted of a crime:  Court and criminal records, and a photocopy. If any applicant has been arrested, charged, convicted, or imprisoned in any country, you must obtain a certified copy of each court record and any prison record. Court records should include complete information regarding the circumstance surrounding the crime of which you were convicted and the disposition of the case, including sentence or other penalty or fine imposed. If the court document(s) is not in English, applicants should provide an English translation.

If you have served in any country’s military:   If the applicant has ever served in the military of any country, they must obtain an original or certified copy of their military record. If the applicant is exempted, they must obtain an original or certified copy of their exemption.

If you are adopted and the application to immigrate is based on a parent-child relationship: Applicants must submit the following:

• An original or certified copy of the adoption decree.  

• The legal custody decree if custody occurred before adoption.  

• A statement showing dates and places where the applicant resided with the adoptive parent(s); and

• If the applicant was adopted when ages 16 or 17, evidence that they were adopted with, or after, the adoption of a natural sibling under the age of 16 by the same adoptive parents.  

If you are the petitioner’s stepchild:   The original marriage certificate of the petitioner and your biological parent, along with divorce records for any previous marriages of either parent. If the petitioner or applicant’s natural parent was previously married, the applicant must obtain evidence of the termination of every prior marriage.

If you are applying for a K Visa: After receiving notice of your case being sent to the U.S. Embassy in Ankara, please send an email to [email protected] and provide the beneficiary's email address, full name, and case number for timely processing of your application.  

Interview Guidelines

Rescheduling or cancelling your interview

If you are unable to attend your appointment, you may request to reschedule your immigrant visa appointment 24 hours after the interview date passes through  ais.usvisa-info.com . After you register your original appointment date on this web site please click on "group actions" menu and select "Missed my appointment" and "send request". Once we approve your request, we will provide you further instructions.  If you are unable to attend your original appointment there may be a significant delay before the next available appointment .  

Please note: You need to register your original NVC/KCC appointment online before you can reschedule it. Rescheduling is only possible on a date after your assigned appointment.

If you already have a scheduled appointment and need to request an earlier appointment due to a medical or humanitarian emergency, please log into your account at the official U.S. Department of State Visa Appointment Service site ais.usvisa-info.com and select “Request Expedite” under “Group Actions” and detail the emergency.  

For some family-based and employment preference visa categories, a visa became available within the month you have been scheduled by NVC.

DV applicants should note that visas are numerically limited and must be issued by September 30 of the program year. There is no guarantee that a visa will still be available on the date of your rescheduled interview. Please carefully consult the Visa Bulletin before you decide to reschedule your interview

Updating required interview documents

The National Visa Center attempts to collect documents for all files assigned to Ankara. Some files take an extended amount of time and some documents can expire before your visa interview. In that case, you need to bring updated documents to your interview. Police certificates are NOT required from Iran. However, please note that documents related to military service in Iran are required. 

If your case is electronic (PIVOT), you also need to scan/upload the required documents to your file in the Department of State’s Consular Electronic Application Center (CEAC) at  ceac.state.gov/IV , your CEAC account on ceac.state.gov/ceac/ . To see the uploading/scanning tips, please review the downloadable instructions .

Security screening procedure

All visitors to the U.S. Embassy in Ankara must follow certain security procedures. Any visitor who declines to be screened by U.S. Embassy security personnel will be unable to enter the embassy. To avoid delaying your entry and that of those in line behind you, please bring only what is required for your interview. Please arrive 15 minutes earlier than your scheduled appointment. Please read the US Mission Access Policy before you come to the Embassy. Please do not bring any prohibited items with you

Accompanying persons

The following persons may accompany a visa applicant to their interview: 

• Special Needs Visitors: Applicants may bring ONE person to help if they are elderly, disabled, or a minor child. 
• Interpreters/Translators:   Interviews are conducted in English, Turkish and Farsi.  If you require your interview in another language, you must bring a sworn translator who is certified by a Turkish Notary Public on the day of your interview. The translator must speak English and your native language. Please note that as of March 13, 2023, only English-speaking interpreters/translators will be accepted. Please provide your interpreter's full name, date of birth, copy of his/her ID card/passport bio page and copy of his/her translator certification by sending an email through the Immigrant  Immigrant Visa Navigator  48 hours before your interview. Please make sure that your interpreter brings his/her original documents. Petitioners or family members (unless they are also applying for visa with you as a derivative applicant), cannot act as a translator. 

Attorneys and petitioners are not permitted to accompany clients into the waiting room or to their interview without prior approval from the consular section.

Immigrant visa fees

If you have not paid all required fees to either the National Visa Center or via the appointment website, please be prepared to pay these fees on the day of your interview. 

All fees may be paid either in U.S. dollars or Turkish Lira via cash or credit card. Please bring exact change for each applicant. This fee is non-refundable, whether a visa is issued or not. 

Please note that if you are found ineligible to receive a visa, the application fee cannot be refunded. You can find a complete list of fees at Fees for Visa Services .

Do not make travel plans to leave Turkey

If your visa is approved, we will keep your passport at the embassy while we prepare your immigration packet and print a visa for your passport.

Please note If your case is electronic/paperless:  Previously all first-time immigrant travelers to the United States were required to hand-carry an Immigrant Visa (IV) packet and present it at the U.S. Port of Entry to the Customs and Border Protection authorities. In 2017, the Department of State began to use an online application center to collect, review, and process the required documents previously contained in the IV packet. IV packets are now transmitted electronically to Customs and Border Protection and are accessible at the U.S. Port of Entry.  Any immigrant traveler carrying a visa with a special annotation (IV Docs in CCD) is not required to hand-carry an IV packet. We will return your passport to you later via Turkish Postal Office (PTT) courier services only to your registered PTT branch If you have to travel within Turkey while your passport is with us, please make sure you have a valid picture ID other than your passport. 

A consular officer can make a decision on a visa application only after reviewing the formal application and interviewing the applicant. There is no guarantee that you will receive a visa. Do not sell your house, car or property, resign from your job or make non-refundable flight or other travel arrangements until you have received your immigrant visa.

If more infomation is needed

Sometimes a consular officer is unable to make a decision on a visa application because he/she needs to review additional documents, or the case requires further administrative processing. When additional documents are requested, the consular officer will give you a refusal letter that asks you to submit additional documents. The letter will include instructions on how to send those documents to the embassy.

If your application was denied because documentation or information is missing, you can provide the missing documents or information as soon as possible. After submitting the documentation, your visa application can then be processed to conclusion to determine whether you qualify for a visa. You have one year from the date you were refused a visa to submit the additional information. Otherwise, if you do not provide the required additional information within one year, you must reapply for the visa and pay another application fee. 

If your application requires further administrative processing, this takes additional time after your interview. Processing times can vary based on individual circumstances

After Your Visa Interview

Sending documents to the U.S. Embassy in Ankara after the interview

Please send all of the missing documents along with your passports at once as soon as possible. 

Documents may be submitted to the U.S Embassy via any courier service and must also be uploaded/scanned to your file in the Department of State’s Consular Electronic Application Center (CEAC) at ceac.state.gov/IV , for electronic/paperless cases. If you need help uploading your documents, please see the downloadable instructions .

If you are registered with Turkish Postal Office (PTT), you may send documents via PTT. For more information on courier services, please visit our consular service provider at: ais.usvisa-info.com/en-tr/iv/information/courier .  

If you need to upload any missing document, please do not request document review via e-mail unless you submitted all of the required documents and passport. 

If your case requires further administrative processing, please send all of the missing documents along with your valid passport after receiving processing completed confirmation via email from the Embassy. 

Once you provide the documents, a consular officer will review your case to ensure each applicant meets eligibility and admissibility criteria. You will receive a decision as soon as the reviewing is completed. 

If you already submitted additional documents for your case as requested by the Embassy, please note that it takes an average of 5-10 business days for a consular officer to reassess your case.  Due to the volume of mail received,  you will not be notified of receipt of your documents unless we require additional information.  Please refrain from sending multiple emails with the same inquiry.  Once the additional information is evaluated, we will notify you of required further steps. 

For any questions regarding the return of your passport or change of selected delivery option, please contact our Visa Service Provider at: ais.usvisa-info.com/en-tr/iv/information/contact_us . Further information on document delivery is available at ais.usvisa-info.com/en-tr/iv/information/courier .   

Administrative Process

We will place your immigrant visa on a page in your passport. Please review your visa to make sure there are no spelling errors. If applicable, we will also give you a sealed envelope containing documents that you must give to U.S. immigration authorities when you arrive in the United States for the first time. Do not open this envelope. You must carry it with you; do not put it in your checked luggage.  If you receive X-rays during your medical examination, carry those with you and give them to the U.S. immigration authorities. 

Please note if your case is electronic/paperless:  The Department of State began to use an online application center to collect, review, and process the required documents previously contained in the IV packet. IV packets are now transmitted electronically to Customs and Border Protection and are accessible at the U.S. Port of Entry.  Any immigrant traveler carrying a visa with a special annotation (IV Docs in CCD) is not required to hand-carry an IV packet.     

USCIS Immigrant Fee – All individuals who are issued immigrant visas overseas must pay an Immigrant Fee to U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) prior to traveling to the United States. This fee is for processing your residency status and printing your Permanent Resident Card. The only people exempt from paying this fee are: children entering the United States under the Hague Process, returning residents, and people traveling on a K visa. Please refer to USCIS Immigrant Fee to make the payment.

When You Should Travel – You must enter the United States before the expiration date on your visa, which is usually six months from the date of your medical exam. Your visa cannot be extended and all fees are nonrefundable. The principal applicant must enter before or at the same time as other family members with visas. Children who turn 21 years after visa issuance must enter the United States before they turn 21 years old; otherwise they will lose their immigrant status. 

Getting a Green Card – Your Form I-551 Permanent Resident Card, also known as a green card, will be automatically mailed to the address in the United States that you write in your visa application form. This is a very important document that proves you have permission to reside in the United States. Do not travel outside of the United States until you receive your Permanent Resident Card. Once your card is issued, you should not stay outside of the United States for more than one year. If you do, you will lose your status as a Lawful Permanent Resident. 

Children’s Issues – Children are required to have certain vaccinations before they can enroll in school in the United States. Therefore, we recommend that you bring your child’s complete vaccination records with you to the United States. Additionally, if your child is adopted, you have full custody as a result of a divorce, or you share custody with the child’s other parent, we recommend that you bring a copy of all applicable adoption or custodial papers from the authoritative court in your home country. You will likely need these papers (translated into English) in the United States for issues such as school enrollment, medical care, and eventual citizenship.

Information for New Immigrants – Please visit the USCIS web page for helpful information on moving to the United States under " Welcome to the  United States: A Guide for New Immigrants ".

Diversity Visa Applicants - Additional Information

If you are interviewing for a Diversity Visa (DV), all of the above instructions apply to you. Please schedule and attend a medical examination prior to your visa interview; enroll in the required courier service; and gather the required documents. For more detailed explanation of qualification criteria and required documents please refer to “ Instructions for Diversity Visas ”.

Below are additional instructions that apply only to DV applicants. 

Bring to your interview

In addition to the documents listed on the Pre-Interview Checklist in this package, DV applicants should also bring the following items to your visa interview:

• Appointment information printed from the “Entrant Status Check” on the E-DV website .
• Documents showing that you have either a qualifying high school education OR have two years of qualifying work experience in the last five (5) years immediately prior to application (for the principal applicant only; more information is available on our  Diversity Visa Process webpage ).

Proof of finances (assets, savings, job offer in the U.S. or U.S. citizen sponsor)  

I-134 Affidavit of Support – In order to demonstrate qualification for entry at the time of visa adjudication, diversity visa applicants must demonstrate to a consular officer that they possess the financial resources to pay for reasonably foreseeable living and medical costs. Visa applicants must establish that they would not become a public charge after entering the United States. That determination is based on a consular officer’s assessment of the totality of the circumstances, including the age; health; family status; assets, resources, and financial status; and education and skills. Diversity Visa application fee: Please bring exact change in the amount of $330 U.S. dollars per applicant. You can pay in cash in TL or U.S. dollars, or by credit card. This fee is non-refundable, whether a visa is issued or not.

Review your DV Lottery entry

Prior to your visa interview, we recommend that you review the data on your initial E-DV entry. On your initial E-DV application, you must have correctly entered your marital status. If you are legally married you must have listed your spouse, even if you are currently separated from him/her (unless your spouse is a U.S. citizen or Lawful Permanent Resident). Additionally, you must have listed ALL of your living children who are unmarried and under 21 years old. This includes your natural children, your spouse’s children, or children you have formally adopted in accordance with the laws of your country.

Primary applicants must have either a high school decree or two years of work experience within the past five years in an occupation that requires at least two years of training or experience to perform/an occupation in Job Zone 4 has an SVP range of 7.0 to < 8.0 (7.0 to less than 8.0). O*Net Online. This information and links were provided in your DV appointment letter. 

If you do not meet one of these criteria or found ineligible for an immigrant visa on another ground, your application will be denied, and your application fee(s) will not be refunded. 

COMMON DISQUALIFIERS INCLUDE:

• Providing inaccurate biographic information (name, date of birth, place of birth, passport number) at the time of entering the DV Lottery, 

• Failure to list spouse and all children at the time of entering the DV Lottery. You must have listed ALL of your living children who are unmarried and under 21 years old. This includes your natural children, your spouse’s children, or children you have formally adopted in accordance with the laws of your country, 

• Failure to choose a “Foreign State of Chargeability” to which you are not eligible at the time of entering the DV Lottery - For example, you were born in Iran, and you chose Turkey as your country of eligibility

• Failure to overcome public charge (e.g., you must provide evidence that you will not require U.S. government assistance during your transition to the United States) 

You can review the eligibility requirements at  Diversity Visa Process webpage .

This information is designed to prevent common problems faced by Iranian applicants. It is not a list of visa requirements.

Children’s issues

If a one-time-only exit stamp can be obtained for the child applicant, contact the embassy before the interview to make sure the file is complete to avoid a possibly lengthy wait in Turkey.

Last Updated: 3/21/2023

Contact Information

U.S. Embassy Ankara 1480 Sokak No. 1 Çukurambar Mahallesi 06530 Çankaya, Ankara, Türkiye

Other Links

Diversity Visa Instructions After Your Interview Frequently Asked Questions Turkey Document Guide

Interview Preparation Video

External Link

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Istanbul Insider

Istanbul travel guide and advice by locals.

How to Get an Istanbul Kart, and is it Worth It

Last updated: September 13, 2024

Istanbul Kart (Istanbul Card) is in essence an all-round public transportation boarding pass. To immediately answer the question raised in the title: yes it is worth getting one if you plan to use public transportation multiple times during your stay in Istanbul. So, unless you prefer to do everything on foot or take a taxi to get around, please do continue reading to find out where to get it, how to use it, and the advantages it has.

What is Istanbul Kart?

The card was introduced in 2009. It’s a contactless or RFID (Radio-frequency identification) card for public transportation fare payment. It has the exact same size as a regular credit card, so it fits perfectly in your wallet. The card is pre-paid and easily rechargeable.

The Advantages of Istanbul Kart

There are quite a few advantages to getting an Istanbul Kart as opposed to buying a token or a ticket every time you’re going to use public transportation.

• Multi-Purpose — This single card enables you to pay for multiple types of transportation: buses, metros, ferries, funiculars, and tramways (yes, even the nostalgic one running on Istiklal Caddesi). Moreover, most of these transportation types no longer accept cash payments, so you’ll have to buy some kind of token or ticket before boarding anyway.
• Pre-Paid — Istanbul Kart is a prepaid and rechargeable card. This means that you don’t have to stand in line (and maybe miss the bus or tram) to get a valid boarding pass every time you plan to make use of public transportation. And uploading more credits can be done at designated machines, most of the time without a queue in front of you.

• Ease of Use — It is not necessary to bring the Istanbul Kart in contact with the reader. You can pay for your fare by ‘waving’ the smart card within 8 cm (3.1 in) of the reader. In most cases, you don’t even have to take it out of your wallet, purse, or light handbag. Upon making a successful payment, the reader will make a sound and the screen will light up showing the amount left on the card. In case of insufficient funds, the screen will read Kontör Yetersiz .
• Multiple Travelers — There is no need to buy multiple cards since one Istanbul Kart can be used for up to 5 passengers. After paying the fare for the first passenger, let him or her hop on or pass through the turnpike, wait a few seconds, and again wave the card in front of the reader. Personally, I recommend not to use the card for more than 3 people. During Covid-19 every person needed to have his or her personal card linked to a HES code, but that is no longer necessary.
• Discounts — There used to be discounts while transferring from one line to the other, but this has been disabled for users of anonymous Istanbul Cards (read: foreigners).

Where to Get an Istanbul Kart?

The easiest way to get the Istanbul Kart is at major transit stops.

• Istanbul Airport : the Istanbul card vending machines are located at floor -2. Just follow the sign to reach the HavaIst shuttles and you can’t miss.
• Sabiha Gökçen Airport : after existing the arrivals terminal, cross the street and look for the kiosk selling Istanbul public transportation cards.
• Metro and tram stations : most metro and tram stations across the city have vending machines where you can buy and/or top-up your Istanbul Kart.

How to Buy an Istanbul Kart?

There are many types of Istanbul cards, but the one most suitable for tourists is the anonymous ( anonim ) card, without a picture. To buy an anonim Istanbul Card, follow these simple steps:

• Find a vending machine, and locate on the screen a list item that says istanbulkart – 130 TL . If you don’t find it in the list of options, move on the another machine. Some of these machines only allow you to add more money to your card.
• Once you located that entry, press the button where the arrow points at. A new screen will appear, which will read: Para: 0.00 TL, Adet: 1 , and Süre: 19 . This basically means you plan to buy one card, and you have 19 seconds left to pay for your Istanbul card.
• Where it reads Kağıt para girişi , feed the machine with Turkish banknotes. I suggest inserting more than the non-refundable 130 TL fee (for the actual card). Whatever extra amount you provide will be added to the card’s credit and can later be used for public transportation. Of course, until you run out of credits and need to top-up your card again. You’ll notice the ‘para’ amount change as you insert more money.
• Once you’re done, press the Onay button at the top right of the screen and wait for the card to fall into the tray below.

How to Reload the Istanbul Kart?

To reload the card, use the same self-service machines at major transit stations.

• Put your Istanbul card on the white pad on the righthand side of the machine.
• Once it reads your card, it shows the following on-screen information: para: 0.00 TL (the money you uploaded), Bakiye: 12,75 TL (the money left on your card), and Süre: 29 (seconds left to finalize your transaction).
• Where it reads Kağıt para girişi , feed the machine with Turkish banknotes. The machines accept notes of 10, 20, 50, 100 and 200 TL. Don’t remove your card until you see a new screen appear with a green check symbol, as well as the amount you topped-up and your new credit amount on your Istanbul card.
• There is a monthly 2750 TL topup limit.

Further Recommended Reading

• Istanbul Transportation Map with Places of Interest
• Use Public Transportation in Istanbul to Reach Most Places of Interest
• Istanbul Taxi Fares Every Tourist Ought To Know

September 3, 2024 at 8:43 pm

Hi I intend staying at Clarion Hotel Golden Horn. However it seems that the public transport link in this area is very weak. No metro, just an Otobus stop some 800 meters away. Do you recommend this area for living OR it would be too difficult in terms of travel/ linkage to the city through public transport; especially late evening night returns. Thanks for all your efforts and guidance.

Erlend says

September 4, 2024 at 10:41 pm

This hotel wouldn’t be my first choice based on its location. You’ll spend quite a bit of extra time finding your way to common sightseeing spots.

September 1, 2024 at 2:01 am

Hello Whats the maximum of the card I heard that it’s going to stop after u use 500 lira is that true

September 1, 2024 at 6:46 pm

That seems to be the case if within one month, that’s 33 rides, although I’ve never experienced it personally. That’s why I always reccommend to buy one kart per party of two. If you reach the limit, just buy another card ( still only about 2 Euro) and keep exploring the city.

September 4, 2024 at 1:10 am

That’s 25 rides. As 20 tl per ride.

September 2, 2024 at 8:22 am

The 500 TL limit does not apply anymore.

August 30, 2024 at 2:53 pm

Hi, thanks for the detailed information. I have two questions based on comments of others:

1. Is it true that Istanbulkart costs 130 TL as opposed to 70 TL if purchased at the vending machines at the airport?

2. If the above is true, and I decide to just get a normal ticket to get to my hotel, is it possible to ride the metro with a one-time ticket? (i.e. are there metro machines selling tickets or do they only sell Istanbulkart/passes?)

Thank you in advance!

August 31, 2024 at 5:14 pm

1. it shouldn’t be 2. yes, but you need a ticket per passenger and per line you take

August 17, 2024 at 8:46 am

I’d like to say thank you for the incredible time and energy your have put into answering peoples questions.

August 18, 2024 at 2:50 pm

Thanks a lot Tanya.

Anna Juangco says

August 5, 2024 at 5:39 am

Hi! Is the ten pass good for ferries and the funicular too? Thank you!

August 5, 2024 at 3:59 pm

Sure, you can use the 10-pass for ten times. But for the Marmaray.

August 3, 2024 at 4:09 pm

Hello! How long is valid a single ticket? For example, in Bucharest you can use more buses in a period of 90 minutes. In other cities it is valid only on a single bus.

August 3, 2024 at 11:05 pm

No, you must pay for every ride.

July 28, 2024 at 8:18 pm

Hi, 1. May I know metro operating hour? 2. May I know tram operating hour? 3. Im planning to visit hagia sophia from taksim hotel, unfortunely refer to citymappers all metro start from 11AM. Is it true? So any alternatif to go hagia early in the morning?

July 28, 2024 at 11:03 pm

Have you seen this page on public transportation for tourists ?

July 16, 2024 at 10:08 am

Hi, my wife and I are arriving in December 2024, 48 hour layover. Our hotel is in the Emin Sinan area. We are considering Metro from Airport to Hotel, we arrive early morning, and the next morning a shuttle from Hotel to Airport. 1. Do you recommend Metro at arrival and do we buy a kart and is there a direct metro from Airport to that area?

2. Any suggestions for day visit would be appreciated and is it possible to walk every where?

July 16, 2024 at 10:20 pm

Have you had a look at these options to get to the town center from the airport ? If you can arrange for a pickup to go from the hotel to the airport, why not the other way around, too?

July 14, 2024 at 11:08 pm

You are very generous for sharing all this information with us, and it’s really detailed :).

Can I ask you a few things too, if you don’t mind?

1. I read that I can buy the Istanbulkart at the airport. Can I use Mastercard to pay at the vending machine?

2. If I need to pay by cash, should I change all the money I’m going to spend in Turkey at the money changer at the airport? I’ve read that the fee is quite high.

3. From the IST Airport, I want to go to my hotel in Fatih. Can I get there using public transportation? I see that you always emphasize not using taxis but using public transportation.

4. Can I top up my Istanbulkart using Mastercard? Or do the vending machines only accept cash?

5. Do you know any recommended money changers around Fatih?

Looking forward to your reply and thank you very much for helping me out :).

July 15, 2024 at 11:48 am

Hi, 1. I don’t think so, better to have cash ready. 2. No, at the airport, only exchange just enough to get you to the city center. The fees at the airport are not in your favor. 3. Yes, it’s best not to use taxis. Use the Havaist shuttle (plus maybe a small taxi ride from the stop to the hotel) or use a private shuttle service (airport to hotel door) 4. No, most only accept cash. 5. The one in Sultanahmet is ok. There is also one close to the Aksaray metro stop / havaist bus stop that is ok.

Cyril Antony says

July 18, 2024 at 3:33 pm

If you buy from inside of IST airport istanbul card costs 130 TK. Buy from outside.

Don’t exchange Lira inside Airport.

The Google rate was 100 euros = 3600 TK. I got 2870 TK. So 20% commission.

The ATM inside the airport takes flat 10% commission + markup of your respective card. So if your card has 2 or 3 % markup , better use ATM inside airport.

Or don’t exchange. Everywhere Euros / USD accepted or visa/ mastercard accepted

July 4, 2024 at 6:59 pm

I am coming in August to Istanbul Guide best & economic route from airport to SultanAhmet area hotel

July 5, 2024 at 11:43 pm

Have you read my post on how to go from the airport to town?

July 8, 2024 at 4:00 am

Hi is there a bus that drops you off at a Marmaray station? Thanks

July 9, 2024 at 9:22 pm

A bus from where?

June 28, 2024 at 4:44 pm

Next week, I will arrive in IST in an hour before sunset then will continue my flight from SAW to NL in the next morning at 8AM. During the transit time, will explore either Sultanahmet or Taksim area before heading to SAW (I’d prefer not to stay in hotel, would like to stay in SAW from midnight or early morning. Then will be back to Istanbul for 4 nights on 3rd week of July.

My questions are: 1. As checked through official website of bus (Havabus and IETT) to SAW from Taksim or Kadikoy, the last operational hour is 22.00 but I didn’t find the last hour of Metro M4 from Kadikoy to SAW since their website is totally can’t be accessed at all. May I know what time the last hours and early hours of operational Metro M4?

2. If I buy Istanbul Kart during my transit time, is that card can be used again for my next visit on 3rd week of July?

Many thanks in advance for your response and advise.

June 29, 2024 at 4:31 pm

1. from 06-00 till 0:00 2. yes

Randy Roeder says

June 27, 2024 at 6:52 pm

My wife and I will be in Istanbul for 13 days in October. We are considering buying two Mega Museum Passes for the first full seven days. Because these Mega Passes include a transportation card, I assume there will be no need to purchase an Unlimited Public Transportation Card (or any other type of transportation card) for those first seven days.

Is my assumption correct?

June 27, 2024 at 9:09 pm

Personally, I don’t think the Mega Pass is such a good deal. Also, always read the details. For instance, the transportation card includes only a few rides, after that you’ll need to upload more money to it, just like your regular Istanbul Card.

Please, also have a look at the Istanbul e-pass (and my review) , and compare both, then make your decision.

June 27, 2024 at 4:40 pm

Will my antalyakart card work in istanbul, thank you

June 27, 2024 at 5:59 pm

99% sure it won’t.

June 25, 2024 at 10:42 am

Hello！ I’m a traveler. I plan to use the tram and metro a lot. Is there a limit to the charge amount? Thank　you

June 25, 2024 at 6:33 pm

There is a limit, but for a single user I doubt you’ll reach it. For larger groups I suggest to buy one card for every two travellers.

Jaehee says

June 11, 2024 at 4:06 pm

hello, if i buy 3 pass ticket instead of istanbul kart then i can use it 3 times or 3 person use it at ones?

there are only 3 pass ticket? or more than 3-pass ticket?

June 12, 2024 at 9:54 am

1 ticket is for one person and for 1 ride.

June 12, 2024 at 12:50 pm

so what is 3-pass ticket? i saw it on the monitor of ticket machine…

and the fee is 80 TL

there are no more 3-pass ticket?

June 13, 2024 at 9:34 am

The 3-pass ticket gives you 3 rides. 3 rides for 1 person, or 1 ride for 3 people.

September 14, 2024 at 5:54 pm

Thanks for this answer. I was wondering the same thing.

June 11, 2024 at 1:39 pm

Hi We are a family of 4 we’re travelling in Eid el adha 1- I heard that the transportation is free during that time is that true ? And if it is for how many days does it stay for free ?

2- We reserved a hotel kind of far from the city centre so we need from 2 to 3 types of transportation just to get to the centre so we will pay almost 100 lira for each person per day ,so how much should we put in the Istanbul card ?

3- I know that 1 ride cost almost 17 lira does that apply for Istanbul cards also or does it have a different price ?

4- is it better to buy Istanbul city card or regular card since we will use a lot of transportation rides

June 12, 2024 at 10:00 am

Hi, 1. yes, normally all non-privately run public transportation is free. 2. no need to put money for the whole holiday all at once, just add a bit every day. It’s super easy and can be done at almost every station. 3. That’s the Istanbul Card price. 4. You have to do your own calculations, but almost always the regular Istanbul Kart is more economical.

Carien says

June 1, 2024 at 12:08 pm

Hi Can I purchase Istanbulkart online?

June 1, 2024 at 5:20 pm

May 28, 2024 at 1:10 pm

can this card be used to pay for bosphorous ferries?

May 28, 2024 at 4:15 pm

Bosphorus ferries, yes. Bosphorus tour, no.

Islamul says

May 22, 2024 at 12:08 am

Hi there, Can I use my international credit card to purchase Istanbulkart from the machine? Or do I need to use cash only ?

May 27, 2024 at 9:54 am

Plan to have some cash on you.

July 19, 2024 at 11:43 am

Credit card option is available at the vending machines.

Mahmood says

May 5, 2024 at 2:41 am

What is the address of rooftop restaurant (kubbe) in Istanbul

Thank you in advance

May 6, 2024 at 6:26 pm

Fetva Yokuşu. Güneş Han No:3 Kat 3/4/5 Süleymaniye, Istanbul

It’s more a cafe than a restaurant.

April 29, 2024 at 9:16 am

Do istanbulkarts expire, or can I use it again in a few years? I just left turkey and realized I still have lira on the card

April 29, 2024 at 8:33 pm

Yes, you can reuse them.

April 24, 2024 at 6:44 pm

Hello, we’re three adults planning a four day visit in May. We plan to use public transport as much as possible. How much do we need to load up our Istanbul card so we’re mostly covered?

April 26, 2024 at 11:06 pm

This all depends on how often you plan to use public transportation, and with how many people, and how many cards per person. Just think like this: every ride costs 18 TL per person. Do this times the amount of rides and persons, and devide it by the amount of Istanbul Cards you (will) have, and you’re all set. Also, keep in mind that the card is non-refundable and that topping-up along the way is really easy.

April 22, 2024 at 9:32 pm

Thanks for this. I heard we can top up using a card – is that true? Secondly, can we use a contactless card instead of the Istanbulkart card?

April 23, 2024 at 6:38 pm

No, most machines take cash only. You cannot pay with a regular card on public transport like trams, busses, metro.

June 28, 2024 at 12:52 pm

You can use any debit or credit card. I just used my debit card for all public transport recently in İstanbul

Florin says

April 17, 2024 at 12:14 pm

In the end of this month I will fly to Istanbul and spend 4 days there, we will be two persons. I am kindly asking you to help me with some advices and info: 1. I understood that I can purchase the Istanbul Kart from the machines in the IST airport, but I must have TL for this? Is it possible to pay using euro or the card? 2. I should pay using Istanbul Kart for each time when I am switching the transport or during an entire hour I can use more buses/trams/metros just with the initial touch? 3. After checking a little bit the route from the IST airport to my hotel in Sultanahmet, I see that I must take HVIST 12 and switch after with metro T1. Is ok to use Istanbul Kart for this two public transportations? Do you know how much it will cost me, per person? 4. When I am leaving Istanbul, I should be in IST airport at 5 am. Please advice me about the transportation solutions, taking into consideration this very early hour of check out from the hotel.

April 17, 2024 at 6:02 pm

Hi, 1. yes, TL 2. you must pay for every ride 3. no, Havaist is with credit card at the bus, or cash at the sales booth 4. I would have the hotel arrange a trustworthy taxi, or arrange for a private shuttle.

mehmed says

May 10, 2024 at 11:13 am

hi, you can buy istanbul kart at the station tram or metro and pay with your credit card.

new istanbul kart price is 70TL and top up as u need

April 14, 2024 at 10:00 am

Hi, I’ll have abt 12 hrs layover in IST. My plan will land at 1.30pm and my next flight is scheduled on 1.30 am . I have been craving for Karakoy Gulluoglu, last time I had was years ago. I still have my Istanbul Kart from years ago, is it expired? Also, do u think I can make it to Gulluoglu, do some quick shopping within the time frame? I’m thinking of taking the train from the Airport. TIA, ur site has been very helpful.

April 14, 2024 at 10:21 pm

The card should still work. If not, a new one costs less that $2. You should make it, certainly since you’ll be traveling outside rush hours. Just to make sure not to miss your flight I would arrange for a private shuttle to get you back to the airport, or check the operating schedule of the metro and go one extra hour early!

Nabil M. says

April 8, 2024 at 1:59 am

Hello, Thank you for the good information and service you’re providing. I plan to visit Istanbul in May with my wife staying at Sultanahmet.

1. Let’s say we want to go to Eminönü, what’s the best way to do so 2. If we decide to ride the tram, how often does the tram come by (where can I find schedule) 3. Will Istanbul card expire after sometime (in case want to revisit again in the future).

April 8, 2024 at 10:47 am

If you’re in average physical shape, you can walk downhill from Sultanahmet to Eminönü. Just follow the tramline. Of course, you can also take the tramway for two to three stops. The tram runs every 5-10 minutes. Here’s more info on public transportation in Istanbul .

Swapna says

March 20, 2024 at 7:13 am

Hello, This website is so useful!!

I am travelling to Istanbul in 2 days. I am planning to get Transportation kart on IST Airport. I need help finding out what is the combination of transports I need to take to go to the Sultanhmat.

On City mapper it shows – M11 + M2 + T6 is that correct?

March 22, 2024 at 12:12 am

Have you seen this post on how to get to the city center from the Istanbul airport ?

Melinda duPlessis says

March 14, 2024 at 12:12 pm

Hi What will be be the best transport to get from IST airport to the Marriot hotel in Pendik?

March 14, 2024 at 7:18 pm

I would take the havaist to the Sabiha Gokçen airport (SAW), and from there take a taxi. It’s only 10 km from the airport. If you can fly on SAW, even better of course.

March 14, 2024 at 1:14 am

thanks for the great article! really useful. With you insight, could you recommend what time to book the taxi for considering the flight is at 21:50 on a wednesday – assuming at least three hours before, would 1 hour to get to the airport be ok? say around 5.30 (rush hour).

also, can we use the transport card for 4 people?

Thanks in advance!

March 14, 2024 at 7:15 pm

Hi Chris, what is your departure point? I wouldn’t count on using the Istanbul Kart for taxis.

March 15, 2024 at 3:54 am

Hello, the departure point is by the Hagia Sofia (staying at the Hilton Curio in the area) and booking through the website you kindly provided above – I booked for pick up at 17:20 hoping this will give plenty of time.

in regards for the Istanbul Kart, I meant this for the public transport around the city, would you suggest 1 per person or will 1 card for 4 people suffice?

March 15, 2024 at 11:08 pm

That should be ok, but don’t delay it any more. As for the Istanbul Card, I always suggest one card for 2 people, so two cards for a party of 4. The reasoning: ease of use (you don’t want to be delayed because one card has to open the turnpikes 4 tines), what if you got split up somehow, and lastly, there is a limit to the amount you can upload in a month. If you use public transport a lot (which you should, avoid taxis at all times !) then 2 cards is the way to go. And let’s face it, the actual price of a card is about 1 Euro, it really won’t break the bank.

Have a great time!

Anna S says

February 19, 2024 at 12:54 pm

First of all, thank you for the article. It is indeed helpful.

We are two and planning to visit Istanbul for 4 days. Can you please advise me: 1. Is there any public transport to go to our hotel in Güvenlik Caddesi, Fatih from SAW airport? 2. If so, what should be my steps? Should I purchase Istanbul card in Airport without getting scammed? 3. Is it wise to purchase vodafone in airport? 4. For 4 days, any suggestion to top up my istanbul card for 2 people? 5. If we do not consume all topped up amount in card, can we get refund before leaving the country? 5. Which taxi app do you recommend between Bitaksi and Uber?

February 19, 2024 at 3:08 pm

1. have you had a look at this post on how to get from SAW to Sultanahmet ? Once you’re in Eminönü by ferry, take the T1 tram to Kabatas but get off in Aksaray. From there, your hotel is a 500 meter walk away. You may want to consider taking a private shuttle from SAW directly to your hotel . Yes, it’s more expensive, but less of hassle and no worries. 2. Buy the Istanbul Card from a vending machine and you should be ok. 3. No, not at all, you’ll pay double the price. 4. Top up as you go, no need to fill it for the whole duration in one go 5. no 6. Neither, they are bit run by regular taxis. Just don’t use taxis ! Do everything on foot or with public transportation .

March 11, 2024 at 6:51 pm

Get an ESIM from Airalo super easy to instal and cheap for all your DATA requirements

Carolina Marques says

April 20, 2024 at 2:10 am

What if my phone is no compatible with eSIM apps? What are the best alternatives?

Thank you btw, this website is super helpful!

April 20, 2024 at 7:24 pm

Maybe just swap sims, and stay in touch with home via WhatsApp?

Leonardo Mattos says

January 31, 2024 at 5:44 pm

Going to Istanbul with my wife next June 2024. I intend to take the yellow taxi from the international airport to Sultanahmet (where my hotel is located). I read that the taxis use meters to charge the passengers.

Questions: a) Do they charge any extra to carry two regular size luggage? b) Can I rely on the taxi meter or are there any scams with tourists? c) Do they take credit cards or only cash? d) if they take only cash is there any good place to change money at the airport?

Thanks, Leo from Brazil

February 1, 2024 at 9:46 am

Taxis must use meters (but some are tampered with), and they can’t charge extra for luggage. The rule is that they must accept cards, but they will often pretend that their machine is broken. But please, don’t use a taxi in Istanbul unless you really have to. Have you read this post on how to get to Sutanahmet from the airport ? And once you’re in the city center, use the public transportation , it works really well, especially the trams and metros.

January 23, 2024 at 12:36 pm

How much money should I load onto the card? What is the cost of a one-way trip? For example from Kabatas to Sultanahmet

January 23, 2024 at 8:16 pm

Hi, that really depends on how often you’ll take public transportation of course. As a rule of thumb, think that one way is about 18 TL per person.

January 16, 2024 at 1:41 pm

I’m travelling in a group of 4 adults for 5 days Istanbul and residing in Uskudar during our stay.

Is istanbulkart still the way to go or the istanbul city card? Thank you

January 17, 2024 at 12:40 am

I’d go for the Istanbul Kart.

January 6, 2024 at 1:02 am

Where can be use 10 pass ticket? On metro, tram, bus, Marmaray and trajekt?

January 7, 2024 at 6:56 pm

Not on Marmaray since the max price is higher than the single ticket price.

January 23, 2024 at 10:51 pm

So if I buy 10 Pass ticket on airport it can be used on metro, tram, bus and ferry. Is there ticket just for Marmaray? I need it just for two stops.

Can one 10 Pass ticket be used for more people?

January 25, 2024 at 8:03 pm

Yes, but it may not apply for Marmaray, since that ticket is more expensive.

DIlshad says

December 31, 2023 at 11:23 am

Hello, How can I travel to Florya mall from sultanahmet using Istanbul card, and what should be the sufficient fund required in the card for Three persons.

Is there discount applicable for kids aged 6 & 1?

December 31, 2023 at 1:41 pm

Take the Marmaray train in the Sirkeci train station in the direction of Halkali, and get off at the Florya stop. It will cost 33 TL per person per ride. Children up to 6 don’t have to pay.

Jayati Shah says

December 5, 2023 at 10:39 am

Can i pick up the card from airport

December 7, 2023 at 9:59 pm

Normally, yes.

Eleni Kanaki says

December 2, 2023 at 11:40 pm

I own a istanbulkart since 2014, is it still valid of i mist get a new one?

December 3, 2023 at 7:36 pm

It should still work

December 19, 2023 at 11:33 pm

Hello.. did it work for you?

Minette says

November 15, 2023 at 4:07 pm

Hi! We are 2 people going to Istanbul for about 4 days but will only use transportation about 7 times. Would it be better to but a pass with tickets or the Istanbul

November 15, 2023 at 7:11 pm

So, that’s in total minimum 27 rides. Just for easo of use, I would buy two Istanbul Karts.

November 14, 2023 at 12:36 am

Hi, thanks for the article. I seem a bit confused from reading various ones. With the istanbulkart is there the option to load of with an amount for example 50TL or can you load up with a fixed number I trips – for example 10 trips?

Also, does the ticket machine at halkali accept international debit cards as I will need to buy one there as I am getting the train from Sofia. Thanks!

November 14, 2023 at 8:06 pm

You can only add money to your Istanbul Kart. Make it easy on yourself and use cash only. You cannot choose the amount of rides (prices vary for some rides) but only an amount of money.

Abdul Hannan says

November 13, 2023 at 1:08 pm

We have early morning flight from Sabiha Airport, we need to reach airport by 8AM morning, please advise how soon we support reach Taksim Square to get shuttle/bus service to reach on time.

November 14, 2023 at 8:01 pm

That’s so difficult to estimate. It’s based on traffic (over the bridge), which is based on the weather partially, too. I would play safe, and take the bus at least two hours before arrival time.

Dagmar says

November 13, 2023 at 9:58 am

Hi. We are 2 person, tourists in Istanbul now. Tomorrow we will leave. We need to go to Aksaray station, in order to catch shuttle bus to the airport. We need to travel to Aksaray station by tram (3 stops). How many single tickets do we have to buy for this tram please? We don’t want to buy Istanbul card just for 1 ride. Thank you very much!

November 13, 2023 at 10:17 am

Hi, 2 single tickets.

Kewen Chen says

November 8, 2023 at 12:59 am

Hi thanks for the informative article. Do you know if we can buy Istanbulkart at Galataport Mall? We are arriving by cruise ship

November 8, 2023 at 9:54 am

Hi, if not there than certainly at the vending machines at either of the two tram stops on the main road in front of Galataport.

Reaniel says

October 29, 2023 at 12:27 am

2 weeks to our trip to Istanbul! Just a quick question about the new “City Cards” that came out since our last conversation. Are we still able to buy the anonymous cards? Or are we required to buy the new (and unlimited) City Cards?

October 29, 2023 at 6:08 pm

No, you should still be able to buy the anonymous cards.

October 18, 2023 at 12:37 pm

Hello, thank you for the informative post! We are staying in Uskudar next week

Which ferry lines accept the Istanbulkart?

does the ferry from uskudar port take Istanbulkart?

October 19, 2023 at 8:36 pm

All ferry lines by Sehir Hatlari accept Istanbul Kart, except for the (tourist) long and short Bosphorus lines.

October 15, 2023 at 12:14 pm

Hi I am heading to Istanbul for a long layover, I am only get IETT bus one way to hotel airport (approx. 3pm) and returning to airport by taxi because it’s at 3am. I have being receiving many conflicting information.. some people have told me I can pay with my MasterCard inside the bus and it will cost me 60tl.. another’s say it cannot be done. Can you please clarify this.

Also I googled map hotel from airport and it states H-6 bus ride 30tl (if I use Istanbulkart). If I have to buy Istanbulkart (card 70tl and ride 30tl) If I pay 100tl in card vending machine will the 30tl automatically turn into credit? Please let me know.

October 16, 2023 at 10:06 pm

You can pay on the IETT bus only with your preloaded Istanbul Kart, or with an electronic ticket you bought prior to boarding the bus. With the Istanbul Card, the fare should be 15TL one way, with a single ticket 30TL. Indeed, if you buy an Istanbul Card and the card costs 70 TL and you give the machine 100 TL, the remaining 30 TL will be added to your card.

Irinel says

November 4, 2023 at 10:47 am

Hello. Please explain this “With the Istanbul Card, the fare should be 15TL one way, with a single ticket 30TL.” What do you mean? The price is 15TL or 30TL?

November 4, 2023 at 11:36 am

This means that you get a discount of 50% if you’re using the Istanbul Kart instead of buying single electronic tickets for every ride.

October 7, 2023 at 4:49 pm

Hi, I will be travelling with my family x6 adults. • Are most metro stations accessible for disabled? • what is an average spend for this group per day to visit tourist attractions • how many Istanbul cards do I need • how often will the metropolitan services run • is the card valid for River Boats

October 10, 2023 at 9:51 pm

Hi, – In and out of the carriage is no problem at all. Metro being underground requires a lot of escalators. Some stations have elevators, but no one can guarantee they all work, all the time. I would go for tram lines where possible. – This all depends on what you visit, how many a day, where you eat, etc. – I would go for at least 3 Istanbul Cards – What do you mean with Metropolitan service? – No, the Bosphorus Cruise tickets need to be paid at the booth cash or with credit card.

Mohamed says

December 22, 2023 at 6:53 pm

Hi. I’ve similar issue. We’re six, 2 adults and 4 under 16 and there for 3 weeks. I’ve one from last trip but what I am asking is “is there a card that we can top up more 500tl”? I understand that the normal one is limited to 500tl per month.

December 22, 2023 at 8:22 pm

I’m afraid not, not for tourists at least. But then again, the purchase of a card is only like 1-1,5 Euro, I’m sure that’s not going to break the bank for a 3 weeks stay with 5 people, right?

October 6, 2023 at 10:08 pm

Hi, I will be travelling to Instanbul this month for 3 days (2 adults and 2 Children (10 + 14) will I need 2 or 1 Instanbul Kart?

October 7, 2023 at 2:33 pm

I would go for minimum two.

October 7, 2023 at 10:48 pm

October 29, 2023 at 6:36 pm

One card covers up to 5 people. You just make sure it has enough tickets loaded, and tap it on the machine for the amount of people you have travelling, up to the 5.

Graham says

October 4, 2023 at 9:28 pm

Hello If a new Istanbul Kart cost 50TL, and you put a 100TL note in the machine to pay for it, will it automatically put 50TL credit on the card or will you just lose 50TL?

October 6, 2023 at 9:14 am

The card currently costs 70 TL. I don;’t know what it says on the mnachine now to buy a new card, but whatever you need to pay above 70 TL will be added as credits on your card.

Bahith says

September 25, 2023 at 10:11 pm

If I buy an Istabulkart and board a vehicle, for example a bus – is there any length limitation of a single travel?

September 25, 2023 at 10:13 pm

No, you can go to the end of the line.

John the baptist says

September 20, 2023 at 2:56 pm

Beware of scam at Airport bus terminal

The official worker at the booth scammed me

I have bought Istanbulcart loaded with 150 TRY at the price 500 TRY

I thought the empty Istanbulcart should be costed 350 TRY, not 70 TRY.

I can not even trust any kind of Turkish officials now.

Ashley says

September 26, 2023 at 3:24 am

I wonder whether my Istanbulkarts bought in 2017 is still valid?

September 26, 2023 at 7:06 pm

Give it a try, but probably not.

Amanda says

January 7, 2024 at 3:58 pm

Yep, I unfortunately fell for this scam as well. Do NOT buy your Istanbulkart at the Havaist bus terminal. They will sell you an “Istanbul Welcome Card” which is just an Istanbulkart loaded with 150 TL… for a total price of 580 TL!

The problem is that you can get an Istanbulkart from the machine at the airport Metro station.. BUT it is about a 10 minute walk over the skybridge from the Istanbul airport terminal, which means that to get an Istanbulkart at the airport you must either 1) take the Metro out into the city or 2) be willing to go out of your way to walk there and back.

I wanted to take a Havaist bus into the city but then have my Istanbulkart handy for once I was there. Next time I would advise someone in my position to just get the bus ticket, then find a machine at a nearby major Metro station in the city to get a card. The Taksim station definitely has one, I’m sure others would too.

Doone Watson says

September 3, 2023 at 2:49 am

We are going to be in Istanbul for 19 hours, and will leave the airport to sightsee, I assume it would be better to just get a ten-ride pass. Can we use one pass for 2 people and can we use it on the funicular and the historic tram as well as the metro? Can we give it away if we don’t use all the rides? Do we get it at the same place as the IstanbulKart? Thanks for all your help

September 4, 2023 at 11:07 pm

Yes on all accounts. Have fun!

August 22, 2023 at 6:10 pm

Card is limited to 500TLs per month. Once consumed, you have to wait for the next month or buy a new one.

riccardo says

August 25, 2023 at 11:27 pm

I also had my card blocked. What is the logic of limiting the card usage to such a small figure? You can very easily use 100TL on a busy day…5 days only?

August 27, 2023 at 12:11 pm

Nobody really understands.

August 27, 2023 at 7:02 pm

I’m on the comment section to look for an answer to this concern especially now that the fare increased. And in marmaray the red card is being charged the highest amount even if you will go to the next station only. I used more than 100TL per day and that being said I have a multiple cards now. Maybe someone out there can raise this concern.

August 27, 2023 at 8:35 pm

It’s indeed silly and feels like another tourist ripoff that the partial refund is no longer valid for anonymous cards, hence tourist cards. The only thiong you could do is go to every tourist information office and complain about it. If enough people complain, there’s a big chance they raise the issue.

August 11, 2023 at 9:42 am

I’m coming back to Istanbul in November and will stay till December along with my 6 years and 8 years old. I got an IstanbulKart last year in December (2022) from the vending machine. Will it still be valid this December (2023)? My 6 years old shouldn’t be paying right? I might have some credits remaining on my card, will I be able to use it?

August 11, 2023 at 10:05 pm

Correct, a child until the age of 6 doesn’t have to pay and your card should still work.

Thameem Yousuf says

July 23, 2023 at 5:44 am

Hi, i have seen in this link that transportation card cannot be used for multiple users? Is that correct?

https://istanbulepass.com/istanbul-attractions/istanbul-transportation-card.html

July 27, 2023 at 12:54 pm

I’ll try it out one of these days and let you know.

August 17, 2023 at 8:31 pm

Hi, did you try?

August 18, 2023 at 6:44 pm

Yes, I tried it out with my anonymous card that I bought last year, and it works just fine for multiple travelers. I suggest to just buy one, and give it a try. If it doesn’t work, buy a second one and take the next tram or metro. It will set you back for maximum 5 minutes. Alternatively, buy two from the start, a card only costs 1,5 Euro.

September 7, 2023 at 11:47 am

This is Turkey. they are trying to find money and this is a legitimate scam.

July 19, 2023 at 4:56 pm

An excellent article! And fill of useful comments and Q&A.

To top up your Istanbulkart you can also use any of the authorized vendors or machines that appear on this website – https://www.istanbulkart.istanbul/yukleme-harcama

There may be a top-up station closer than you think. For us it meant we could top-up and get an 8A bus ride down to the M4 line.

yükleme = top up

It meant we could walk into the local Migros and buy a top-up. They only accepted cash there, for which a receipt is provided. Our Istanbulkart, interestingly, was laid on the wireless POS credit card machine and the credit was uploaded to it.

Our experience is very positive of the Istanbul transportation system: we use almost everything Metro, Busses and Ferries. To go from Kadıköy to Beşiktaş on the ferry – a beautiful ride – was about ₺12. A bargain.

June 18, 2023 at 2:59 pm

hello Erlend, thank you for your helpful article.. i would like to ask something … is it possible, to get an istanbulkart from a machine, paying with credit card or other country’s currency? I will be in Istanbul, in a few days , getting the metro from the otogar , so i will have no chance to change euro to liras

June 19, 2023 at 11:23 am

You can buy the Istanbul Kart from the vending machines, but only with cash money. I’m not 100% sure, but I think you’ll find an exchange office at Otogar. It may not be the best rate, so only change what you urgently need. Or if possible, change a bit in your own country before you leave.

June 9, 2023 at 4:36 pm

Can you use the Istanbulkart for the public bophorous straight long circle tour?

June 10, 2023 at 12:29 pm

No, it’s a different ticket and the sales booth is on the side of the building.

June 12, 2023 at 3:26 pm

Hi Erlend, Just one question. If I travel from the IST airport to Vezneciler metro station, it looks like I have to change the transport twice: at Hagithane and Mecidiyekoy. Do I have to ise Istanbulkart everytime I change the transport or only from bus to metro ( usually changing the metro should not be charged)? Many thanks!

June 13, 2023 at 8:40 am

Hi Milan, every time that you change lines (metro, bus, ferry) you need to use your card to get access and you will be charged. There used to be a transfer discount, but it’s no longer available for tourists.

June 13, 2023 at 12:21 pm

Thank you, Erlend!

May 25, 2023 at 7:53 am

Can we now use our credit card to pay for buses and trams and whatnot. As it’s ok on dolmuş in many Turkish regions thank you

May 26, 2023 at 9:45 am

No, not that I’m aware of. Use Istanbul Kart, it’s the easiest.

May 31, 2023 at 11:10 pm

Hi everyone… update on Istanbul kart as of June 1st 2023. New rules for tourists. Every ride on the Marmaray is now 21.9 TL. however far you go. Busses and trams 9.9 TL No refunds for tourists or cheaper fares within a time limit. A new policy is that each unregistered Istanbul kart can only be topped up to a max of 500 TL per card. Unused money won’t be refunded… eg if your card only has 9.0 on it and not enough to pay for a complete ride, the card still becomes invalid and you lose your money… you can still use it for public toilets though (3TL a time!) Once your 500 limit is up you should throw away your card and buy a new one (75TL each time) and the 500 top up process starts again. All in all it feels a bit of a rip off to penalise tourists compared to in the past, but it’s still much cheaper than Europe and presumably the USA

June 3, 2023 at 11:04 pm

Thanks for your update, but I’m afraid not everything is accurate. You’re right that a ride is mostly 9.9 TL (as it says in my article) and that the Marmaray is 21.9 TL. It’s also correct that there is no longer a discount for foreigners nor a refund for shorter rides on long lines such as the Marmaray.

However, there is no such thing as an upload limit for anonymous Istanbul Karts (I just uploaded (not at once) 600 TL on the card that I bought last year), nor do you have to throw away your card once you hit 500 TL. Moreover, your card remains valid as long as you use it once within a 2 year period. If you don’t, then it indeed expires (and you lose any money left on it). I didn’t try to upload more than 500 TL in one go, but then again, why would you do that? If you lose your card that day, you lose that amount too. Instead, I suggest to upload with increments of 50 or 100 as needed, which are at the moment 5 to 10 rides.

Also, a new card is still 50 TL, not 75.

Prodromos says

June 4, 2023 at 1:54 pm

I am currently in Istanbul, and I have to admit that Jane was right. I got myself an unregistered card from the vending machine, and once I reached the 500TL top-up, I could not load it anymore. I had to get a new one.

The bad thing was that in Taksim station, we couldn’t find a card selling machine! There were only a couple of people that would sell you a new card for 100TL (without credit inside), and yes, that felt a lot like a rip-off.

June 4, 2023 at 2:08 pm

Hi Prodromos,

It’s very strange, maybe it’s something new they’re rolling out, but as I said, I have had no problems whatsoever. I even went to two different tourist offices yesterday to inquire, and they both told me there is no limit. If this 500 TL limit becomes a rule of thumb, it’s better to buy an Istanbul card per person or maximum per party of 2 so you don’t reach that limit too quickly.

Unfortunately, there is (and probably always will be) a problem with refilling these vending machines so that they have enough cards.

Alex Demidov says

July 5, 2023 at 12:05 am

It’s’ interesting topic lol… But looks like your both right!

https://www.istanbulkart.istanbul/ucretler-limitler I check the web site and it says that 500 Liras is a limit but this is month limit. Technically next month you can use the card and top up/spend again.

Maybe they made it to limit users when a few guys use the same card… I have no idea.

leslie says

September 22, 2023 at 8:32 am

Hey Erlend, I’m in Istanbul now. A new card is 70 TL and each bus/tram ride is 15TL and ferry ride is 25TL.

September 22, 2023 at 11:30 am

Hi, thanks for sharing. I’ll adjust the price … a never-ending story I’m afraid with the current inflation.

Stefano says

June 6, 2023 at 4:43 pm

Jane is right. Yesterday I wasn’t able to recharge the kart. The reason is the limit of 500TL per kart. First I don’t understand this and I got lost at the automat. Then I was told that I have to buy a new one. A new one has price of 100TL: 50TL for the kart and 50TL to use. I’ve thought I could use it over and over again. What the hell they do to confuse the tourists?

June 12, 2023 at 1:04 pm

The same issue. I bought new but it’s it looks as a idiotism. For all damns of he’ll- where can I buy new card at buyukada island?

June 13, 2023 at 8:38 am

The only way is from the Istanbul Kart top-up/vending machines at the pier.

May 16, 2023 at 10:13 pm

Hi Erlend. Great website! Two of us will be in Istanbul next month, staying for 5 nights. Can you tell me how much the Istanbulkart is to purchase and approximately how much we should each load onto it for 5 days of travelling around the city. We are staying over the bridge in Beyoglu. Of course we can top up if required but an estimate would be good to know. Also, regarding discounts on travel, would we be better off having one each or sharing one?

May 17, 2023 at 2:59 pm

As it says in the article, the card is a one time fee + a bit of credits of 50 TL when you purchase it at a vending machine. If you’re only two people, one will do. You can reload easily at most stops, so no need to put your whole stay worth of money on it. Reload when needed. Keep in mind it’s roughly 10 TL per ride per person.

May 17, 2023 at 9:31 pm

Thanks Erlend 🙂

May 22, 2023 at 12:28 pm

Hi Wendy, this article was much needed as I’m looking to be in Istanbul in June.

May I ask if you are only required to tap on at the arrival station or must you tap off at the departing station?

May 22, 2023 at 9:04 pm

You only tap at to get in the departing station or on the departing platform. Except for Marmaray and Metrobus, which are very long lines, where you can also tap at the end to receive a partial refund if you only took the ride for a few stops.

Dumb Phone says

May 27, 2023 at 10:04 am

The Marmaray train does not issue refunds on Tourist (Anonymous cards) any more. They are charging a flat 16.50 TL as of May 27. If you try to tap the refund scanner you’ll get a red or orange notice instead of green. Haven’t checked but I’m assuming the MetroBus will be the same.

Regular Busses or Metro legs are 9.50 or 9.90 ( I haven’t looked that closely.). You will not get progressive discounts for transfers on Anonymous cards anymore like in previous years, either.

Ferry prices will vary on ride length but will start typically 5 or 10 TL above a Bus or Metro ride.

Anonymous Cards may be expiring now as well. I have one that is 2 or 3 years old that I was using for the past month but it is now refusing to accept new refills. Still working & I assume until it hits zero. It may be that the magnetic tapes are just losing strength? I can’t wave that card near the reader but must place it QR side down and flat against the scanner. Next time I get to Sirkeci I’ll ask @ the tourist counter there about that card.

Yes. Getting more expensive for tourists but still a bargain compared to Western Europe or the US. Dirt cheap compared to Venice!

May 27, 2023 at 11:46 am

Thanks for the update. As you said, get marginally more expensive, but still a bargain compared to Western Europe, US, etc.

Maria Achy says

May 11, 2023 at 2:03 pm

hi. i will visit istanbul in June. i will arrive at sabiha airport. will i be able to purchase an istanbulkart at the airport and use it to get to the city centre?

May 11, 2023 at 2:25 pm

Yes, normally you should be able ti buy an Istanbul Kart at the airport. Keep in mind though that you can’t you the Istanbul card for the Havaist. You can use it to use new metro line to the city center, and following lines.

Arsalan says

July 10, 2023 at 3:58 pm

I read in the Havaist bus reviews that you can pay the fare via IstanbulKart.

Is it incorrect ?

July 10, 2023 at 7:18 pm

Yes, it’s incorrect

May 9, 2023 at 12:25 am

Hi Erlend, Thanks for all the brill information really very helpful. Just a comment on getting an istanbulkart from the yellow machine at station . I found it a bit confusing to use first go. The button on the left are used to change language (just follow the flags on screen near buttons). Once in English you are given 3 options… here select istanbulkart by pressing button on right of option..on the next screen you get one option DEVAM (it means continue) unfortunately this is not in English select this option with button on right….. Now input money …50try for card or 100try for card and credit Top up is very easy,, once in English, place card on small screen on righthand side and your balance is displayed and input any amount and top is automatic, just wait for confirmation. I hope this will help

May 9, 2023 at 5:18 pm

Thanks Tony, for sharing this.

April 22, 2023 at 6:45 pm

Is there a digiral version of this card availbale? Like is it possible to add it to my apple wallet and use it on my phone instead of the physical card?

April 22, 2023 at 7:00 pm

There is a digital version, but I never could get it to work. Wouldn’t rely on it.

September 23, 2023 at 7:15 pm

Hi Erland. Loved the article. Can I check the following:

For a group of 4 pax, is the Ikart better or the unlimited digital epass?

Also, the Ikart is only for Istanbul? Can it be used in Ankara, Antalya etc?

September 23, 2023 at 7:26 pm

I would always go for the Istanbul card, and start with a party of 4 with two cards. In case you bump agains the 500 TL limit per card per month, you’ll need to buy two more. The Istanbul kart is of course for Istanbul only.

May 4, 2023 at 9:18 pm

As others mentioned the digital version is difficult as it requires the Istanbulkart app and you also need a Turkish phone number and aTurkish ID number or a Turkish residence number to use it.

dumb phone says

May 9, 2023 at 12:33 pm

Couple more things I’ve found with the new Red Cards is that you now don’t get a discount on transfers and the refund on the Marmaray train doesn’t work anymore. Still a decent price compared to Western Europe or the US, though.

May 9, 2023 at 5:20 pm

The transfer discount indeed only works for buses these days it seems.

May 27, 2023 at 10:09 am

Doesn’t work for busses anymore either. May 27th.

Uros Markovic says

April 11, 2023 at 5:54 pm

Hello Erlend, first of all thank you for this great article, keep up the good work 🙂

I have a question: why do you recommend not to use the card for more than 3 people?!

I will be in Istanbul in May with 4 of my friends (in total 5 with me 🙂 Can we all use same card? Is there any problems with more than 3 persons using same card? Eventually we can purchase two cards, just to be sure…

Thanks in advance for your answer 🙂

April 11, 2023 at 6:22 pm

Technically it’s possible, but it’s just not practical at the turnstyles. Also, if the group splits up for one reason or another, than one party doesn’t have a transportation pass. And of course, only the first person gets a transfer discount.

Have a nice stay.

Uros Markovic 🇷🇸 says

April 12, 2023 at 11:12 am

Erlend, thank you for your fast reply, wish you all the best 🙂

Mursal says

April 5, 2023 at 3:20 am

Hi I purchased a Istanbul Kart in 2019 and will be coming back to Istanbul soon. Will my Istanbul Kart still work? Thanks.

April 5, 2023 at 7:58 am

Hi, yes, it should work.

February 21, 2023 at 3:16 pm

For ride-pass tickets (single, two, three, five and ten), do they cover ALL types of transportation (ferry, funicular, tram, metro, Marmaray) and go by the number of times of usage of pass regardless of the journey distance? I understand that ferry and Marmaray fares structure is based on journey distance unlike that of funicular, tram & metro. Using ride pass ticket could offer as low as 11 Liras per use (with ONgec/10 pass = 110 Liras) while the highest fare of Sehirhatlari ferry and Marmaray is 36.25 and 21.91 Liras respectively.

On the use of Istanbulkart on Marmaray, I read that the machine would charge of maximum fare 21.91 Liras at the point of departure and refund the difference at our destination. Does that mean we need to have a minimum stored value of 21.91 Liras in our Istanbulkart at the entry point, or else entry is refused?

Thank you for hosting this very informative forum.

February 21, 2023 at 8:01 pm

No, this will only work on the lines where you pay the regular fee, currently 9,9 TL, 11 in case you use the prepaid pass instead of the Istanbul Card. If you use the Istanbul Kart to ride the Marmaray for instance, and you hop off already after only three stops or so, you can get a partial refund upon exiting the platform. Just look for the refund machines.

February 22, 2023 at 11:23 am

Many thanks for your swift response.

I’ve just learnt that the ride pass tickets (as well as Istanbul card transfer fare system) can only be used for certain public transportation under the purview IETT.

IETT states in its website “Public transport fares for IETT, Istanbul Otobus A.S. (Istanbul Bus Corporation), OHO (Public Private Buses), The Tunnel, Nostalgic Tram and railways system”. I gathered that IETT railways systems consist of Metro (M), Tram (T) and Funicular (F). It does not include Sehirhatlari (Ferry City Lines) in the list although it is under IETT (I read that Sehirhatlari only accept Istanbul card, so no ride pass or pay-per-use options). Marmaray is not under IETT, so ride passes are out of bound.

However, my quest for the answer for whether my Istanbul card would need to have a minimum balance of 21.91 TL before using Marmaray is still lingering. If I only have 10 TL balance in my card and my Marmaray short journey would cost me 9.90 TL (within 1 to 7 stops), how would the system “deduct” the maximum fare of 21.91 TL from my card while its balance is less than that?

February 23, 2023 at 8:23 pm

Indeed, you must have minimum the maximum fare on your Istanbul Card, since they can’t know upfront how many stops you will be using the line.

February 24, 2023 at 4:51 am

Many thanks for the reply.

April 9, 2023 at 11:58 pm

Can I get a refund to istambul card for multiple persons? E.g. if I used one istambul card to pass 3 persons in a row.

April 11, 2023 at 6:19 pm

No, the partial refund after a ride (just like the transfer discount) is only for the first person.

February 21, 2023 at 10:24 am

Hi. Thanks for opening this forum. It is really useful.

I used Istanbulkart when I was in Istanbul 5 years ago (and now lost the card :)). I will be back in Istanbul soon but for only few days and won’t be using Istanbul public transport very much, hence Istanbulkart would not be a viable choice to me. So the option for me is to purchase rides passes depending on my need.

My question, is there validity period/days of those rides passes? For example, with the 10-rides passes, can I use it, say, 3 times today and continue tomorrow or days after that until I fully used up 10 rides?

February 21, 2023 at 6:57 pm

Sure, they stay valid until you have used all rides on it.

January 21, 2023 at 7:28 am

Hello, I bought an anonymous red İstanbul kart during my previous visit in Jan-2022, matched with my then HES code and used it during my visit. I am back to İstanbul now (Jan-2023) and when I tried to top up my card at the machine at a metro station, it shows that my card is geçersiz/invalid. I read an article on internet about the last fall campaign to personalize cards by Dec-31, 2022 (which may make sense for locals but not for tourists), and it also mentioned that anonymous red İstanbul cards will continue to be in use. Any advice how I can reactivate my current card, who to contact for help?

January 22, 2023 at 5:45 pm

It’s bizarre. If I were you I wouldn’t waste too much time on it and purchase a new anonymous card.

Hashir says

January 2, 2023 at 12:57 pm

Anyone aware how long the Istanbul Kart is valid? Am I able to use it 2 months after the last usage?

January 2, 2023 at 4:35 pm

Yes, you can.

Zainab says

December 19, 2022 at 2:06 pm

I have been trying to register on the Istanbul kart app but it keeps showing “temporarily unable to process this transaction”.

December 19, 2022 at 3:48 pm

You mean the app on your phone?

December 20, 2022 at 8:09 am

Yes, the istanbul kart app.. I want to register for the blue card

December 20, 2022 at 9:39 pm

Don’t use it. I never could make it work myself. Just use the recharging points found on most stations.

Abdul Haseeb Ahmad says

November 2, 2022 at 5:42 pm

Can i collect my student Istanbul card on weekends?

November 2, 2022 at 9:08 pm

Not sure. I suppose you could on Saturday (mornings).

October 12, 2022 at 1:43 am

I am trying to make a reservation on BBBus from IST Airport to Bursa, then an another one from Mudanya to Eminönü, Istanbul. Both, neither Obilet.com nor BBBus websites don’t allow me to finalize a reservation ahead of time because credit card from overseas are not accepted?!!! We need a credit card in Lira? according to Obilet.com Turkish Travel agencies charge too much in order to buy travel tickets on our behalf. Any help on this will be greatly appreciated! Thank you.

October 12, 2022 at 10:34 am

I’m sorry, but I have no experience with that. Have you tried using your card but with a VPN showing you being in Turkey?

October 14, 2022 at 12:32 am

Thank you for your help. I tried but still doesn’t work!

January 2, 2023 at 12:53 pm

Just back from Turkiye. If you are foreign national you cannot buy ticket on BBBus; use IstanbulKonfort listed in obilet.com

Robert says

October 9, 2022 at 12:27 pm

I tried to buy an Istanbulkart today but all the options are in Turkish language. I am tourist so I only know English. Can anyone guide how to buy it or walk me through the turkish language options I would see on screen?

October 9, 2022 at 4:27 pm

Normally, on the lefthand side you can stroll through the different supported languages.

Anthony says

October 6, 2022 at 11:02 am

Hi, can buy and use only one Istanbul Kart for me and my husband? And how that works ?

October 6, 2022 at 5:42 pm

Yes, you can one card and use it for two people. Just swipe and go through the turnstiles, and repeat this action for every person.

Krishnandu Sarkar says

March 20, 2023 at 3:17 am

Hi, Thanks for clarifying this. So while getting down / exiting from Station, I believe I need to follow the same process for the card to deduct correct amount for both the passengers?

March 20, 2023 at 7:39 pm

October 3, 2022 at 3:12 pm

I’m just curious Why is Istanbulkart not recommended for use more than 3 people? Is it because possible tecnical error if use more than 3 people.

October 3, 2022 at 5:31 pm

No technical issues, just practical. It can get very busy at these turnstiles.

Michal says

September 20, 2022 at 3:51 pm

1 ride with Istanbulcard is 7.67 TL. An electronic ticket for 5 rides (45 TL) or 10 rides (90 TL) costs 9 TL for 1 ride. Istanbulcard costs 50 TL non-refundable and 1 ride is only 1.33 TL cheaper. Since 50/1.33 = 37.6, this means that the price of the Istanbulcard will be refunded after 38 or more rides. The electronic ticket for 5 or 10 rides is therefore a cheaper option if you use less than 38 rides.

I’m right?

September 20, 2022 at 7:41 pm

You’re right. But don’t forget, you can have multiple people on one Istanbul Kart. So, for a family of 3, that becomes 13 rides.

Soumita says

September 26, 2022 at 8:53 pm

Hi. Where can I buy this electronic ticket and what is it called. I see akhil is no longer getting isuued

September 26, 2022 at 9:58 pm

Akbil is indeed no longer in use. You can buy the Istanbul Card at vending machines on major public transportation stops.

Predrag says

September 19, 2022 at 1:38 am

I heard there are tickets for 10 rides. Is this correct and what is their price. Can these tickets, if they exists, be used for the Metro?

September 19, 2022 at 9:49 am

Yes there are (ONgeç), you can buy them from the same vending machines. You can see the current price on the screen before purchase. They can be used on all public transportation.

Soumitro says

March 29, 2023 at 1:10 pm

hi Erlend, I read somewhere that on Istanbul Buses ONLY Istanbulkart is valid. No other tickets will work … is this correct /

March 30, 2023 at 5:20 pm

Yes, most busses indeed accept Istanbul Kart only.

Sophia says

September 14, 2022 at 4:58 pm

Hello there!

I’d like to ask if you have an idea if the machines for the Istanbulkart accept cards or if I can buy online. Thanks!

Kind regards.

September 15, 2022 at 5:28 pm

Hi, cash only.

August 25, 2022 at 6:02 pm

I am traveling to Istanbul in a week. I love all the articles you write and the info is beyond useful! However i have a question regarding the Istanbul kart – you said it can be bought at the major transit spots like Sultanahmet, and Eminönü. Since i am traveling by car, could you be more specific where should i look for buying the plastic itself? Is it again at the kiosks or i should look for a specific locations?

Thanks in advance for your response and keep up with the great materials! 🙂

August 26, 2022 at 12:58 pm

No need to go to the airport or a specific kiosk. At most tram stops there are vending machines that sell these cards. Look for one that has the option “Istanbulkart – 25.00 TL” and feed the machine a 50 TL note, then you’ll get the card with 25 TL on it, ready to use.

Said Mohammad says

September 4, 2022 at 3:11 am

I dont think there is anymore 25TL i̇stanbulkart, the cost now is 50 TL at the machine and 60TL at the stores. Correct me if i am wrong, thank you.

September 4, 2022 at 12:48 pm

You’re right, there has been an increase in price.

September 9, 2022 at 5:26 pm

I will be travelling to turkey next week. Please tell me if the tourist pass ks worth buying? And does the tourist pass includes bus rides, trains, metro etc.

I will stay in istanbul for 4 days and I aim to use public transport only. Then I plan on going to Cappadocia, konya, antalya and Izmir.

If I buy istanbul kart card then will that be used for public transport in other cities as well?

September 9, 2022 at 10:12 pm

I have personally tried two such passes, the Istanbul Tourist Pass three years ago and the Istanbul e-Pass this spring. They are both very good value for money if you want to make the most of them. Both offer some (discounted) travel arrangements, but for your daily public transportation use, I suggest buying an Istanbul Card still. Since you mention trips to Cappadoccia and other cities, I certainly suggest having a look at Istanbul e-Pass, their short trips are really good deals and have great reviews.

Bahram says

August 17, 2022 at 11:22 am

Hi, I have İstanbulkart Since two months and starting from yesterday, it doesn’t load anymore, the question is, is it expired, because it can be read from the devices, tried many biletmatik machines, no chance.

August 17, 2022 at 5:21 pm

Anonymous Istanbul cards don’t expire. So either your card is broken, or there was a (temporarily) glitch in the biletmatiks. You mention you can still use the card, so if the problem remains, just deplete the card and then buy a new one. It only costs about 1,5 Eur anyway.

Dave S says

October 2, 2022 at 10:07 am

I was told by staff at help desk, Taskim metro they expitre after 3 years of inactivity.

August 15, 2022 at 9:19 pm

Hi The price for Istanbul kart from yellow wending machine (bilematik) and Kiosks or small shops is same or do we have to pay extra when buying from bilematik

August 16, 2022 at 4:46 pm

They should be the same, but I prefer the vending machines. You press the button for new Istanbul Card, you feed it 50 TL, and you get a new Istanbul Kart with 25 TL credit on it.

Angela says

August 13, 2022 at 8:05 pm

Is public transport free for all over 65s in Istanbul or just for residents? We already have an Istanbulkart.

August 14, 2022 at 2:07 pm

Only for residents since you need to get a special card.

Margaret Gaynor says

August 10, 2022 at 3:42 pm

Hi, travelling to Istanbul by cruise ship in August as a family of 4 Adults. Can I buy just one card and pass it on as we board tram from terminal to saultanhemet . How much would I need to put on card for a return trip for 4 Adults and fees? Can I pay with Revolut as I don’t have TRY ? Can you pay with Euro or will I have to exchange money? Are Dollars, GBP accepted? When in Istanbul and doing boat trips or buying in shops, what currency is accepted or cards ? Thanks in advance

August 10, 2022 at 5:37 pm

Hi, technically you can, but for convenience I suggest to buy two. To buy and top the card(s) it accepts TRY only. Most ferries can be paid for with the card, if not, again TRY or sometimes credit card. In shops you can pay cash with USD or EUR. Not sure if you’ll get a favorable rate. Have a nice stay.

Florina Gherman says

August 13, 2022 at 8:30 am

Hi, please Istanbulcard pass for 2 days ,95 euro prices Is public transportation included in this Istanbul pass? Thank you mr.!

August 13, 2022 at 11:12 am

I think you are confusing the Istanbul Card and the Istanbul Tourist Pass or Istanbul e-Pass. The Istanbul Card/Kart is a public transportation card, which costs around 25 TL for the card itself, which you then top up according to your needs. The Istanbul Tourist Pass or Istanbul e-Pass are passes that include admission to 25+ sightseeing spots, some guided tours, discounts, a select amount of Bosporus tours and discounted airport shuttles. If they include public transportation, it’s mostly very limited.

July 30, 2022 at 8:06 pm

Hi we are going to istanbul in a few days we are 2 adults and 3 children ages 17,11and 5 how many istanbul karts should we buy you say our 5 year old does not need a card so how does he go through the gates

July 31, 2022 at 12:33 pm

Two cards should do, one card for every adult-child pair. The 5-year old you’ll just lift over the turnstiles.

Sharban says

November 2, 2022 at 8:34 pm

I bought an istanbul anonymous card 3yrs ago.. i am now travelling back to turkey on 10th november.. can i use the same card now after a top-up..2nd how can i get an istanbul tourist pass with cash payment? I am carrying cash with me bcz my credit card does not offer international transaction… waiting for your reply thank u

November 2, 2022 at 9:07 pm

1. Yes, you should. If you can top it up, you should be able to use it. 2. Contact the people of Istanbul Tourist Pass.

Alberto says

February 12, 2023 at 2:59 pm

Hi Planning to visit Istanbul next month and I have Istanbul kart with me 3 years ago. Will it still work?

February 13, 2023 at 11:49 am

Hi Alberto,

Yes, it should.

Cliff Bradbury says

July 20, 2022 at 12:27 am

There appears to be a lot of information online still saying that a HES code is needed to be linked to the card before it can be used. However new Covid requirements say that a HES code is no longer needed for foreigners for travel to Turkey. (July 2022) Does this mean that a HES code does no longer need to be linked when purchasing and using an Istanbul Travel Card?

July 20, 2022 at 10:12 am

That’s correct.

July 11, 2022 at 9:40 am

May i know electronic ticket is valid for how many days & is it shareable? Can i buy one ÜÇGeçislikbilet for 3 days use? or can i buy one ÜÇGeçislikbilet use for 3 person?

July 12, 2022 at 8:10 am

Honestly, I wouldn’t even bother. They’re much more expensive. Just buy an Istanbul card (currently less than 2 € or $, see my comment to Shane), use that card for 3 people, and top it up whenever necessary.

July 10, 2022 at 5:46 pm

Hi, What is the peak hours for tram T1 Gülhane to/from Yusufpaşa? is it will too pack if carry with luggage during peak hours?

July 12, 2022 at 8:04 am

Obviously between 7-9 and 16-19 with regular rush hour, but in the tourist season you’ll never find that tram empty I’m afraid. It’s so hard to give advice on this one. If it’s one backpack or suitcase and no carry-on, you could do it outside of rush hour. If you also have to look after children I wouldn’t recommend it.

July 8, 2022 at 7:14 am

Hi, I’m traveling to Istanbul in Aug.

Want to find out the following latest info: – What is the latest price of the istanbulkart? – Is there value in the card when purchasing the istanbulkart? – What is the cost of taking the metro? – What is the cost of taking a boat at Karaköy Pier to Asia side?

Appreciate it

July 9, 2022 at 6:28 pm

The card costs currently 25 TL. When buying from the machines, provide a 50 TL note, and you’ll get the Istanbul Kart with 25 TL on it. Fares are mostly 7.67 TL per person. The ferry fare is just under 4 TL.

RAJENDRA says

July 7, 2022 at 12:45 pm

Hi, At the end of my stay in Turkey, how do I redeem balance in my ISTANBULKART, please advise.

July 7, 2022 at 5:15 pm

You can’t, but it doesn’t expire either, so you can use it during your next visit.

June 27, 2022 at 3:16 pm

Good morning, Biletmatik fare Cards for 10 trips(cost88TL)is valid for multiple users,5 persons?

June 27, 2022 at 5:46 pm

That shouldn’t be a problem. So, you can take two rides (back and forth) with 5 people.

June 26, 2022 at 8:36 pm

As a foreigner over 60 years of age who has a Turkish ID (ikamet), am I entitled to the same discounts as a Turkish citizen over 60? Many Thanks.

June 27, 2022 at 11:07 am

Officially I don’t think you’re entitled because you’re not a Turkish citizen, but have a residence permit. But my experience is that you sometimes can get the discounts, depending on the goodwill of the person in the sales booth.

June 17, 2022 at 6:34 am

Hi thanks for helpful info.

If after visited istanbul there is still some amount left, can i refund / withdraw it into cash?

ie i buy 100 Lira and only use 60 lira. Can i take the 40 or it will be permanently as a credit?

June 17, 2022 at 8:51 am

The credits on the Istanbul Card can not be withdrawn. It remains on your card, ready for you next visit to Istanbul.

June 17, 2022 at 10:58 am

Thanks erlend. Have a good day!

May 27, 2022 at 1:11 pm

This website is really useful, thank you for this.

If I’m just really lazy can I arrive in Turkey and use my UK contactless credit card to pay for metro travel in Istanbul? Or do I *have* to get the Istanbulkart?

May 27, 2022 at 3:04 pm

No, you can’t use your UK card in Istanbul.

Gherman Florina says

June 21, 2022 at 5:10 pm

Hello i have a istanbulkard from 2013 .In septembrie i come to istanbul to Romania and my card is valabile? I can keep the card and reuse it the next visit to Istanbul? Thank you

June 21, 2022 at 5:30 pm

Hi, yes, shouldn’t be a problem.

sachin says

May 13, 2022 at 7:22 pm

Hello Can I use Istanbul kart for travelling to and from airport to city

May 15, 2022 at 11:25 am

Not with Havaist.

Khalid says

October 31, 2022 at 11:40 pm

I traveled from sultanmehmet to swa airport using tram,marmary and m4.

May 12, 2022 at 1:43 pm

Hi thank you for your website its been a great help for us! I wanted to ask if the entrance form is still mandatory?

May 12, 2022 at 6:26 pm

It’s a bit of a grey area at the moment. Better be safe than sorry and fill in the form.

May 10, 2022 at 9:05 am

Hi, seek your help on the istanbulkart cost for the following as I got mix info online: – Havaist from IST to Taksim – Havabus from Taksim to SAW

This will help me decide how much to topup to the istanbulkart for 2 person travel. Thanks in advance

May 10, 2022 at 7:31 pm

Neither accept the Istanbul Kart. The havaist you can pay by credit card, havabus prefers cash or ticket upfront.

July 8, 2022 at 7:17 am

Thanks Erlend!

What is the latest cost for both?

May 9, 2022 at 10:38 am

Hi I will be in Istanbul in coming week with the rest of my family ( 4 people in total ) Should I buy 4 Istanbulkarts or we all can use just 1 Istanbulkart ? As I saw on Youtube, HES activation is needed so everybody should have a seperated card. Would you clear this to me?

May 10, 2022 at 7:27 pm

There is no longer the need to link the card to the HES, as written in the post. So, you could use one card for 4 people, but if the 4 people are adults I suggest buying two cards and use them 2×2.

Maya Yonova says

May 9, 2022 at 9:39 am

Hello! I have an Istanbulkart, which I have not used since April 5, 2019 / due to the pandemic, I have not been to my favorite city /. My question is: Is the card valid and will I be able to use it, as I will travel on 25.05.2022. Thanks in advance!

May 10, 2022 at 7:25 pm

Normally it should still work since there is no longer the need to link it to your HES.

May 8, 2022 at 11:41 pm

Do turkey residence have any monthly pass for travelling in Istanbul? Is it with some discount or at same price?

The cards residents can obtain are not suitable for tourists, since the application time can be lengthy and require a Turkish ID.

May 6, 2022 at 6:43 pm

So, as I understand 1 card can use 3 person and there is not neccecery any additional activating instambucard if we bye without picture )named annonimus)) and no need to get in HES code yes? And I am wondering , does this card work for transfort on bosphor trips ?

May 8, 2022 at 5:42 pm

Yes, and yes unless you take private Bosphorus tours.

May 6, 2022 at 3:36 pm

Hi Can I buy Istanbulkart with my Visa Card. When I buy an Istanbulkart for 25 TL do I have some credit on or I need to charge after buying Istanbulkart.

Thanks in advanced

May 8, 2022 at 5:41 pm

No, only with bank notes. You must add credit to your card after you purchase it.

May 5, 2022 at 10:32 am

I have an old akbil (metal button, not a card). Are those still valid or are they completely phased out?

May 6, 2022 at 8:33 am

They should still work, so give it a try. If not, the cost of a new one is so small that it won’t break the bank I guess.

Kostya says

May 10, 2022 at 11:22 am

Hey, thanks, I have two questions. I’ve bought the card at machine, put 100 liras inside, but only about 70 appeared, why? And I’ve made a transfer on station Yenikapi from m2 to m1 and where was no direct way, you should exit and get in again, so you should pay again, why?

May 10, 2022 at 7:33 pm

1. Probably the 30 was kept as fee for the card. 2. Every time you transfer from one line to the other, you must pay a fee. If within the hour, you get a discount though, but you must still pay.

andrew says

April 24, 2022 at 11:02 pm

I have 7 and 9 years old kids. Do they have to use kart for public transportation?

April 25, 2022 at 6:22 pm

Yes, public transportation is free for children until age 6.

Shavez says

April 29, 2022 at 4:03 pm

I will be travelling with wife and 2 kids, aged 1 and 4 years.

Is Istanbul kart available at Sabiha Gokcen Airport?

Can I take only 1 card and use for my family?

Do I need to pay for my 1 and 4 year old kids? Will they be charged?

Please respond.

Thanks in advance.

April 30, 2022 at 9:36 am

Kids under age 6 do not need to pay for public transport, so sure, you can use one Istanbul kart for your family. You should be able to buy them at the airport.

April 30, 2022 at 2:14 pm

April 13, 2022 at 10:28 pm

Hi, We’ve bought the red Istanbul card from the yellow machines and put money in it. Should I register it somewhere to activate it or I can use it right away? I’ve tried to check it on the other machines ( where you check how much money is in it). It showed a red screen like it’s not valid, but everything was in Turkish and couldn’t understand what to do more? Thank you for your help

April 15, 2022 at 11:22 am

If you bought an anonim card (the printing may vary), and put money on it after you bought it, then it should work right away. There is no activation necessary, nor is there a need to link it to your HES code anymore.

Have a nice time.

Bob Board says

April 11, 2022 at 2:56 pm

Hello, I was in Istanbul at the outbreak of Covid in March 2019, and had to cancel my trip and return home. I bought an IstanbulKart, and had some credit left on it as I was expecting to use it for a week rather than the 2 days i was there.

My trip will go ahead on the 12th May this year.

My question is 2fold. Firstly will I now be able to use the card from 2 years past and reload it with more credit, or will the card itself have expired I need to buy another card. If the card is valid still, will the credit still show as available. I now read the HES card has been cancelled so do not have to link the card ??

The card style is the red sunset with the towering spires on it.

April 11, 2022 at 3:41 pm

Yes, that card will probably work just fine. And no, there is currently no need to link your card to your HES code.

April 11, 2022 at 5:51 pm

Thank You Erlend.

Danish Riaz says

April 7, 2022 at 12:35 pm

Hi, I have a Mavi Istanbulkart. If I load monthly pass on it, can it be used by me and my wife at the same time and station?

April 7, 2022 at 10:39 pm

Hi, no, mavi Istanbulkart should have your picture on it, hence is a personal card.

Roxana says

April 6, 2022 at 11:19 pm

If a group of 3 persons use the same card, the price per ride will be the same 5.48₺ for each of them? (someone told me it will get doubled with each person. And I mean: person1 will pay 5.48, person2 will pay 10.96 and so on)

Supposing each person of the group will pay 5.48₺ for a ride using the same card, but then will the discount be applied for the transfer within 120 minutes?

Thank you in advance for your answer 🙏🏻

April 7, 2022 at 12:34 am

The short answer is that it is not correct. But the confusion stems from the following I guess. Every person using the same Istanbul Card will pay the same initial (discounted) fee, i.e. 5,48 TL. However, if you connect to another line within the time limit, you normally get another discount. So instead of again paying 5,48 TL, you only pay for instance 4,5 TL for your connection ride. But this discount is only available for the first person. The other people using the same card will not get that extra discount and pay again the regular fee of 5,48 TL. But there surely is no doubling of the fees. I hope I could make myself clear.

Danail says

April 5, 2022 at 8:02 pm

Hi! If I may ask, is Anonym Istanbulkart available from all yellow Bankmatik yet? And more specific, at the Bankmatik on Emirgan Iskelesi? Thanks!

April 5, 2022 at 10:39 pm

There doesn’t seem to be a shortage at this time, but I can’t tell if that specific one will have some for sure.

April 4, 2022 at 3:13 pm

can use 1 istanbulkart 5 people?

April 5, 2022 at 10:38 pm

Yes you can, but I don’t recommend it.

April 1, 2022 at 12:43 am

Thank you for this website. It was very helpful in planning my trip to Istanbul. I just returned last night and would like to share an update on the prices. The IstanbulKart now costs 25 ₺ just for the card without any travel value. I bought one at Gülhane tram station from a yellow Biletmatik. I put in 50 ₺ and received the card with a topup of 25 ₺. Also, a ride with the card now costs 5.48 ₺. Alternatively, if you just wanted to buy a single journey ticket without the InstanbulKart- it now costs 11 ₺.

April 1, 2022 at 9:14 am

Thanks a lot for sharing. You’re right, because of the inflation prices are unfortunately updated often. I try my best to keep the site up to date. I’ll make the necessary changes over the weekend.

April 2, 2022 at 3:26 am

Are HES codes still needed to buy the IstanbulKart ticket? If so, is entering “HES nationality Passport number, years of birth, surname” still needed to be texted to 905559443821? Thank you. Arriving in a few weeks and I want to be prepared.

April 2, 2022 at 6:32 pm

No Larry, currently you no longer need to link your HES code to the Istanbul Card.

March 28, 2022 at 10:56 pm

Hi there ! We are going to have 3 weeks holiday to Istanbul after the middle of August. I heard that a monthly pass card (they say blue card) will be more affordable. Can you send me some more information about it ? Where and how can I buy it ?

March 29, 2022 at 6:25 pm

Unfortunately, that pass is not available for tourists.

Manuel says

April 1, 2022 at 12:42 am

Hey Erlend,

Do you know an app where you can find ferry timetable and routes? Or even a website? This is one of the few things I can’t figure out. Keep up the good work!

April 1, 2022 at 9:11 am

Here’s the link to the Istanbul city ferry lines . Have you read my detailed info on how to make a Bosphorus cruise or the best way to get to the Princes’ Islands ?

Mubark says

April 20, 2022 at 11:32 am

Hi please guide me from where can I get mavi card or blue card which has discount like student card . Please write the office address and also the documents required to get the mavi card. Thanks

April 20, 2022 at 5:48 pm

As a tourist, you can’t obtain these cards.

March 24, 2022 at 4:41 pm

I’ll be in Istanbul next week and have an Istanbul card that I purchased in October 2021. Can I use my card for two people since I linked it with a HES code the last time I visited Istanbul, or do I require a new one?

March 24, 2022 at 10:58 pm

The matching with HES codes is no longer necessary at this point. So, I would give it a try, and if it doesn’t work, buy a new one for the second person. The cards are really cheap anyway.

Andre Aelbrecht says

March 24, 2022 at 2:09 pm

Hey, Can you go/sail as much as you want with 1 ride or do you have to pay for longer distances for multiple rides? thanks

March 24, 2022 at 10:57 pm

When you use your Istanbul Card to get on a means of transportation, you paid for the whole ride that vehicle goes. If you switch vehicles, you need to use your card again to pay for the fare, but you get a transfer discount as explained in the article.

Ruth Rosenthal says

March 19, 2022 at 9:55 pm

I am a little confused. I read some comments here about not being able to use the same card for two people. But those were from summer 2021. Is it now the case that two people can use the same card, and that the HES code is not now being required?

I will be at a hotel near Sultanahmet. Is an Istanbulkart available from the Sultanahment tram location? And if so, can I use a credit card or euros, or must it be paid using Turkish lira? And is there a particular denomination of bill that is too large to use at a tram location in the jetonmatiks? What about just buying maybe 6 tokens? Can I use a credit card? I may have Turkish lira, but if so, they may not be in small bills.

March 21, 2022 at 7:56 pm

Hi, during the pandemic, you had to link your HES code to your Istanbul card. Because of this, people needed to have personal Istanbul cards. This rule is currently no longer in effect, so two or more people can now again share an Istanbul card.

I don’t know every vending machine’s location by heart. Your safest bets are at the airport and at the entrances of metro stations. At the Sultanahmet stop there may be one, and if not, you can surely pay for a ticket. You can pay with liras or with card.

March 22, 2022 at 7:57 pm

Is bosphorus cruise included in the istanbul card ?

March 23, 2022 at 12:49 pm

If you mean whether you can pay for the Bosphorus tour with your Istanbul Kart, then the answer is yes.

May 3, 2023 at 7:51 am

Can you please confirm that we can use the Istanbul Kart for Bosphorus Tours, particularity the Long Bosphorus Tour, provided by Şehir Hatları as I noticed in your reply to Aniket, dated August 13, 2019 at 8:27 am, say that we cannot use it. I’m guessing the situation has changed since 2019?

May 3, 2023 at 8:39 am

Since the fare for the long tour (back and forth) is 65 TL at the moment, I don’t think you can still pay this with Istanbul Kart.

March 17, 2022 at 12:22 pm

We are 2 persons traveling to IST soon. Do we need our own Istanbul Kart or can one of us have one and pay for both?

March 17, 2022 at 11:17 pm

There is no longer the need to link it to your HES code, so yes, you can a share a card between two people.

Georgiana says

February 26, 2022 at 11:11 pm

Hello! I have understood that some months ago it was not available to purchase an Istanbulkart from the New Istanbul Airport yellow machines, it was available only in some kiosks. Do you know if this fact is still unchanged? I will travel to Istanbul next week and I would like to know if I could buy my Istanbulkart directly from airport. Also, another question is: how will I use the Istanbulkart? I have to put my card on the reader when I get on the bus and also when I get off the bus? Thank you a lot!

February 28, 2022 at 10:40 am

Getting the card seems to still be a challenge. I guess you’ll have to try your chance at several vending machines if none are available at the airport. You need to put the card over the reader only when you enter the platform or vehicle, not when getting off. Except on the metrobus if you want to get a partial refund because you took only a very short ride. But most tourists never use the metrobus, so no need to worry about that.

Faiezs says

February 16, 2022 at 10:25 pm

Hi , I was looking at another website and it stated that the Istanbul kart can be used by mail or users. Is this true ?

February 17, 2022 at 2:25 pm

What do you mean by “used by mail”?

Davin Jones says

December 28, 2021 at 1:18 pm

I have tried this on my phone and on my notebook and it always says “valid mail information should be entered”.

I have cut and pasted my hotel address. I have typed in my work address. I have used a random address generator. Nothing I try works.

Any advice?

December 28, 2021 at 2:43 pm

Ask your hotel’s welcome desk for help, that’s the only extra advice I can give.

Eva Lee says

December 22, 2021 at 9:32 am

Hi. I will arrive in Istanbul again on December 24. I try to tie my HES to my Istanbulkart as before. But today when I tried to open the link of https://kisisellestirme.istanbulkart.istanbul/ as before, it says “Web Page Blocked!The page cannot be displayed. Please contact the administrator for additional information.” In this case, how can I active my Istanbulkart again? Thank you very much

December 23, 2021 at 12:33 pm

The site often has hiccups. Sometimes it’s also difficult to reach it from outside Turkey. Just have patience and try later I’m afraid.

January 21, 2022 at 2:47 pm

I had the same last November, even IN Turkey it did NOT WORK. In the end, I had to buy single tickets, it simply never worked. Now I am traying again (I am in Bulgaria now) and it’s never working. What to do?

January 21, 2022 at 3:54 pm

I’m afraid there is nothing else to do. It could also be that the HES code is not active since you haven’t Turkey yet at the moment.

khadija adnan says

December 18, 2021 at 7:42 pm

hi, i will be in turkey for 20 days in january 2022. i want to buy istanbul kart. i have few questions regarding it. 1. we are family of 5, husband wife and three kids ( ages 14,9 and 6 years respectively), do i have to buy istanbul cart to each memeber of my famly seperately?

2. is this kart can be use to ride faerries to and from istanbul to bursa ? and reach adalar from ferry< can we use this kart?

3. is there any other card which will helps us to explore istanbul ? regarding attractions?

i am hoping to get the answers .thanks in advance.

December 18, 2021 at 8:54 pm

Hi Khadija, 1. yes, except for the 6 year old, he or she can use public transport for free. 2. yes for public transport and ferries to the islands, not for your trip to Bursa. You’ll need to buy tickets, most likely with IDO from Yenikapı. 3. well, since you’ll stay this long, I would have a look at the Istanbul Tourist card (you can read my review ) or the Istanbul Museum Card .

MHussain says

December 15, 2021 at 8:38 am

I am arriving next week in Istanbul. How do I get the HES upon landing at the Istanbul International Airport. Is this required prior to immigration clearance?

December 15, 2021 at 7:31 pm

Hi, Normally, you received a HES code (xxxx-xxxx-xx) when filling out the passenger locator and health (PLF) form ( https://register.health.gov.tr/ ). The form is mandatory to enter the country, so you’ll get your HES.

December 27, 2021 at 2:07 am

Hi I am arriving on 28th can I buy the Istanbul kart. From airport I have two kids with me I am staying in Bomonti area

December 27, 2021 at 12:36 pm

Normally they should be available. Don’t forget to link them to your HES code. If your kids are below 6, they don’t need an Istanbul Kart.

December 12, 2021 at 10:09 am

I have an old Istanbulkart, the orange-brownish color. Is it still valid?

Mustafa says

December 11, 2021 at 2:18 am

Hi , i got Istambulkart on my visit to turkey and linked it with my HES code there .. came back to my country and now after a month my brother flying to turkey .. i have the card with me so if i give it to my brother will he be able to use it and will he be able to link his HES code again on same card ? Hes going there for 1st time so it will be easy for him if it can be used ..

December 12, 2021 at 3:47 pm

Hi Mustafa,

Why would you bother since a new Istanbul Kart is so cheap? If I were you, I wouldn’t go through the hassle of trying to have the HES code changed.

December 13, 2021 at 2:27 pm

Yup you right I dint give him .. but I had balance amount in my card and just thought why not hand him over this card i have with me right if it works .. otherwise I’m sure he wont be getting it as he will be there for 2 days only …

November 30, 2021 at 2:50 pm

Hey! Does anyone have an idea why I cannot register in the Istanbulkart app? I enter my phone number and nothing happens… No SMS, no code, so I can’t log in there. The phone number is not Turkish, but Czech (+420 country code). Should I try again later?

December 1, 2021 at 9:36 am

If it still doesn’t work, I suggest to try calling the number 153 from a local telephone number, or ask help from your hotel welcome desk staff.

November 21, 2021 at 2:41 am

Hello guys, I do have a little problem I’ve been using Istanbul Card for one year and it was already linked with my Hes code, now it’s not working and I had to leave the bus twice… some of my Friends told me maybe your hes code already expired!! So I made a new hes Code but when I tried to link it with the same old card it gave me the error “the card is already registered” or something…. The odd thing is that before I discovered the issue I already top up my card…any suggestions pls?

November 21, 2021 at 11:00 am

Try calling the number 153 from a local telephone number, or ask help from your hotel welcome desk staff.

November 21, 2021 at 4:57 pm

Thank you so much for your reply, will try to call them. Hope they speak English though…

Sophie says

November 2, 2021 at 4:39 pm

Hello so I lost my anonymous Istanbul card which is associated with my he’s code and I don’t know what to do know I already bought new one and I pair it with my he’s code but still worrying about the last one what will happen if someone use it as my hes code is there with my personal info

November 2, 2021 at 6:58 pm

The best thing you can do is call 153 and explain. If you don’t have a local number, you may sk help from your hotel welcome desk staff.

November 8, 2021 at 8:49 pm

When you link your HES code to a new card it automatically stops working on the older one so no need to worry. But I would advise you to call 153 and report the old one lost in all cases.

November 14, 2021 at 2:49 pm

Thanks for sharing Sam.

Chaimae says

October 31, 2021 at 9:06 pm

I’m coming to Istanbul with my husband in the month of December, and we are going to stay there for about 5 days. Do you have any passes for one week ?

Thank you for your response!

Have a nice day

November 2, 2021 at 7:01 pm

Hi Chaimae,

Are you talking about transportation passes (then the answer is no, unfortunately), or are you thinking about Istanbul tourist passes ?

October 24, 2021 at 1:16 pm

Hi i have a card since 2019 and i didnt use since then is it still valid,, can i top it up

October 24, 2021 at 7:02 pm

As I wrote before, you normally should be able to to pair your old card with your HES code. If for some reason you can’t, just buy a new one. They cost about 1 USD.

Mick Twomey says

November 19, 2021 at 2:36 pm

Hi Erlend We have been using Antalyakart, but intend travelling to Istanbul and getting an IstanbulKart. Assuming they are similar systems. How long is the credit on the card available to use? Does it expire? Our Antaliakart says card is valid till May 22.

Can a tourist update the HES code on the IstanbulKart on a further visit in order to use outstanding ballance?

November 21, 2021 at 10:58 am

In theory, the card does not expire. Your biggest challenge will be finding a card, because supply is small these days. Updating the HES code on a future visit seems to be a challenge. So I would not put more money on the card than needed for this trip. Better be safe than sorry.

October 14, 2021 at 4:40 pm

Hello, can i use one way jeton ticket in bus?

October 18, 2021 at 8:33 am

No you can’t.

October 8, 2021 at 9:03 am

Do foreigner’s married and residing in Istanbul with a baby have benefits like the Anne Istanbul Kart— for 0-4yrs old kids mother has free rides.. but this is applicable for Turkish Citizen and resident of Istanbul.. so I’m just wondering if they have something like this that applies to foreigners that is a resident of Istanbul?

Thanks in advance…

October 9, 2021 at 8:50 am

No such things for foreigners I’m afraid, not that I’ve heard of at least. Kids up till 6 years ride for free though.

Viktor says

October 7, 2021 at 5:14 am

I got the Blue card instead of Anonym card. Is there difference in fares?

Is there any major differences in using / topping the cards, or can I simply use blue card same way like anonym card ?

Thank you for your answer

October 7, 2021 at 8:50 am

The Blue card is normally for subscriptions and holds your name and picture. So I doubt that it will work for you, unless of course you filled in the form and were approved as a new subscriber and topped the card.

There is currently a problem with the supply of anonim Istanbul Cards as explained in the newspaper article kindly shared by Bradley a bit lower.

October 7, 2021 at 4:57 pm

Hi all, to get and activate the Istanbulkart (the card for tourists is called anonym and costs 13TL), you first have to buy it at a ticket machine (they are yellow boxes). These machines are everywhere, but not all of them sell the cards. We bought ours at the Taksim metro station. Then you need to activate your card by linking it to your HES number (you can find it in the document you had to fill to enter Turkey). Unfortunately, the links on the internet don’t always work, so if you’ve tried opening the link ( https://kisisellestirme.istanbulkart.istanbul/ ) with different browsers and it still doesn’t work, you can go to the blue little trucks. Those are everywhere(we found one at Taksim Square) and they will do it for you. You can recognize those trucks by the blue colour and the white letters : Instabul BÜYÜKSEHIR BELEDIYESI

CÖZÜM MERKEZI

November 19, 2021 at 2:30 pm

You may be able to access the site via a proxy. Either a free proxy web page, or proxy app, as long as you can choose a proxy located in Turkey. You may need several choices as some sites block known Proxies.

September 24, 2021 at 2:53 pm

the number 2023 is not right, i sent a messge and they said that, what is B001 standsfor?

September 24, 2021 at 4:14 pm

Have you used a local (Turkish) phone number?

masong says

October 1, 2021 at 5:42 pm

I found the information on this page is very helpful. But I found 1 Istanbul Kart costs 20TL and extra 20TL for activation. Can I just buy 1 Istanbul Kart for 20TL and activate it online with my HES code?

September 19, 2021 at 4:05 pm

The Istanbul kart cards are no longer available in the machines I don’t know why. Finally I got one from a guy selling it near the machines with already activated with some HES code. With no other choice I bought from him for 35 lira.

Bradley Hetherington says

October 7, 2021 at 12:10 am

Vendors that used to sell the Instanbulkart that are refillable, say that they are finished and no longer available. I was able to buy a single use card from a vending machine, but trying to tie my HES code to the card constantly fails saying the verification code is incorrect, which it is not. The second card option/choice on this site.. https://kisisellestirme.istanbulkart.istanbul A different browser to be sure it wasn’t a caching issue, and instead I got that the card number itself was incorrect.. Try more than 5 times for either and you are locked out for two minutes… same issue once again after returning from exile. This is a nightmare system making transit unusable. I wonder if the card will work for the metro without the HES code. Maybe worth a try. I just got here..

October 7, 2021 at 12:32 am

https://www.dailysabah.com/turkey/istanbul/istanbul-runs-out-of-mass-transit-passes-amid-pandemic-worries

Seems like they are sold out and despite the website looking like you can match HES codes to single type use cards still available in vending machines, users report it does not work.

Therefore, public transit can’t be used by tourists (let alone starving students) arriving to Istanbul, October 2021. Tragic.

October 7, 2021 at 8:51 am

Thanks a lot for sharing Bradley. It’s a sad story indeed.

October 8, 2021 at 3:35 pm

Thank you. I was able to buy a couple of Istanbulkarts cards from a kiosk across the street from main entrance of Istanbul Cevahir Mall in Şişli… Cool and massive mall… All other kiosks and machines I had tried to date were sold out or empty… Anyways, I started by lining up at the Information Centre on Büyükdere Cd (near Şişli Metro entrance) where there was already 60 people in front of me in the queue. Mostly students I think… Thankfully a staff person came out and told us that for tourist cards, they were now stocked up across the street at the smoke shop/candy bar kiosk. I bought two cards, and the guys in the kiosi spoke a little English and were helpful. The only problem I have now is that I can’t get passed the “verification” code on the website I linked above in order to tie my Instanbulkarts to our HES codes. It keeps failing saying that the verification code is incorrect. It sure seems correct to me!! I’ll keep trying. I’m dying to use the metro instead of taxis.. I’ll update again. Been in Istanbul for a few days now and still can’t use transit. But that is my only complaint. The people I’ve met here and the chaos of the traffic is absolutely sublime. Loving it.

October 8, 2021 at 3:54 pm

I tried the site to match the HES with the Kart in Turkish, the default (I had done it some many times, no problem). It is possible that there is a problem with the ENGLISH code… It seemed to have worked, I couldn’t read the Turkish, but the message looked successful. When I do the next card in a few days, I record it with screen capture video. I’ll need to try to card at a Metro to know 100%. Meanwhile, if you are struggling like I was with the verification code, just leave the site in Turkish, it could just be buggy code… hope so!!

October 9, 2021 at 8:52 pm

Just to let you know that I was sold the blue cards for 14 Lira each and the nice guys at the kiosk loaded some extra cash on them for me to get me going, and I am a tourist… Today I was successful at using the card riding the ferries so the pairing/matching worked on the website/webform… HOWEVER. The trick for me was to leave the pairing ‘matching’ web page in its default TURKISH and the verification code worked when entered. In ENGLISH it would FAIL every time for me. No idea why. But it is an easy web form to fill out leaving it in Turkish. If you get it working in English, let us know!. So happy to be using transit, it is part of the fun of visiting Istanbul. What a great place, great people!! <3

Neelofar says

September 17, 2021 at 10:50 pm

Hi I need an Istanbul card, I went to the newspaper guy and he gave me an Istanbul card blue in color I asked him specifically if I can use it multiple times and headed to the bus, upon boarding the card didn’t work and the driver said this one doesn’t have the hes code. I have the hes code but there is no machine in Sariyer where I can get the card.please guide what is the nearest place to get one made and if there is going to be someone who can help walk through with the steps. As I plan to use the boat and metro both.thanks

September 18, 2021 at 10:19 am

Hi Neelofar,

You need to attach your HES code to the card, as it writes in the article (see the part titled Covid-19: How to Activate Your Istanbul Kart). If you can’t, ask help from the staff at your hotel.

Hope this helps.

September 8, 2021 at 1:00 pm

Hi! I found the information here very useful! Thank you! But I have some questions. As I understood, the Anonymus Istanbulcard is not in use or difficult to get. I found some information from Sept 7-th, that ““There are only “Limited Use Card” available at the airports or many kiosks in the city center. The actual “Anonym Card” is not available for purchase from the vending machines at the airports! Limited card is the one with options for 1,3,5,10 pass and than throw away.”

Is it really so? I´ll fly to Istanbul Sept 18-th for 4 days. as I understood, then I need to buy separate tickets? I cant find how much is the price 5 or 10 ride ticket?

September 9, 2021 at 2:13 pm

I haven’t heard of such cards. These would undermine the whole idea of personalised Istanbul Cards. If I were you, I’d just stick to the regular cards connected with your HES code as described, and ask for help from the hotel welcome desk to set it up. Have a nice stay.

KhJamshid says

October 26, 2021 at 12:39 am

1pass-6 tl, 3pass-15tl, 10pass-40 tl. Havent been able to use a 5 pass card so far.

The one tied with your hes code is cheaper but i have had so many problems using it, in the beginning i didnt know that it needed to be tied with your hes code, so i got kicked out of the bus once. I tried to share it with my friend but for some reason it didnt work, and driver asked me to leave the bus , LOL.

September 8, 2021 at 9:12 am

the Web site for connecting the cart with hes code not work

September 9, 2021 at 12:34 pm

Keep in mind that the website only works when your geolocation is within Turkey.

Bernard says

August 26, 2021 at 1:06 pm

Hello please can im in Mersin can i get my card from mersin And still use it İstanbul when i come there thank you

August 27, 2021 at 9:36 am

If they sell genuine Istanbul Karts there, I don’t see why not.

August 23, 2021 at 5:47 pm

I learned today that the information about the possibility of using one card for multiple users is not correct. The card didn’t work for the second passenger on the bus and the driver told us that is not allowed. I thought that maybe you would like to correct this on the website 🙂

August 24, 2021 at 10:51 am

You’re right. That’s because of this connection to your HES code. I indeed somehow forgot to mention that while explaining the HES procedure. Thanks for reminding me, I’ll add it.

Abdulah says

July 16, 2021 at 1:30 pm

Dear Mr. Erlend I have owned Istanbulcard since 2017, and I use it every time I am in Istanbul. Whether I can update this card with HES code or I have to buy a new one? Abdulah

July 18, 2021 at 10:04 am

Hi Abdulah,

Normally, you should be able to to pair your old card with your HES code. If for some reason you can’t, just buy a new one. They cost about 1 USD.

July 10, 2021 at 11:22 am

can Istanbul Kart be used by more persons even now in Covid19? If I connect it with my HES code, can it be used for other persons too? I will be travelling with my family and have 2 kids above 6yrs. So I will need to get one for each ?

July 10, 2021 at 12:58 pm

Yes, every person over 6 years old must have a personal Istanbul card.

stefanos says

July 7, 2021 at 11:09 am

is not in operation Istanbul Kart

Yes, sometimes the site to connect your HES code to the card has problems. Unfortunately, there is no other option but to try at another time.

Elena-Nicoleta GRIGORE says

July 2, 2021 at 6:47 pm

Hello, Is there a monthly ticket? Thank you !

July 3, 2021 at 11:31 am

Hi, No, there is not.

Rogina says

June 13, 2021 at 8:11 am

Hi I want to get an Istanbul cars, could someone advise from where i can do that. We are not staying in a hotel but we are tourist Also can we do this today Sunday Or should we hop to nearby hotel and they can give us a new card

June 13, 2021 at 3:12 pm

Hotels don’t issue Istanbul cards. The card itself you can find at many metro or tramway stations. However, because of the current COVID regulations, you need to activate it, as described in the post. You may not stay in a hotel, but you must sleep somewhere. Maybe those owners can help you activating it?

May 21, 2021 at 3:49 pm

can Istanbul Kart be used by more persons even now in Covid19? If I connect it with my HES code, can it be used for other persons too?

May 21, 2021 at 6:42 pm

No, for now they want one Istanbul Kart per person I’m afraid.

i need answer asap says

May 30, 2021 at 9:02 am

can we use one local sim card to link to two istanbul card for 2 persons?

May 30, 2021 at 4:17 pm

Margarita Petrova says

August 26, 2021 at 5:51 pm

Hi, today we checked every possible vending machine and ticket center from Karakoy to Taksim and there weren’t Istanbulkarts anywhere.. How is that possible? What seems to be problem? Is there any other option for using the public transport in case there are no Istanbullarts available???

August 27, 2021 at 9:42 am

Hi Margarita,

That seems very strange to me. I suggest enquiring at your hotel’s welcome desk on where you can find a card. You can also buy a token for a ride at the vending machines, but those are more expensive. I really suggest you try to get a hold on the Istanbul Kart, it’s cheaper and easier in use.

July 2, 2021 at 9:01 pm

Hi, I am resident of uae, can i use public transport in istanbul during this covid time?

July 3, 2021 at 11:33 am

I wouldn’t see why not once you purchased and activated your card.

Christophe says

March 26, 2021 at 12:53 pm

Hello, I was in Istanbul last week and from my experience, tourists cannot technically use the metro : the card do not work until it is activated on a website in Turkish. Even after using Google translate to fill in the form, you need a Foreigner Number, which you can t get unless you have a resident permit. Otherwise, the phone number for activating the card on the phone never replies. The staff in the metro , whenever there are any, speak no English. Not a very good way to foster tourism, but it looks like, for some reason, the tight control of the population is the priority.

March 27, 2021 at 1:47 pm

Hi Christophe,

Thanks for mentioning it. Let me look into it and get back to you.

Simona says

March 29, 2021 at 8:11 pm

I am a tourist I bought the card today and someone at the station helped me very kindly . You can use it , they will pair it with your qr code ( in the health form you used to travel ) . And so far the 80% of people we met speak also English

March 29, 2021 at 10:01 pm

Thanks a lot for sharing this. May I ask you where you got the Istanbul Kart so I can share where they were so helpful?

It seems that tourists either have to find a very helpful person (like you did) or need a HES code, for which he or she needs the assistance of a local citizen to obtain it by calling a certain number. All of this is of course because of COVID, but has become a extra loophole for tourists.

Looking forward to your reply.

Luis Restrepo says

April 4, 2021 at 3:49 am

Is it possible to activate the card with the HES code that is obtained when filling out the entry form to the country?

April 4, 2021 at 9:04 am

Yes, you need that HES code to have it activated. The only problem is that it must be done via a local mobile number, so you should ask this favor from the hotel staff. Also keep your passport number ready. I’ll update the post with the exact procedure in a few hours.

Hope this helps already.

Martin says

July 13, 2020 at 1:22 am

Very nice of you to provide all this information.

Now that lock downs are lifted, we are traveling to IST and staying in Istanbul for two days. I will buy an Istanbul card for using HAVAIST and then public transport. We will be a family (2 adults, one 8 years old one 3 years old). I couldn’t find this information anywhere: what is the fare for children? Children (3 and 8 year old) pay the standard fare?

Thanks for the help.

July 13, 2020 at 11:13 am

Children under the age of six travel for free, for all other passengers the standard fare applies.

February 23, 2020 at 3:30 pm

Hi, I like your pages very much. What is your recommendation of getting from Sabiha Gokcen airport to Küçük Ayasofya located hotel except taxi and personal transfer? Best, Miro

February 23, 2020 at 8:27 pm

Have you had a look at this page on how to get from Sabiha Gökçen to Sultanahmet ?

September 4, 2021 at 8:10 am

I make a deposit of $250 do(ENet Dis Ticaret Ve I Istanbul Card 7582) Can you help me with details of the platform I made my deposit

September 4, 2021 at 11:33 am

I don’t know on what platform you made a deposit for an Istanbul Card, but $ 250 for just an Istanbul Card is way too much. I’m sure what you bought is for some kind of package, including an Istanbul card among other things. In any case, if you experience problems with what you bought, you should inquire with the helpdesk from the platform.

February 20, 2020 at 4:01 pm

Hi Erlend, thanks for your help you are a great person, I have some few questions please. I will be in Istanbul next month i want to know which is the best and the cheaper transportation to use from the IST airport going to Bursa ? and can i navigate daily from bursa to Istanbul ? if yes with which cheaper transportions?

Hope you could lend me some advice.

February 21, 2020 at 9:37 am

I think your best option is to take the Havaist shuttle IST-1 to Yenikapi Sahil (18 TL / person), and from there take the IDO quick ferry to Bursa (34 TL / person). Click on the orange TR button at the top right for an English version.

Have a nice trip.

January 29, 2020 at 11:59 pm

Hi , we are travelling with 3 kids , 6,4 and 1 and in April for 4 days and staying in SultanAhmet , thinking of buying an istanbul kart my questions is it easier for us to access the stations and buses with a child on stroller ?

January 30, 2020 at 9:35 am

Buses are difficult to access with a stroller because of the height difference between the road / pavement and the bus. However, metros and tramways are easier to access. Having said that, the biggest challenge will be getting on. Certainly during rush hours, they tend to be very crowded. Keep in mind that the children travel free of charge.

Gianluca Locci says

January 15, 2020 at 3:19 pm

Hi, what is the best line to reach Catladikapy from the new airport? Thanks

January 16, 2020 at 10:38 am

Hi Gianluca,

The quickest will be by (Kiwi) taxi. Alternatively, you could take the Havaist IST-1 to Yenikapi Sahil, from there it’s still 650 meters on foot.

November 23, 2019 at 4:41 pm

My family and I are planning to visit Istanbul this Christmas time. There are about 5 of us and a child. We plan to stay somewhere in Sultanahmet and visit tourist spots such as Hagia Sophia, Basilica Cistern, Topkapi Palace and possibly Archaeology Museum. We may even take the Bosphorus Cruise.

But we are not sure whether it is best to take the Istanbul Tourist Pass or Istanbul Welcome Card.

For Istanbulkart Anonim Kart, is it better to take 2 for our whole family?

Hope you could lend me some advice. Thanks

November 23, 2019 at 11:46 pm

Regarding the Istanbul Card to use public transportation, I would indeed suggest to buy two cards for a party of 5 plus a child.

As for your choice between the Istanbul Museum Pass vs the Istanbul Tourist Pass, that’s a tough one. If you’ll use most of what the Istanbul Tourist Pass has to offer, then go for it since it’s good value for money … and ease. However, you didn’t mention how many days you’ll stay, but if you plan to visit only four sightseeing spots, then I guess the Istanbul Museum Pass is a better choice. You may even consider not buying that and purchasing tickets at the venues since the long high season lines will be much shorter or not there at all.

I hope this helps.

October 30, 2019 at 1:00 pm

Are you sure that Istanbul Kart can’t be used for mor than 5 pax? I have used the old Akbil Kart for more than 10 pax(going to Adalar)

November 6, 2019 at 10:15 am

A card can be loaded for max. 750 TL in a month, and max. 300 TL can be loaded in one go. There is no technical or legal restriction regarding the usage of the same turniquet (turnstile) or limitation about the amount of money spent.

For example, let’s assume a fee of 2,60 liras per person. In one day 750 / 2,60 = 288 times the same card can be used in the same turniquet or turnstile. But then that card can not be used for a full month as it has used up the 750 liras monthly maximum loading limitation.

I mentioned the max 5 per person for practical reasons. Also, keep in mind that only the first use of the card enjoys the transfer discount.

I hope this sheds a light on things.

October 25, 2019 at 11:02 pm

Hi, thanks for these great tips. I’m in Instanbul now and have seen people tapping these small Istanbul card ‘refund’ readers at the end of their journeys. Do you know when one should tap these?

October 26, 2019 at 11:55 am

Yes, that’s true. It first surfaced with the metro bus line, which is very long. Then the government realized that they should partially refund people when they only travel for a few stops. You can not find it on every line though. When you see them, just tap your card. Worst case, you don’t get a partial refund.

Enjoy your stay.

October 1, 2019 at 11:34 pm

Hi, me again 🙂

What’s the difference between E11 IETT (public bus) and Havabus, from SABIHA GOKCEN AIRPORT to KADIKOY ? Time, money etc? Why choose one and not another? I understand i can pay with Istanbul Card for E11. But for Havabus?

October 2, 2019 at 8:27 am

The IETT is a regular city bus. Compared to the Havabus, this bus is cheaper but less comfortable, no luggage storage, can be very crowded, much slower, and has many stops (Havabus only one or two). I would never recommend this with luggage. In fact, I would never recommend a city bus even without luggage if there is an alternative by tram or metro.

Hope this helps

October 2, 2019 at 6:17 pm

Thank you very much, Erlend! It is very helpful, indeed 🙂 But you didn’t tell me if i can pay for Havabus with Istanbul Card, or i have to buy tickets somewhere in the airport?

October 2, 2019 at 7:16 pm

Normally you buy the ticket from the bus driver or a booth at the bus stop. I remember paying cash the last time, but bring a regular credit card just in case. I don’t think you can use the Istanbul Kart.

Have a good time.

October 1, 2019 at 10:16 pm

Hi, let me know if i understood corectly. If i purchase one Istanbul Card, and i use it for 3 people, the fares will be these: for the first bus/tram/metro/ferry, the price for all 3 will be discounted (instead of 5 TL will be 2,65/person). If we transfer, for the first person, the fare will be 1,85, and for the next 2 person will be… how much? 2,65 or 5? And for the 2-nd transfer (the 3-rd bus/tram)? Thank you!

October 2, 2019 at 8:23 am

It’s all correct until the transfers. At a transfer, the first person will get the transfer reduction, the other people will just get the Istanbul Card discount (2,65 instead of 5).

Hope this clears it up for you.

September 21, 2019 at 11:42 am

Hello, could you please help me? If I and my husband stay just 1 night in Istanbul and need only go from the New Airport to Sultanamhet and back the next day is it worth to buy a Istanbul kart or we just pay the bus rate with a credit card? Or do I need a cash to pay? How much is it? Thank you!

September 23, 2019 at 8:27 am

If you don’t plan to take any other means of public transportation, then don’t buy it. Just use a credit card to pay for the Havaist shuttle.

September 19, 2019 at 9:50 pm

I hadn’t seen your review of the Istanbul Tourist Pass so far. So thank you for that. It is very helpful along with the rest of your feedback. Apparently Witt Istanbul has no vacancies over the period.

Many thanks & regards

September 17, 2019 at 12:14 pm

Hello Erlend

Planing to travel to Istanbul with my family ( 4 adults ) towards the middle of October for 7 days. We’re visiting for the first time and don’t mind if a good hotel is within easy commute from the main attractions as long as there are good transport links. I would really appreciate some recommendations.

1. A good location / hotel to stay with easy transport links to all the attractions? 2. Perhaps we’ll buy 4 Istanbul Kards. Is there a weekly / daily pass with unlimited travel that can be purchased in advance? 3. Is it possible to use the Istanbul Kard to travel from/to the airports? 4. Are all the main attractions still accessible as normal during October?

Many thanks

September 18, 2019 at 8:38 am

1. This is very personal and depends on your budget as well as other things. I always enjoy staying at Witt Istanbul hotel for it’s location and service. 2. You can do that, but I guess 2 will be enough, unless you all plan to travel single. 3. Yes, but not for taxis. 4. Yes, but as of October the winter season schedule starts, so opening hours are a bit shorter.

September 18, 2019 at 4:52 pm

Thank you for your.

Did you say there is a weekly advance ticket for travel throughout Istanbul? If so, how much does it cost and where can it be purchased?

There was another question I forgot to ask. I wonder if there was a combined ticket available for all the major attractions within Istanbul and its price?

Thanks & Kind regards

September 19, 2019 at 7:57 pm

No, there is no weekly travel pass or something like that, just the Istanbul Kart.

Have you looked at the Museum Pass and my review of the Istanbul Tourist Pass ?

Mohammed says

September 4, 2019 at 9:44 pm

Very helpful but the only wrong info is that the machines where you recharge your card takes up to 100 Turkish Lira, Not 20. I haven’t tried the 200 T.L yet. Thanks.

September 1, 2019 at 6:31 pm

Dear Erland, you are doing a wonderful job by providing prompt guidance to newcomers to Istanbul. My query is that , I am flying to Istanbul on 7 September and planning to travel to Ankara on 8 September after an overnight stay. This is my first visit to Turkey. I request you to kindly guide me on the following issues. 1. Which station is best approachable to catch high speed train in view of some heavy luggage ( 2 suit cases) 2. Which is the best and economical area / hotel to stay overnight, keeping in view the transit from new Istanbul airport to hotel and then next day to railway station.

Thanks and regards

September 2, 2019 at 9:01 am

I’ve never taken the high speed train in Turkey. From which Istanbul train station does your train depart? Is there a reason why you want to take the high speed train instead of flying?

Hazem El Gharib says

August 18, 2019 at 2:19 pm

Hi again, this is Hazem,

I understood that purchase tickets in cash is not an option , so I have to buy Istanbul Kard if were couple, should we buy two cards or one card and swap/touch it twice

Kindly advise,

Best Regards,

August 18, 2019 at 4:23 pm

One card for the two of you is ok.

amanda says

August 17, 2019 at 9:25 pm

hello, thanks a lot for this page.

i am coming to istanbul in 3 days and i booked a hotel in ” beyazit” , after some research i found it is better to get from the airport to the hotel using first the bus ” havaist” which takes to ” sultanahmet. then, once there i will take the tram ” T 1″ which leads to “beyazit. do you think this is a good decision or do you have an other recommendation. by the way, as i will make a transfer from the bus to the tram , i also decided to buy 3 istanbul karts because we are a group of 3 people, in order to benefit from the discount, waiting for your answer

August 17, 2019 at 10:49 pm

If you want to use public transportation, your plan is spot on. You really did your homework. As for the cards, three is certainly good, certainly for ease of use. But of course you’ll need to use it a lot to make the discount match the initial price of the card. That’s your call of course.

Hope it helps.

August 17, 2019 at 7:46 pm

hi again, I have another question please can I pay in cash when taking the airport shuttle from Sabiha to Sultan Ahmet or Taksim or I’ll still need to buy a card

August 17, 2019 at 10:33 pm

Cash is not an option. You either buy the Istanbul Card (which is a good investment if you plan to stay a week) or you pay by credit card (of course at the bank’s exchange rates). If I were you, I would buy one Istanbul Kard for you and your mom.

August 17, 2019 at 7:41 pm

hi Erlend, first, thanks for the article and the answers. I’m a blind person traveling with my 70 year old mom to Istanbul for a week I am not sure where to stay Taksim or Sultan Ahmet. I want to stay somewhere where I can go to the tourist attractions and go shopping with easy and cheap transportation. The taxi seems a hassle, but is the public transport accessible for me, as I’ll be the one handling machines and cards, or I’d better use taxies. I mean are the machines talking and the buttons have brail or raised English letters on them.

August 17, 2019 at 10:46 pm

Since you’ll be staying a week, given your mom’s age and your disability, I would recommend staying in Beyoğlu. Let me explain why: after three days you are really done in Sultanahmet and you will want to visit other districts. Taksim is really a central hub for public transportation. To reach Sultanahmet, take the funicular to Kabataş and the tram to Eminönü and/or Sultanahmet. Or take a taxi, but have your hotel call them, so they’re trustworthy. To reach all the other areas, you have the metro, easy accessible from Taksim.

Most traffic lights have a sound system to warn you whether the light is green or red. It’s in Turkish, but you’ll get the hang of it really quickly. Public transportation is not difficult to navigate and there are yellow paths especially designed to guide blind people. Unfortunately, I have no clue about the machines that validate the Istanbul Kart. But they are really easy to operate (just put the card on it) and most of the time there is a security guard on duty who will be glad to help.

IOANNA PAPAKI says

August 16, 2019 at 12:18 pm

I JUST PURCHASED two Istanbul Cards for ten rides each, and it says they are to rent; my question is, how can I return them before I leave Istanbul?

Can i return them to my hotel, which is the delivery and return point for the alldaywifi device I bought? I bought all these from the same website. So, can I return them with the wi-fi device at the end of my journey to Istanbul?

Thank you in advance.

August 16, 2019 at 5:55 pm

An Istanbul Kart is not made for a certain amount if rides. You upload money onto the card, use it for transportation, and when the credit is running low, you add some more funds to it. Since you mention that the card you purchased is for 10 rides, this makes me doubt that you bought an Istanbul Kart.

In case you did purchase an Istanbul Kart, in theory you can return the card and get the value of the card (not the leftovers of money you uploaded) refunded. However, in theory it’s difficult to find these shops and the trouble not worth the money (7 TL or so). You can not return it via the hotel.

Hope this makes things a bit clearer.

Aniket says

August 13, 2019 at 12:41 am

Hi, regarding the recharge of istanbulkart, I used the 50TL and it worked. I wanted to know if I can buy sehir hatlari tickets and hagia Sofia, topkapi place tickets from istanbulkart.

August 13, 2019 at 8:30 am

Yes, it works in some machines. No, I don’t think you can buy tickets for museums with the Istanbul Kart yet. Regarding the ferries, I answered it at your previous comment.

July 26, 2019 at 11:20 pm

Thank you so much for all the information, maps, and tips on traveling in Istanbul. I used your website for my last trip in 2016 and found all the information you provided to be extremely helpful. We got around town very well and visited all the fun tourist locations using the metro. We got one Istanbul Kart to share and it worked out well. I’m reviewing everything again for my upcoming trip in September. THANKS AGAIN!

July 27, 2019 at 6:01 pm

Thanks a lot Anna, glad I could help you have a great time in Istanbul.

George says

July 9, 2019 at 5:00 pm

Is it any possibility to see the summary of the trips and money spent on a specific card?

Thank you, George

July 9, 2019 at 10:56 pm

I’m afraid not, at least not that I’m aware of.

July 9, 2019 at 8:03 am

Hello, whether using public transportation in Istanbul can use cash or have to use a istanbul card? Thankyou

July 9, 2019 at 10:58 pm

Do yourself a favor and use Istanbul Card: it’s easier and cheaper. You can’t use cash any more in lots of cases.

June 22, 2019 at 7:22 pm

Hi Erlend, You are very generous for sharing these advices and details with us. I’m visiting Istanbul by the end of June and would probably come back in a visit by next December or January. Would the Istanbul Kart be still valid by then? Also, any advice for a stay? (safe place, easy to reach and close to main real life of Istanbul, non-turistic) Thank you in advance and waiting forward for your response.

June 23, 2019 at 1:12 pm

Yes the card should still be valid. As for a nice hotel, I have stayed at Witt Istanbul (in Cihangir) and enjoyed it a lot.

Maissie says

June 13, 2019 at 6:27 pm

Hey, I cannot seem to find the price list for the Istanbul card. How much is a 24 hour or a 2 day pass? Thanks

June 14, 2019 at 11:02 pm

The Istanbul card costs 10 TL to acquire, and then you can upload money as little or as much as you want based on your (public transportation) needs.

He-man says

June 13, 2019 at 1:49 pm

Hi Erlend, Indeed very useful article. Thanks!

I am travelling solo to Istanbul for just two full days. Que: For safer side, how many TL should I load in Kart apart from 10 TL non-refundable?

June 13, 2019 at 5:45 pm

Nobody will steal your Istanbul Kart. Load according to your expected use of public transportation. Don’t overload either, since adding extra is quick and easy, and yes, it’s non-refundable.

May 30, 2019 at 7:32 am

Hi there.Please where do you suggest me to stay in a decent place for a decent price? Thank you

June 1, 2019 at 5:35 pm

I loved my stay at Witt Istanbul .

Victor Jackimov says

May 28, 2019 at 3:31 pm

Hi! First – very useful article, a lot of practical advises.

My question – we are 4 people family, 2 kids over 13 years. If we use one Istanbulcart to travel together, do all the travellers use discount per a trip or only the first checked person?

May 28, 2019 at 9:34 pm

Only the first one will get the discount, the three others will pay the full amount.

May 29, 2019 at 4:50 pm

in this case do You recommend to take 4 cards – for each person?

May 29, 2019 at 7:15 pm

No, I wouldn’t do that. I would take two cards.

Kind regards, Erlend

May 19, 2019 at 8:26 pm

We are coming with a group of 8 for New Year’s Eve. What weather can we expect ? For sure we will get your recommended Istanbul Kart. We are relaxed travellers who can get ourselves to top attractions. We will stay in Sultanahmet, so can you recommend any quirky, local, off-beat, funky, non- touristy activities, places, cafes, bars, , local hang-outs, music places ? Not too much to ask is it. Thanks, Andy

May 21, 2019 at 10:23 am

As for non-touristy, local cafes and bars, you should not stay in Sultanahmet. Check out my post on Istanbul’s nightlife for some good pointers. As for a non touristy thing to do, I would enjoy a good breakfast by the waterfront in Bebek followed by a stroll in the direction of the city center. Also, I prefer the Süleymaniye Mosque over the Blue Mosque. You can walk down to the Eminönü waterfront from there, passing hundreds of stalls where locals shop.

May 15, 2019 at 3:15 pm

Nice article, just a few questions. About the rides. Its says it cost 3 TL per ride, so for example I take the metro one stop vs 3-4 stops, does the ride cost the same then? Kind regards Belal.

May 16, 2019 at 11:45 pm

Yes, the ticket is for the whole ride, regardless the amount of stops.

May 14, 2019 at 6:54 pm

Hi! How much do you suggest loading onto the card for a trip with three people for four days? 100 TL?

May 14, 2019 at 7:47 pm

Go slow. I would start with 50 TL, you can always easily load extra at almost every metro station.

Have a nice stay

May 15, 2019 at 3:26 am

May 9, 2019 at 12:10 pm

Hello, thank you for this very informative post. Question: we are traveling by bus from Bulgaria and will be arriving near Otagar metro station. Is the Istanbul Card available for purchase at that metro station? If so, is it a kiosk type that we can use a credit card for the transaction, or only cash liras? Thanks for your help!

May 9, 2019 at 9:44 pm

Normally there should be a vending machine at/in the metro station. If if you don’t plan to continue by metro, you should be able to buy one there.

May 7, 2019 at 2:14 pm

Hi and thank you for this detailed article. I love it a lot. But I have a question regarding a number of people who can use this card simultaneously. There are 4 adults and 1 child of 7 years with us. You said that it’s better not to use this card for more than 3 people, but why? If it’s for multiple travelers as well. Should we get 2 cards? Thank you in advance! Best wishes,

May 7, 2019 at 10:07 pm

A card can be shared by maximum 5 users. So in theory, you could use one card. However, the reason I recommend no more than 3 is pure for practical reasons. It takes time to swipe the card for a group of five. And also, if you ever split up or get split, what is the second group going to do? And of course, don’t forget the (small) discount for every transfer. Only one person per card receives this.

I hope this makes sense.

May 3, 2019 at 6:11 pm

At the end this month I’m travelling to Istanbul. When I bought my flying ticket few months ago, I would arrive at Atatürk Airport. Of course now there is a change and I will arrive at the new Istanbul Airport. I am staying in a hotel in Eminönü. Can I travel with the Istanbul Kart all the way to my hotel ? (wich bus, metro, or tramway and which line do I have to go on?)

Thank you very much!

May 3, 2019 at 6:21 pm

Have you had a look at this post about transportation options from the new Istanbul airport ?

May 3, 2019 at 6:23 pm

No, I didn’t !

Thank you very much. It is very helpful.

Authur says

May 2, 2019 at 5:40 pm

Erlend nice one, I have been afraid on how to move around but you just help me out, can I use my kart to travel to order city from Istanbul, and how to locate residence permit office in Istanbul which of the bus station will I go to with my kart? Thanks

May 2, 2019 at 10:00 pm

Hi Arthur, I’m afraid the Istanbul Card is only valid in Istanbul.

Furqan says

April 23, 2019 at 2:55 pm

Very useful articles, thanks alot for the information !

I am traveling this week to istanbul and have my hotel booked in sultanahmet area. After going through your articles i have decided that i will take the havaist transport as it seems to be the best option w.r.t money and time (my arrival time at IST would be 3pm).

I have one question, is it recommended to buy a local turkish sim card when u land in IST so that you can have acces to the internet mainly to navigate your ways around. For e.g i will reach the Sultanahmet stop via havaist transport service, but the walk afterwards towards the hotel would be easier if i have navigation with me .

So do you have any information regarding the purchase of local turkish sims with internet enabled. like what would they cost ? recommended or not ?

April 23, 2019 at 10:30 pm

Hi Furquan,

The plans/packages and prices of mobile operators change so often that it’s impossible for me to keep track of them.

I do have a few general guidelines for you though. The two biggest players are Vodofone and Türkcell. You’ll find branches of both at the airport. I suggest you visit both and compare plans/promotions. In either case, make sure you take ‘fatursız’, which means without monthly subscription. This way you pay a certain amount upfront and you can add extra if needed. Make sure to ask how and where you can do this.

No matter what, make sure you understand and have read all the details before you sign a document.

April 20, 2019 at 5:55 pm

Can you tell me how exactly it’ll work for two people. Will the second person also have the discounted fares?

April 22, 2019 at 9:47 pm

If two people use the same Istanbul card, you both get the discounted fares compared to the cash or ‘jeton’ fares. However, only one of the two gets the discounted transfer rate when transferring from one line to another. If you both want to get that discount, you need to have an Istanbul Kart each.

SAIRA KHAN says

April 13, 2019 at 1:03 pm

Hello.. great article.. please can you let us know If we take our Istanbul kart home to our country with credit on it.. can we use it again when we’re return a year or more later.

Also like oyster card in London.. can the card be returned in the machines and we get our balance and cart cost back.

Thanks in advance

April 14, 2019 at 1:31 pm

You can not get a refund for the card itself, but you can get money left on the card refunded. At least, that’s the theory, because for that you need to go to the headquarters. Since this is a big hassle, it’s better to make sure you don’t overload your card the last few days.

And yes, you can keep the card and reuse it the next visit to Istanbul.

April 10, 2019 at 9:44 am

Hi, Is it possible to pay using a credit card at the vending machines to buy the card or charge it later? Thanks

April 11, 2019 at 12:46 am

As far as I know it’s cash money (Turkish Liras) only.

Tatiana says

November 5, 2019 at 4:49 pm

is there any way to transfer money to my istanbul card from my bank card?

November 6, 2019 at 10:16 am

Not at the machines, but if you go to a sales point attended by the shop owner, then you can use your bank card.

Emmad Zahid says

April 8, 2019 at 8:20 am

Thanks for this information about card. I didn’t knew this.

Sohail says

April 3, 2019 at 5:15 pm

Hi Thanks for this, very helpful. But few questions please.

3 TL per ride: but how long are these rides please or how many stops? Do I need to touch out (like in UK) as well please?

On a separate note, HAVAIST airport shuttle shows “Regular round trip fair”. For example Istanbul Airport to Yenikapi 18.00. How does this round trip work? I need to go from airport to Yenikapi but my return journey is 5 days later. Thanks

April 6, 2019 at 10:36 am

You can stay on as long as the ride is. Every time you transfer to a different line within the hour you enjoy the discount. There is no need to touch out. As for the HAVAIST shuttles, this ’round trip’ is just a translation error. There is no such thing as a round trip. If you want a round trip, you need to pay the fee twice.

George Silva says

April 2, 2019 at 8:55 pm

Hi, Is it possible to pay for taxi fares, museum tickets, parking charges, etc with the Istanbul Kart

April 2, 2019 at 9:35 pm

That has been the plan long time ago, but I’m afraid it’s still a work in progress. So, for now, I wouldn’t count on it.

August 13, 2019 at 12:45 am

What about sehir hatlari ferry? Can I buy tickets using istanbulkart?

August 13, 2019 at 8:27 am

The regular ferries you can pay with Istanbul Kart, but for the Bosphorus Tours you have to pay your tickets with cash.

March 27, 2019 at 5:45 pm

Hi can I buy the card with pre loaded payment before I come Turkey from UK?

March 27, 2019 at 10:27 pm

I don’t think there really is need for that. You normally can buy an Istanbul card at the airport and load some money onto it.

Muhammad Arif says

February 11, 2019 at 10:39 am

Well done. Thanks a lot.

February 9, 2019 at 11:17 am

This was very helpful

Erlend Geerts says

February 9, 2019 at 4:19 pm

Glad I could help

January 1, 2022 at 5:14 pm

Hi, I’m new to Turkey but I want to buy an Istanbul kart and take the metrobüs for my trips. When and where can I pay? When I get on or off the metrobüs? And do people pay the same fare? For the whole trip?

January 1, 2022 at 6:58 pm

The metrobus is a specific bus that crosses a big part of Istanbul from beyond Beylikdüzü to a big piece of the Asian side, but is mostly geared towards Istanbul inhabitants, not as much foreigners since its stops are not near common sightseeing sites. Because of the length of the line, you can get a partial refund after getting off the bus after only a few stops. For that you need to put your card on the reader after leaving the platform. You can buy Istanbul cards from various vending machines scattered around the city at various public transportation stops / hubs.

December 28, 2018 at 10:42 am

Great work Thanks

December 30, 2018 at 6:23 pm

You’re welcome.

July 18, 2020 at 2:12 pm

Thanks for your help, can i please ask you if i can use Istanbul kart at havabus at Sabiha airport going to Taksim square??

July 19, 2020 at 2:12 pm

No, it’s best to have cash at hand for the Havabus.

Have a nice trip

July 23, 2020 at 2:29 am

Thank you so much for your reply, one more question do kids pay the same prices?

July 23, 2020 at 12:46 pm

Usually children until the age of six travel free of charge, all others pay the full fee.

Hamal Pasha says

September 26, 2022 at 1:33 pm

Hi Is it true that if we used the Istanbulkart for multiple users, only the first user is eligible for the discounted fare? I am travelling to Istanbul in November and if I am travelling by HAVAIST bus from Sabiha to Kadikoy, since it better to pay by cash to the bus, how much is the current fare from SAW to Kadikoy?

September 26, 2022 at 9:56 pm

Yes, only the first user gets the discount. You can not pay cash on the bus, only at the ticket booth. Here, you can find the current Havaist fares . At the moment it’s 35 TL.

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