How much does public transport cost in Istanbul (metro, tram, bus, ferry)?

The latest figure from the discussion: in September 2026 a participant wrote that the minimum Istanbulkart fare is 46 lira. The card can be bought from machines at tram stops, ferry piers and metro stations; to start, they suggested topping it up with 500 lira and adding more if needed.

Without an Istanbulkart it costs more. In September 2026, answering a question about getting from Sabiha Gökçen Airport, a participant said the metro-and-tram option paid by bank card comes to about 250 lira, and the express bus paid the same way about 600 lira.

Where to buy the card: in August 2026 travelers wrote that the Istanbulkart is sold at dedicated machines near metrobus, metro, ferry and tram stops, where it can also be topped up; the card cost 160 lira, and rides 42 to 70 lira depending on the transport. In July another report put the card price at stations at 200 lira.

A route from the Taksim area to the airport, described in July 2026: tram T1 to Kabataş (exit from the last car), the funicular up to Taksim, then the metro 3 stops to Gayrettepe (again exit from the last car) and follow the signs to the airport metro line. The cost is about 150 lira.

In July 2026 travelers quoted these fares: tram, bus and metro — 42 lira (the participant noted they seem to share one price), and the sea tram — 69 lira.

The cheapest options from Sabiha Gökçen Airport, according to a June 2026 answer: the metro — about 160–200 lira per person, the bus — about 480 lira per person, both excluding the card itself. The Istanbulkart then cost 165 lira; one card can be shared by everyone, with a top-up limit of 2,750 lira. The metro is not very comfortable with luggage, but many people manage.

A July 2026 review: the metro and trams are convenient and clean, running every 5–7 minutes, so travelers recommend public transport within the city — taxis are expensive and slow. In June one traveler noted that the metro was running around the clock that day; check the schedule for your own dates.

In June 2026 a participant wrote that one metro or tram ride costs 42 lira on average, while Marmaray and ferries are more expensive.

Money on a non-personalized Istanbulkart is not refunded: according to a participant in June 2026, a remaining balance can be returned only from a personalized card. So for a short trip, avoid loading much more than you will spend.