How to use public transport in Istanbul: ferries, metro, and Istanbul Kart?
Based on 3 discussions with 2 participants · Last activity: 1 day ago
TL;DR
All public transport in Istanbul uses the Istanbul Kart (similar to an Oyster card). Buy it at blue-yellow Biletmatik kiosks at any metro station or ferry pier — the interface supports English.
What the community said
A 3–5 hour guided city tour on your first day is a great way to get oriented: see the main sights, decide what to revisit, and get tips from the guide and fellow travelers. Can be booked via Sputnik8.
9 days ago City tour 3–5 hours, Sputnik8
The Istanbul Kart works on all regular ferries. Ferry routes are shown as dotted lines in Google Maps, making it easy to plan trips.
9 days ago Istanbul Kart — ferries
Istanbul Kart can be bought and topped up at blue-and-yellow Biletmatik kiosks found at every metro station and ferry pier. The touchscreen interface is available in English — very straightforward.
9 days ago Biletmatik kiosk — English interface available
Funicular tickets in Istanbul are sold inside the station, not at the booth facing the street. Walk past the road-facing window and follow the signs inside.
15 days ago Funicular ticket booth — inside the station, follow signs
Always check the departure board at the ferry pier — ferries go in different directions (e.g. Eminönü or Bostancı), and it's easy to board the wrong one.
28 days ago Ferry destinations: Eminönü / Bostancı — check the board