Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
İSTANBULKARTS
İstanbul's public transport system is excellent, and for many years the Akbil system was one of its
best features. These small electronic tags could be purchased with a refundable deposit, recharged
with cash and then used to access easy, discounted travel across the system. The Akbil system is in
the process of being slowly phased out, and is being replaced by the İstanbulkart, a rechargeable
travel card similar to London's Oyster Card, Hong Kong's Octopus Card and Paris' Navigo.
İstanbulkarts are simple to operate: as you enter a bus or pass through the turnstile at a ferry dock
or metro station, swipe your card for entry and the fare will automatically be deducted from your
balance. The cards offer a considerable discount on fares ( 1.75 as opposed to the usual 2, with ad-
ditional transfers within a two-hour journey window 1), and they can be used to pay for fares for
more than one traveller (one swipe per person per ride).
The cards can be purchased for a refundable deposit of 10 and charged with amounts between
5 and 150. Unfortunately, they are a bit difficult to access - you need to find a kiosk displaying an
'Akbil' or 'Istanbulkart' sign. The most conveniently located kiosk for travellers is at the bus station
at Eminönü.
Cards can be recharged at machines at ferry docks, metro stations and bus stations. Note that in
our experience, machines will only accept 10 or 20 notes - not 50.
Boat
Cruise ships arrive at the
Karaköy International Maritime Passenger Terminal
(
212-249 5776)
, near the Galata Bridge.
Bus
The
Büyük İstanbul Otogarı
(Big İstanbul Bus Station; 212-658 0505;
routes. Called simply the
otogar
(bus station), it's in the western district of Bayrampaşa,
just south of the expressway and about 10km west of Sultanahmet. There's an ATM here
and a few cafes. The metro service from Aksaray stops here (Otogar stop) on its way from
