Istanbulkart ROI Calculator

What this solves

Istanbul's transit system quietly has three pricing realities: per-ride Istanbulkart, the AK24 24-hour pass, and the AKBİL monthly. Most visitors either buy the 24-hour pass "just in case" (often losing €5–10) or skip it and overpay at single-ride counters (often losing €10–20 across a 5-day stay). This calculator does the actual break-even math for the days you're riding.

It also factors in the Marmaray (single-fare token), İDO ferries to the islands (separate pricing), and Şehir Hatları commuter boats — things the generic "buy a transit pass" advice never covers.

Calculate your best option

Enter your expected rides per day. Each row counts as one tap.

Default fares (2026 figures): Istanbulkart single tap ≈ ₺27 (1 ride ≈ €0.78). AK24 24-hour pass ≈ ₺325 (≈ €9.40). Marmaray single-token ≈ ₺90 (€2.60). İDO island ferries ≈ ₺120 (€3.47) one-way to/from Büyükada — these are priced separately and do not consume the AK24.

How to read the result

1. Per-ride total is what you'd spend tapping the Istanbulkart for every journey.
2. AK24 total is the cost if you activate one 24-hour pass for each "active" day.
3. Recommendation picks the cheaper option and shows how much you save.
4. If you're taking only 1–2 rides in a day, per-ride wins. The pass pays off around 4+ rides on most days.

Limitations

• Per-tap fares move. IETT adjusts prices roughly every 6–12 months; the 2026 figures above are reasonable for the first half of the year but verify on the official site.
• Transfer discounts are partial. Within 90 minutes of a tap, your next tap is discounted to ~₺18. The calculator doesn't model this perfectly — assume 1 free transfer per day.
• Marmaray is special. Marmaray uses a token, not the AK24. If you're crossing the Bosphorus by rail, the pass won't help — plan ₺90 each way.
• AK24 doesn't cover private İDO ferries. Tourist İDO boats to the Princes' Islands or Yalova are priced independently.

Frequently asked questions

Where do I buy an Istanbulkart?

At any Metro or tram station from a yellow vending machine (touch "ENGLISH"), at the airport, or at most newspaper kiosks near transport hubs. Card cost is non-refundable (~₺130). You can keep the remaining balance on it for your next trip.

Can I share one card with my partner?

No. Each person needs their own Istanbulkart for per-ride and pass products. Buy two at the start. Couples who split up often save more by buying two 24-hour passes than by sharing.

Is the AK24 available to tourists?

Yes. The AK24 can be loaded onto any Istanbulkart from the same vending machines. Activate it on the day you start using it (the machine prints a start time). It's good for 24 hours from activation, not from midnight.

What's the difference between AK24 and AK72?

AK72 is a 72-hour pass (~₺650, ≈ €18.80). It makes sense on a 3-day visit with 6+ rides/day. For shorter stays the AK24 is better. For weekly visitors, the regular 7-day AKBİL subscription (residents only) is cheaper, but tourists cannot register for it without a Turkish ID.