Visiting Istanbul means immersing yourself in a city of many facets, where East and West meet to create a unique experience. With attractions spread across two continents and an endless cultural offering, organising your trip can become complex and costly. Istanbul’s tourist passes exist precisely to simplify this experience, allowing you to save both time and money whilst exploring the wonders of this Turkish metropolis.
Unlike other European cities, Istanbul offers a variety of passes tailored to different travel needs. Some focus exclusively on public transport, others guarantee priority access to major attractions, whilst others combine both solutions. Choosing the right pass depends on your travel style, length of stay and the type of attractions you wish to visit.
In this guide we examine in detail the four main tourist passes available for Istanbul: the Istanbul City Card, the Istanbul Tourist Pass, the Istanbul E-Pass and the Istanbul Welcome Card. Each has specific features and different benefits, and understanding the differences will help you choose the one best suited to your needs.
Whether you’re planning a two-day weekend or a longer holiday, whether you’re primarily interested in historic monuments like Hagia Sophia and Topkapi Palace, or whether you want to focus on transport to move comfortably between neighbourhoods, you’ll find the perfect pass to optimise your Istanbul experience.
The Istanbul City Card is the ideal solution for those seeking a practical and convenient way to move around the city. This card focuses exclusively on public transport, offering complete coverage of Istanbul’s urban mobility network. It includes unlimited use of metro, tram, bus, cable car and public ferries connecting both sides of the Bosphorus.
A distinctive advantage of this pass is the hotel delivery service, which eliminates the need to visit a specific collection point. The card is delivered directly to your accommodation, allowing you to start using it immediately. It also includes airport-to-city-centre transfers, a particularly valued service given the distance between Istanbul Airport and tourist areas.
The card works like a standard rechargeable Istanbul Kart, the card used by residents for public transport. This means you can move around exactly as the city’s inhabitants do, without worrying about buying individual tickets or always having cash on hand. The system is integrated with all major transport modes, making travel between Beyoglu, Sultanahmet and other tourist zones extremely straightforward.
The Istanbul City Card is available in various durations to suit your length of stay. Options range from 3 to 7 days, with prices starting at approximately £30 for the basic 3-day version. The card can be pre-loaded with additional credit to cover extra journeys or extend its use beyond the initial duration.
The cost includes not just unlimited public transport use but also hotel delivery and pre-loaded credit on the card. Considering that a single journey on Istanbul’s public transport costs approximately 20 Turkish lire (around £0.39 as of 2026) and that during an average holiday you make at least 6-8 journeys per day, savings become significant by the second day of use.
For those staying in more outlying areas or planning to move frequently between the two sides of the city, perhaps visiting both European and Asian attractions, the 5 or 7-day duration represents the most cost-effective choice. The card has no expiry from the point of purchase and can be activated on first use.
Once you’ve purchased the card online following this link, you’ll receive a voucher by email with instructions for hotel delivery. You’ll need to provide the exact address of your accommodation and a contact telephone number. The card is typically delivered within 24 hours of request, directly to your hotel’s reception desk.
Once received, the card is pre-loaded and ready to use. It requires no manual activation: simply tap it against the readers at metro, tram, bus and ferry entrances. The system automatically registers each passage and deducts the necessary credit. The card can be used by one person at a time and is not transferable.
To check your remaining balance, you can use the machines available at metro stations or ask at information desks. If the credit runs out before expiry, you can top up the card at numerous outlets throughout the city, just like a standard Istanbul Kart.
The Istanbul City Card is perfect for those who prioritise mobility and independence in getting around. If your travel style involves exploring different neighbourhoods, venturing beyond the most touristy zones and immersing yourself in the city’s daily life, this card is the ideal solution.
It’s particularly suited to travellers who’ve already purchased separate tickets for major attractions or use other passes for monument entry. It’s also cost-effective for those staying in areas like Beyoglu or along the Bosphorus, where daily journeys are more frequent.
Buy the ticket from 38,49 €
The Istanbul Tourist Pass is the most comprehensive pass available for Istanbul, offering priority access to over 100 attractions in the city. It includes all major sites of interest such as Hagia Sophia, the Blue Mosque, Topkapi Palace with the Harem, the Basilica Cistern and Dolmabahce Palace.
Beyond historic monuments, the pass includes unique experiences such as a Bosphorus cruise, access to Galata Tower, museums like the Archaeological Museum and the Museum of Turkish and Islamic Arts, and modern attractions such as the Istanbul Aquarium. It also includes guided tours in various areas of the city, such as the Jewish quarter and historic zones.
The real strength lies in the priority entrance (skip-the-line) at most included attractions. Given that places like Hagia Sophia and Topkapi Palace can have queues of 2-3 hours during peak season, this advantage translates to saving precious time. The pass also includes a digital audio guide in English and support from a team available via app.
The Tourist Pass is available in 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5-day versions, with prices starting at approximately £120 for the one-day pass. The cost increases progressively with duration, but the value for money improves significantly with longer versions. The 3-day pass, for example, costs around £120, whilst the 5-day pass is approximately £170.
To understand the value, consider that from 1st January 2026 the mandatory combined ticket for Topkapi Palace (including Palace + Harem + Hagia Irene) costs approximately £47. Adding Hagia Sophia (£21), the Basilica Cistern (£8.50) and a Bosphorus cruise (£21), you’re already over £97, making the pass worthwhile by the second day of use.
It’s important to note that the pass counts in consecutive 24-hour periods from activation, not calendar days. This means if you activate the pass at 2pm on Monday, you’ll have access until 2pm the next day for a one-day pass. Children’s versions (4-12 years) are available at reduced rates, whilst children under 4 enter free even without a pass.
After purchase, you’ll receive a digital QR code by email that you’ll need to download to your smartphone. The pass is completely digital and requires no physical card collection, making activation immediate and convenient. We recommend also downloading the Istanbul Tourist Pass app, available for iOS and Android, which contains all information on included attractions.
To use the pass, simply show the QR code at the entrance of each attraction. The system automatically registers each visit and prevents multiple access to the same site. At attractions with priority entrance, look for the dedicated gate for pass holders, usually marked with signs or identifiable by asking staff.
The app also provides real-time information on opening hours, how to reach attractions and advice on when to visit to avoid crowds. It includes offline maps and the ability to plan your daily itinerary. Customer support is available in several languages, including English, via in-app chat.
The Tourist Pass is ideal for those visiting Istanbul for the first time and wanting to ensure they see all major attractions without worrying about individual costs. It’s perfect for organised travellers with an intensive itinerary who want to maximise the number of sites visited in a few days.
It proves particularly advantageous during peak season (April-October), when queues at major attractions are significant and the skip-the-line service becomes a fundamental added value. Families with children will appreciate the variety of included attractions, ranging from historic sites to more engaging experiences like the aquarium.
It’s not the best choice for those travelling at a leisurely pace, preferring to explore fewer sites in depth or who have visited Istanbul before. In these cases, the Istanbul E-Pass or purchasing individual tickets might be more cost-effective.
Buy the ticket from 139,44 €
The Istanbul E-pass occupies a middle ground between a comprehensive pass and purchasing individual tickets, focusing on Istanbul’s unmissable top attractions. It includes priority access to roughly 10-15 key sites: Hagia Sophia, Topkapi Palace with the Harem, the Basilica Cistern, Dolmabahce Palace and Galata Tower.
Unlike the Tourist Pass, the E-pass doesn’t include secondary attractions or smaller museums, prioritising quality over quantity instead. Every attraction included in the pass is considered an absolute must-see for Istanbul visitors. It also includes a scenic Bosphorus cruise, essential for understanding the city’s geography and history.
The skip-the-line service is guaranteed for all major attractions, with clearly marked dedicated entrances. The pass includes a multilingual digital audio guide for principal sites, accessible via smartphone, and an interactive city map with detailed directions on reaching each included site.
The Istanbul E-pass comes in 2, 3, 5 and 7-day versions, with prices starting from around £60 for the 2-day pass. The 3-day pass costs approximately £85, whilst the 5-day option comes in at around £115. Prices are lower than the comprehensive Tourist Pass, reflecting the smaller number of included attractions.
Value for money depends heavily on your visiting pace. If you’re planning to see only the main attractions without spreading yourself thin across minor museums, the E-pass offers excellent value. Consider that a combined ticket for Topkapi Palace (Palace + Harem + Hagia Irene) costs £42, Hagia Sophia £19 and the Basilica Cistern £8: with just these three sites, you’re already close to the pass cost.
Like other passes, validity is calculated in consecutive hours from activation. Reduced rates are available for children aged 6-11, whilst children under 6 can access attractions free of charge without needing a pass. Student or senior discounts are not available.
The system works identically to the Tourist Pass: you’ll receive a digital QR code to show at each attraction’s entrance. The pass is activated via the Istanbul E-pass app, available free from all app stores, which also provides detailed information on opening times and directions to each site.
For attractions with scheduled entry slots (such as certain Topkapi Palace tours), you’ll need to book your time slot through the app at least 24 hours in advance. This system guarantees entry without queues even during peak times. For other sites, you can simply turn up during opening hours.
The app lets you create personalised itineraries based on your interests and available time. It includes suggestions on the best order to visit sites to optimise travel and which times to choose to avoid crowds. Customer support is available via an in-app chat function.
The Istanbul E-pass is perfect for those with a selective approach to exploring the city, preferring to focus on unmissable attractions rather than trying to see everything. It’s ideal if you’ve already researched what to see in Istanbul and know which sites you want to visit.
It suits travellers with 3-5 days available who want to balance cultural visits with free time for exploring neighbourhoods, shopping or enjoying local life. It’s also a good choice for returning visitors wanting to see only the main sites they may have missed on a previous trip.
It’s not ideal for those wanting to explore every corner of the city or families with children who might appreciate the variety offered by the comprehensive Tourist Pass, which includes more recreational attractions such as the aquarium.
Buy the ticket from 165,00 €
The Istanbul Welcome Card, also marketed as Istanbul Go Pass, represents a hybrid solution combining unlimited public transport with entry to a curated selection of attractions. It includes unlimited use of the metro, trams, buses, cable car and public ferries, plus airport transfer from Istanbul Airport to the city centre.
Regarding attractions, the pass guarantees access to approximately 15-20 main sites, including Topkapi Palace (without the Harem), several museums, a Bosphorus cruise and entry to some historic mosques with audio guidance. It doesn’t include Hagia Sophia or Dolmabahce Palace, which must be purchased separately.
The main advantage is the combination of mobility and culture in a single pass, eliminating the need to manage two separate purchases. It also includes discounts at selected restaurants and shops, a pocket city guide and dedicated app support with offline maps.
The Welcome Card comes in 2, 3, 5 and 7-day versions, with prices starting from around £40 for the 2-day pass. The 3-day pass costs approximately £55, whilst the 5-day option comes in at about £80. Prices reflect the inclusion of both transport and attractions, positioning it halfway between the Istanbul City Card alone and more comprehensive passes.
Value depends on how intensively you use public transport. If you’re planning 4-5 journeys daily and visiting at least 2-3 attractions included in the pass, savings become apparent. For those staying centrally and moving mainly on foot, it may offer less advantage.
Children’s rates (6-12 years) are reduced by around 30% compared to adult fares. Children under 6 travel free on public transport and don’t need the pass. University student reductions are not available.
After purchasing online, you’ll receive a voucher to convert into a physical card at one of Istanbul’s official pick-up points. Main locations are at Istanbul Airport, Sabiha Gökçen Airport and central locations such as Taksim Square.
Once collected, the card must be activated at first use, for both transport and attractions. For public transport, it works like a standard Istanbul Kart: simply tap it on the readers. For attractions, you’ll present it at dedicated ticket counters, where you’ll be issued your entry ticket.
The card includes a QR code that can be scanned via the Welcome Card app to access all information, check which attractions you’ve already visited and which remain available. The app also provides transport directions and updated city maps.
The Welcome Card is ideal for those seeking a practical all-in-one solution who want to avoid managing multiple passes for transport and attractions. It’s particularly suited to families or groups, where coordinating different cards can become complicated.
It suits those with a balanced travel approach, mixing cultural visits with neighbourhood walks and local experiences. For those staying in non-central areas or planning frequent moves between different parts of the city, the added value of unlimited transport becomes significant.
It’s not the best choice if you want to visit all major attractions (many of which aren’t included) or if you’re seeking maximum savings on individual tickets. In these cases, combining an Istanbul City Card for transport with individual tickets for main attractions might prove more economical.
Buy the ticket from 29,00 €Choosing between the four passes depends mainly on three factors: your interest in public transport, the number of attractions you wish to visit and your length of stay.
For a 2-3 day weekend focused on main attractions, the Istanbul E-pass represents the most balanced choice. It lets you see unmissable sites with priority entry without excessive spending or feeling pressured to rush between attractions to justify the cost.
For stays of 5-7 days with an intensive cultural itinerary, the Tourist Pass becomes the most economical solution. With over 100 included attractions, you’ll have freedom to explore lesser-known museums and sites without worrying about individual costs. Priority entry becomes crucial when visiting many attractions in a few days.
If your main focus is urban mobility and you’ve already planned to purchase attraction tickets separately (perhaps because you’re only interested in 2-3 specific sites), the Istanbul City Card is the most sensible choice. It guarantees unlimited transport with the convenience of hotel delivery, leaving you free to arrange cultural visits according to your preferences.
For families with children or groups seeking convenience who want to avoid managing multiple passes, the Welcome Card offers a reasonable all-in-one solution, though less competitive for pure savings compared to other options. It’s particularly suited to those staying in peripheral areas needing both transport and some attraction entry.
Budget-conscious travellers should carefully consider whether a pass is necessary. For very selective visits (3-4 main attractions), purchasing individual online tickets with priority entry combined with a standard public transport pass might prove cheaper than any tourist pass.
Considering the time factor, all passes including priority entry (Tourist Pass, E-pass and partly Welcome Card) will save you precious hours during peak season. Queues at Hagia Sophia, Topkapi Palace and the Basilica Cistern can easily exceed 2 hours during summer months.
Only the Istanbul City Card and Istanbul Welcome Card include unlimited public transport access. The Tourist Pass and E-pass focus exclusively on attractions and do not cover the metro, trams or buses. You’ll need to purchase a standard Istanbul Kart or a separate transport pass if you opt for these latter two passes.
Tourist passes are most beneficial for those with an intensive sightseeing schedule. If you’re planning to visit only 2–3 major attractions during your stay, buying individual tickets may prove more economical. Passes become worthwhile when you visit at least 4–5 included attractions.
During peak season (April–October), queues at major attractions such as Hagia Sophia and Topkapi Palace can exceed 2–3 hours. Priority entry included in the passes could save you a combined 6–10 hours during a 3–4-day holiday, time you can dedicate to additional visits or experiences.
Yes, all passes offer discounted rates for children aged 6–12 years (or 6–11 years depending on the pass). Children under 6 enter most attractions free of charge and travel free on public transport, so they don’t need a pass.
No, all passes are strictly personal and non-transferable. Each member of your group must have their own pass. Some digital passes also require registration with your full name, which is verified at entry to major attractions along with a valid ID document.
If an attraction included in your pass is temporarily closed for maintenance or other reasons, no refund or pass validity extension is offered. It’s advisable to check up-to-date opening hours via the pass app or official websites before planning your visits.
Passes generally include digital audio guides in several languages accessible via smartphone. They do not include live tour guides, which must be booked and paid for separately. Some passes offer discounts on specific guided tours.
No, each attraction included in your pass can be visited only once during the validity period. The system automatically records each entry and prevents multiple visits. Should you wish to visit a site again, you’ll need to purchase a separate standard ticket.
Digital passes (Tourist Pass and E-pass) are activated automatically upon first use, when you scan the QR code at your first attraction. Physical cards (City Card and Welcome Card) are activated by following the instructions provided upon collection, typically at first use for transport or when you visit your first attraction.
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