Visitor positioning
Why not a physical card?
A short comparison of the digital ride pack and the physical Istanbulkart from a visitor's perspective.
| Why Not a Card | Physical Istanbulkart | Istanbul Ticket QR |
|---|---|---|
| Where you buy | Card machine at the airport, often with a queue. | Online before arrival from anywhere in the world. |
| What you receive | Plastic card you have to top up. | QR tickets by email, scanned at the gate. |
| Quantity guarantee | Whatever balance you happened to load. | Fixed number of rides, no top-up math. |
| Validity | Card never expires but balance can be lost. | Unused rides valid for 6 months from purchase. |
| Refunds | Card-machine refunds are limited. | Non-refundable once your QR tickets are delivered — set expectations clearly. |
Where you buy
- Card machine at the airport, often with a queue.
- Online before arrival from anywhere in the world.
What you receive
- Plastic card you have to top up.
- QR tickets by email, scanned at the gate.
Quantity guarantee
- Whatever balance you happened to load.
- Fixed number of rides, no top-up math.
Validity
- Card never expires but balance can be lost.
- Unused rides valid for 6 months from purchase.
Refunds
- Card-machine refunds are limited.
- Non-refundable once your QR tickets are delivered — set expectations clearly.
TL;DR
If you are a visitor who wants transport prepared in advance and a clear ride count, the digital pack removes most friction. If you live in Istanbul or stay long term, a physical Istanbulkart is still the right tool.
Get my ride pack ready
View Ride Packs