Istanbul has a wide selection of public and private transportation. There are bus and metro lines, trams, ferries and dolmuş/minibüs options.
Tokens & Istanbulkart
Each time you use a tram, metro or boat on public transport system, you’ll need to use a token. You can get your tokens from the kiosks and machines at the bus, metro or railway stations.
Having an Istanbulkart is a good idea if you’ll stay in Istanbul more than a couple of days. This card can be used at public transportation and gives an option of transfer between vehicles or lines for free or at a discount.
An Istanbulcard can be bought and refilled at the kiosks at any major bus, tram or metro station and also at some newspaper stands with a sign “Akbil Dolum Bayii” close to these stations.