4 passes, 1 decision. The Istanbul Welcome Card (from €85) is the only all-in-one option — tickets + cruise + transport + airport transfer, delivered to your hotel. The Istanbul Explorer Pass (from €210) bundles unlimited public transport with a 3 GB eSIM and live-guided skip-the-line entry. The E-Pass (from €125) is the cheapest attraction-only bundle. The Museum Pass (€105) covers state museums only — no Hagia Sophia. For 3–5 day trips a bundled pass saves €40–€120 versus paying per attraction. Use code ITI5 for 5% off all Istanbul Welcome Card products.
What is an Istanbul City Pass and How Does It Work?
An Istanbul city pass is a prepaid tourist card that covers entry to major attractions (Hagia Sophia upper gallery, Topkapi Palace, Basilica Cistern, Dolmabahçe, Galata Tower), skip-the-line access, a Bosphorus cruise, and — on some passes — public transport, mobile internet (eSIM), and airport transfer. You buy it online before your trip, receive a QR code by email (or for some passes, a physical card delivered to your hotel), and scan it at each attraction entrance. Most passes are valid for 1, 2, 3, 5, 7, or 10 days from first use.
Istanbul City Pass Options: A Comparison Table
This table shows all passes side by side. Scroll right on mobile to see all columns.
| PREMIUM CARD | DELUXE CARD | SAVER COMBO | GO PASS | EXPLORER PASS | E-PASS | MUSEUM PASS | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| CITY PASSES |  ⭐ Best for first-timers |  🏆 Most complete package |  💰 Best budget option |  🚃 Best for transport |  🗺️ Best guided tours |  🎯 100+ attractions |  🏛️ Best for museums |
| Hagia Sophia | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | — | ✓ | ✓ | — |
| Topkapi Palace | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | — | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| Basilica Cistern | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | — | ✓ | ✓ | — |
| Bosphorus Cruise | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | — | ✓ | ✓ | — |
| Public Transport | 5 Rides | 5 Rides | — | Unlimited (1–7 days) | Unlimited (3 days) | Discount | — |
| eSIM Internet | 3 GB | 5 GB | 3 GB | 3 GB | 3 GB | 1 GB | 1 GB |
| Validity | 7 days | 5 days | 3 days | 1–7 days | 7 days | 2–7 days | 7 days |
| Delivery | Digital | Digital | Digital | Hotel | Hotel | Digital | Digital |
| Discount Code | ITI5 = 5% | ITI5 = 5% | ITI5 = 5% | ITI5 = 5% | — | — | ITI5 = 5% |
| PRICE | €135 → €113 BUY THE CARD | €189 → €179 BUY THE CARD | €145 → €128 BUY THE COMBO | €35 → €29 BUY THE PASS | From €210 BUY THE PASS | From €145 BUY THE PASS | €125 → €118 BUY THE PASS |
For unlimited transport (3 days) + guided tours, check the Explorer Pass.
Get 5% off with code ITI5 on all Istanbul Welcome Card products.
For maximum access, check E-Pass.
Istanbul pass calculator
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Read the pass comparison guideBest Istanbul City Pass by Travel Style
Choose by itinerary first, then jump to the matching pass details on this page. This is the easiest way to avoid paying for attractions you will not actually use.
Best overall
First tripBest for first-time visitors who want major sights, a Bosphorus cruise, transport support and a simple plan.
Check: validity, included attractions, hotel delivery and guided entry rules.
Best for museums
MuseumsBest if your trip is focused on museums, palaces and official cultural sites instead of only one landmark.
Check: exact museum coverage, exclusions and whether guided entry is included.
Best for Hagia Sophia + Blue Mosque
SultanahmetBest for a short Sultanahmet route with Hagia Sophia, Blue Mosque and nearby highlights.
Check: prayer times, dress code, meeting point and Basilica Cistern inclusion.
Best for Topkapi + Dolmabahce
PalacesBest for palace-heavy itineraries where guided entry, included sections and transfer time matter.
Check: Topkapi Harem, Dolmabahce sections, opening days and time slots.
Best for Bosphorus
CruiseBest if a Bosphorus cruise is a must-do part of your Istanbul itinerary.
Check: pier, duration, sunset or dinner option and weather policy.
Best for families
FamilyBest when you want a realistic route without overloading the day with too many attractions.
Check: child rules, stroller access, waiting times and rainy-day backup plans.
Best for a 3-day Istanbul trip
3 daysBest if you plan one Sultanahmet day, one palace or museum day and one Bosphorus or Galata day.
Check: what you will actually use each day before choosing the pass.
Details of Istanbul City Pass Options
Here is a closer look at each pass, so you can choose the right one for your trip.
Premium Card
All-in-one pass for first-time visitors
Deluxe Card
5-day ultimate pass — 13+ museums + cruise + transport
Saver Combo Ticket
3-day budget pass — top 3 sights + cruise in one ticket
Istanbul Go Pass
Unlimited transport + audio guide + eSIM — 1 to 7 days
Istanbul Explorer Pass
The only pass with unlimited transport + guided Topkapi tour
Bosphorus Cruise · Basilica Cistern · Legends of Istanbul Show · Whirling Dervishes · Airport Shuttle
Istanbul E-Pass
Maximum access — 100+ attractions, tours, shows, and day trips
Istanbul Museum Pass
Fast-track entry to 13 top museums — also included in Deluxe Card
Not sure what the official pass covers? See our full Istanbul Museum Pass comparison before choosing.
Istanbulkart
Istanbul's official public transport card — not a sightseeing pass
- One card can be used by multiple people — tap once for each person
- Buy it from yellow Biletmatik machines at metro / tram stations
- If you buy the Premium or Deluxe Card, an Istanbulkart with 5 rides is already included
Unlimited daily transport passes cost €40/day. The Istanbul Go Pass starts from €29/day and includes unlimited transport plus audio guide, 3 GB eSIM, city map, and hotel delivery.
Which City Pass Is Best for You?
Top 3 sights + Bosphorus Cruise. Best value for weekend trips. Buy →
Unlimited transport + audio guide + eSIM. Better than Istanbulkart. Buy →
Only pass with unlimited transport + guided Topkapi tour. 5 levels. Buy →
Istanbul Welcome Cards are the only passes that include free eSIM internet, restaurant discounts, and free hotel delivery. Use code ITI5 for 5% off all products.
Is a City Pass Worth It in Istanbul?
Yes, a city pass is worth it if you plan to visit at least 3 major ticketed attractions. A single-entry list of Hagia Sophia (€25) + Topkapi Palace (€69) + Basilica Cistern (€30) + Dolmabahçe (€36) + Galata Tower (€30) already totals €190 per person — more than any 3-day bundled pass.
The pass also saves time: skip-the-line access at Hagia Sophia and Basilica Cistern easily saves 60–90 minutes in peak season.
Istanbul Pass FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions)
Istanbul Welcome Card products include free hotel delivery (transport card, map) plus digital vouchers by email. Istanbul E-Pass is fully digital — sent to your email with a QR code.
No. Online bookings often include exclusive discounts. Use code ITI5 for 5% off Istanbul Welcome Card products.
No. Each attraction can only be visited once per pass.
Yes — in all Istanbul Welcome Cards (Premium, Deluxe, Saver Combo), Istanbul Museum Pass, Istanbul Explorer Pass, and Istanbul E-Pass.
Online from the links on this page. Use discount codes ITI5 (5% off Welcome Card) for extra savings.
Planning More of Your Istanbul Trip?
Discover Istanbul's other iconic sights. Here are the most popular tickets booked by fellow travelers:
Hagia Sophia
Visitor info, tickets & hours →
Basilica Cistern
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Topkapi Palace
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Dolmabahce Palace
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Maiden's Tower
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Galata Tower
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Bosphorus Cruise
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Dinner Cruise
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Hammam
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