Payment Options for Public Transportation in Eskisehir

There are multiple options to pay for public transportation in Eskisehir. If you are planning to use public transportation in Eskisehir, you may consider purchasing Eskart or downloading the Estram mobile app.

So, what is Eskart ?

Eskart is a smart public transportation card used in Eskisehir, Turkey, primarily for tram and bus services. It functions similarly to transportation cards in other cities, allowing users to pre-load money and easily pay for public transit rides by tapping the card on electronic readers.

Key Features of Eskart:

1. Convenience: Eskart allows passengers to board trams and buses without needing cash. Riders simply tap the card on the reader at the entrance of the vehicle.
2. Rechargeable: The card can be recharged with credit at various locations around Eskisehir, including kiosks, vending machines, and online through the official Eskart website or app.
3. Where to Use It: Eskart can be used on:
   • The tram system, which is the main mode of public transportation in Eskisehir, offering an efficient way to navigate the city.
   • City-operated buses, which cover routes that the trams don’t, providing access to more remote parts of Eskişehir.
4. Where to Buy/Recharge: Eskart can be purchased and recharged at:
   • Kiosks at tram stops and bus stations.
   • Retailers and specific stores around Eskişehir.
   • Online recharge platforms, making it easy to add balance remotely.
5. Fares: With Eskart, rides are generally cheaper compared to paying with cash or using single-use tickets. Also, you can transfer from Tram to Tram, Tram to Bus, Bus to Tram or Bus to Bus within 60 minutes after boarding by paying only 1.5TL ($0.05). Transfers cannot be made on the same line or the same bus. In these cases, a boarding fee will be charged.
6. You can check the full fare guide here.
7. Eskart issues special cards with discounts for students and commuters over 60, however the application process may last a couple of days and may not be convenient for short term visitors. The link here allows online applications but unfortunately the form is in Turkish and there is a section that requires a Turkish mobile number.

Overall, Eskart is an efficient and easy-to-use system that makes public transportation in Eskişehir smooth and accessible for both residents and visitors. Short term visitors can consider buying a pre-paid Eskart with multiple tickets inside (5 max.). The fare for such a card (5 rides) currently is 140TL ($4.10).

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Estram Mobile App

Another way of purchasing tickets and paying for your trips in the city is using the Estram App. Before we start, please note that the caveat for this method is that you will need a Turkish mobile phone number for registration on app. Once you register, the app allows you to purchase digital tickets in the form of virtual cards or QR codes. If you have a physical card, you can also recharge it via the app. The app offers more features like trip planning and bus timetables without registration requirement.

You can download the app from the Google Playstore or Apple Appstore.

Using Single-use QR codes

Single-use QR Tickets are sold at ESTRAM ticket booths and Eskart vending kiosks. They can be used for 24 hours however transfers not allowed.

Single-use QR Ticket price is 28 TL ($0.82).

Tapping your debit or credit card

Finally, you can use your tap to pay/contactless debit cards or credit cards to make payments in public transportation. Please inquire with you bank if you can make transactions overseas and consider currency exchange implications as your bank will probably charge the trips in your currency.

Single ticket will cost 22 TL ($0.64) and no transfers between other transportation options are permitted.