The three passes at a glance
| Museum Pass (official) | Istanbul E-Pass | Istanbul Tourist Pass | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Price | 105 EUR fixed | 125 to 245 EUR by length | 139 to 249 EUR by length |
| Validity | 5 days from first entry | 1, 2, 3, 5 or 7 days | 1 to 5 days |
| Principle | One entry per state museum | Digital pass, entries and guided tours | Credit system |
| Hagia Sophia | No | Yes, with guided tour per listing | Yes, guided per listing |
| Basilica Cistern | No | Yes | Yes |
| Bosphorus cruise | No | Yes | Yes |
| Galata Tower | Yes | No | Yes |
Inclusion lists differ between resellers and change: read the pass listing before buying. On GetYourGuide the E-Pass is rated 4.1/5 from 258 reviews (October 2026), with displayed prices of about 145 USD for 1 day, 192 USD for 2 days and 262 USD for 5 days.
The worth-it maths
At the ticket office, Hagia Sophia costs 25 EUR, Topkapı about 55 EUR and Dolmabahçe about 40 EUR (see our pages on Hagia Sophia tickets, the Hagia Sophia, Topkapı, Dolmabahçe combo and Dolmabahçe). Those three sites add up to about 120 EUR. A one-day pass at 125-145 EUR therefore saves nothing; you need to chain more sites, a cruise and guided tours over several days.
Which pass for you?
- 1 or 2 days: buy single tickets or a combo.
- 3 days or more, many guided tours: the E-Pass can pay off.
- Galata Tower a priority: the Tourist Pass includes it, the E-Pass does not, but the credit system is less clear.
- Only state museums (Topkapı, archaeology museums): the Museum Pass at 105 EUR, without Hagia Sophia, the cistern or Dolmabahçe.
Tips
- Check the number of guided tours included and the times to book.
- Note that the one-day pass is valid for a calendar day, until 11:59 pm.
- A phone is needed for the digital pass.
- Prices and inclusions change: compare listings on the day you buy.
