Best Istanbul Pass Including Blue Mosque Tour: Compare Options & Prices
Istanbul is home to some of the world’s most significant religious and historical monuments, with the Blue Mosque standing as one of the city’s most iconic landmarks. For visitors planning to explore Istanbul’s cultural heritage in an efficient and well-structured way, selecting the right Istanbul city pass can play an important role in both time management and overall value.
This article provides a clear overview of the most widely used Istanbul pass options, helping visitors choose a pass that fits their sightseeing plans around Istanbul’s key landmarks, including the Blue Mosque.
As visiting times may vary, it is also advisable to review the current Blue Mosque opening hours when planning your itinerary. You will find a comparison table followed by a structured review of each pass, allowing you to identify the option that best aligns with your itinerary and travel priorities.
Overview of Istanbul Pass Options: Comparison Table
The comparison table below outlines the key differences between popular Istanbul pass options, including validity periods, pricing, and included experiences.
MEGAPASS Essential | MEGAPASS Explorer | ISTANBUL MUSEUM PASS | ISTANBUL Transportation Card | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
CITY PASSES |  | |  |  |
RATINGS/ REVIEWS | 4.9/5 | 4.9/5 | 4/5 (180+ reviews) | 4.2/5 (60+ reviews) |
BLUE MOSQUE TOUR INCLUDED | ||||
TOP INCLUSIONS | Hagia Sophia, Basilica Cistern, Blue Mosque Guided Tour, Bosphorus Cruise, and more | Blue Mosque Guided Tour, Basilica Cistern, Topkapi Palace & Harem, Hagia Sophia, Bosphorus Cruise, and more | Topkapi Palace, Galata Tower, Maiden’s Tower, Rumeli Fortress, Hagia Irene, and more | Unlimited public transport, metro, tram, bus, ferry access, hotel delivery |
VALIDITY PERIOD | 7 days | 7 days | 5 days | 1, 3, 5, 7, or 15 days |
DELIVERY METHOD | Digital Pass | Digital Pass | Digital Pass | Physical Delivery |
PUBLIC TRANSPORT | ||||
AUDIO GUIDE | ||||
PRICE FOR ADULTS | From €79 | From €129 | From €105 | From €38 |
Istanbul Pass Options: Detailed Breakdown
Below, each Istanbul pass is explained in more detail, with a clear breakdown of included attractions, tours, and useful extras, so you can easily compare the options and decide which pass makes the most sense for your time in Istanbul.
1. Megapass Istanbul Essential – €79
The Megapass Istanbul Essential is a flexible Istanbul pass for travelers who want to cover the city’s main sights without overloading their schedule. It brings together guided visits, top landmarks, and useful travel extras in one digital pass, making it a practical choice for first-time visitors and shorter stays.
Included attractions & tours
- Guided Blue Mosque tour
- Hagia Sophia
- Basilica Cistern
- Bosphorus sightseeing cruise
- Walking tour from Istiklal Street to the Grand Bazaar (self-guided)
Extra travel benefits
- Audio guides for included attractions
- Public transportation card (with 5 rides)
- Digital city guidebook
- Metro, tram, and city maps
- 3 GB eSIM mobile internet
- 15% discount on selected Istanbul attractions
- 24/7 customer support
Price: €79
Validity: 7 days from first use
Where to buy
The Megapass Istanbul Essential can be purchased securely online through the official website of Megapass: Megapass Istanbul Essential
2. Megapass Istanbul Explorer – €129
The Megapass Istanbul Explorer is a comprehensive Istanbul pass for travelers who want to explore the city’s most important landmarks in greater depth. It combines major historical sites, including Topkapi Palace & Harem, guided tours, and practical travel benefits in one digital pass, offering broader coverage and added flexibility compared to the Essential option.
Included attractions & tours
- Guided Blue Mosque tour
- Topkapi Palace & Harem
- Hagia Sophia
- Basilica Cistern
- Bosphorus sightseeing cruise
- Walking tour from Istiklal Street to the Grand Bazaar (self-guided)
Extra travel benefits
- Public transportation card with 5 rides
- Audio guides for included attractions
- 3 GB eSIM mobile internet
- Digital city guidebook
- Metro, tram, and city maps
- 15% discount on selected Istanbul attractions
- 24/7 customer support
Price: €129
Validity: 7 days from first use
Where to buy
Book the Megapass Istanbul Explorer online through Megapass. All access details are provided digitally ahead of your trip: Megapass Istanbul Explorer
3. Istanbul Museum Pass – €105
The Istanbul Museum Pass is designed for visitors whose main interest lies in museums and historical collections. Rather than including tours or cruises, this pass focuses on museum entry, offering a straightforward way to explore Istanbul’s cultural heritage while avoiding ticket lines at selected sites.
Included attractions & museums
- Entry to +12 museums and historic sites
- Skip-the-ticket-line entry at selected locations, including Topkapi Palace Museum, Galata Tower, and Maiden’s Tower
- Museums covered include the Istanbul Archaeology Museums, Rumeli Hisar Museum, and Istanbul Mosaic Museum
- One entry per site during the validity period
Pass features
- Valid for 5 days from first use
- Digital pass sent by email
- Flexible use without fixed visiting times
- Designed to reduce waiting time at museum entrances
Price: From €105
Validity: 5 consecutive days
Where to buy
The Istanbul Museum Pass can be purchased online and used digitally on your smartphone once activated: Istanbul Museum Pass
4. Istanbul Public Transportation Card – From €38
The Istanbul Public Transportation Card offers unlimited access to the city’s public transport system, making it easy to move between districts, landmarks, and ferry routes. It is a prepaid solution that removes the need to buy individual tickets or manage balances during your stay.
Transport access
- Unlimited travel on metros, buses, trams, metrobus lines, and ferries
- Valid throughout Istanbul’s public transportation network
- Prepaid card with no need for top-ups
Convenience & delivery
- Physical transportation card delivered to your hotel
- Ready to use upon arrival
- Simple tap-and-go access on all supported transport modes
Price: From €38
Validity: 1, 3, 5, 7, or 15 days
Where to buy
The Istanbul Public Transportation Card can be booked online in advance and delivered directly to your hotel before or during your stay: Istanbul Public Transportation Card
Final Thoughts on Choosing an Istanbul Pass
Selecting the right Istanbul Pass largely depends on how you plan to experience the city. Some travelers prefer to focus on a few key landmarks, while others want broader access to major sights, museums, or convenient transportation. Your length of stay, pace of travel, and personal interests all play an important role in determining which pass offers the most value.
Below is a simple summary to help you match each option with your travel style:
Whichever option you choose, an Istanbul city pass can simplify planning, reduce waiting times, and help you make the most of your time in the city.
FAQs about ISTANBUL PASS
Is it worth going inside the Blue Mosque?
Yes, visiting the interior of the Blue Mosque is widely considered worthwhile. Inside, you can see the mosque’s famous blue İznik tiles, elegant domes, and detailed calligraphy up close. Beyond its architecture, the visit also offers insight into Istanbul’s religious and cultural heritage, making it a meaningful stop even for travelers with limited time.
Is it worth buying an Istanbul pass?
An Istanbul pass can be a good choice if you plan to visit several major attractions and want to save time on planning and ticket purchases. Passes are especially useful for short stays or first-time visitors who want a structured way to see the city’s highlights.
Does an Istanbul pass include the Blue Mosque?
The Blue Mosque does not require an entry ticket, but some Istanbul passes include a guided visit. The Megapass Istanbul Essential and the Megapass Istanbul Explorer both include a guided Blue Mosque tour, which provides historical and architectural context during your visit. These passes are a good choice if you prefer to explore the mosque with a licensed guide rather than visiting on your own.
Which Istanbul pass is best for first-time visitors?
For first-time visitors, passes that include guided tours and key landmarks, such as the Megapass Istanbul Essential or Explorer, are often the most practical. They offer a balanced mix of attractions and helpful travel extras.
Where can I buy an Istanbul pass?
Most Istanbul passes can be purchased online through trusted sales platforms. After booking, passes are usually delivered digitally and can be used on your smartphone during your visit. Take a look at our comparison table to choose the best Istanbul pass that fits your needs.
How long are Istanbul passes valid?
Validity depends on the pass you choose. Most Istanbul passes are valid for several consecutive days, starting from the first use, while transportation cards may offer different duration options.