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Budapest public transport, how to travel in the city.

Use public transport services to travel in Budapest, especially if you stay in one of the outer districts.

Although attractions in the central districts (V., VI., parts of I., II., VII. and VIII.) are easy to explore on foot you might want to rest your legs after a while and hop on a metro/tram/bus.

Table of Contents – Budapest Public Transport

Best public transport lines for tourists.

You will easily get to any sight and attraction by travelling on one of the four metro lines or the major tram lines (No. 4, 6 and 2).

TIP: In case it’s cold or a summer shower catches you, take one of the four metro lines (M1 , M2, M3 and M4), or any of the major tram lines (tram 2, 2B, , 4, 6, 47, 49 or 19)

• Trams No. 2 and 2B run along the Pest Danube emabankment (between Jászai Mari tér – Közvágóhíd stops), covering the pircturesque promenade called Duna Corso and stopping in front of the Parliament in Kossuth Square.
• Trams 47 and 49 are also useful especially if you want to get from Pest to Buda or vica versa.
• Tram 19 is great for sightseeing in Buda , it connects Kelenföld Train Station with Óbuda (the Northern part of Buda). Similarly to Tram 2 and 2B in Pest it travels along the Danube between Liberty Bridge and Margaret Bridge offering a scenic view of the river and some famous attractions in Pest, in the .

See more on travelling buy tram in Budapest!

These transport services will take you to most of the places of interest.

The bus and trolley bus service are quite extensive too.

There’s also a scheduled boat service on the Danube from spring till autumn.

Below you find information on Budapest public transport: types of tickets and passes, buying, and validating them.

Popular Activities

Tickets, travel cards, prices and fines.

Budapest has a fairly extensive and efficient public transport system. It is also cheaper than in most Western European cities.

A wide variety of trams, buses, trolleys and metro trains run in the city.

Night service is quite reliable, too.

Be prepared for typical rush hours : vehicles are crowded and traffic can be rather slow. This would be expected in any large city.

Children’s Fares, Student Passes, Family Discounts

Children living in Hungary up to the age of 14 travel free of charge. A valid Hungarian identity card is required for them to verify age if a controller asks for tickets and passes.

Pupils, university students can buy discount monthly/yearly passes with a valid student ID card.

No student discount on single tickets though.

TIP: For families visiting Budapest with kids we recoomend getting the 24-hour group travel card. 5 people can travel with it for p to 24 hours and it cots 5 000 HUF.

Free Travel on Public Transport with Budapest Card

TIP: If you don’t want to bother with buying and validating tickets, purchase a Budapest City Card .

Besides unlimited free travel on public transport, the card offers a range of discounts on tours/services, free entry to the permanent exhibitions of many museums, entry to the Lukács Bath etc.

Buy Budapest Card: Public Transport, 30+ Top Attractions & Tours

• 24-Hour Card: 29 EUR
• 48-Hour Card: 43 EUR
• 72-Hour Card: 56 EUR
• 72-Hour Plus Card: 87 EUR
• 96-Hour Card: 69 EUR
• 120-Hour Card: 82 EUR

Read more about the Budapest Card and whether it’s worth getting it!

Public Transport Tickets and Passes

(Prices Updated For 2023)

Note: The price of a single ticket and discounted pack of 10 tickets has gone up as of September 01, 2023: A single ticket costs 450 HUF , pack of 10 single tickets costs 4 000 HUF. Price of travel cards, monthly passes hasn’t changed.

TIP: If you visit the Hungarian capital for 2-3 days and you stay in a city center hotel , we recommend that you use:

• Single tickets or the
• Discounted block of 10 tickets to make travelling on public transport lines hassle-free.

Free Travel For Seniors 65 + – EU Citizens Only

TIP: Citizens of the European Union countries and Switzerland aged 65 and up can use all public transport lines for free in Budapest.

They have to show a valid ID to verify age and nationality if asked by a ticket inspector).

The current tickets and passes are of pale purple colour.

Tickets, Transfer Tickets

• Single ticket (vonaljegy or just jegy) 450 HUF, (600 HUF if purchased from the driver on board the vehicle): valid on all public transport vehicles for one uninterrupted trip. If you
• Block of 10 single tickets (tíz darabos gyűjtőjegy: 4 000 HUF). Costs less than 10 single tickets purchased individually.

Time-Based Tickets: Save Money

Use time-based tickets if you need to transfer between metro lines and also other lines (trams, buses, trolley).

You save money with it since you don’t need to use a 450-HUF single ticket every time you need to change public transport lines.

Moreover, you can finish your trip beyond the 30th or 90th minute until you reach your destination within Budapest.

Please remember to validate your time-based ticket before the start of your travel and each time you switch to another travel line.

You can use time-based tickets for an unlimited number of transfers and trip interruptions, by validating it each time you board making sure that your last transfer falls within the 30-minute or 90-minute time limit.

There Are Two Time-Based Tickets:

• 30-minute ticket: 530 HUF
• 90-minute ticket: 750 HUF

Important! Please scan the code each time when you board a vehicle to validate your ticket. When transferring between metrolines, you are not required to revalidate your ticket.

Note: If you carry a bike with you (permitted only on a few vehicle types) you have to validate a single ticket for it.

Travel Cards

24-hour travel card.

• Price: : 2 500 HUF – Please note that is not the same as the 24-hour Budapest Card
• Valid on all public transport vehicles except for the boat service on the Danube.
• For an unlimited number of trips from 0:00 to 24:00 of the day indicated on the ticket (you decide on the starting time).

24-Hour Group Travel Card, For Max. 5 Persons

• Price: 5 000 HUF – Recommended also for families
• Valid on all public transport vehicles – except for the boat service.

72-Hour Travel Card

• Price: 5 500 HUF) – not the same as the 72-hour Budapest Card
• Valid on all public transport vehicles – except for the boat service- for an unlimited number of trips for 72 hours starting from the time and date you purchased it.

Public Boat Service Tickets

Unfortunatley Public Boat services ceased to run as of 2023 due to high maintenance expenses.

Where To Buy Tickets And Passes?

You have two options, choose the one that you’re more comfortable with:

BudapestGO App or Paper Tickets/Tarvel Cards

• Go the traditional way and buy and use paper tickets and travel cards (24-hour or 72-hour, or if you are comfortable with using apps
• Download the BudapestGO public transport application to buy single tickets, time based tickets (for 30-minute or 90-minute duration) and 24/72-hour travel cards. The app is also a great help in planning your route providing real-time travel information as well as route and service recommendations including the BuBi public bike rental points.

You can buy paper tickets and travel cards from the ticket vending machines with bankcard (or cash) . You The purple colored ticket automats are placed at main public transport stations (metro entrance), as well as at the airport.

The airport also has BKK Customer Sales Points where you can get your ticket/travel card from a real person.

If you don’t have or don’t want to use the BudapestGO App you have to buy your tickets/pass in advance.

You can get them from ticket vending machines (TVM) or at many newspaper kiosks.

Around 300 new ticket vending machines have been placed throughout the city where you can get tickets and passes 24/7 by paying with cash or bank card.

I often use them and found them are quite reliable .

Most ticket offices have closed down though. You will find Ticket Offices (Jegypénztár) in some metro stations near the entrance:

• Corvin negyed M3/blue line,
• Népliget M3/blue line,
• Nyugati tér M3/blue line,
• Blaha Lujza tér M2/red line,
• Széll Kálmán tér M2/red line.

Most cashiers speak only Hungarian so it’s best to go to the cashier with a piece of paper on which you’ve written down in Hungarian what type of ticket you want to buy.

TIP: Here is a map of the Public Transport Company showing all the operating ticket sellers .

How To Use The Ticket Vending Machines (TVMs)?

Using the machines is pretty straightforward, just read the instructions displayed on the monitor.

First choose language by touching the appropriate flag symbol on the bottom of the screen on the right hand side of the TVM.

A list of the most popular ticket types and passes will appear

• Single ticket-350 HUF,
• Block of 10 tickets – 3000 HUF,
• 24-hour travel card,
• 24-hour group travel card,
• Various monthly passes.

I only give you the steps on buying tickets/travel card because these are the ones most suited to tourists visiting Budapest for a couple of days.

Buying Ticket/Travel Card From The TVM:

• Select the ticket/travel card you want to buy.
• Decide whether you want the machine to print an invoice , if not then press payment without VAT invoice.
• Choose payment method: you can pay by cash, bank card (PayPass/contactless cards). I prefer using bank card, and recommend this payment method for tourists as well.

Paying By Bank Card/Contactless Card – Recommended For Tourists

The simplest and fastest way is to pay with a bankcard/contactless card .

Just follow the steps shown on the card terminal screen. After payment collect the purchased ticket or travel card.

Paying By Cash:

The machine accepts all current Hungarian coins from 5 HUF to 200 HUF.

You can use banknotes too: 500 HUF, 1 000 HUF, 2 000 HUF, 5 000 HUF, 10 000 HUF, 20 000 HUF. Based on the total value of the purchase the TVM defines the banknotes to be accepted.

If the purchase is of a small amount (e.g. a 350 HUF single ticket) 2000 HUF or smaller notes are accepted. In case of a bigger purchase larger notes can also be used.

The machine accepts 35 coins and 15 banknotes per transaction. It gives back changes in coins and notes.

Make sure you don’t leave your bank card or other belongings at the machine.

You can also view an instructional video on how to buy monthly passes and use the vending machines on the transport company’s (BKK) website.

How To Validate Tickets?

You must validate your ticket at the start of your journey.

Metro Stations

In case of metro tickets you have to put the ticket in the ticket validation machine (orange coloured box on a metal pole) that’ll stamp a time and date on the ticket.

A short musical tone and the tiny green light confirm that the ticket has been validated.

Once you validated the metro ticket you head for the escalator that’ll take you to the metro platform where you wait for the metro car.

At the top of the escalator ticket inspectors will most likely stop you to check whether you’ve validated your ticket.

Other Vehicles

On other vehicles (trams, buses, trolley) there’ s

• Either the orange or yellow box similar to the ones in metro stations, or
• A smaller red box in which you insert the ticket then pull the black part on the top towards you to punch the ticket (a pattern of holes appear on the validated ticket).

Note: The slot on some ticket validation machines is clogged with chewing gum or paper (deliberately done by prank makers) so you won’t be able to insert the ticket. Try another machine on the vehicle to validate your ticket.[

Inspectors check passengers’ tickets throughout the day.

An inspector usually wears dark blue uniform and a blue with a red armband. Nowadays, however they are in plain clothes (but still must put on the armband when checking tickets) in order to disguise themselves.

To avoid problems , buy the type of ticket or pass that are most suitable for your visit and your budget, and remember to validate it. Keep your ticket until the end of your journey.

Fines are high (if caught travelling without a valid ticket or pass you’ll be fined to pay 16.000 HUF, 8.000 HUF if you pay it on the spot or within 2 days of being fined)

It’s not worth ruining your stay with constant watching out for the inspectors. If you forgot to buy a ticket or validate it, and you’re fined the ticket inspector must give you a receipt about the payment.

Fines For Travelling Without A Valid Ticket/Pass

If you’re caught without a valid ticket by a ticket inspector , you are to pay a fine which is currently 12 000 HUF paid on the spot or in BKK’s Surcharge Office within 2 work days from the date of the fining.

Note: The inspector must give you a receipt of the payment when you pay on the spot.

If you don’ pay the fine on the spot or within 2 work days, but settle the amount within 30 days the penalty fare is 25 000 HUF .

If you don’t pay the fine on the spot, the ticket inspector initiates a fining procedure (ensuring the opportunity of deferred payment).

In this case he/she is entitled to ask the required personal data (name, mother’s name, date and place of birth) and also the address of the passenger. On the basis of these data, the ticket inspector fills in a so-called “Surcharging procedure report”.

If the passenger refuses to give his/her personal data, the ticket inspector can ask for police assistance on the spot.

The ticket inspector gives a cheque about the amount of the fine and a leaflet about the opportunities of payment.

The passenger shall sign that he/she accepts the surcharging and confirms that he/she has given the required personal data. The denial of signature doesn’t acquit the passenger of the consequences of the fining.

You’ll find the most up-to-date information about tickets, prices and penalty fines on the Public Transport Company’s website (BKK).

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Budapest Airport Guide

Public Transportation

Getting Around Budapest: Guide to Public Transportation

Although Budapest is a walkable city, it’s easy to get around thanks to its excellent public transport network operated by the BKK (Budapest Center of Transport) . If you’re not planning to go outside the Hungarian capital, it’s best not to rent a car as you’ll get around the city more quickly and easily with its extensive metro, tram, and bus system. This guide will help you prepare for your trip to Budapest, so you’ll be riding the subway and the tram like a local in no time.

How to Ride the Budapest Metro 

Although buses and trams are the primary forms of transport in Budapest, the metro is the easiest way to get around the city for a first-timer. It is also the quickest way to get around the city. There are currently four metro lines, so it’s simple to navigate the city. Not to mention, metro line 1 is the oldest subway in continental Europe and a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

• Fares: Single tickets cost 350 Hungarian forints and you can change metro lines with a single ticket. Travel passes are also available for 24 hours (1,650 forints), 72 hours (4,150 forints), or a week (4,950 forints), which cover all modes of transportation. If you get a Budapest Card , you can have unlimited transport for the period you choose. If you have a single ticket, validate it in one of the validation boxes at the metro entrance—usually by the escalators—and keep it with you until the end of the journey.
• Routes and Hours: The metro runs daily from 4:30 a.m. to 11:30 p.m. from the first stop of each line, with trains coming every 2 to 5 minutes during the day and every 10 minutes during early morning and late evenings. There are four metro lines, line 1 (yellow) runs from Vörösmarty tér to Mexikói út. Line 2 (red) goes from Déli pályaudvar in Buda to Örs Vezér tere in Pest, and line 3 (blue) runs between Újpest-Központ and Kőbánya-Kispest on the Pest side of the river. Line 4 (green) is the newest and goes between the Kelenföld train station in Buda and the Keleti train station in Pest.
• Service Alerts: The metro, in general, is pretty reliable, but occasionally there are delays or closures, especially on metro line 3, which is undergoing renovation. Replacement buses run when the metro isn’t operational. You can check any updates at bkkinfo.hu or download the BKK app , which shows the estimated time for the next mode of transport.
• Accessibility: Metro line 4 is fully accessible, with elevators even running up to the platform. Line 1 is only accessible by stairs, line 3 has an elevator only at Kőbánya-Kispest station, and there are only three stations (Örs Vezér tere, Pillangó utca, and Puskás Ferenc stadion) that are fully accessible on line 2. You can read more about the accessible transport options on the BKK website.

Riding the Tram

Budapest’s tram network is extensive. More than 390 million passengers take the tram yearly, which is almost 100 million more than the metro. 

• Routes: There are more than 30 routes operating on nearly 100 miles of track across Budapest. The most popular lines are the 4 and 6, which run along the Grand Boulevard, connecting Buda and Pest. Tram line 2 offers the most scenic route, as this takes you along the Pest embankment, with the 41 and 19 running parallel on the Buda side. The 47 and 49 trams operate on Small Boulevard to transport hub Deák Ferenc tér.
• Hours: Trams generally run between 4:30 a.m. and 12:30 a.m. from the end of the line. The tram line 6 runs 24 hours a day, every day.
• Fares: Fares for the tram are the same as for the metro. You will need to validate your ticket on board. Modern trams punch the ticket automatically. On older trams you will need to put the ticket in the validation box and pull the slot you put the ticket in hard to punch the ticket. Random ticket inspections are common, and if you are caught without a valid ticket, you will be fined. You can only use one ticket on one tram, so if you change lines, you will need to use another ticket.

How to Pay for Budapest’s BKK Network

There are many ways to buy a ticket or a pass. You can get them at the ticket offices in most metro stations, some newsagents or post offices, or from ticket vending machines. You can take a look at the interactive BKK map , which gives you all the sales points in the city, but the easiest ways to buy a ticket are:

• At the ticket office: You can usually find a ticket office in most metro stations. You can pay with cash or card.
• From the BKK Ticket vending machine: Most tram or bus stops, and metro stations, will have a purple ticket machine where you can buy tickets and passes any time of day. These accept both card and cash (even notes, you will get the change back in coins). All machines have the option to switch to an English language version.
• From the bus driver: If you need to take a bus, you can buy tickets directly from the driver (tickets cost 450 forints), and you must pay in cash.
• Via the Mobiljegy app: You can buy passes on the BKK mobile ticket app. You can read more about how this works on their website .

There are different bus services operating within Budapest. There are the standard blue buses and the red trolleybuses, which use overhead cables. While buses cross the city center, they are also best way to reach neighborhoods further into the suburbs, like the Buda Hills. Some buses require you to board at the front and show your ticket or pass to the driver. There are night bus services that run once the metro, tram, and regular buses shut down for the night.

BHÉV Suburban Train

There is a suburban train network, called the BHÉV, which takes you to the outer limits of the city and beyond. Most visitors will take the BHÉV to the town of Szentendre for the day. Your tickets and passes are valid on these within the city limits. However, if you are planning to go beyond, you’ll need an extension ticket you can buy from the ticket offices or the purple machines.

Airport Bus

The 100E airport bus offers a direct link to the city center, running between the airport to Kálvin tér and Deák Ferenc tér, and takes 40 minutes. Buses run every 10 to 20 minutes from 3:40 a.m. to 12:40 a.m. Single tickets cost 900 forints.

If you need a taxi, there are plenty of options. Never hail a cab from the street, as many companies are looking to scam foreign visitors, but call a reputable company like Főtaxi , City Tax i, or 6X6 . Alternatively, you can also download the Bolt app and order a cab that way (if you’re used to Uber, Bolt operates more or less the same way).

Anyone can use this bike-sharing system. Just walk around the city and look out for the lime green BuBi bikes . They can be rented for 24 hours, 72 hours, seven days, or get longer-term passes. Once you’ve got your time ticket, you can use the bike for free for the first 30 minutes, after which you’ll be charged an additional 500 forints for every 30 minutes used. You can buy the tickets using a bank card from the touchscreen terminals at the docking station, or on the website . There is a deposit of 25,000 forints, which is returned when you return the bike.

The BKK Boat 

The best way to see Budapest is to go by boat, and if you’re on a budget, you can take the BKK boat service for a couple of dollars. Tickets on the boat cost 750 forints one way, and in the summer, some of the boat lines run from Kopaszi Gát to Római Part. In the winter, there are fewer services and shorter routes. You can see more about the boat services on the BKK website.

Tips for Getting Around Budapest 

Transport in Budapest is affordable and convenient, but you can make life a little easier by following a few tips. 

• Validate and keep your ticket. If you are not using a pass, make sure you validate the ticket and keep it on you at all times. Sometimes plain clothes inspectors get on the tram or bus to check at random, and it’s also possible inspectors check tickets as you leave the metro. Getting caught without a valid ticket means a hefty fine and an unpleasant encounter that ruins your trip. 
• Don’t travel at rush hour. The tram, metro, and bus buses can get pretty packed between 8 and 9 a.m., and between 5:30 p.m. and 7 p.m. Try to avoid traveling during those times if possible.
• Keep an eye on your belongings. Budapest is generally a safe city, but like any capital, you have a risk of pickpockets. It’s possible to put your phone in your pocket for 30 seconds only to find it gone when you reach back in. 
• Download the BKK App. The BKK Futár app will tell you when all modes of transport run to real time, and it can make it so much easier to plan your trip. 
• Use Bolt if you need a taxi. Bolt is so easy to use, especially if you’re worried about the language barrier or getting taken advantage of. You can see your route in live time, get fare estimates, and see where your driver is while you wait.

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Public transport - provided by Budapest mobility manager BKK

Tags: Publictransport Transport Budapestairport

Public transport provides easy access to the city centre from Budapest Airport. The bus stops are located on the arrivals level, between the two terminals.

100E Airport Express –shuttle service providing a direct connection between Ferenc Liszt International Airport and Budapest city centre

Bus line 100E Airport Express provides a direct, convenient, economical and fast connection between Liszt Ferenc International Airport and Deák Ferenc Square, a key transport hub on the Pest side of the city. Buy and validate tickets directly on the bus using your bankcard for the Budapest Pay&GO service.

Buses run around the clock, every 6-10 minutes during the day, every 10-15 minutes in the morning and evening, and every 20-40 minutes on average at night.

The buses run around the clock, every 7 -12 minutes during the day, every 15-20 minutes in the evening, and every 30-40 minutes at night between midnight and about 3:30 a.m.

100E Airport Express passenger drop-off points on the way to the city centre: • Kálvin tér metro station • Astoria metro station • Deák Ferenc tér metro station

100E Airport Express boarding points in the city centre on the way to the airport: • Deák Ferenc tér metro station • Astoria metro station (this stop is served only between 00:12 and 04:32 in the morning) • Kálvin tér metro station

Attention!  Passengers require a special ticket for 100E Airport Express: the airport shuttlebus single ticket costs 2,200 HUF. Other types of tickets or passes are  NOT  accepted on this direct service.

200E – regular, scheduled public transport service to the city

Bus line 200E operates day and night between Terminal 2 and Kőbánya-Kispest metro station. At night, the route is extended to Határ út station. BKK single tickets, multi-day travelcards or passes are required for travel. (Please note that the airport shuttle bus single ticket is not accepted!)

At night (23:00-4:00), bus 200E operates to Határ út station, from where night bus lines 914, 914A, 950 and 950A will take you to the city centre.

Key stops of bus line 200E:

• Ferihegy vasútállomás (railway station): transfers available to the network of MÁV-Start Hungarian State Railways, to reach Nyugati pályaudvar (Western railway terminal) in the city centre, or the cities of Szolnok, Debrecen, Nyíregyháza and Szeged in the eastern part of Hungary.
• Kőbánya-Kispest M: transfers to MÁV-Start trains and to buses serving East and South Pest.
• Határ út M: transfers to several daytime and night buses to South Pest.

The following diagram depicts the information above:

From the airport to the city center:

From the city centre to the airport:

For timetables, please visit the  BKK website .

Traveling with a BKK ticket, travelcard or pass in Budapest

Use the Budapest Pay&GO service on the 100E Airport Express, which allows you to quickly and easily purchase and validate your airport shuttle bus single ticket on the spot with a bankcard, using the on-board device. 

In addition, 100E Airport Express tickets and most BKK tickets and passes are now available digitally in the BudapestGO app and other mobile apps.

Single tickets and airport shuttle bus single tickets are valid for one ride, without any trip interruption or transfer. The metro network is an exception in terms of ticket validation: there is no need to validate a new ticket when transferring between metro lines.

 You need to validate your single tickets at the start of your journey.

Paper tickets:  use a validating machine on board the vehicles or by metro station entrances - it will stamp a code on the ticket or punch a hole.

Digital tickets:  scan the validation code stickers, which you will find at the entrance of the metro on the side of the paper-ticket validators and outside by the doors on street-level transport.

Time-based tickets (30 or 90 minutes), which are available only digitally, must always be validated when you board a different vehicle.

Daily travelcards and passes:  no validation required, valid for an unlimited number of a trips during the validity period, non-transferable.

Ticket sales points

For the 100E Airport Express, it's easiest to buy your ticket on the bus and validate it with a bankcard in the same transaction through the BudapestPay&Go device.

Several types of public transport tickets and passes are available for purchase  at the BKK customer service centres at Terminals 2A and 2B, as well as  from  BKK ticket vending machines  near the entry points to the terminals .   Agents at the BKK customer service points provide information on public transport and assistance with journey planning for trips within Budapest.

The airport shuttle bus single ticket can also be purchased in the BudapestGO app.

Buy a ticket, plan your trip, get to your destination simply: travel with BudapestGO! Download now for  iOS  or  Android !

BKK ticket vending machines feature a menu system in English and German, in addition to Hungarian.

At the Tourist Information – Budapestinfo Point counters on the arrivals level of Terminals 2A and 2B, you can also buy 24, 48 and 72 hour Budapest Cards, which offer free public transport  on BKK services  and additional discounts during their validity. Please visit  budapest-card.com/  or bkk.hu/en   for more information. (The Budapest Card is not valid on bus line 100E Airport Express and on the Buda Castle Funicular.)

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How to navigate Budapest public transport

From the metro basics to the scenic cogwheel railway, here’s everything you need to know about Budapest public transport

Budapest is a compact city that’s relatively easy to get around. Most public transport links run from 4.30am to 11.30am, but with a complex night bus system, plus the 24-hour tram 6 on the Grand Boulevard, you should have no problem getting home at any hour.

The city’s transport network is managed by the BKK (Budapesti Közlekedési Közpönt). You can either buy a single ticket for 350 HUF (no transfers, unless you are on the metro) or a 24-hour (1650 HUF), 72-hour (4150 HUF), weekly (4950 HUF) or monthly (9500 HUF) pass. If you have a single ticket, make sure to validate it at one of the machines on the tram or bus, or at the entrance to the metro. Both tickets and passes are available from the purple machines on platforms in metro stations, or at dedicated kiosks in larger transport hubs.

Budapest’s public transport system runs on a ‘trust’ system, so there usually aren’t ticket checks when you get on, but occasionally an inspector who checks at random. If you don’t have a pass or valid ticket, fines are harsh, and no matter how many excellent sights and  attractions  you tick off, that interaction could basically ruin your holiday.

Our essential tip? Download the BKK app on your phone for live timetables, so you’ll know exactly when (and where) the next tram, bus or metro will arrive.

RECOMMENDED: Full guide to the best things to do in Budapest

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Budapest has four metro lines (and a fifth in the making). Metro 1 (also known as the Yellow Metro) is the oldest in continental Europe and a Unesco World Heritage Site. If you take one mode of transport, make it this one. The line can take you from Vörösmarty Tér all the way to City Park.

Metro 2 (Red) runs from Széll Kálmán in Buda to Örs Vezér Tér in Pest, and stops at the Hungarian Parliament, Astoria and Keleti train station.

Metro 3 (Blue) has retained its communist-era grittiness and runs from Újpest to Kőbánya-Kispest on the Pest side. It passes through Nyugati train station, near St. Stephen’s Basilica, and the Hungarian National Museum.

Metro 4 (Green) is the newest, and runs from Kelenföld train station in Buda to Keleti train station in Pest, with stops at the Gellért Baths and Central Market Hall.

The tram is the easiest and best way to get around the city. Lines 4 and 6 run on the Grand Boulevard from Széll Kálmán tér to Újbuda Központ and Móricz Zsigmond Körtér respectively. Tram 6 runs all night. For a scenic route, take tram 2 on the Pest side of the river, which will take you past Chain Bridge and the Hungarian Parliament, or 41 or 19 in Buda. Tickets are validated at a machine on-board.

Bus and Trolleybus

Buses may be the busiest form of transport in Budapest. These are either the standard blue vehicles or the red trolleybuses that run on a cable. The latter only run in Pest, and usually out towards more residential areas, but you’ll sometimes see them downtown, too. 

The blue buses, on the other hand, are everywhere. Some function like the tram – you can get on at any entrance and validate your ticket – but others may require you to get on at the front of the bus and show your ticket or pass to the driver. Standard daytime services end around 11.30pm, but if you’re still out and about, there’s also a decent night bus system (vehicles are numbered in the 900s). 

The best way to see the Danube is by travelling on it – obviously – and with the BKK Boat, you can do this on a budget. Single tickets cost 750 HUF (passes are usually accepted on weekdays), and you can travel from Kopaszi Dam in the south up to Római Part in the north. The boat docks at some of the most famous landmarks, like the Hungarian Parliament, Margaret Island and Gellért Hotel. Just buy your ticket when you get on the boat. Services aren’t all that frequent and occasionally unreliable, so check the BKK boat website . 

Cogwheel Railway and Chairlift

If you fancy heading up the Buda Hills but don’t want to climb, you should take one of these. The cogwheel railway is billed as tram number 60, but it’s actually cog railway running from Szent János Hospital to Széchenyi-hegy (where the Children’s Railway begins). It’s a fun ride up, with breathtaking views all the way. Alternatively, you could take the chairlift from Zugliget. A one-way ticket will cost 1200 HUF – worth it for the panoramas – and you’ll end up at János-hegy, Budapest’s highest point.

Looking to tick off the big-hitting sights?

The 13 best attractions in Budapest

There’s no shortage of brilliant things to see and do in Budapest, but the Hungarian capital is much more than its magnificent monuments. After all, some of the best attractions in Budapest are its world-famous thermal baths, the thriving nightlife scene, and some very plush parks that must rank among Europe’s finest.

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City Guide » Travel

Public Transport in Budapest – getting around the city

 discover the best ways of getting around budapest – from metros, trams, and buses through taxi companies to eco-friendly transport alternatives..

Compared to other large European cities, Budapest is fairly easy to get around, mostly thanks to its extensive public transport system and some really useful eco-friendly ways that have become very popular lately. From metros and trolley buses to suburban railway lines and even boat services and electric scooters, you’ll surely find your favorite way of getting from point A to point B in a quick, efficient and affordable manner. So let us take a look at different ways you can make the best of your travel in this gem of a city.

Public transport

Budapest airport transfer : th e airport bus.

Most tourists arrive in Budapest by plane, so chances are the first thing you’ll see is Budapest Ferenc Liszt International Airport , so it’s only logical we start with Budapest airport transfer . If you’d like to take public transportation to the heart of the city, you have two options: bus 100E and bus 200E. Both have their final stop at the airport, but 200E goes only until Kőbánya-Kispest metro station, which is the end of metro line 3. Bus 100E goes straight to Deák Ferenc tér, so if you’re looking for the quickest way to the center of Budapest, that would be it.

Bus 100E airport shuttle is special, as this is the only bus you can’t just hop on with a regular ticket or pass. You’ll need to buy a special ticket for 2200 HUF to have direct connection to the heart of the city. By the way, we’ve thoroughly covered all airport transfer options in Budapest, so in case you’re interested, check out this article.

Buses and night buses

There are over 260 bus lines in Budapest, so even if you’re staying in a district that’s further away from the city center, you can count on a bus to take you to the nearest metro station. While they might not be the best choice during rush hour, as traffic can be an issue sometimes, they’re definitely a reliable way to get around.

Enjoying staying out until later at night? No worries, you’ll easily find night buses, as they cover most of the city to grant everyone a quick ride home.

Budapest has one of the world’s largest tram networks, and since trams rarely get stuck in traffic jams, they’re one of the most effective ways to get wherever you want to go. The center of the city, Deák Ferenc tér can be reached by tram lines 47 and 49, and even with 48 on weekends – the old-school carriages are in perfect sync with the inner city’s historical vibes. Tram lines 4 and 6 on the Nagykörút (Grand Boulevard) with one of the most modern trams serve as a backbone of mass transit in the city. They’re usually mentioned together, since there’s only a slight difference in their routes and, as a result, this duo carries the most passengers per day in the world. Added bonus for your convenience: tram line 6 runs all night.

Tram line 2 deserves a special shout-out, since it was included in the top 10 most beautiful tram lines in the world by National Geographic. It runs along the shore of the Danube on the Pest side of the city, and touches many major sightseeing destinations you’ll love, so check our guide on the most iconic attractions along the river [TA1] to get some inspiration. On a related note, tram line 2 isn’t the only noteworthy transportation line in Budapest – check out this article to learn about more.

Metro line 1, the world’s second oldest metro line was built in 1896 and is still in operation today. If you want to try something special, be sure to hop on it – it was renovated, but the old-school vibes of the carriages and the stations were purposefully kept.

Deák Ferenc tér serves as a real hub when it comes to public transport in Budapest, metro lines 1, 2 and 3 all have a stop there. Metro line 4 was built in 2014 and connects two railway stations: Kelenföld vasútállomás and Keleti pályaudvar.

Trolley buses

There are 15 lines available, mostly in the vicinity of the city center. Their numbering is quite odd, though, the lowest number you’ll be able to see on them is 70. It’s no accident: when the first trolley bus was introduced, it served as a tribute to Stalin’s 70th birthday just shortly after World War II.

Yes, boats! Pick your favorite from the four available lines and don’t miss out on this amazing opportunity to cruise up and down the Danube while checking out the Parliament or the Buda Castle. The usual single BKK ticket is not valid for them, though, but most passes are.

Suburban railways

If you’ve seen a green train with a white stripe on its side, it was a suburban railway (or HÉV in Hungarian). While their main purpose is to connect suburban towns and cities with the capital, they have several stops within the city limits of Budapest – no wonder they’re the most popular way to get to Sziget Festival every summer.

Sikló

The Budapest Castle Hill Funicular is a special gem when it comes to public transportation in Budapest, as there is only one of it, but it’s been in operation since 1870. It connects the Buda end of the Széchenyi Chain Bridge with Buda Castle on the top of the hill. If you’re looking for special experiences, it’s definitely one to try, the view is amazing both going up and down.

Tickets and passes for public transportation in Budapest

The main transport services are all owned by the Center for Budapest Transport (Budapest Közlekedési Központ, BKK – the abbreviation you should look for). Tickets and passes are valid for buses, trams, metros, trolley buses, and suburban railways, railways and long-distance buses within the administrative limits of the city.

Where to buy

Tickets and passes are available from the purple machines at the entrance of metro stations and larger transport hubs, you can pay both by cash and card. You can also buy tickets from several bus drivers, but it’s more expensive, so it’s useful to think ahead. Tickets need to be validated after purchase, passes don’t. Even though ticket inspections aren’t regular, make sure you always have a valid ticket or pass on you, as fines can be a real pain.

What to buy

It largely depends on individual needs. You have options to choose from a wide variety of tickets and passes, and the general rule of thumb is that the more you travel, the more it’s worth investing in a 24-hour, 72-hour, or a weekly pass. Also, with passes the four boat lines are free, and that’s definitely a nice added bonus. For the best option that suits you, you should check BKK’s official website .

What to download

The most useful application you could have is BKK Futár (available in both website and app form), which gives you the most up-to-date information on arrival times for all vehicles throughout the city.

Alternative transport options in Budapest

There are several taxi companies, but they’re all required to be marked with the word ‘taxi’, and use yellow as their color, so that makes cabs fairly easy to spot. Their tariff is regulated by the government and it consists of three elements: base fare (700 HUF), distance-based fare (300 HUF/km), and time-based fare (75 HUF/min). To avoid any possible taxi scams, it’s always best to call the taxi companies and ask for a cab directly.

Bolt is an alternative to Uber (which is unfortunately no longer in service in Hungary), and it’s generally cheaper than the yellow taxis. Just download the app , register your credit or debit card, and you’re ready to order your first drive, wherever you’d like to go.

MOL Bubi, Donkey

Feeling sporty? Ride around the city on two wheels with the help of MOL Bubi or Donkey . Cycling has become more popular recently, so you’ll find a lot of bike lanes and roads around Budapest. Just rent a bike via their app and make the most of your day in town.

Not up for a bike ride, but feel like going green? Lime is just for you. Just download the app , rent an electric scooter, and you’re ready to go.

Sightseeing bus tours

If you want to check out all the famous sightseeing destinations Budapest has to offer, but you don’t want to use public transport or taxies, hop-on hop-off tours are the way to go. Check out our article on hop on-hop off tours for more info.

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Budapest Travel Guide

Useful Budapest travel resources

Home » Public Transportation

Public Transportation

Budapest has an extensive and efficient transportation system. If you have some patience and minimal skills with reading maps, you can easily learn the system. The biggest disadvantage, however, is that metros and tram routes shut down for the night at around 11:30pm. Some areas of the city, most notably the Buda Hills, are beyond the reach of some night bus services. Taxis to the rescue.

The transport organiser of the Municipality of Budapest is the Centre of Budapest Transport ( BKK ). When travelling , its passengers will come across metro trains, trams, trolleybuses, suburban railway trains, riverboats and buses, on which BKK tickets, travel cards and passes are valid (with the exception of the funicular, the chairlift and the boat services at weekends).

During rush hours, all forms of transport are crowded, making it best to plan your travel around these times. Most importantly, crowded public transport is the place where you are most likely to be targeted by Budapest’s professional pickpockets.

Public Transportation Map

Fares in Budapest

BKK ticket offices

All forms of public transportation (metro, bus, tram, trolleybus, some HÉV railway lines, and cogwheel railway) in Budapest require the self-validation of prepurchased tickets ( vonaljegy ), which cost 350 Ft (EUR 1.11, or USD 1.34) apiece (children 5 and under travel free); single tickets can be bought at metro ticket windows and newspaper kiosks.

Before boarding, please purchase your tickets, travelcards or passes at BKK ticket offices (Please click link to find the locations of BKK customer service centres, TVMs and ticket offices on the interactive maps) located at major transport hubs. Most ticket offices are open between 5:00 and 22:00.

There are also automated machines in most metro stations and at major transportation hubs, but we still don’t trust them. We recommend buying a transport pass to avoid the trouble of constantly having to replenish your tickets. For 3.000 Ft (USD 11.5 / EUR 9.52) you can get a 10-pack (tízes csomag).

Don’t miss your ideal ticket. The whole range of tickets and passes are available at BKK customer centres and ticket offices only.

We strongly recommend that you buy a transport pass, which does not require validation. They are available for 1 day (napijegy) for 1,650 Ft and are good for 24 hours from the day and time marked. The other pass options are 3 days (turistajegy) for 4.150 Ft, 7 days for 4.950 Ft or for longer stays, 15 days (kéthétibérlet) for 6.300 Ft. The 7-day and 14-day passes need to be signed. If your plans are even longer, there is a 30-consecutive day pass (30 napos bérlet) at 9,500 Ft, which requires a photo. If you are going to Budapest for 4 to 5 days, the 7-day (hetijegy) pass is still a saving over individual tickets. Passes are so much more convenient than having a handful of tickets that you have to worry about remembering to validate each time or replenishing your stock at odd hours. Honestly, these will save you money in the long run.

Buy your ticket in advance with your credit card. At most BKK sales points bank cards are accepted for payment. All new TVMs accept regular and also contactless bank cards.

Passes. The 24-hour, 72-hour and 7-day travelcards as well as passes entitle passengers to an unlimited number of trips within the indicated period. Public transport boat tickets are valid only for single, one-way journeys.

BKK Customer Service Centres

• M4 Kelenföld railway station underpass level. Open: 5:30–22:00
• M2, M4 Keleti railway station underpass level. Open: 5:30–22:00
• M1, M2, M3 Deák Ferenc underpass level. Open: 6:00–23:00
• M4 Móricz Zsigmond körtér. Open: 5:30–22:00

Customer Service Points at Budapest Liszt Ferenc International Airport – arrival level:

• Terminal 2/A open: 8:00–22:00
• Terminal 2/B open: 9:00–21:00

Tips for your travel

Please keep your ticket until the end of your trip as the inspectors may ask to check it any time.

Some vehicles feature front-door boarding only. Please validate your ticket or show your pass to the driver when boarding.

If you are not in possession of a valid ticket, travelcard or pass, the inspectors are entitled to issue an on-the-spot fine of HUF 8 000. The fine must be paid in cash in HUF only.

On older-type vehicles the driver will open the door for you so you can get on. On vehicles with an opener next to the door, please push the button to get on.

Some vehicles (buses, night buses and trolleybuses) feature frontdoor boarding only, which is indicated by a sign saying “Elsőajtós felszállás”. Please validate your ticket or show your pass to the driver when boarding.

On most vehicles when you wish to get off, please push the stop request (leszállásjelző) button to indicate your request. The button is to be found next to the door.

For getting off from buses and trolleybuses please use the rear doors .

Passengers are allowed to cross the platform safety line only when the metro or suburban railway train has already stopped; please stand back from the platform edge until then.

Please stand on the right on the escalators at metro stations, to give more space to passengers in a hurry.

Please pay extra attention to your valuables at all times, especially when the vehicle is crowded.

Schedules & maps

All public transport operates on rough schedules, posted at bus and tram shelters and in metro stations. The schedules are a little confusing at first, but the column on the left is weekdays, the middle is Saturdays, and the right is Sundays and holidays. Make note of the last ride of the night or you will be waiting for a bus that is not coming until the wee hours of the morning. The transportation map produced by the Budapest Transport Authority (BKK térkép) is sometimes available at metro ticket windows for a small fee. On the map’s reverse side is a full listing of routes, including the all-important night-bus routes. There has been a shortage of these maps and it is uncertain whether they will continue printing them or not.

Night service

Night services (buses plus tram 6 on the Grand Boulevard) run through the night until regular service resumes at dawn. Separate schedules for night and day buses are posted at the relevant stops. A major hub for night bus lines is Astoria. The solo night buses are front-door boarding only; onboard articulated vehicles ticket inspections are carried out at every door.

Most of the Budapest transportation system closes down between 11:10pm or midnight and 4:30am . There are, however, 31 night routes, a dramatic increase over years past. They’re generally quite safe, though you may find a number of loud and inebriated youth or tourists traveling as well. For the most part, they are harmless. Night routes are posted at bus stops if that route has one. All night buses have a 9 as the first of a three-digit number. A few of them share the same numbers as buses on daytime routes or they may actually run different routes.

Underpasses

Underpasses are the way you cross most major boulevards in Budapest. Underpasses are often little underground cities with vendors, shops, and bakeries, some with bars. The most confusing part for a traveler – as well as some long-time residents – is which exit to use. Many of them have as many as five or six different exits, each letting you out onto a different part of the square or street, which can be quite disorienting. Signs direct you, often using the word “felé”, meaning “toward.” The signs will also include the street(s) at the top of the stairs. We suggest that before you enter the underground, you take note of the landmarks on the corner of your destination, framing the direction you will need to follow once downstairs.

By Metro (Underground)

The World Heritage metro line M1 runs on the Pest side between Vörösmarty tér in the city centre and Mexikói út underneath Andrássy út, running to Hősök tere (Heroes’ Square).

Metro line M2 connects Déli pályaudvar in Buda and Örs vezér tere in Pest through the city centre. Two major train stations (Déli pályaudvar and Keleti pályaudvar) are located along this metro line.

Metro line M3 runs between Újpest-Központ and Kőbánya-Kispest stations on the Pest side of the city. Nyugati pályaudvar train station as well as Kőbánya-Kispest station, where Airport Bus 200E arrives, are located along this line.

Metro line M4 connects Kelenföld Railway Station in Buda and Keleti Railway Station in Pest using modern, driverless trains.

The metro system is clean and efficient, with trains running every 3 to 5 minutes on weekdays and 6 to 8 minutes on weekends, from about 4:30am until about 11:10pm. There are four lines, with only the Red and the newest, No. 4 line going under the Danube to Buda. The three “old” lines are universally known by colors, but numbers are also used: Yellow (No. 1), Red (No. 2), and Blue (No. 3). You will see both the color and number on maps, and all signs are color-coded. The old three lines converge at Deák tér, the only point where any of the lines meet.

The Yellow (No. 1) line is the oldest metro on the European continent and second oldest in the world, having been built in 1894 as part of the Hungarian millennial celebration.

Refurbished and restored to its original splendor, it is the most attractive and shortest metro line in the city. Yellow metro signs are different from those for the Red and Blue lines.

They lack the M to signify metro. Instead, the aboveground stations have large yellow signs above the stairwells with the word földalatti (underground). Most of the stations entryways are painted yellow as a visual clue. Each station has two separate entrances, one for each direction. Confusingly, some of the stairwell entrances are in the opposite direction from the direction the train will be going. The Red (No. 2) Blue (No. 3) and the newst, No. 4 lines are modern metros, though the outside of the cars tend to look old and decrepit (except the new Metro line of course). To reach them you descend long, steep escalators; the Red line has the longest and steepest. If you are prone to vertigo, you may want to take care. The Red line runs from Örs vezér tere in eastern Pest, through the center, and under the Danube, finally ending at Déli Station. Nyugati Station is along the Blue line.

Metro stations. At the entrance of metro stations, the validator machines stamp the starting time of your trip onto your ticket.

On the street, distinctive colored “M” signs of both the Red and Blue lines point out the stations. Validate tickets at automated boxes before you descend the escalator. When changing lines at Deák tér, you’re required to validate another ticket (unless you have a special “metro transfer ticket”). The orange or red validating machines are in the hallways between lines, but are easy to miss, particularly if there are big crowds.

The extensive Budapest bus network of almost 200 lines provides access to the city centre from almost anywhere within and outside of the city with an average frequency of 10–15 minutes. More than half of the fleet are low-floor vehicles. On some services a front-door boarding only policy is in place. The old buses are dark blue, while the new ones have sky-blue livery (same fares apply for both).

Many parts of the city, most notably the Buda Hills , are best accessed by bus. Although buses are the most difficult to use of Budapest’s transportation choices, with patience (and a BKK map) you’ll be able to get around.

With the exception of night buses, most lines are in service from about 4:30am to about 11:30pm. Some bus lines run far less frequently (or not at all) on weekends, while others run far more frequently (or only) on weekends. This information is posted at every bus stop.

Black-numbered local buses constitute most of the city’s lines. Buses with red numbers are express buses that skip minor stops. Check the list at the stop to see if your destination is one of the stops. If the red number on the bus is followed by an E (there are only five routes with an E), the bus makes very few stops between terminals and is best avoided. Look for the sign on the front of the bus to see if it is a regular or express.

Tickets are self-validated onboard the bus by red boxes found by the doors. You can board the bus by any door, but manners dictate that you stand to the side of the door to allow disembarking passengers out before you start to board. Each time you change buses, you need a new ticket and have to validate it. Again, this is not necessary with a transport pass. Tickets cannot be purchased from the driver; see “ Fares ” above for more information.

The dense tramline network features picturesque routes. One of the most beautiful tramlines of the world, tram 2 runs along the river Danube in Pest on the Pest side between Margit híd and Boráros tér, provides an incredible view of the Buda Hills , including the Castle District . It is better than a tour bus. We especially recommend this route at night. The world’s longest open-gangway, walk-through trams serve lines 4 and 6 , on the busiest tram routes in Budapest travelling along Nagykörút, the Grand  boulevard, connecting Pest and Buda encircling the city centre. Tram 4 runs between Széll Kálmán tér and Újbuda-Központ, while tram 6 runs 0–24h between Széll Kálmán tér and Móricz Zsigmond körtér. Trams 1 and 3 are also among the most important lines with ring-shaped routes surrounding the city.

You’ll find Budapest’s 32 bright-yellow tram lines (known as villamos in Hungarian) very useful.

Tickets are self-validated onboard. As with buses, tickets are valid for one ride, not for the line itself. Important: The red buttons near the tram doors are for emergency stops, not stop requests. When a tramline is closed for maintenance, replacement buses are assigned the tram route. They go by the same number as the tram, with a “V” (for villamos) preceding the number. See “ Fares ” above for information on tickets.

By Trolleybus

The environmentally-friendly, quiet and electrically powered (receive power from a cable above the street) red trolleybuses have a dense network in the inner city on the flat Pest side of the city. One line that can be of use to visitors is the 70 which originates near Kossuth Lajos tér by the Parliament and cuts through the city centre via Nagymező utca (Budapest’s “Broadway”) before crossing Andrássy út and running on Király utca on its way to the Városliget (City Park).

There are only 16 trolleybus lines in Budapest, all in Pest. Of particular interest to train travelers is No. 73, the fastest route between Keleti Station and within a block of Nyugati Station . All the information in the “By Bus” section above applies to trolleybuses as well. See “ Fares ” above for information on tickets.

Hév (suburban railway lines) serve the outer areas of Budapest. If you are going to destinations nearby Budapest, for example to Szentendre (H5) or to Gödöllő (H8), please remember to get extension tickets needed for the route sections outside of the city boundaries which are not covered by your tickets, travelcards or passes. Line H7 is an exception as it operates only within Budapest. Suburban railway passes are also available; they are for sale along with tickets at BKK ticket offices and from new purple-coloured Ticket Vending Machines. Tickets are also sold by conductors onboard suburban trains.

Leaving the city boundaries by suburban railway (HÉV), passengers have to purchase an extension ticket at the ticket office or from the conductor on board if the ticket office is closed.

However there are four HÉV lines; only the Szentendre (H5) line is of importance here. Most hotels, restaurants, and sights in northern Buda and Óbuda are best reached by the HÉV (so indicated in the directions given). To reach Óbuda ’s Fő tér (Main Sq.), get off at the Árpád híd (Árpád Bridge) stop. For trips within the city limits, the cost is one transit ticket, self-validated as described above, or use a pass. The HÉV suburban railroad connects Budapest’s Batthyány tér with Szentendre . On the Pest side, you can catch the HÉV from the Margit Híd, Budai Híd Fő. Trains leave daily, year-round, every 20 minutes or so from 4am to 11:30pm (trip time: 45 min.). The one-way fare is 560 Ft subtract 230 Ft if you have a valid Budapest public transportation pass. The trip takes 45 minutes. This HÉV route runs regularly between 4am and 11:30pm.

By Cogwheel Railway & Funicular

Budapest’s cogwheel railway (fogaskerekű) began running in 1874, becoming electrified in later years. It runs from Városmajor, across the street from the Hotel Budapest on Szilágyi Erzsébet fasor in Buda, to Széchenyi-hegy, one terminus of the Children’s Railway (Gyermek Vasút) in 20 minutes.The cogwheel railway runs from 5am to 11pm, and normal transportation tickets (see “ Fares ,” above; self-validated onboard) are used.

The cable car or funicular (sikló) connects Buda’s Clark Ádám tér, at the head of the Széchenyi Chain Bridge , with Dísz tér, just outside the Buda Castle. The funicular is one of only two forms of public transportation serving the Castle District (bus Nos. 10 and 16 are the other possibilities; see “By Bus,” above). The funicular offers an extremely steep and short ride, but an excellent view. It runs at frequent intervals from 7:30am to 10pm daily (closed on the second Mon of the month). Tickets cost 700 Ft ($3.80/L2.35) to go up and 1,300 Ft ($7.30/L4.50) for a round-trip for adults, while children get a break at 400 Ft ($2.15/L1.35) up and 750 Ft ($4.05/L2.50) round-trip.

On the section of the river Danube within Budapest, public transport boats serve several piers located near transport hubs on both the Buda and Pest banks. Line D11 terminates in Újpest, while D12 and weekend-only service D13 operate to Rómaifürdő. On workdays Budapest-passes are also valid for boat services, but at weekends only the dedicated tickets for public transport boats are accepted for travel.

Budapest taxis fall into two general categories: legitimate and not. All legal, licenced taxis must have yellow car colour. The fare to be paid at the destination consists of three basic parts: the base fee; the kilometer distance fare; and the waiting tariff, which is used if the taxi has had to stop or has to travel slower than 15 km/h (9 mph) in traffic.

Please note: From 1 September 2013 a new Taxi Decree was introduced in Budapest and regulating the price of the taxis at a fixed tariff of 280 HUF/Km (0.95 EUR/Km) in addition to the one-off basic fee of 450 HUF (1.50 EUR) and waiting fee.

A ride to the city center from the Airport should typically cost around 6500 HUF (22 EUR) depending on traffic conditions.

We particularly recommend Tele5 (00 36 1 355-5555). Other reliable fleets include City Taxi (00 36 1 211-1111), Volántaxi (00 36 1 466-6666), Rádió Taxi (00 36 1 377-7777), and Főtaxi (00 36 1 222-2222). Call one of these companies from your hotel, ask a restaurant person, or ask whoever is in charge to call for you, even if there are other private taxis waiting around outside. Dishonest drivers will ask you to pay for the return trip, ask to be paid in anything but forints, or quote you a “flat rate” in lieu of running the meter. The chances are slim that you will encounter this with any of the companies above. If you need extra room, request a station wagon by asking for a “kombi”, and in the summer you can also request an air-conditioned vehicle. Tipping is usually not more than 10%. Hungarians usually round the bill up. If you think the driver has cheated you, then you should call the company and complain, as most will punish their members for untoward behavior.

We believe anyone wanting to drive in Budapest has a death wish. Not only are there crazy drivers, but you also will find a serious lack of stop signs or traffic lights on most streets. However, you may wish to rent a car for trips out of the city. Hertz, Avis, Alamo, National, and Budget have offices in the city and at the airport, but marginally better deals may be found by making arrangements directly and in advance on their websites. You are urged to reserve a rental car as early as possible. If you reserve from abroad, ask for written confirmation by fax or e-mail. If you don’t receive a confirmation, it’s wise to assume that the reservation has not been properly made. The driver must be 21 years old with no upper age limit and is the only authorized driver; the driver’s license must be at least 1 year old; an International driver’s license is required.

Gellért Hill (Gellért Hegy)

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How To Use The Public Transportation In Budapest? (Tickets & Fares)

Published by veronika on june 9, 2018.

Most of the main sights in Budapest are easily accessible on foot. But if you are tight on time or you feel that you have already walked enough for the day, our capital also has an excellent public transportation system with four metro lines and an extensive network of trams and buses. So it is really easy to get around! Here is a little guide on how to use the public transportation in Budapest.

In Budapest travel like the locals do!

What types of tickets are available and how much do they cost?

You can either buy single tickets or have a travel card valid for a longer period of time.

A s ingle ticket costs 350 HUF (about 1.2 euros, 450 HUF if bought from the driver on some lines) and is valid for one ride after validation. Each time you board a new vehicle you need to validate a new ticket. Transfers with the same ticket are only allowed on the metro lines. Apart from the metro, transferring between lines (eg. from a tram to a tram, a tram to a bus, a bus to a bus etc.) requires a new single ticket. You can save a little by buying 10 single tickets in a block for 3000 HUF.

On the other hand,  travel cards are valid for a longer period of time from the date and time indicated on them. They are valid for an unlimited number of rides and you do not need to worry about validation every time you board a new vehicle. The simple day pass is worth it if you would use the public transportation at least five times within 24 hours. The table below shows the prices for the most common travel card types. Here you can find a more detailed list of tickets and fares.

Trams on the Great Boulevard run all night long.

Where to buy tickets and travel cards?

At the airport – The Budapest Public Transportation Center (BKK) has a Customer Service Point on both Terminal 2A and Terminal 2B of the Liszt Ferenc International Airport. Open from 8 a.m. (2A) / 9 a.m. (2B) until 10 p.m. (both terminals).  There are also vending machines if you arrive too late or too early. They accept bank cards, so don’t bother with changing money . All ticket types are available. ( Here you can read more on transportation to and from the airport.)

At major transportation hubs – BKK has Customer Centers at transportation hubs like Deák tér, Ferenciek tere, Blaha Lujza tér, Keleti Railway Station etc. and smaller ticket selling points at bigger stops.  All ticket types are available.

To buy your tickets look for these purple machines.

Ticket Vending Machines – These purple machines can be found at the busier bus and tram stops and all metro stations. They work with Hungarian Forints or credit cards, but sometimes only one of the two options is available. You can choose from several languages, among them English, Spanish, German or French.  All ticket types are available.

On the vehicles themselves – On certain buses and trams in the city center you can buy single tickets from the drivers.  They are a tiny bit more expensive than the ones bought in advance (450 HUF instead of 350 HUF), and you can only pay with Hungarian Forints. Try to have the exact amount, they usually can’t brake up big banknotes. Communication in English can be challenging sometimes. Only single tickets are available.

Retailers – Some hotels and small kiosks at the metro stops sell single tickets. Only single tickets are available.

Your travel pass is valid even on the Danube, but only on weekdays.

Validity of tickets

Single tickets and travel cards are valid within the administrative boundaries of Budapest for all metro, bus, trolleybus and tram services. They are also valid for the cog-wheel railway (also known as tram 60) and for stops of the suburban railway within Budapest. Outside of Budapest (eg. going to Szentendre) you need an extension ticket for the suburban railway. However, normal tickets and travel cards cannot be used on the Buda Castle Funicular, the Chairlift in the Buda Hills, and bus 100E  (which is a direct bus line from the city center to the airport).

On the boats run by the public transportation company you can use your passes on workdays , but the normal single ticket is not valid. On the weekend and national holidays everybody must buy a boat ticket that costs 750 forints, none of the passes are valid.

A single ticket is valid for one ride on buses, trams, and trolleybuses. Transfer with the same single ticket is only possible between two metro lines. Otherwise, you need to validate a new ticket every time you transfer from one vehicle to another.

Travel cards are valid for an unlimited number of rides within Budapest during the period indicated on them. The validity period starts either at the time of purchase or on any date and time in the future.

For the 100E airport bus you need a special ticket

How to validate a single ticket?

On buses, trams, and trolleybuses you can find orange or red validation machines on the vehicles themselves . Insert the ticket into the machine with the numbered side first and facing upwards. The machine stamps your ticket automatically. On some trams, you will find red machines instead of the orange ones. Those old-school machines work manually. Insert the ticket at the top of the machine (the numbered side first and facing you). Then pull the black part of the machine with the ticket inside towards yourself and it punches a hole in the ticket.

In case of the metro, you will find the orange machines at each metro entrance.   Remember to validate a new single ticket every time you board a bus, a tram, or a trolleybus or whenever you enter the area of the metro.

Insert your ticket with the numbered part first facing upwards.

What happens if I do not have a valid ticket?

In Budapest, you will not find gates that only let you through with a valid ticket. However, ticket inspectors can ask for your tickets on the whole territory of the transportation network. If you have a valid ticket, the chances are high that you will never encounter them. But if you forget to validate, you can be sure that they will appear out of nowhere. The penalty fee is 8000 HUF on the spot , so you had better validate your single tickets. Or buy a travel card and then you do not have to worry about validation.

The lower station of the Buda hills chairlift – you can buy your ticket in the building from a machine

How do I find my way around?

The Budapest Public Transportation Center has a mobile app called BKK Futár (for  Android and  iOS ).   Use it to get from A to B if you have data on your phone. It is easy to set the language to English, just look for the Settings sign  (“Beállítások”)  at the bottom of the menu and choose the first option for Languages (“Nyelv”) . Google Maps also has useful and up-to-date information on timetables and routes.

Now you are all set to hit the streets in Budapest! With public transportation, you can cover more if you have limited time in our capital. It can also make our Budapest101 walking tours more efficient – and more fun! Besides the ordinary vehicles, Budapest also offers some unique means of transportation as well. Learn more about them on a Budapest101 transportation tour .

Veronika is a guide and tour organiser of Budapest 101

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Mar 28, 2023 • 7 min read

Exploring Budapest on foot or by bike is like a free architecture tour © AzmanJaka / Getty Images

Thanks to plentiful buses, boats, trams and Metro trains, getting around Budapest is easy. The Hungarian capital is highly walkable, and for the times when you need to go further afield or get somewhere quickly, there are plenty of options.

Budapest Közlekedési Központ (BKK) runs the city’s transport network, which includes metro lines, trams, buses and even boats in the summer. BKK has a handy app for journey planning, so you can see when the next bus, tram, boat or metro is scheduled to arrive – it's particularly useful in winter, when temperatures regularly drop below -1°C (30°F).

Whatever time of year you come, here are the best ways to get around Budapest.

Pick up a travel card or transport pass for cheap journeys in Budapest

On Budapest public transport, you can buy a ticket for a single journey or buy a travel pass valid for anything from 24 hours to a month, covering all forms of public transportation run by BKK. Prices start at 2500 HUF for 24 hours. The Budapest Card also includes travel on public transport, as well as free entry to sights and attractions; it costs from €29 for 24 hours.

You can buy tickets for public transport from ticket offices in metro stations or at the purple self-service ticket machines at most metro, bus and tram stops. If you get a single ticket, make sure you validate it when you enter the metro station or get on board the bus or tram.

Keep the ticket with you until the end of the journey. Ticket inspectors tend to work undercover, dressed as normal passengers until the purple armband goes on, and there are steep fines if you don't have a valid ticket (the fine doubles if you can't pay on the spot). Other than when changing metro lines, tickets cannot be used for transfers.

Walking is the best way to see Budapest's gorgeous architecture

Walking is by far the best way to explore Budapest. It’s not the fastest way to get around the city, but it's certainly the most enjoyable. A walk through the backstreets of Budapest could lead to the discovery of your new favorite cafe, and every stroll feels like a spontaneous tour of beautiful Budapest architecture.

Budapest is a safe city to walk in, but be aware that bikes and pedestrians share the same paths on some sections of the Danube Banks, particularly in Buda, so watch out for cyclists.

Biking around Budapest is easy and inexpensive

Budapest is a very cycle-friendly city. You’ll find bike paths crisscrossing the center and winding through the outer districts, with the Danube-side cycle paths in Buda being some of the most popular routes for visitors.

It’s easy to rent a bike in Budapest; just look out for the green stations of the MOL Bubi bike-sharing scheme. You can rent bikes easily and cheaply using the app, with costs starting at 40 HUF per minute; when you’re done, simply return the bike to one of the many bike stations dotted around the city to stop the meter.

Zip around Budapest on the metro

The metro is the quickest way to get around Budapest, and it comes into its own during the frosty winter months. There are four metro lines, with Metro Line 1 (also known as the Yellow Line) being the oldest underground railway in continental Europe – and a Unesco World Heritage Site.

Metro line 1 runs from Vörösmarty tér to City Park, below Andrássy Avenue . Metro Line 2 (red) goes from Déli pályaudvar in Buda to Örs Vezér tér in Pest. Line 3 (blue) crosses Pest from north to south, but the line seems to be in a state of permanent construction, so you may need to get a replacement bus. The gleaming modern Line 4 (green) goes from Keleti train station to Kelenföld train station.

Budapest's trams offer great city views

The tram network covers most of downtown Pest and Buda and extends out into the suburbs. Trams are quick, easy to use and usually much faster than buses – and you also get to see some of this famously beautiful city as you travel, unlike riding the metro underground.

Tram 2 is one of the most beautiful tram routes in Europe, skirting the Danube banks on the Pest side of the river and rattling by the Hungarian Parliament with views of Castle Hill on the other side of the river. Trams 4 and 6 link Buda and Pest from Petőfi Bridge to Margit Bridge, crossing the Grand Boulevard in Pest.

Take the bus for good connections to the suburbs

Buses and electric trolleybuses cover the city all the way to the outer suburbs. The regular blue buses that run all over the city are a good option if you want to go up to the Buda Hills or the Castle District. Buses 16 and 16A bus will deliver you to the castle, while buses 21 and 21A go to Normafa – the highest part of the city, popular for its parks and hiking trails. On the Pest side, red trolleybuses link downtown with neighborhoods beyond the Grand Boulevard.

Suburban trains are great for day trips from Budapest

The suburban train network known as HÉV (Helyiérdekű Vasút) is great for day-trippers looking to visit the fascinating small towns just outside of Budapest, such as Szentendre , a picturesque town that was once home to a substantial Serbian community and thriving art colony.

The easiest way to get to Szentendre is to take HÉV H5, which runs from downtown Buda. Other useful lines for travelers include the HÉV H8, which runs to Gödöllő – home to the elegant Baroque Gödöllő Royal Palace – and the HÉV H7 going south to Csepel Island.

Summertime boats run along the Danube

In the summer months, BKK runs a special boat service along the Danube, connecting various stops on the riverbanks. The ferry can get you to some of the city’s most prominent landmarks , including the Castle Garden Bazaar , the Hungarian Parliament and Margaret Island .

The boat is not the fastest way to travel, but if you want a city tour on a budget, it’s worth the 750 HUF ticket price to enjoy the city from the water. Additionally, shorter ferry trips cost 170 HUF for a single ticket. Check that the service is running before heading to the riverbanks because it can be erratic.

Ride-sharing apps are handy for late-night rides

If you need to get back to your hotel late at night and prefer to avoid the gamble of taking a cab on the street, download the Bolt app (formerly known as Taxify). It works the same way as Uber (which no longer operates in Hungary), and you can get a ride in a matter of minutes in most parts of the city.

Use reputable taxi firms to get around Budapest at night

Conventional taxis are commonplace in Budapest, but it’s best to use a reputable taxi firm such as City Taxi , Főtaxi , 6x6 Taxi or TaxiPlus . Don’t flag down a cab on the street because there are some unsavory taxi drivers  – although there are fewer of these characters nowadays than there were in the past.  You can easily order a cab by phone or via the companies' apps, or most restaurants and hotels will happily order a cab for you.

A rental car is only really useful for day trips out of Budapest

It’s not really worth renting a car in Budapest unless you plan to take long-distance day trips out of the city. Big international rental-car companies, such as Hertz and Avis, have offices in some large hotels and at the airport.

Accessible transportation in Budapest

Accessible transportation in Budapest has improved in recent years, but there’s still a long way to go. Metro Line 4 is wheelchair-accessible across the entire route, but the older metro lines only have a few stops with elevators and wheelchair access.

Tram lines 4 and 6 are step-free and accessible for wheelchairs, but many other tram lines have quite a few steps between the street and the tram. Travelers in wheelchairs can use most buses, and drivers will lower the bus and extend a ramp. HÉV trains are old and have steep steps that are challenging even for those without mobility issues. 

The BKK website has a guide to accessibility on Budapest’s public transport . For more information on accessible travel, see Lonely Planet's accessible travel resources .

This article was first published Dec 23, 2021 and updated Mar 28, 2023.

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Guide,tips and tricks for Budapest travelers

Budapest Bus lines 2024 | Budapest Bus Routes

Do you plan to use public transport in Budapest? You must be wondering how to use buses in Budapest ? Can you pay with card on Budapest bus? Can you pay on the bus in Budapest? What are the best buses for tourists in Budapest. Transport buses are one of the many ways tourists can explore the city of Budapest in 2024.

You can save a lot of money by buying a public transport pass from BKK ticket machine , and BudapestGO app . However, if you are interested in detailed review of Budapest Hop on Hop off Bus you can find more info in our post Hop on Hop off Budapest review .

City transport buses in Budapest are quite efficient and cover a large area,so that you can visit all the top attractions with them,along with the Budapest Metro .

Even as a tourist, you can reach any famous monument with the help of buses operated by BKK buses.In this post you will find important buses lines, their routes,timetables and maps.

If you are looking for artistic historic 5 start hotels in Budapest, we recommend checking the following.

• Hilton Hotel
• Mystery Hotel

Table of Contents

Buses in Budapest

Budapest bus network is quite huge,considering the fact that there are only 4 underground metros. Hence, many areas of Budapest which are not connected by trams,metro or trains, those are mainly connected with the help of buses operated by BKK.

Budapest Bus Timings

Buses in Budapest operated by BKK or public Transport Authority in Budapest are running quite extensively throughout the day. Typically, Budapest buses start operating at 4:30 in the morning and run till 23:30.

The frequency of Budapest buses is quite low from 4:30 to 7:00,where a bus may travel 3 to 5 times in a given hour. Later on, when its time for people to visit their offices and children to go to their schools, the Buses arrive more frequently until 20:00.

The frequency of Budapest becomes lesser between 20:00 and 23:30. Hence, if you are traveling during this time slot in Budapest, you may have to wait for few minutes before the bus arrives.

After 23:30, you can use Budapest Night buses ,which are operating on limited routes until 4:30 in the morning. The tickets and passes can be used in a similar way in the night buses of Budapest.

To multiply your joy, we recommend to check the availability of best attractions in Budapest involving

• Szechenyi Baths
• Budapest Parliament
• Night cruises
• The Great Budapest Synagogue
• PinBall Museum
• St Stephens Basilica
• Cave walking in Budapest
• Budapest shooting range

Budapest Bus Price

Budapest bus ticket prices for any bus or trolley bus are same,except for Bus 100E,which has a special ticket.

As of 2024, the minimum price to travel with a bus in Budapest is 450 HUF (around 1.25 USD). You have to buy a single ticket and validate it in the ticket validating machine inside the bus,right after you are getting into the bus.

The bus price if ticket is bought from the driver is 600 Huf(around 1.5 USD),a bit higher compared to what you get from the app or BKK ticket machine.

Nowadays some new buses in Budapest have been introduced where card payment is possible.

If you buy a Budapest pass for 24 hours, you have to bear a one time cost of 2500 HUF(7.20 USD) and use it on BKK transport buses(not 100E),trolleys and trams.

On the other hand a 72 hour pass price is 5500 HUF(16 USD) and you can have unlimited journeys in Budapest buses,trolleys and metros.

Budapest Bus Tickets

You can use single tickets,transfer tickets and time based tickets in Budapest buses.Single tickets for Budapest buses can be bought from BKK ticket machines,BKK Offices,Bus Drivers and BudapestGO app.

Public transport tickets are generic in Budapest,i.e. an unused ticket bought from BKK machine,BudapestGO app can be used for traveling in trains,trolleys and buses.

Just make sure that if you are buying a paper ticket for single journey, it has to be validated inside the bus right after you get into the bus,and once the ticket is validated, you cannot use this ticket for any other journey or vehicle.

On the other hand, if you buy a digital single ticket costing 450 HUF/1.2 USD from BudapestGO app or SIMPLE by OTP, it also needs to be validated before on boarding the bus using QR code scanner.

As a general rule,if you are using a ticket to travel in a Budapest bus,make sure to validate it right after you enter the bus,and once you have dropped out of the bus, the ticket cannot be used anymore for additional journeys.

Budapest Bus Pass

There is a no special terminology as Budapest Bus Pass.In fact, these are generic travel passes which have a validity of 24hours,72hours or 1 week and can be used to travel with any metro,train,trolley and bus in Budapest.(100e is excluded)

There are 2 types of travel passes.You can travel in Budapest buses with BKK travel pass or a Budapest Card. BKK travel pass is way cheaper than the Budapest Card.Both passes are not specific to buses,but can be used on other BKK vehicles,without any additional payment.

The best way to travel in Budapest buses is by having a Budapest Travel Card or a Budapest pass ,that allows you to have unlimited transfers and use of metros,trolleys,buses and trams during the validity time.

Budapest Card is quite expansive and despite providing discounts to many monuments, is still not a good option for tourists.Hence, we recommend using a Budapest pass from the BKK machine or BudapestGO app which is way cheaper and serves the same purpose,except the discounts for monuments entry.

Budapest Bus app

If you are looking for app for Budapest bus use, you can use BudapestGO and SIMPLE by OTP.

You can buy Bus ticket or pass from both apps and also validate it using the standard procedure of QR code validation. However, SIMPLE app by OTP is not showing any info about the transport buses routes,schedule and arrival times.

BudapestGO is not specific to Budapest buses,but gives you all detailed info about public transport including trams,trolleys,trains and metros.

The recommended app for Budapest buses is BudapestGO as it gives you the bus routes,bus stops,bus arrival times and route changes.

Budapest Bus Routes

There are over 50 bus routes in Budapest which are well connecting the different corners of the city. The routes are covering all the 20+ districts of Budapest,but from tourists point of view,there are only limited bus routes which you should know before your journey.

While exploring Budapest around the city you will see following 6 kinds of buses on the roads.

• Blue Buses (all blue)
• Red Buses (all red)
• Red Buses from Hop on Hop off tours
• Red Buses from big bus tours
• Yellow buses (not so frequent)
• International tour buses (Random designs)

However,if you are interested in using just the public transport network, only the Red and Blue buses should be used.

You can check the routes of any Budapest autobus using BudapestGO app. In BudapestGO app there is a possibility to check the buses which are coming to your stop,the nearest bus location and its estimated time or arrival to your bus stop.

If you do not have internet, the bus routes of all the buses arriving to your bus stop can be checked in the bus schedule displayed next to the Bus stop. Majority of bus stops in Budapest do not have live timings of arriving buses,hence you can only get a static schedule of your desired bus.

In some cases,the Budapest Bus schedule can be affected due to some events,and you will never notice them unless you have BudapestGO app.

Out of remaining 4 types of buses, only the yellow ones are operated by BKK,but will be found only in outskirts of Budapest and require special tickets.

NOTE: All Trams in Budapest city are yellow,however, these are not to be confused with BKK yellow buses.

What are the buses in Budapest called?

Budapest city buses are called busz, only the spelling is different, where “sz” is read as “s”.

However, instead of the English pronunciation of bus, the Hungarian version is read as “boos”, like in “Juice”.The bus station in Budapest is called Buszmegallo (Boos Meg-aalo).

Are Budapest buses free?

No, Budapest buses are not free.

However, there are discounted passes for parents,older citizens and students in Budapest public transport.

But if you do no have such passes, you need to buy bus ticket or metro ticket and validate in respective mode of Budapest transportation.

There are no discounted tickets for buses if you buy single tickets.

How much does a bus ride cost in Budapest?

Minimum cost of a bus ride in Budapest is 1 USD/GBP/EUR (300huf to 350 huf) depends which ticket you are using in 2024.

For a day/weekly/monthly pass, there is no additional cost to ride the BKK Budapest buses.

It means, the tickets costing 300 HUF,350 HUF,550 Huf can be used for a single journey or a transfer.

Do Budapest buses take cash?

Either you are in Blue or red buses in Budapest, there is a possibility to buy ticket with cash from the driver.However, this ticket will be expansive,i.e.1.5 USD or 450 huf.

Drivers accept only cash in HUF,while foreign currency is not accepted in Budapest buses in 2024.Also,it is better to pay in coins or the smallest HUF currency.

In case you pay with a bigger currency note, they driver may not give you ticket and you may be fined later on by ticket checkers.

Where to buy Budapest bus tickets?

You can buy Budapest bus tickets through various channels.

• From the bus driver
• From the BudapestGO app in mobile
• From the BKK ticket machines
• From the BKK offices
• From stores at the metro stations

Can you use credit cards in Budapest buses for ticket purchase?

You cannot buy a bus ticket from the driver with a credit or debit card.

Bus drivers in Budapest only accept cash in Hungarian forints,which is the Budapest currency, as foreign currency,even Euros are not accepted in  buses.

If you do not plan to exchange currency in Budapest, make sure you buy your ticket online with BudapestGO and validate it ASAP when you onboard the bus.

In 2024,there is a possibility for 100E bus,Budapest Airport shuttle, to buy the ticket with a machine that accepts debit/credit card.

Do Budapest buses run on weekends?

All Budapest buses run on weekdays and weekends,whether blue or red.

Although the frequency of some buses is less on weekends,but still it is on acceptable level.

100E bus also runs on weekends.  

Do Budapest buses run in the night?

Normal Budapest buses(Red and Blue) are operational from around 04:00 and continue to operate around 00:00 till mid night.

After 00:00, there are separate night buses in Budapest which can serve the low number of travelers.

Night buses of Budapest have different numbering scheme which starts with 9xx.Bus 100E and 200E are also working during the night,but at lesser frequency.

How do you on board a Blue Bus in Budapest?

While standing at the bus station in Budapest, when the bus arrives and opens it doors, you should wait for passengers to come out.In some buses,if the doors do not open while the bus stops, you should press a button next to the door which will open the bus door.

As in Blue buses you can enter from any door, you should ensure to validate your ticket in the ticket machine and keep it with you.If you are unable to validate your ticket, due to bus is full or the machine is not operational, you should ensure to validate it at any cost.

For digital tickets bought through BudapestGO app, you must ensure to validate it with QR code on the bus. Because if ticket checkers catch you, on the spot you have to pay fine of 8000 HUF which is 25USD,approx.

If you have a 24 hour pass,weekly or monthly pass, there is no need to validate,and you should just show it when ticket checkers ask.

How do you on board a Red Bus in Budapest?

In red buses of Budapest operated by BKK, you can only on board using the front door.

When entering, you have to validate the ticket in the machine next to the driver, or show your pass.Here, you cannot enter the bus from back doors.

Only in case of a stroller/pram, the entry is possible from middle door of the bus.You should ensure to keep your ticket with you throughout your journey.

What is Budapest bus ticket price?

A single ticket for bus in Budapest costs 350 HUF, this ticket can be used for a single journey.

The same ticket costs 300 HUF(2.5 USD), if you buy a pack of 10 tickets.i.e. if you spend 3000 HUF (8 USD) in bulk.

If you use a BKK pass for 24-hours,3 days,a week or a month, you just have to pay the price of pass,and no need for additional ticket.

You cannot use foreign currency when buying ticket from bus driver.Also keep in mind,that price of ticket is expansive if bought from the bus driver.

NOTE: only Budapest bus 100E has a different price,as its a special one for airport transfers.

Is there a Budapest bus ticket app?

BudapestGO is the best transport app for buses information in Budapest.Operated by Hungarian Government, you can buy all kinds of bus tickets from the app.

It is the best app to check the bus time tables in Budapest city.The app tells the location of buses,estimated time of arrival and routes of the buses.

How do you get off a Budapest Bus?

Before getting off any of the BKK Budapest buses, you have to press a button that will set a light on a green button on top of each door.

All Budapest buses have a STOP button, which has different locations,depending upon the bus model.

In newer buses,there are stop buttons on supporting rods,at a height of 4 feet,at regular intervals.Also for families with children strollers and wheelchairs, there is a button with Stroller picture next to stroller place.

As you press any of these buttons, there will be a green light turned on, and bus will stop at the next station.

You should ensure that you do not press the Emergency STOP button which is on the same rod but at 6 feet height.

Are Budapest buses good for special persons?

Majority of buses,nowadays,in Budapest are good for special people to onboard.For older people,pregnant women and special people, there are dedicated seats right next to the entry doors.

Additionally if you are coming with a stroller,the bus will stop for longer time unless your stroller has fit itself on the dedicated place.

If you are coming with wheel chair and want to onboard a bus in Budapest, that is also possible.The driver will leave its seat and ensure a smooth slide from bus to the ground.

The wheelchair can be transported to the bus and placed on the dedicated place.Similarly, during off boarding, the driver will come down to ensure smooth exit from the bus.

One of the best options to visit Budapest top attractions in short time is using Hop On Hop Off buses. Get your Hop on Hop off bus ticket here for a 10% discount.

How do you get fined in Budapest buses?

You can be fined in Budapest buses on various reasons.The most common way to get fined in Budapest buses is to on board without validating the ticket.

You can also get fined if you used the wrong ticket, mostly happens in 100E bus.Also, if you are unable to show a valid ticket,valid bkk pass or are eating/drinking inside the bus, you will be fined.

Although there have been less incidents when people were fined for eating in bus.

If you are coming with a group of friends, do Book the beer bus that allows you do sightseeing as well.

Are Budapest buses comfortable?

The newer buses in Budapest have comfortable seats.

These have air conditioners turned on during summers, while heaters are operational in winter times.

There is enough space for taller people while sitting on the seats.

You will find proper support and enough space to stand with the support available.

There are dedicated places for senior citizens,pregnant women and special people.

How to check Budapest bus routes?

You can check the bus routes for each bus in Budapest through the Budapest GO app.

The app tells the current position,estimated time of arrival and different stops that the bus will stop.

If you are on a bus stop, you can find the bus routes for each bus stopping at that bus stop.

The name of next stops is mentioned along with estimated time in minutes to reach that stop from your current position.

Where to find Budapest bus map?

All the buses operated by BKK in Budapest have online map and other information available on BudapestGO app.

You can download the app on your mobile and check the map,directions and timing for each bus.

If you are at any bus stop, you will find the the bus route map where the bus will stop and at what time.

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• Documents to come in Hungary: not to forget
• Hungarian currency
• Weather in Budapest. When to come?
• Public holidays in Hungary
• Accomodation
• Public Transport in Budapest
• Taxis in Budapest
• Taxi at Budapest Airport
• Budapest sightseeing bus tour
• Useful contacts
• Hungarian language
• Planning your trip to Budapest
• ACCOMODATION
• Budapest airport Transfer
• Useful Information on Budapest airport
• Bus line 100E connects Budapest Airport and the city center
• What can you claim if your flight is delayed or cancelled?
• Budapest Must-see sights
• Visit Budapest in 2 days
• Visit Budapest in 3 days
• Visit Budapest in 4 days
• Budapest sightseeing cruise
• How to visit the Parliament of Budapest
• Buda Castle
• Matthias Church
• Fishermen’s Bastion
• Heroes’ Square
• St. Stephen’s Basilica
• The Great Synagogue in Budapest
• Budapest Citadel
• Budapest museums
• Best Sellers activities
• Budapest Opera
• Budapest Bus Tour
• Guided Tours
• Gödölló: the Royal Palace of Empress Sissi
• Christmas markets in Budapest
• Tours from Budapest
• Discover Lake Balaton
• Sziget Festival in Budapest
• The best baths in Budapest
• Our selection of Budapest restaurants
• Historic cafés of Budapest
• Café New York
• Budapest’s Great Market Hall
• Hungarian cuisine
• Hungarian pastries
• The best brunch in Budapest
• Best Rooftop bars of Budapest
• Afternoon Tea in Budapest
• What to eat at a Christmas market in Budapest?
• Budapest Concerts, Ballets and Opera
• Budapest Nightlife – the best ruin bars
• Szimpla Kert, the 1st Ruin Bar
• Balaton Sound Festival
• OZORA Festival
• Exhibitions in Budapest
• Budapest with children
• Best Sellers Activities
• Shopping in Budapest  
• Best Escape rooms in Budapest
• Unique experiences in Budapest
• Caving in Budapest
• Photo shoot with a Photographer
• How to get to the Budapest Formula 1 Grand Prix
• Budapest in May
• Budapest in June
• Budapest in July
• Budapest in August
• Budapest in September
• Budapest in October
• Budapest in November
• Budapest in December
• Sightseeing cruise
• Top 10 baths of Budapest
• Top 10 exhibitions in Budapest
• Top 10 things to see in Budapest
• Top 10 things to do in summer in Budapest
• Best Christmas markets in Budapest
• Top 10 things to do in winter in Budapest
• Top 10 Video
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Public transport in Budapest is well developed and runs with high frequency, with the city served by metro, tram, trolley and bus.

While it is free for people over 65 from the European Union , the single ticket price in 2024 is relatively high at 450 Forint (1.2 €); hence the importance of consulting the different options for buying tickets or Pass for Budapest public transport.

METRO IN BUDAPEST

The city of Budapest is served by 4 metro lines called M1, M2, M3, M4 . You can buy tickets at the counters or automatic distributors at the station entrances. The lines M1, M2, M3 intersect at the station ‘ Deák Ferenc Tér’ (city center): you can change lines without having to use a new ticket. The Budapest Metro is operational between 04:30 and 23:00 .

You can download the Budapest Metro map on this link (click on the icon at the top right to download).

Do not miss the metro station ’Szent Gellért’ on the M4 line (between the Liberty Bridge ‘Szabadság híd’ and the Gellért Baths) with its fascinating mosaic! (picture above).

TRAMWAY IN BUDAPEST

The tramway allows you to discover Budapest, without the worry of traffic. You can buy tickets at the vending machine at each station (credit cards not accepted). Trams run between 04:30 and 23:00. Of note, line 6 crosses Pest center and operates 24 hours a day.

The American magazine, National Geographic , has ranked Budapest’s tram line 2 as the most beautiful in Europe and the 7th in all the world. This line runs along the Danube and offers a unique view of Parliament and Buda Castle.

You can download the tramway map of Budapest (called ‘Tram lines’ on the map) on this link (click on the icon at the top right to download).

BUS, TROLLEY

Buses and trolleybuses (buses running on electricity) cover Budapest’s large public transport network with 250 stations. They are operational every day f rom 4:15 to 21:00 or 23:30 (on some lines).

You can download the Budapest bus / trolley map on this link (click on the icon at the top right to download).

’HÉV’- Suburb train of Budapest

The ‘HÉV’ is a suburban train that serves Budapest and its surroundings. The price of a ticket for the HÉV is the same as other public transport in Budapest as long as you stay in the city . Its price increases thereafter according to your destination. It is very useful, for example, if you want to visit the beautiful little town of Szentendre located just 20km from Budapest along the Danube.

You can also reach Szentendre by boat (1h30 cruise): For Szentendre cruise information and ticket – click here

MAP OF PUBLIC TRANSPORT OF BUDAPEST

NIGHT TRANSPORT

Many bus lines operate at night , especially on the hubs of Astoria, Deák Ferenc Tér, Móricz Zsigmond körter, Blaha Lujza Tér, Örs vezér tere and Széll Kálmán tér. The list of nocturnal bus lines is available on this link of the dedicated website.

Map of the night lines of Budapest:

TICKETS / PASSES

Ticket prices in 2024: (common to all Budapest public transport).

Unit ticket price: 450 Forint (≈1,2) at a ticket counter or a vending machine.

Price of a block of 10 tickets : 4000 Ft or 400 Ft each (≈1.1€).

There is also a group travelcard (for 1-5 people traveling together ) at a price of ≈14 € which allows you to travel at will for 24 hours together.

Unlimited use ticket price for 24h : ≈ 6,5€. Unlimited use ticket price for 72h: ≈ 14,5€.

Many other options are also available, such as a 1-month pass  with reduced fares, especially for students. Detailed information can be found on the Budapest public transport website on this link .

As a reminder, public transport in Budapest is free for people over 65 from the European Union.

You can buy tickets and transport passes in metro stations, tourist offices (found at the airport and city center), in some news kiosks (Relay chain for example) and with the vending machines in tram and metro stations. Most counters are open from 5am to 10pm. Note that your ticket is only valid for single use of a line , except for the metro (as long as you do not leave the underground network).

PLAN YOUR TRACK

As it is very useful, you can use Budapest’s public transport route planning tool available on this link . It will ask you where you want to go from here to Budapest and will suggest different options by metro, bus and tram.

BUDAPEST CARD

The city of Budapest also offers the Budapest Card , which provides free use of public transport in the city, and also free admission to 13 Budapest museums , discounts of up to 50% for more than 80 monuments, and special events and gastronomic experiences. The 24h, 48h and other (72h, 96h, 120h) cards are advantageous if you plan to visit the sites that are part of their reduction program. Be careful, though, the Budapest Card does not include the use of the 100E bus that connects Budapest Airport to the city center.

Find detailed information on the benefits of the Budapest Card on this link .

Even if you buy your Budapest Card online in advance, you will need to ‘physically recover’ it in Budapest in order to use it.

THE FUNICULAR OF BUDA

The funicular , located in Buda in front of Clark Ádám Tér Square at the exit of the Chain Bridge, allows you to reach the Castle district directly in a few minutes. Ticket price: ≈5 € one way and 10 € round trip per person. It is operational every day from 7:30 to 22:00. The use of the funicular for the castle is not included in the Budapest Card. The climb up the stairs to the Castle district is also possible or you can also take the bus number 16 (less expensive) on Clark Adám Square: 2nd stop station ‘Dísz tér’.

To discover Budapest, do not hesitate to consult our articles, ‘ Visit Budapest in 2 days , 3 days or 4 days ‘.

Visit budapest, fishermen’s bastion, top 10 things to see in budapest in 2024, budapest travel tips, szimpla kert, the first ruin bar of budapest, budapest metro, my map of budapest – an artful & unique city map.

Budapest Travel Guide

Your guide to Budapest by Danubius Hotels

• Accommodation

Getting around Budapest – It’s easy and affordable!

Hi there, welcome to our beautiful city! Are you feeling a bit lost? Don’t worry, it is normal. If it’s your first time in Budapest looking for some fun , our guide to getting around the city will help you understand the public transport system, list lots of alternatives from the airport to the city and guide you through all the essentials from planning your trip to purchasing and always validating (!) your ticket. No matter if you arrive here with your kids or are after the best nightlife destinations , getting around in Budapest is easy and affordable.

There are several ways how to get around in Budapest !

Table of Contents

• shuttle bus
• ferry service
• river boats
• suburban train (HÉV)
• local bicycle rental system

This list might be long, so let’s see what’s the best for you!

Arriving in Budapest

Budapest airport.

Budapest’s only airport, Liszt Ferenc International Airport is located about 40 mins from the city centre. Budapest Airport is the second largest airport in the new EU member’s states. Having invested over 325 million EUR in a substantial upgrade and expansion program of the airport, the show piece SkyCourt passenger terminal is winning many awards for its design, efficiency and passenger experience. It’s quick and easy to get thru customs and passport control, collect your luggage and off you go to explore the hidden gems of the city. There are several easy ways to continue your journey to downtown Budapest from taking a taxi to hopping on public transport.

On the way out of the airport un-licenced taxis might try to offer you a ride to the city centre, however it’s recommended you always choose the airport’s official partner, Főtaxi, the oldest taxi company in the country.

Taxi drivers speaking at least one foreign language are in service with large, category ‘A’ cars. Reservations can be made in person at the Főtaxi booths located at the exits at Terminals 2A and 2B. At the taxi rank in front of the stands, taxis are parking continuously waiting for passengers. A one-way ride to the city centre should not cost more than 9000 HUF (25-30 EUR) and takes about 3o to 40 minutes. All cars accept card payment.

More information on the airport’s official website .

 Shuttle service

MiniBUD provides comfortable and fast transfer solutions for passengers wishing to travel from the airport to the districts of Budapest, and from the city to the airport.

miniBUD CONTACT INFORMATION

E-mail:  [email protected]

Web:  www.minibud.hu

miniBUD call center: +36 1 550 0000

There are plenty of internationally trusted and well-known car hire companies located at the airport building giving you an easy and comfortable access to rent a car. You can book online prior to your arrival so you would spend only a couple of minutes more at the airport to pick up your car.

The complete list of the car hire companies operating at Liszt Ferenc International Airport is found on the  airport ’s official website.

Public transport

Arriving at the aiport and choose to travel on with public transport, look out for Customer Service Points of BKK Centre for Budapest Transport at Liszt Ferenc International Airport’s Terminal 2A (daily 8:00-22:00) and Terminal 2B (daily 9:00-21:00). English-speaking attendants will be at your service with useful information on transport and tourism. Almost all types of tickets and passes are available for purchase at the airport including the practical 24- or 72-hour travelcards especially designed for tourists.

As of 7 July, a direct bus line connecting the airport with the city centre was introduced which was long awaited: bus line 100E takes passengers directly to Deák tér (Deak Square). The first bus leaves from the airport each morning at 05:00, and the last one at 0:30. Bus 100E stops between the two terminals on the arrival level.

Important that a special ticket must be purchased which costs 900 HUF (2,5-3 EUR) – other tickets or season tickets are not valid on this service.

Front-door boarding only policy is now in place on bus 200E serving Liszt Ferenc International Airport. Single tickets are available at the following locations:

• BKK Customer Service Points at the arrivals level of airport terminals 2A and 2B
• near the exit of metro line M3, in the corridor leading to the MÁV Hungarian State Railways station
• near the passenger drop-off site of bus 85

Public transport in the city

Most of Budapest’s inner city and historic districts are best to explore by foot. There are pedestrian precincts in downtown Pest and traffic is restricted on Castle Hill, so walking is probably the best way to get around. Great news, however that the city is very well connected by public transportation, too. Budapest has a fast and efficient metro system as well as many trams (streetcars), trollies and buses. Outer suburbs are served by the local suburban railway called HÉV.

Getting around in Budapest is so super easy. Whilst walking is your best bet, tramline 2, 4 and 6 as well as the three subway lines are also good options to get to most places in the city centre.

Subway (Metro) – Budapest has four subway lines that connects most of the city’s most important areas.

M1 or Millennium Underground (yellow line) – runs under Andrássy Avenue in Pest, between Vörösmarty tér and Mexikói út. By using this line you’ll feel like time travelling as line originally opened in 1896 and kept many of the aspect of the era.

M2 (red line) – runs east to west, between Déli pályaudvar and Örs vezér tere

M3 (blue line) – runs north to south in Pest, between Újpest-Központ and Kőbánya-Kispest

M4 – the latest metro line that runs between Kelenföldi pályaudvar and Keleti pályaudvar

The main junction where three subway lines meet is at Deák Ferenc tér in the city center.

Trams – Budapest has a vast system of trams or yellow streetcars. The most useful routes across the city centre are:

No. 2 – runs along the Pest riverfront connecting Margit hid and Petőfi hid.

No. 4 – runs on the Grand Boulevard connecting Széll Kálmán tér (formerly Moszkva tér) and Október 23. utca

No. 6 – runs also on the Grand Boulevard connecting Széll Kálmán tér and Móricz Zsigmond körtér in Buda

No. 19 – runs along the Buda riverfront connecting Batthyány tér and Gellért tér and continues on to Kelenföld

No. 49 – runs between Buda and Pest connecting Kelenföldi Pályaudvar in Buda and Deák tér in Pest

If you ride streetcars 4 or 6 from the first to the last stop in either direction, you will have taken the world’s longest streetcar ride.

Buses – The majority of people in Budapest travel by bus. There are over 200 routes, and express buses with red number signs serve the busiest routes in the city. They travel along the same route as the regular buses with black number signs, but make fewer stops.

Trolley Buses –  Trolley buses are electric buses that draw power from overhead wires using spring-loaded trolley poles. Trolley bus service is available on 13 routes in Pest only. Interesting fact that trolley buses are numbered starting from 70 because the first route began operations on Stalin’s 70th birthday in 1949.

Danube River Ferry Service – a passenger boat service is available in Budapest between Újpest and Millenniumi Városközpont. The route provides a beautiful commute for locals as well as a great way to get around and see the city from the Danube for visitors.

Riverboats – from May to September, the Budapest Transport Company (BKV) also operates riverboats between Boráros tér and Pünkösdfürdő, with stops including Petőfi tér, Batthiány tér, Jászai Mari tér, Margaret Island and Rómaifürdő.

H ÉV (Suburban Railway) – serving the outer districts of Budapest and nearby towns, like Szentendre and Gödöllő.

Public transportation in Budapest ends between 11pm and midnight, when the metro, trams and trolley buses stop operating. There are night buses running (marked with “É”) to make sure you get home from anywhere in the city.

Planning your trip

Hardly anything beats Google Maps or Ways, but if you want to rely on the local knowledge, the Budapest Transport Company, BKK has its own Journey Planner for you to plan your trip ahead. Available both in English and Hungarian.

Purchasing your ticket

  Tickets are valid for the metro, buses, trams, trolley buses, the Cogwheel Railway and the suburban HÉV lines and are available to purchase at any subway station. To avoid long queues you can buy tickets from street stands, news agents or ticket machines in any tram or metro stops. Important to note that the basic ticket is valid for one trip only; if you transfer, you will need to validate a new ticket or use a transfer ticket. Be sure to validate your ticket using the orange or red ticket-punching machines as controllers may ask to see your ticket, and will fine you for not having a valid ticket.

Ticket types

There are single tickets and transfer tickets available to purchase or you can get a discount with a 10-trip coupon book which contains 10 single tickets. Day and tourist passes offer a great deal for visitors, as they allow unlimited use of the public transportation system and are often packaged with free admission to many museums and attractions. For more details please visit the official website of BKK .

Budapest card

Budapest Card is an excellent option if we you wish to have unlimited travel and planning to visit some attractions as well. Cards can be purchased with 24-hour, 48-hour, 72-hour, 96-hour or 120-hour validity and all of them come with great additional benefits. All cards include unlimited travel on public transportation, free entry to several museums, two free walking tours, and 10%-50% discounts at baths, museums, restaurants and spas.

Always validate your ticket

You must always validate your ticket as soon as you board. On the metro network, stamp your ticket with the validating machine before you enter the station. (No need to validate travelcards or passes.)

To use the old-school, manual validator, insert your ticket into the opening on top and punch it by pulling the black frame of the slot towards you. Keep your ticket until the end of your trip. Inspectors will issue a penalty fare to you if you travel without a validated ticket. You can pay in cash on the spot or you can also pay with a bankcard at designated customer service centres.

MOL Bubi Public Bike System

The MOL Bubi public bike system is an environmentally friendly public transport mode ideal for short rides to explore the city on two wheels. The first 30 minutes of each trip are free with a ticket.

When buying a ticket, a deposit of 25 000 HUF per bike will be temporarily blocked in your bank account. Please check MOL Bubi for fares and more information on the terms of use. MOL Bubi is for short rides so rides for over 30 minutes usage fees apply and will increase with time.

Budapest Taxis

  Taxis can be fast and cheap in the city, especially late at night when there is limited public transportation. Taxis can be hailed on the street, but it is cheaper to call ahead of time. All taxis must have a yellow registration plate, as opposed to the white background on regular car plates. All taxameters are equipped with a receipt-printing function, displaying the fares charged and identification of the driver.

• Base fare: HUF 450
• Price per minute: HUF 70
• Price per kilometer: HUF 280

The following are the phone numbers of reliable taxi firms charging fair rates, not ‘tourist tariffs’ (operators are English-speaking).

Citytaxi: (+36-1) 211-1111

Főtaxi: (+36-1) 222-2222 – the officially appointed taxi company to service the airport.

Budataxi: (+36-1) 233-3333

Tele5 taxi: (+36-1) 355-5555

Rádiótaxi: (+36-1) 377-7777

Budapest’s Main Railway Stations

Keleti Pályaudvar or Eastern Railway Station is the largest railway station in Budapest. Located on Baross tér in District 8, Keleti is accessible by subway (M2) and buses No. 5 and 7. Key destinations from Keleti include: Budapest-Győr-Vienna, Budapest-Hatvan-Miskolc, Budapest-Békéscsaba-Arad and Budapest-Kelebia-Beograd.

Nyugati Pályaudvar or Western Railway Station is one of the oldest railway stations in Budapest. Located on the Grand Boulevard at Teréz körút 55-57 in District 6, Nyugati is accessible by subway (M3) and tram line No. 4 and 6. Key destinations from Nyugati include: Budapest-Esztergom, Budapest-Danube Bend, Budapest-Vác and Budapest-Szeged.

Déli Pályaudvar or Southern Railway Station is the main railway station in Budapest. Located in the vicinity of Castle Hill at Krisztina körút 37 in District 1, Déli is accessible by subway (M2) and by streetcars No. 18, 59 and 61. Key destinations from Déli include: Budapest-Pécs, Budapest-Győr and Budapest-Lake Balaton.

Book your hotel with the greatest transport links

Staying close to public transport is always a good idea when visiting a city. Danubius Hotels Groups make sure that you’re always in a convenient location that is easily accessible.

The city’s 4 metro lines provide with great links to most part of the city therefore it may be a good idea to choose one of our lovely hotels on the line M2 : Danubius Hotel Astoria , Hotel Hungaria or Hotel Erzsebet ; M3 : Radisson Blu Beke Hotel , Danubius Hotel Helia and Hotel Erzsebet or the latest metro line, M4 : Danubius Hotel Flamenco , Danubius Hotel Gellert or Hotel Hungaria.

The hotel group’s website has an excellent overview of each hotel’s location with all the nearby transport links. If you’re just planning your visit, our Budapest City Breaks page is here to help you find the best hotels with the greatest locations in the city!

Getting around Budapest is super easy with a well-connected transport system, many form of public transport from subway to trolley buses as well as eco-friendly bike rentals. Enjoy your time in Budapest and take long walks around the city centre knowing that there is always a really easy way to get home from anywhere.

Tags: airport transfer BUD bus Danubius Hotel Helia EN-Arena EN-Astoria EN-Budapest EN-BudapestDeszt EN-Erzsébet EN-Flamenco EN-Gellert EN-Home EN-Hungaria Metro Public transport Budapest Taxi underground

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Discover Budapest with the Budapest Card

new Budapest Pass (Parliament Tour / Danube Sightseeing Cruise / City Tour) » .

ℹ️ For group tickets please click here: www.groupsightseeing.com

Budapest Card Discover Budapest with the Budapest Card

Explore the palaces on Castle Hill, soak in the city’s steamy baths and enjoy Budapest vibrant nightlife. The Budapest Card promises budget travelers all the best this ancient city has to offer, but with some thoroughly modern perks.

• Where to buy

Free travel

Unlimited free use of public transportation.

Visit Budapest´s best museums (and a bath!) free of charge.

Free walking tours

Two daily walking tours with English-speaking guide.

Free mobile app

Including 12 tours and 500 points of interest.

Deals & discounts

Save money on visits, tours, shopping and nightlife.

Thermal baths

Free entry to Lukács Baths, discounts for many others.

The Budapest Card is the official city travel card of Budapest, Hungary's Capital city and allows travelers to enjoy the following perks free of charge:

• Travel on buses, trams and metro
• Visit 7 museums (including Hungarian National Museum and Budapest History Museum)
• Relax in St. Lukács Medicinal Baths and Swimming Pool (and receive discounted rates for many other baths)
• Join two guided walking tours with English speaking guide in Buda and Pest
• Receive a mobile app with 12 more tours and information about 500 sights and attractions
• Enjoy many deals and discounts on sightseeing, shopping and nighlife activities
• Purchasing the Budapest Card is a no-brainer for thrifty thrill seekers. It applies to many of the city’s most popular tourist spots and offers a potential 15000 HUF in savings.

The Budapest Card is a 3-in-1 transport card , museum pass and discount card .

Plus, no matter your interest, the Budapest Card covers it. Card holders can cash in on great deals like river cruise discounts, cheap trips to the zoo and tasty Hungarian meals.

Purchasing a Budapest Card is almost as easy as using it. Cards are available online thanks to our easy and secure booking link, and can also be picked up at various Budapestinfo Points, the Liszt Ferenc International Airport and several metro stations.

The online voucher system also allows visitors to buy online, print off a voucher and exchange it for a Budapest Card at several metro ticket offices, info stations and hotel reception areas. However, online buyers must remember to bring a valid passport or ID. After that, the city is wide open.

After purchasing a Budapest Card, the new owner must simply fill out basic name and validation date and expiration date information, which validates the card. The card can then be used at a number of local attractions and establishments until it reaches the expiration date. The card can only be used by the owner and does not transfer to other friends or family members. Sadly, unused cards can’t be exchanged or cashed in so grab your Budapest Card and start swimming, soaking, walking, eating, drinking, rocking, shopping and exploring today!

The Budapest Card allows travelers to personalize their experience, offering 24, 48 and 72-hour options. It looks and acts almost like a credit card, and simply needs to be flashed at attractions from St. Lukacs Medicinal Baths and Swimming Pool to the swanky Gellert Panorama Restaurant for the savings to kick in.

In addition, the Budapest Card also grants visitors free admission to several guided walking tours, the Budapest Summer Festival, the famed nighttime organ concerts at St. Stephen’s Basilica and the Budapest City Park Ice Skating Rink and Lake.

Essentially no matter the season, no matter your interest, the Budapest Card is a wise investment. Click here to check out the full listing of perks.

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How to travel from Budapest to České Budějovice

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Helpful tips to choose the best way to go from Budapest to České Budějovice

České Budějovice is located approximately 0 miles from Budapest. The most popular departure point for buses is the Népliget station, while most trains depart mostly from Népliget.

Although flying is an option, taking the train proves to be the quickest and often the most cost-effective choice, with tickets starting at just when booking with FlixBus, RegioJet and RegioJet.

Official partners operating from Budapest

Flixbus is a European bus operator that offers intercity and bus travel in over 38 countries. Known for their easy-to-spot lime green buses and for offering affordable transportation between cities in Europe and the Americas, Flixbus is a good option for those looking for an affordable, reliable bus company. In their buses, you'll find free WiFi, bathrooms, and power outlets. You can also pay extra to choose your seat and get extra legroom, or even buy a snack or drink onboard directly from the driver. You can reschedule your ticket for a small fee, which varies from $1 to $5, depending on how close you are to the departure date.

Based on 913 reviews, the company was rated 4.2 stars on Busbud. Travelers were especially satisfied with the seats and the temperature but often complained with the wifi. RegioJet ticket prices on this trip start at $35.00

Popular places around Budapest

Why choose busbud, the best way to book bus and train tickets.

Busbud helps you easily search, compare and book intercity bus tickets on a worldwide scale with our comprehensive list of bus routes and schedules. Use Busbud to book your trip online, in your own language and currency, wherever you are. Busbud prides itself on its worldwide partnerships. We make it possible for you to buy tickets with its large network of trustworthy bus partners like Greyhound, Eurolines, ALSA, OUIBUS (BlaBlaBus), National Express and many others.

Popular routes

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Plan your next trip

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Free Bus Fare & Travel Training event on May 13, 2024

Free Bus Fare

The City of Asheville is partnering with Strive Beyond and the Land of Sky Regional Council to provide free transit on May 13, 2024 in recognition of Strive Not to Drive Week. Passengers will not be required to pay bus fare on any Asheville Rides Transit (ART) public transportation route for the entire day. We encourage you to take advantage of this opportunity!

Find real-time routes and schedules here or download the Transit App in the Apple Store or Google Play.

Travel Training Event

In conjunction with Strive Not to Drive Week and Free Transit Day, Strive Beyond and AARP will host a travel training event on May 13, 2024 . This event is open to the public and geared towards providing participants with on-the-ground training in using ART to access popular destinations in the area. 

The Travel Training event will begin at Harrah’s Cherokee Center at 9:00 a.m. Participants will travel to Asheville Mall and return to the center at approximately 12:10 p.m. 

More information on Strive Beyond

Strive Beyond was initiated to encourage residents of Western North Carolina to explore alternative methods of transportation to familiar destinations in Buncombe and neighboring counties. For more information about Strive Beyond and scheduled events during Strive Not To Drive Week, please visit strivebeyond.org .

A New Luxury Bus Line Transports Locals to Loudoun County Wineries

A snazzy new minibus in town whisks away weekend drinkers to three popular wineries in Loudoun County — all before bringing them back to D.C. by dinnertime.

Vineyard Voyages is designed to eliminate the need for a designated driver — and paying for gas or multiple Ubers — with round-trip tickets starting at $79.99 per person. The pick-up and drop-off point is the West Falls Church Metro stop bus area, which sits on the Orange lines. The 7-hour excursion, from start to finish, runs from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturdays and 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Sundays.

The 18-seater’s maiden voyage is Saturday, May 18. Seasonal tours operate Saturdays, Sundays, and holidays (Memorial Day, Labor Day, and the Fourth of July). The vineyard-hopping excursion makes 60- or 90-minute stops at each winery.

Vineyard Voyages partners with eight (mostly) family-run vineyards to start — all situated amongst the rolling hills of Loudoun County’s lush wine region — and are split into three types of regionals tours. The “Colonial Grapevine” option includes stops at Two Twisted Posts, Williams Gap Vineyards, Hillsborough Winery & Brewery; the “Piedmont Journey” is a day trip to Casanel Vineyards & Winery, Firefly Cellars, Fleetwood Farm Winery; and the “Valley Vine” excursion hits three wineries around picturesque Shenandoah Valley (Otium Cellars, Botati Winery, Hillsborough).

The bus promises plush seating, overhead storage, USB ports to stay charged, and an on-board guide offering tidbits about Virginia’s rich winemaking history. Vineyard Voyages’ locally based founder Christian Hoeffel is a wine tour connoisseur of sorts, having bounced around wineries on six continents. He says he spotted a lack of affordable wine tour options from D.C. to Virginia, hence the idea to start the new service. And being in the educational space, he has the luxury of having summers off.

Each winery offers tour guests discounts on bottle purchases, he says, along with various perks like an extra pour with a tasting purchase, a coupon for a free tasting on the next visit, or a sip of a selected wine for all guests. There’s also group discounts and all-inclusive tasting packages.

Book before May 18 to get a free 12-ounce stainless steel tumbler branded with its logo.

Russians launch package holidays to see Taylor Swift and Coldplay

Moscow was a key stop-off in pop stars’ tours before Putin’s invasion of Ukraine

Vladimir Putin has found creative ways to get around Western trade restrictions on everything from luxury cars to toys. Now, Russia is addressing a different kind of boycott: western pop.

A Russian company has launched package holidays to see acts such as Taylor Swift and Coldplay elsewhere in Europe after performers stopped touring the country in response to the war in Ukraine.

Tour operator Russia Express’s current packages include trips to see Ed Sheeran and Deep Purple in Serbia, James Blunt in the United Arab Emirates and the Italian tenor Andrea Bocelli in Turkey.

Russians desperate to see Ed Sheeran perform can pay the equivalent of £900 for a five-day all-inclusive trip to his concert in Belgrade this August.

A spokesman for Russia Express said that it had sold 150 package holidays for concerts since it launched sales last autumn and said these musical tours have proved “consistently popular”.

Moscow was once a key stop on most major artists’ European and world tours. However, performers have been boycotting Russia since its invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, amid heavy Western sanctions.

Jonny Tickle, a British man living in Moscow, said: “Some companies were doing [pop star package holidays] before 2022, but it has really been blowing up since.

“Western artists are very popular in Russia, everyone still listens to English music. And Moscow used to be on their tours, but obviously that is no longer the case.”

Russia Express’s spokesman said it selected which artists to feature in order to appeal to “both young people and the older generation”.

“Imagine Dragons and Snoop Dog are the choice of young people. Scorpions and Rammstein are the choice of older people,” the spokesman said.

Russia Express is not alone – earlier this year Moscow radio station Europa Plus launched a competition called “Live Tour 2024” that will run across the entirety of the year and offers a series of trips to concerts and festivals around the world. Prizes on offer include all-inclusive packages to see Coldplay in Budapest, Pink in Stockholm, Adele in Munich and Taylor Swift in Vienna. Past prizes have included tickets to festivals such as Untold in Dubai, Lollapalooza in São Paulo and Mad Cool in Madrid, where Dua Lipa was headlining. Mr Tickle said: “The adverts are everywhere in Moscow, all over the bus stops.” Russian airlines have been banned from flying into the European Union and the EU has tightened visa restrictions for tourists , which means travel to the EU has become much harder, though not impossible.

The terms and conditions of Europa Plus’ competition say the organiser is not responsible for ensuring that prize winners have the necessary documents for travel.

• Vladimir Putin,
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