How Good is Public Transportation in Budapest?
Buda and Pest may be separated by the Danube, but the city’s well-established public transport system makes sure it’s easy to stay connected. You can whiz from the Unesco World Heritage Site of Castle Hill to the ruin bars of the Jewish Quarter with no problem at all. As a small-town girl, you can bet I jumped for joy when I saw how extensive and affordable Budapest’s public transportation is! Budapest is made up of 23 districts, but most of the popular attractions are in the five districts of the inner city. The area is quite walkable, but nonetheless, public transportation options abound. For official, up-to-date information, visit the site of Budapest’s department of transportation, BKK.
So, how do you use public transportation in Budapest? Read on to find out.
Where Can I Buy Public Transport Tickets in Budapest?
Visiting Budapest? Get the Budapest Card for public transportation and attractions.
Ticket Kiosks
The classic approach is to buy a ticket from one of the purple kiosks. You’ll spot the ticket vending machines close to most transportation stops. Most of them accept a bank card as well as cash.
Budapest Go App
If you prefer to keep things digital, you can download the Budapest Go Trip Planner, the BKK’s official app. The app allows you to buy digital tickets and also provides up-to-date maps and route info. Using the app can be much more convenient than using the ticket offices or even the ticket machines.
Budapest Pay and Go (simply tap your bank card and travel) is only available on the 100E Airport Bus and on Metro Line 1.
How Much is Public Transportation in Budapest?
You can buy a single ticket, a book of 10 single tickets, or, popularly, a 1, 2, or 3-day ticket. If you want to take things to the next level, the Budapest Card combines unlimited transportation with 40+ services and free or discounted entry to sites all around the city. You can explore updated ticket prices on their site. At the time of writing (May, 2024), prices are:
- Single ticket: 450 HUF (~$1.20)
- Book of 10 tickets: 4000 HUF (~$11)
- 24-hour travel card: 2500 HUF (~$7)
What Kinds of Public Transportation Are in Budapest?
Budapest Buses
One of the most commonly used modes of transportation, bus routes spread extensively throughout the city. Some, but not all, buses are front-door loading only, even if the other doors open to let passengers off. The bus often won’t leave the station until all boarding passengers use the front door and validate their ticket, so make sure to check if the bus is front-loading only or not before you get on (it should be noted in the virtual ticker tape).
If you’re just in Budapest for a short while, consider joining a hop-on-hop-off bus tour to cover both sides of the city and seeing the best Budapest sights.
Budapest Trams
These “yellow caterpillars” of the tram network keep the city connected. Most notably, the 4-6 line runs down one of Budapest’s main boulevards, connects Buda and Pest, and runs 24 hours a day. The 4 and 6 trams share the same route (starting at Buda’s Széll Kálmán ter), except for their final few stations. Tram #6 ends at Móricz Zsigmond Körtér, while Tram #4 ends at Újbuda Központ. Unless you need to go to these specific destinations, the 4/6 tram lines are interchangeable.
Take care! Some of the older trams have a different validator system. Instead of inserting your ticket and it is automatically stamped, you have to insert it and pull the validator down yourself.
The #2 tram runs parallel to the river on the Pest side, giving you views of UNESCO World Heritage sights and landmarks such as Parliament, Buda Castle, Fisherman’s Bastion, and more! Get on at Jászai Mari ter for the cheapest sightseeing tour of the city!
Budapest Trolleys
These cheerful red trolley buses mainly connect parts of Budapest that couldn’t support metro construction. Eco-friendly and running on electricity, you may even get a trolley from the beginning of the post-communist era–making it a historical ride as well as a convenient one!
Budapest Metro
Budapest has quite the claim to fame as far as public transportation goes. In 1896, it became the location of the first subway system in continental Europe. (It was preceded only by London’s famous underground Tube which opened in 1863.) You can still ride the historic Metro 1 line today for a blast from the past–as well as an easy link between Vörösmarty tér and Heroes Square/City Park, which holds attractions such as the Budapest Zoo, Széchenyi Baths, and Vajdahunyad Castle.
In present day, Budapest has four metro lines. The city is constantly renovating, so you may need to use a metro replacement bus. Make sure to view updated transport info before planning your trip.
Budapest Boats
Taking a river cruise on the beautiful Blue Danube is one of the top activities in Budapest (hello Unlimited Prosecco Cruise or City Highlights Cruise), but did you know you can take one for almost free with public transportation? In addition to the metro, buses, trolleys, and trams, you can also travel the Danube River on the public boats of Budapest. You can use your regular transport tickets for these boat services. The boats only run semi-frequently, but they’re a wonderful way to take a cheap river cruise if you’re not in a rush. Find the full route and schedule information here.
Budapest Commuter Railway (HÉV)
Connecting Budapest with surrounding suburbs, the HÉV probably won’t factor into your daily travels around the city. The most common exception is when visitors make the 40-minute commute north to visit the medieval village of Szentendre. With colorful buildings and winding alleys (not to mention a marzipan museum), it’s one of the most popular Budapest day trips. However, if you want to go, your Budapest pass only lasts until Békásmegyer, you’ll need to buy a transfer ticket to cover the remaining stops.
Budapest Taxis
Taxis in Budapest are quite accessible. Avoid any Budapest scam by making sure the taxi has an official decal and clearly displays the citywide flat rate. In order to ensure a legitimate taxi, I’d avoid hailing one from the street, and instead:
Night Services
Most public transportation ceases just before or after midniht. However, Budapest has enough night services that you won’t get stranded if you choose to have a late night out. As mentioned before, the 4/6 tram runs 24 hours a day. However, it runs through more of Pest then Buda, so you may need to pair it with one of the night buses depending on where you’re staying. There is also an extensive night bus network, although some only come every half hour or so.
Alternative Transportation
Beyond BKK, there are other options to get around the city. The pay-as-you-go MOL Bubi bikes or any of the various street scooter companies (you’ll see scooters strewn across the sidewalks), give you a way to get up close and personal with the city.
How to Get to the Budapest Airport
Budapest Airport Bus
You have multiple options! It’s quite straightforward to travel between the Budapest city center and Liszt Ferenc International Airport thanks to the shuttle bus. The Airport Express leaves approximately every 7-10 minutes and has three pickup locations in the city. The journey takes around 40 minutes, but allow for extra time during rush hours. Find the shuttle’s detailed schedule here.
Note that a typical transportation ticket or pass does not apply to the shuttle service. You will need to purchase a special ticket, which you can do via ticket kiosks, on the app, or on the bus itself.
Tip: If you have extra time and want a little extra comfort, consider making use of the Budapest airport lounge.
Budapest Shuttle Transfer
Alternatively, if you prefer a more controlled experience, or if your flight is at an odd time (we love Ryanair prices, but sometimes those early morning departures are painful), you can book a door-to-door transfer service.
Budapest Public Transportation Tips
- Special transportation: The Buda Castle Funicular, which opened in 1870, is a blast from the past. Hopping on for a ride will help you relive history and save yourself the steep walk up Castle Hill. Once you arrive at the top, enjoy the panoramic views of Budapest from the terrace of Buda Castle and then make your way over to the iconic Fisherman’s Bastion.
- Although you can technically buy tickets on board from the bus driver, this only applies to some lines, and you might find yourself face to face with a grumpy driver or impatient passengers. It’s easier for everyone involved to buy your tickets beforehand.
- If you visit Budapest during the Christmas season then you’ll be able to see the delightful tradition of the Christmas trams. Every winter, certain lines of buses, trams, and trolleys are decked out in a festive fashion.
Validation and Fines
It’s very important to travel with a valid ticket, although the validation process varies slightly depending on the mode of transport. There are frequently ticket inspectors at the metros, but the trams and buses function more on the honor system.
Always validate your ticket! Budapest ticket controllers are well-known for having zero tolerance–even if you’re a tourist. If you buy a paper ticket but fail to stamp/punch it, prepare yourself for the fine: 12,000 HUF/~$30 if you pay on the spot or 25,000 HUF/~$60 if you wait to pay until later). As mentioned above, pay special attention to the trams, as some of the older validators take a bit of elbow grease.
If you’ve purchased a pass, then there’s no need to punch it in a validator (it won’t fit anyways). Simply show it to the ticket controller if one comes your way.
Transportation Abroad
As a major capital in Central Europe, Budapest is perfectly positioned for travel to the exciting neighboring capitals. If you want to travel to Prague, Vienna, or Bratislava, all you have to do is take a train. You’ll likely catch an international train out of Keleti Railway Station or Déli Railway Station.
Budapest Transport Museums
If you’re interested in learning more about the history of transportation in Budapest, you’re in luck! There are special sites set aside for learning, such as the Hungarian Railway Museum (at which you can walk among retired locomotives) and the Museum of Transport.
Getting around the capital of Hungary is no problem at all! With the help of Google maps and the official BKK route planning apps, public transportation in Budapest is your key to the city. Happy travels!
Xx Denae
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