Destinations > Hungary > Budapest > Local Transport

Budapest

Local Transport

Budapest has an affordable and efficient public transport system (website www.bkv.hu/angol/home/) made up of buses, trams, ferries, a metro and a suburban rail network.

Most public transport in Budapest finishes after 11pm with the exception of night buses and trams.

METRO

Continental Europe's first underground railway system comprises three lines making it a fairly simple system, however it is extensive enough for most travellers, with stations near most major attractions.

There are no free transfers on the Budapest metro so you'll need to validate a new ticket when transferring from one line to another.

HÉV TRAINS

Budapest's suburban rail network is made up of four lines, although the only useful one is the line from Batthyány tér to Szentendre. You can use metro tickets on HÉV trains within the city limits, although you'll need to buy a special ticket if you want to travel further afield.

BUS & TRAM

Buses, trolleybuses and trams cover all the bits missed out by the metro and HÉV trains.

A red route number indicates an express, while a black number is a local service. Night buses and trams are indicated by an É after the route number.

Tram 2 is the most scenic route, running along the banks of the Danube, passing most of the major attractions.

FERRY

The ferry lines on the Danube are a pleasant way of getting around and a much better value alternative to the touristy river cruises. The Danube ferries only operate between May and September.

FARES

Tickets for buses, trams, metro and HÉV trains can be purchased at kiosks and metro stations.

The standard fare is HUF 170 within the city limits although short trips on the metro (three stations or less) are only HUF 120.

You will need to validate a new ticket each time you change between buses, trams and even transfer between metro lines. However you can buy a HUF 290 metro ticket that allows for a change between two lines.

Travel passes are also available which are good value if you want to cover a lot of ground. Passes are good for travel on buses, trams, metro and HÉV services within the city limits. There are also good value multi-trip tickets. A 10-ride ticket is HUF 1450, while a 20-ride ticket is HUF 2650.

Duration	Price
1 day	HUF 1350
3 days	HUF 2700
7 days	HUF 3100
1 month	HUF 6250

TAXIS

Budapest's taxis are notorious for overcharging and generally ripping you off. It's best to avoid taking a taxi anywhere, however if you really need to take a taxi go with a reliable company such as Fõ (tel 222 2222) or City Taxi (tel 211 1111).