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  Public Transport in Budapest - Getting there and about

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Transportation
Guide to Public Transport in Budapest

There are a variety of options for getting around Budapest and they are all cheap, safe and clean. The metro, tram, buses and trolleybuses operate 04h30-23h00 each day. Night services are available on the buses and trams.

The same tickets can be used on all forms of public transport with a single ticket journey (for 60 minutes) costing HUF185, a three-day pass HUF2500 and a seven-day pass HUF3400. These tickets are available at metro ticket windows, newspaper kiosks and automated machines in most metro stations. You must validate tickets on boarding and you must stamp a new ticket if you change lines. Alternatively you can pay for a ticket that allows one transfer for HUF320. Carnets of ten single tickets are available for HUF1665.

The Budapest Tourist Card gives free travel on the public transport network as well as reduced admission to many attractions around the city. It is available for either 48hrs or 72hrs (costing HUF4700 and HUF5900 respectively) from metro stations and other transport terminuses. Each card is valid for one adult and accompanying child under 14.

Trams, Buses and Trolleybuses

Budapest has an extensive network of buses, trams and ageing but pleasant streetcars. They combine to get you pretty much anywhere you want to go. Trams and trolleybuses have conductors who will gather fares and check tickets, but it is advisable if planning to use a lot of transport that you purchase a travel card to cover all possible journeys rather than finding the change to buy a single for every journey. The bus network is the most extensive and covers the entire city - while trams tend to be more useful in Pest and limited in Buda. However, the bus network is also somewhat more complicated. If you're using public transport late at night trams become a lot more limited while the night bus network is quite good.

Metro

The Budapest metro is one of the oldest in the world but it has been recently renovated and is easy to use with regular trains serving nearly all the main areas of interest. There are three lines, which all intersect at Deák tér and effectively cover the majority of the city centre. Pick up a public transport map at any station on arrival.

Driving

For those planning on visiting more of Hungary than just Budapest, car hire is a sensible option. Hungary's road network is extensive and well maintained, and due to the relatively small size of the country, driving is a good way of getting around. However, car rental is expensive, and more so if taking the car beyond the border eastwards so you should weigh up the relative value of having a car during your stay. If you're staying within the city limits you'll find the public transport network more than sufficient for getting around. If you are staying in Pest then having a car can be a real liability, this side of the city is a lot more congested than Buda and parking is at a premium. Check with your hotel as to parking nearby before deciding whether to bring a vehicle or not. In Buda a car isn't so much of a problem and is excellent for tourers planning excursions from the city.

When driving, you must use your headlights by day when driving outside urban areas except on motorways. You should also refrain from using your horn apart from in genuinely dangerous situations, and only to warn people of your presence on the road. Take note that drink driving in Hungary is completely banned, and having any trace of alcohol in your bloodstream while driving constitutes breaking the law. Breath tests can be administered during routine roadside vehicle checks.

You are recommended to carry an International Driving Licence although European licences are valid for driving in Hungary. Non-European licences must be accompanied with an International Driving Permit. Your driving licence and insurance documents must be carried with you at all times. The minimum driving age in Hungary is 18. Seat belts are compulsory for passengers in the front and rear of the vehicle.

Driving is on the right and you must overtake on the left-hand side. The speed limit is 50km per hour (31mph) in built up areas, 90km per hour (56mph) outside built up areas, 110km per hour (68mph) on dual carriageways and 130km per hour (81mph) on motorways. The use of horns in built up areas is prohibited between 22h00-06h00. In Budapest horns must only be used in case of an emergency or extreme danger. Use your lights to warn other drivers in other circumstances.

A vignette sticker is necessary for driving on the M1 and M3. A toll is payable on the M5. Note that the centre of Budapest is closed to traffic and that illegal parking will be punished with a heavy fine. Notoriously no excuses are accepted for parking offences.

Road Emergency Service (Yellow Angel): 188.

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Taxis

With such an efficient public transport system and most sights lying within easy walking distance you may find that you don't need to use taxis. However, if you do, it is best to telephone from your hotel and to ask the approximate fare before you get in.

The usual fare is around HUF200 per km. Some drivers will demand payment in hard currency from foreigners but otherwise are honest and well regulated. Licensed taxis should display a yellow traffic plate. When you get into a taxi insist that either the meter is switched on, or agree a price for the entire journey beforehand.

 

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