Much like most European capital cities, Budapest is known for stunning architecture, vibrant nightlife, and a diverse international scene. All things combined, make for an epic time in the city. However, it’s not always rose-colored glasses. One too many times unknowing tourists get hefty fines for not validating their tickets correctly or get scammed by shady taxi rivers. But with this article, you’ll learn everything you need to know about how to get from Budapest Airport to the city center. And also, must-know information about the public transportation in the city.
Here’s a little navigation tool.
Public Transportation in Budapest
One of the things you need to know about Budapest is that the public transportation system is one of the best. You can easily access buses, trams, and metros around the city and get to the other side of town swiftly. The city also has night buses that go through popular routes, so you’re always covered, even after a long night out.
Looking for places to drink in the city? Why not check out the best ruin bars or cocktail bars in the city?
But before you start thinking about partying, here’s how to get around the city.
How to get from Budapest Airport to the City Center
Cheapest way: 100E Airport Express Bus – 2200 HUF / 5.9 euro
Best value: Shared Airport Bus Shuttle – 4700 HUF / 12.50 euro
Most comfortable: Private transfer
100E Airport Express Bus
As somebody that lives in Budapest, my recommended airport transfer route is by the 100E city bus. The ride lasts half an hour or 45 minutes depending on traffic. Additionally, the buses run every 7-10 minutes during the day. If you’re arriving in the city after midnight, expect to find this bus service every 30-40 minutes. After 3 AM, the bus schedule resumes to usual.
The 100E bus is the best option for bus travel and airport transfers because it’s the cheapest and most convenient. The bus has three main stops which are; Kalvin Ter, Astoria, and Deak Ferenc Ter. All these stations are centrally located and close to popular places such as Szimpla Kent or the Jewish Quarter in the 7th district.
Once you’ve gotten off the bus, you can easily walk to your accommodation or take the bus or tram.
Check the 100E bus schedule here
If you haven’t booked your stay yet, here’s your guide to where to stay in Budapest.
Shared Airport Bus Shuttle
While waiting for the bus every 7-10 minutes doesn’t sound too bad, being dropped off right outside your hotel sounds pretty cool. The MiniBud shared airport bus shuttle can save you lots of time and energy when you’re getting to Budapest for the first time, or with lots of luggage.
This airport shuttle picks you up and drops you off right in front of your hostel or hotel, so it’s extremely convenient. One thing that’s good to know is that you may have to go around picking other people. However, pickups and dropoffs are arranged by location so you won’t be doing a mini Budapest tour.
However, if you’d like a tour of Budapest, how about this evening sightseeing cruise with unlimited prosecco?
All booked? Great! You can also book your airport transfer online; here. Or at the MiniBud information desk at the Budapest Airport.
Private transfer
Wondering whether taxis from the Budapest Airport to the city center are cheap? The transfer costs at least 11 000 HUF (29.50 euro) and the price could go higher depending on where in the city you’re staying.
The perk of taking private transportation is that you don’t need to wait for the bus, deal with crowds or make stops along the way.
Private transportation is ideal for multiple people traveling together. However, you need to consider how much luggage you have. If you’ve got several bags, take a larger vehicle so that you have enough room to fit everything. You can find English-speaking drivers upon exiting the airport.
Getting around the city
The public transportation in Budapest is one of the very best. You can easily find trams, buses, and metros going to all parts of the city during the day and night buses operating at night. If you’re in Budapest and staying in the city center, a few famous lines you may use include:
- 4 & 6 tram. These are two of the most used trams on the Buda and Pest sides.
- 2 & 2B tram. The most scenic tram in Budapest.
- M1 (Yellow Metro). Metro line 1 which takes you from places like Heroes Square to Deak Ference Ter.
- M2 (Red Metro). Metro Line 2 which runs through places like Keleti, Blaha, and Szell Kalman Ter.
- M3 (Blue Metro). Metro Line 3 which takes you through stops like Keleti Railway Station and Corvin Plaza.
- M4 (Green Metro). Metro Line 4 which runs from Kelenföld Railway Station to Keleti Railway Station.
There are several other buses you may see in the city center but you can check the official BKK website for all the transportation routes. You can also download their app where you can plan your trips and also purchase your tickets.
How much does transportation cost in Budapest?
The cost of transportation in Budapest varies based on the type of ticket you purchase. Tickets be as long as low as 350 HUF for a single ticket, and 9500 HUF for a monthly ticket.
Here are the type of tickets available:
- single ticket (350 HUF for local use) and (2200 HUF for airport transfer)
- daily travel card (24hr 2500 HUF, 72hr 5500 HUF)
- passes (15-day 6300 HUF, monthly 9500 HUF)
How to purchase a ticket in Budapest
One of the most important things to know before going to Budapest is how to purchase a ticket. Every city in Europe, and the whole world, has a distinct system. In Budapest, this system is quite simple and easy to navigate.
It all starts with purchasing a ticket.
You can download and purchase your tickets on the BudapestGO App.
Another way you can purchase tickets in Budapest is through the purple BKK ticket machines. These machines are often found at tram stops and metro stations. From here you can start by selecting the language you’re most comfortable with. Next, choose what type of ticket you would like to purchase.
Note: Single tickets are only valid for one trip. That means if you need to take a tram and then a bus, you’d need two separate single tickets.
If you’ll not sure how many tickets you’ll need, the BudapestGO App can come in handy at this point.
After you’ve selected your tickets, you’ll be required to pay. You can do this by contactless payment or cash.
Note: Hungarian forint (HUF) is the official currency in Hungary and so you’ll need Hungarian forints to pay by cash.
How to validate a ticket in Budapest
If you’ve purchased a single ticket, via app or physically, you’ll need to validate it. This is extremely crucial in making sure you don’t get fined. BKK inspectors are constantly on the lookout for people commuting without valid tickets and are not afraid to penalize them.
Trust me, I’ve been on the receiving end and it’s not cool.
The fine for not having a valid ticket is 25 000 HUF (67 euros)
On trams and buses, you can validate your ticket through an orange/yellow/red box that’s normally located at the entrance and/or exit doors. Simply stick your single ticket inside the machine and wait till you hear a stamping or punching sound. A series of numbers will be stamped on your card if it’s correctly validated.
If you’re about to get on the metro, you’ll see this box right before the escalators going downwards and you can validate your ticket the same way.
For those that have passes or tickets purchased online, there must be a QR code on your ticket that you can present to BKK inspectors. You don’t need to validate these tickets through the validation boxes.
If you have your travel ticket on your phone, you can validate your ticket by scanning the QR codes inside the buses or trams. Once validated, an image will appear on the screen, and with this, the BKK inspectors will know whether your ticket is valid.
Budapest Card
Looking for the ultimate card to getting around Budapest?
Unlock; free entrances, free sightseeing tours, unlimited travel, and free thermal baths — all in one ticket!
Purchase a 72 Budapest Card to get unlimited transportation around the city and free access to over 30 tourist attractions in Budapest. For an even better experience, opt for the 72 Plus card which includes free door-to-door airport shuttle with the MiniBud Shared Bus Shuttle.
Everything you need to know about the Budapest Card here
Coming to Budapest for Sziget Festival?
Here’s how you can get from the city center to the Sziget Festival Island:
The Sziget Festival takes places on the Obuda Island and the exact location is Május 9. park, Budapest, Hungary, 1033.
From Deak Ferenc Ter, take the M2 to Batthyány tér. After exiting, change to the HEV (H5) to Filatorigát. Once off the train the crew will lead you to the party grounds.
Duration: 35 mins | Tickets needed: 2
From Keleti Railway Station, take the M3 towards Déli Pályaudvar. Get off the metro at Batthyány tér and then change to the HÉV (H5) and exit at Filatorigát. From here, Sthe ziget festival crew will lead you towards the action.
Duration: 45 minute | Tickets needed: 2
From Népliget International Bus Station, take the tram 1 Bécsi út. Hop off at Árpád Híd Budai Hídfő and switch to HÉV (H5) and drop off at Filatorigát.
Duration: 60 mins Single | Tickets needed: 2
Not sure which one’s best for you? Download BudapestGO app and plan your trip with ease.
How much is a bus ticket in Budapest?
350 HUF. A single bus ticket in Budapest costs 350 HUF which is around 0.95 euro.
Is BudapestGO App legit?
Absolutely! The BudapestGO App is the official Budapest transport app run by the BKK. With this app, you can plan your trips, purchase tickets, and do so much more. This includes seeing traffic changes and saving your favorite stops.
Does Uber operate in Budapest?
If you’re used to catching an Uber, you may be surprised to discover that Uber doesn’t work in Budapest, or anywhere in Hungary. You can instead take a Bolt taxi which works very similarly.
Is it safe to use Bolt in Budapest?
Yes, it’s safe to take a Bolt taxi in Budapest. You can download the app and have taxis pick you up and drop you off anywhere you’d like in the city. You can see how much it will cost you and pay immediately. This is a much better choice than hailing a taxi on this street as many tourists have reported being scammed this way.
What is the local transport app for Hungary?
BudapestGO is the local transport app for Budapest. You can use this app to plan journies, purchase tickets and track any traffic changes.
Is it easy to walk around Budapest?
Yes, Budapest is a very walkable city and it’s very easy to see most of the city’s attractions on foot. Simply wear a comfy pair of shoes, and put on sunscreen if you’re visiting the city during summer.
Is Budapest safe to walk at night?
Yes, Budapest is one of the safest capital cities in Europe and it’s safe to walk at night. If you’re arriving at the city late at night and need to walk to your hostel or hotel, stay on the main streets to feel more comfortable. It’s a vibrant city and people are almost always outside. Otherwise, you should be fine walking in the city alone at night.
Does Budapest have city bikes?
Yes. BuBi is the public bicycle-sharing system in Budapest. It cost 500 HUf to rent a bike and you find these green bicycles marked in various parts of the city. You can use their app to rent and unlock bicycles throughout the city. Remember to park the bikes correctly after use.
Find out everything you need to know about the Mol BuBi bikes here
