Budapest Getting Around

Getting around Budapest
Budapest public transport is safe, cheap, efficient and fast. Most transport runs from 04.30 until about 23.00. Night buses and trams serve tourist areas. All tickets must be bought before travel and validated. One ticket is needed for each trip. If you change mode of travel you must validate another ticket. Checks are frequent. Travel passes or books of tickets are more convenient and probably cheaper. Buy tickets from machines at metro stations and tram-stops or kiosks and newsagents. The 3-day Budapest Card combines transport and entry to attractions and museums.

Getting from Budapest airport
Budapest airport is 10 miles from the city. An airport bus departs every 30 minutes. Express bus no.93 goes to Köbánya-Kispest and Deák tér metro stations. An Airport minibus service takes passengers to any address. If taking a taxi make sure the meter is on or agree a fare before setting off.

Walking
While most visitors will use a combination of metro, trams and trolley buses, Budapest is easy to get around on foot. Most of the major sights are close to each other. Walking is by far the best way to appreciate the city’s most historic neighbourhoods and discover the true character of the city.

Metro
Budapest metro is clean, safe and fast. 3 metro lines reach most of the popular tourist destinations. Trains are very frequent. Validate tickets before going down to the platform. Budapest metro was the second in the world after London and still has some original tile work.

Trams
Budapest trams are a much-loved part of life in the city. Trams travel at an agreeably slow pace and offer good views. Budapest trams are excellent for the Great Boulevard and travelling along the River Danube (no. 19 on Buda and no. 2 on Pest). There are 2 night tram services.

Buses & trolley buses
Buses are of less use to tourists but serve areas without the metro. Buses are frequent. Validate tickets as you enter. Night buses run to the most important tourist areas. Environmentally-friendly trolley buses are slow but fun and offer good views.

Funicular
A funicular climbs to the Castle District from Clark Ádám tér. A cog railway runs from Városmajor útca to Széchenyi Hill. A chair-lift climbs from Zugliget district to János Hill, the highest point in Budapest.

Taxis
Taxis have a yellow number plate, display fares, have meters and do not enjoy the best of reputations. Do not use unmarked vehicles. Phoning for a taxi is cheaper and more reliable. Traffic can make taxis slower than public transport.

City Tours
Several companies offer Budapest bus tours and Budapest walking tours.

Ferry
Ferries run along the Danube in the summer.

Budapest City Breaks  Getting Around Budapest

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