Best way to get around Budapest: What you need to know

Budapest is straightforward to get around once you know the options available as a traveler. A smooth and often picturesque ride with the city’s public transportation will enhance your visit to its iconic landmarks, like St. Stephen’s Basilica, Fisherman’s Bastion, or the famous Danube River.

Budapest offers excellent commuting options, including a fast metro system, an extensive bus network, and a tram ride that makes seeing attractions part of the ride. Whether visiting Budapest for the first time or returning for another great adventure, this guide will keep you updated on the best ways of getting around in Budapest.

Getting around Budapest: tips and tricks

• Take the Budapest Airport Bus to get from the Budapest Airport to the city center: The most popular way to get from the airport into the city is by taking the Budapest Airport Bus, also known as the Airport Express or the 100E.
• Get a Budapest Card for unlimited travel: Budapest Közlekedési Központ (BKK) runs all of Budapest’s public transportation, including metro, trams, buses, and even boats in the summer. BKK offers 24-hour travel cards for individuals, 24-hour travel cards for groups (up to five passengers), or 72-hour travel cards for individuals.
• Purchase a Budapest Card for unlimited travel and other perks: Travelers may elect to purchase a Budapest Card, which grants unlimited access to public transit for 24 hours, 48 hours, 72 hours, 96 hours, or 120 hours, as well as discounted entries to museums, thermal baths, and cultural events.
• Bike-share with the MOL Bubi app: Budapest offers a bike-sharing service throughout the city. Simply register on the MOL Bubi App and select the ‘occasional user’ option so you can pay as you go.
• Get around at night by train or night buses: Budapest offers public transportation at night. The metro runs until midnight, and night buses run along specific routes once the metro, trams, and regular buses shut down, ensuring you can get home by public transportation from dusk to dawn.
• Avoid rush hour: Public transportation can get crowded during peak hours, typically between 8:00 AM–9:00 AM, and between 5:30 PM–7:00 PM. It is best to avoid the busy streets during these times or expect longer transportation times.
• Explore on foot: Budapest is a very walkable city and thrilling to explore. Go across the Danube and see both sides of the city by the water, or bask in the beauty of the city’s gorgeous architecture and energetic atmosphere that can only be felt on foot.

Useful apps

• Google Maps: Plan your routes and find real-time walking or biking directions. It provides public transportation schedules and updates for Budapest’s metro, buses, and trams.
• Citymapper: An excellent app for mapping out Budapest’s best public transportation routes. It includes live departure times, disruption alerts, and cycling and walking route options.
• BudapestGO App: The one-stop shop for BKK tickets and pass purchases. You can also plan your journey and check arrival times or traffic information here.
• MOL Bubi: The official app for Budapest’s bike-sharing service allows you to find the nearest bike stations, check bike availability, start your journey, and manage your account.
• GreenGo: Carsharing apps like GreenGo let you rent vehicles for short terms, including per-minute rates.
• Bolt and Uber: Bolt has been present in Budapest for much longer, but Uber has entered the ridesharing space in the city since 2024. Check both apps to compare prices and get to your destination directly.

1. Getting around by train in Budapest

Budapest’s metro is the fastest way to get around the city. There are four metro lines and fifty metro stations. Metro Line 1, built in 1896, is the oldest underground railway in Continental Europe. Budapest’s tram network is also one of the most extensive in Europe, and it is a joy to ride. Be sure to ride Line 2, which runs along the Danube. It is one of the most picturesque rides in the city.

How to buy and use train tickets in Budapest

The BudapestGO app simplifies ticket and pass purchases: you select the ticket or pass you want to purchase, pay on the app, and then validate your ticket or scan your pass with the NFC sticker on the vehicle doors of BKK lines and at station entrances on metro lines without opening the BudapestGO app.

2. Taking the bus in Budapest

Budapest has an extensive bus network of over 200 lines, providing locals and visitors with frequent and reliable service from the suburbs to the city center. Various routes, including express services, do not serve all possible stops, so plan your trip and ensure you board the bus that gets you to your destination.

How to buy and use bus tickets in Budapest

Buses, trains, and trams share the same payment system. To purchase a ticket or pass, download the BudapestGo app and scan your ticket upon entering a vehicle.

3. Getting around Budapest by bike

Budapest is a cycle-friendly city with over 200 kilometers of bike paths and lanes that make traveling on wheels safe and clear for riders. Travelers love taking the bike route that crosses the city along the Danube River, exploring various Budapest neighborhoods, pedaling past the beautiful buildings, and discovering the many hidden gems.

Renting Bikes in Budapest

MOL Bubi is an app that allows users to rent city bikes parked in stations around the city. Download the app, register your number, pick up a bike, and start your journey. You will pay as you go at 40 HUF per minute.

4. Getting about Budapest by boat

In the summer, BKK operates ferry boats that run along the Danube River with various stops along the river banks from Csepel-Királyerdő to Soroksár. Traveling by boat is not the fastest mode of transportation. Still, it is undoubtedly a memorable experience and a must-try when visiting due to the beautiful views of Budapest landmarks such as Castle Garde Bazaar, a great family-friendly activity, the Hungarian Parliament, and Margaret Island as you float down the Danube.

How to buy and use ferry tickets in Budapest

BKK also runs the ferry boat, so, like with the metro and buses, visitors can use the BudapestGO app to purchase tickets or travel cards. The Budapest Pass is also accepted during the validity period.

5. Using taxis and ride-sharing services in Budapest

You can find official taxis in the streets of Budapest, but it is best to be safe and order a taxi over the phone. Ensure you get a ride from a reputable firm such as 6x6 or a city taxi. Otherwise, you can order a vehicle using Bolt or Uber to connect you to a driver within minutes. Be sure to compare prices and select the option that works best for you.

6. Hourly car rental services in Budapest

Hourly or short-term car rental services can be found in Budapest. Look no further than GreenGo, the app that allows you to register and drive within minutes. You can also pay per minute with no obligation to pay a monthly subscription or monthly fees, perfect for travelers looking to zip through the city or go on a day trip outside of Budapest.

FAQs

What’s the best way to get from Budapest airport to the city center?

The most popular way to get from the airport into the city is by taking the Budapest Airport Bus, also known as the Airport Express or the 100E.

How accessible is public transportation in Budapest?

Budapest has improved dramatically in recent years regarding accessibility for public transportation, but not all metros or trams are suitable for wheelchair users. Line 4 is wheelchair-accessible for the metro across the entire route, but the older metro lines only have a few stops with elevators and wheelchair access. Tram lines 4 and 6 are step-free and accessible for wheelchairs, but other tram lines have steps between the street and the tram. Most buses can accommodate travelers in wheelchairs as drivers can lower the bus and extend a ramp for access.

Does public transportation run all night in Budapest?

Budapest offers public transportation at night. The metro runs until midnight, and night buses run along specific routes once the metro, trams, and regular buses shut down. This late-night service ensures you can get home by public transportation from dusk to dawn, especially after a night out in town on weekends.

Is it safe to use public transportation late at night?

Using public transportation in Budapest at night is generally safe. However, take standard safety precautions: be aware of your surroundings, know your route, keep valuables secure, and avoid isolated areas when possible.

Are there any transportation passes in Budapest?

Budapest public transportation offers 24-hour travel cards for individuals, 24-hour travel cards for groups (up to five passengers), or 72-hour travel cards for individuals. Travelers may also purchase the Budapest Card, which grants unlimited access to public transit for 24 hours, 48 hours, 72 hours, 96 hours, or 120 hours, and discounted entries to museums, thermal baths, and cultural events.

What’s the best mode of transportation for travelers in Budapest?

Exploring the city by foot is the best way to experience Budapest. You will get to know the city intimately and discover some hidden gems along the way while immersed in the beautiful architecture surrounding you.