Budapest Card 2025: Is It Worth It?
THINKING ABOUT GETTING A BUDAPEST CARD?
I am originally from Budapest and I am probably biased, but Budapest is such a great place! The city is so beautiful by the River Danube, and you can go on cruises, chill in thermal baths and explore historic buildings!
So, are you wondering “Is a Budapest Card worth it”? Well, it depends! If you stay in Budapest for a few days and you plan to use the Budapest Card for at least 3 days, then yes, it can worth it.
The Budapest Card includes the use of public transport in Budapest, plus free or discounted tickets to over 100 attractions in Budapest, such as museums, walking tours, thermal baths and river cruises.
If you plan to use the public transport a lot, and if you are interested in the activities and attractions that are included in the Budapest Card, then yes, it can worth getting!
The Budapest Card comes in various durations (24 hours, 48 hours, 72, hours, 96 hours, 120 hours), and the best is to buy it online before arrival, and then just pick it up at the Budapest Airport after landing.
So, here is all the information about the Budapest Card, and whether it’s worth it or not!
Is A Budapest Card Worth It?
The Budapest Card is worth it if you are getting the card for at least 3 days, and plan to use the public transport, and visit the attractions that are included in the Card.
It is best if you check the full list of attractions that are included in the Card, and if you want to visit many of the places included, then it is worth getting.
If you plan to use the public transport in Budapest a lot, then having the Budapest Card can save you time and energy. With the Card, you can just use the public transport in Budapest and not have to validate a ticket each time.
In addition, you get free entry to some of the best museums in Budapest, such as the Museum of Fine Arts, Kunsthalle, and Hungarian National Museum, as well as discounted tickets to many other museums.
The Budapest Card also includes a couple of free river cruises, walking tours in Buda and Pest, and a free entry to the Lukács Thermal Bath!
What is the Difference between a Budapest Travel Card/Pass and Budapest Card?
The Budapest Travel Card (also called as the Budapest Pass) is a type of pass that is only valid for the public transport in Budapest. You can get this pass for a specific duration (24 hour, 72 hour, 15 days or 1 month) and it is valid for all transport on Budapest.
If you buy a single ticket for public transport in budapest, then you’d have to validate each ticket for each transport. The advantage of the Travel Card/Pass is that you don’t have to validate it every time. If a ticket controller comes, you can just show the pass.
The Budapest Card is includes both the use of public transport, and free or discounted entry to attractions in the city! The attractions include many museums, thermal baths, river cruises, walking tours and discounts at museums.
Thus, the Budapest Card is best if you want easy use of the public transport and free or cheaper entry to many attractions.
Budapest Card Information
Budapest Card Prices
You can get a Budapest Card for various durations between 24 and 120 hours.
The Budapest Card is priced as follows:
- 24 hours Budapest Card: EUR 39
- 48 hours Budapest Card: EUR 53 (EUR 26.50 per day)
- 72 hours Budapest Card: EUR 69 (EUR 23.00 per day)
- 96 hours Budapest Card: EUR 87 (EUR 21.75 per day)
- 120 hours Budapest Card: EUR 96 (EUR 19.20 per day)
✅ Get Your Budapest Card Here!
Budapest Card Validity
The card is activated upon its first use, and it is valid from then on for the duration of the card.
What’s Included in the Budapest Card?
The Budapest Card includes the use of all public transport in Budapest (metro, bus, trams, etc), and free or discounted tickets to over 100 attractions, such as museums, thermal baths, river cruises, and walking tours.
Check here the full list of activities and attractions included in the Budapest Card:
Can the Budapest Card Be Used on the 100E Bus (Airport Bus)?
No, you cannot use the Budapest Card on the Airport Bus (100E). It is not valid for that service, and you have to get a separate bus ticket for it, which is HUF 2,200 (USD 6).
There is an option to take another bus, 200E from the Airport to Kőbánya Kispest Metro Station, and then get on the metro that goes to the city center. However, I don’t really recommend it as it would take much longer than taking and paying for the 100E express bus.
How to Buy the Budapest Card
The best is to buy the Budapest Card online before arriving in Budapest and then picking it up at the Budapest Airport.
The Budapest Card can be collected at the airport from the reception of the Hotel Ibis Styles Budapest Airport reception. The reception is open 24 hours a day and you can pick up the card at anytime.
Another option is to collect the card at their office at the Hotel Gozsdu Court in the city center of Budapest. The office is open 8 am – 4 pm every day.
My recommendation is that if you arrive in Budapest by plane, then it is best to pick up the card at the airport. In case you come by car, train or bus, then it is better to pick up the Card at their office in the city center.
✅ Get Your Budapest Card Here!
FAQs: Is a Budapest Card Worth It?
Is it worth getting a Budapest Card?
The Budapest Card is worth getting if you are staying in Budapest for at least 3 days, and plan to use the public transport, and visit the attractions that are included in the Card.
It is best if you check the full list of attractions that are included in the Budapest Card, and if you want to visit many of the places included in the Card, then it is worth getting.
What is included in the Budapest Card?
The Budapest Card includes the use of all public transport in the city, plus free or discounted tickets to over 100 attractions in Budapest, such as museums, walking tours, thermal baths and river cruises.
What is the difference between a Budapest Travel Card and a Budapest Card?
The difference is that the Budapest Travel Card is only for using the public transport in Budapest, such as the metro, buses, trams, trolley bus and HÉV trains.
On the other hand, the Budapest Card includes the use of public transport, plus free or discounted tickets to over 100 attractions in Budapest!
Conclusion
In conclusion, the Budapest Card is worth it if you are getting the card for at least 3 days, and plan to use the public transport, and visit the attractions that are included in the Card.
The Budapest Card includes the use of public transport in Budapest, plus free or discounted tickets to over 100 attractions in Budapest, such as museums, walking tours, thermal baths and river cruises.
If you plan to use the public transport a lot, and if you are interested in the activities and attractions that are included in the Budapest Card, then yes, it can worth getting!
The Budapest Card comes in various durations (24 hours, 48 hours, 72, hours, 96 hours, 120 hours), and the best is to buy it online before arrival, and then just pick it up at the Budapest Airport after arrival.
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✈️ Budapest Trip Planning
Ready to book your trip to Budapest? Plan your trip with my favourite travel resources:
✔️ Booking.com: Book accommodation here!
✔️ GetYourGuide: Book activities here!
✔️ SafetyWing: Get travel insurance here!
Hungary Quick Guide
How to get from the Budapest Airport to City Center?
The 3 easiest way to get from the Budapest Airport to the city center is by taking the airport shuttle bus, taxi, or pre-booking a private transfer.
For more information, check out how to get from the Budapest Airport to city center here.
Should I get a Hungarian SIM card?
If you don’t get free roaming in Budapest, then the best thing to do is to get an Airalo eSIM for Hungary.
They have packages for 7, 15 or 30 days and the prices are affordable.
Are there any useful mobile apps I can use in Hungary?
Yes! There are a couple of mobile apps that come handy when travelling in Hungary, including apps for booking taxis, using public transport, ordering food, or translating.
Check out my list of the most useful apps in Budapest for travellers.
What is the currency in Budapest? Can I pay by cash or card?
The official currency in Hungary is the Hungarian Forint (HUF).
You can use both cash and cards in Budapest. Card payments are widely accepted all over Budapest and it is only the small shops or street vendors that take only cash payments.
Is the public transport good in Budapest?
Yes! The public transport in Budapest is well-connected and affordable.
The main modes of transport in Budapest are the metro, buses, HÉV trains, trolley buses and there are even public boats!
If you want to save some time or comfort, taking a taxi is a good option. When booking a taxi in Budapest, you can either hail a regular taxi or book one through a taxi app (Uber or Bolt).
Can I drink tap water in Budapest?
Yes, it is safe to drink tap water in Budapest (and all across Hungary).
The tap water goes through a strict water treatment process in Hungary which makes it safe to drink for everyone.
Do they speak English in Budapest?
Yes, people speak good English in Budapest, especially the younger generation.
The older population may not speak English that well, so if you have to ask for information, the best is to approach someone who is younger.
In most tourist places, hotels, restaurants and bars, the staff has a good level of English, so you will get by easily.
