Public Transport in Budapest: The Best Ways to Get Around (2025)

Looking for information about the public transport in Budapest?

You’ve come to the right place! I am originally from Budapest and the public transport in Budapest is is well-connected and affordable.

Budapest’s transport system includes metro lines, buses, trams, trolley buses, HÉV trains, and there is even a public boat.

There are also many taxis in Budapest that provide a comfortable way to get around the city. The main taxi companies in Budapest are City Taxi, FőTaxi, Uber and Bolt.

On the other hand, the city centre of Budapest can also be explored on foot and there are many tourist attractions that are in close walking distance to each other.

So, here is all the information you need on the public transport in Budapest and the best ways to get around!

Purchasing Tickets for Public Transport in Budapest

There are 3 ways to buy tickets for the public transport in Budapest. You can either buy tickets at a ticket office, ticket machines or online through the BudapestGO app.

If you go to the suburbs in Budapest, there are no ticket offices or ticket machines so it is good if you buy extra tickets beforehand.

Alternatively, in the suburbs where there are no ticket machines, you can buy a ticket directly from the bus driver.

Ticket Machines

The ticket machines are available at metro stations, tram stations and main bus stops. The ticket machines have a touch screen and you can switch the language to English.

There are different ticket options which are listed and you can pick the one that suits you best. You can pay by both cash and bank card.

If you go further out of the city centre, it will be difficult to find ticket machines in suburban Budapest. In this case, you can buy a bus ticket directly from the bus driver for HUF 450.

When you buy the bus ticket from the bus driver, you can only pay in cash and it is best if you have the exact amount of cash as the driver will not be able to give back change.

Ticket Offices

Some of the main metro stations also have ticket offices where you can purchase tickets for public transport.

It is a good option if you have any questions regarding the tickets, as the ticket officer will be able to explain any questions you may have about the validity and length of the ticket.

Budapest GO App

The BudapestGO app is becoming more and more popular in Budapest. It is easy to buy tickets and use across the different transport vehicles.

Registering for Budapest GO App:

After downloading the app (available both in Google Play and Apple Store), you have to register and provide your bank details to be able to purchase tickets.

How to validate the ticket bought on the Budapest GO app:

For buses: There is a QR code at the side of the bus where you have to scan the ticket/barcode before getting on the bus or tram to validate the ticket.

For metro: Usually there are ticket controllers at the metro stations and you have to show your ticket to them. Sometimes there are no ticket controllers at stations, so in this case you don’t have to do anything just make sure you have a valid ticket.

Sometimes, the station you get on the metro does not have ticket controllers so no one checks your ticket, but then when you get off the metro, there will be ticket controllers as you exit the station. So it is good to have a valid metro ticket.

Public Transport Tickets Budapest

There are many different types of tickets that you can choose from when planning your trip in Budapest. Here you can find some of the most popular ticket options for Budapest:

• Single ticket: HUF 450 (USD 1.20)
• Airport Shuttle Bus single ticket: HUF 2,200 (USD 6)
• 15-day Budapest pass: HUF 6,300 (USD 17)
• Monthly Budapest pass: HUF 9,500 (USD 26)
• Budapest Card (24h – 120h): Prices are between HUF 12,000 – 34,000 (USD 33 – 95) depending on the length of the validity. The costs are higher than a usual ticket but it includes free entries to a number of museums.

You can also get a Budapest Card that includes the use of all public transport in Budapest, plus you get a free or discounted ticket to over 100 attractions!

Budapest Public Transport App

The Budapest GO App (Google Play, Apple Store) can also be used as a journey planner in Budapest for buses, metro and trams.

Once you enter your departure and destination locations, it will list you different options on how to get there including all types of transport.

Public Transport in Budapest

Metro Lines in Budapest

Budapest has 4 metro lines that connects the city centre and main tourist spots pretty well. The metro system is not as big as in other capital cities in Europe, so it is easy to it figure out.

Budapest Metro Operating Times: 4:30 am – 23:00 pm

Validating Tickets for the Budapest Metro:

• Single ticket: If you have a single ticket, you have to validate it at the entrance of the metro station.
• Monthly pass or Budapest Card: there is no need to validate this type of ticket. If there are ticket controllers, just show them the ticket.

METRO LINE 1 (“Yellow Line”)

An interesting fact about the Metro Line 1 is that it is the oldest metro in Budapest completed in 1896. It is the oldest underground in mainland Europe, and the third oldest in Europe after the London Underground and Liverpool’s Mersey Railway.

Popular metro stops for tourists on Metro Line 1:

• Vörösmarty tér (close to the River Danube and Váci shopping street)
• Opera (Hungarian State Opera)
• Oktogon (House of Terror)
• Hősök tere (Heroes’ Square)
• Széchényi-fürdő (Széchényi Thermal Bath)

METRO LINE 2 (“Red Line”)

Popular metro stops for tourists on the Metro Line 2:

• Deák Ferenc tér (Bazilika, Váci shopping street, close to River Danube, lots of restaurants and bars)
• Kossuth Lajos tér (Parliament)
• Batthyány tér (best view for Parliament from the Buda side and close Fisherman’s Bastion on foot)

METRO LINE 3 (“Blue Line”)

Popular stops on the Metro Line 3: 

• Nyugati pályaudvar (train station, Westend Shopping Mall)
• Deák Ferenc tér (Bazilica, restaurants, bars, Váci shopping street)

METRO LINE 4 (“Green Line”)

Popular stops on the Metro Line 4:

• Fővám tér (Central Market Hall, view of Citadella)
• Szent Gellert tér (Gellert Thermal Bath, Gellert hill)

Buses in Budapest

Apart from the metro, there is also an extensive network of bus system to get around the Budapest.

Budapest Buses Operating Times: Most day buses operate between 4 am – 11 pm

Validating the Bus Tickets in Budapest:

• Single ticket: validate it on board 
• Ticket through the BudapestGO app: validate it through the QR code on the side of the bus
• Monthly pass: no need to validate it. If a ticket controller comes on board, just show it.

Night Buses

Budapest also runs night buses after the metro and day buses stop to operate around 23:00 pm.

If you plan to take the night bus, it is best to check in advance the running time as some might go only every 30 minutes or once an hour.

You can use the same tickets you would use on the bus during daytime. 

Tram Lines in Budapest

The tram is also a popular way to get around Budapest. Some of the trams go through really beautiful parts of the city and provides a nice sightseeing tour.

Budapest Trams Operating Times: 4:30 am – 11 pm

Validating the Tram Tickets in Budapest: 

• Single ticket: you can validate it on the tram after getting on.
• Monthly pass: no need to validate it. If a ticket controller comes on board, just show it.

Popular Tram Lines in Budapest:

• Tram 2, 2B and 23: run next to the riverbank of the River Danube on the Pest side. If you take this line, you will pass by Fővám tér (where the Main Central Market is located), the Parliament, and the Jaszai Mari tér stop which is near the Margaret Island.
• Tram 4-6: The tram lines 4-6 pass through the city centre of Budapest. It is worth remembering that tram line 6 runs also at night.
• Tram 19 and 41: Similar to Tram 2, 2B and 23, the trams 19 and 41 run next to the riverbank of the River Danube but on the Buda side. On this line you will pass by the Gellert Bath, the Funicular that will take you up to the Buda Castle, and will also drop you near the Margaret Island.
• Tram 47-49: Starting from Deak Ferenc tér in the city centre, the tram lines 47 and 49 pass by the Central Market Hall and Gellert Bath.

Trolley Buses in Budapest

Budapest also has trolley buses in addition to the metro, bus and tram system.

The trolley buses look almost like normal buses, except that they are powered by electricity lines on the top. The trolley buses are painted red and you will easily spot them. 

HÉV Trains in Budapest

Budapest also have the HÉV trains that are more like suburban trains. Their colour is green and run mostly further outside of Budapest.

Public Boats in Budapest

Budapest also has a public boat system that connects Margaret Island with tourists spots further down the river.

There used to be 3-4 public boats that ran on the river, however, in recent years it was reduced to only 1 boat line. You can get on the boat at Margaret Island and then make your way down the river.

Taxi in Budapest

Getting around by taxi in Budapest is the most comfortable option.

Uber was reintroduced in Hungary, and there are now 4 taxi companies in Budapest.

Taxi Companies in Budapest

• Bolt: taxi app similar to Uber (operates with same prices as regular taxis in Budapest but the Bolt app is easy to use)
• Uber: Uber was reintroduced in Budapest under the FőTaxi company. It can be booked easily through the Uber app however, the prices of Uber is the same as if you took a regular taxi in Budapest.
• FőTaxi: operates Budapest-wide, and it is the only taxi company designated to serve customers at the Budapest Airport
• City Taxi: operates Budapest-wide

Ordering Taxis in Budapest

• Bolt: order it through the Bolt app
• Uber: order through the Uber app
• City Taxi and FőTaxi: order through their apps or through customer service call centre

Taxi Prices in Budapest: The taxi prices are the same in Budapest whether you book a taxi through Bolt, Uber or at your hotel.

The Budapest taxi base fare is HUF 1,100 (USD 3) + distance-based fare HUF 440/km (USD 1/km).

Electric Scooters in Budapest

Renting electric scooters have become very popular in Budapest. You will spot them all around Budapest, not only in the city centre but even in the suburbs. 

Download the Lime app (Google Play, Apple Store) and pay for the scooter before using it. 

Budapest On Foot

Some parts of the city centre of Budapest is also in walking distance to each other. Here are some routes for historical sites that are in easy walking distance to each other:

• Option 1: Deák Ferenc tér – Bazilica – Parliament – Shoes on the River Danube
• Option 2: Deák Ferenc tér – cross the Chain Bridge – take the Funicular to Buda Castle – Buda Castle – Fisherman’s Bastion/Matthias Church
• Option 3: Fisherman’s Bastion/Matthias Church – Buda Castle – Gellért Hill/Citadella – Gellért Bath

➡️ Book a Walking Tour in Budapest here!

Getting from the Budapest Airport to the City Centre

There are different ways to get from the Budapest Airport to the city centre. You can take the Airport Shuttle bus or a taxi.

Budapest Airport to City Centre by Bus

• Budapest Airport Shuttle Ticket Price: HUF 2,200 (USD 6)
• Budapest Airport Shuttle Operating Times: everyday 24 hours

There is an airport shuttle bus, the Bus 100E, that operates between the Budapest Airport and the city centre (Deák Ferenc Square).

It operates 24 hours a day, although at night time it goes less frequently.

Budapest Airport to City Centre By Taxi

There is a taxi booth just outside the airport where you can book a taxi from the airport.

The only taxi company that operates at the Budapest Airport is the FőTaxi company. The price from the Budapest Airport to the city centre is around USD 30 by taxi and takes maximum 30 minutes.

FAQs: Public Transport in Budapest

Is public transport good in Budapest?

Yes, public transport in Budapest is good. Budapest has an extensive public transport system that includes metros lines, buses, tram, trolley buses and HEV trains.

The public transport in Budapest is also affordable with a monthly ticket costing HUF 9,500 (approximately USD 26) which is valid for all types of transport around the city.

Is public transport free in Budapest for tourists?

No, public transport is not free for tourists in Budapest. Depending on how much time you spend in Budapest, there are different tickets and travel cards available.

Public Transport Ticket Prices in Budapest:

• Single ticket: HUF 450 (USD 1.20) (valid for all types of transport for 1 trip)
• Batch of 10 tickets: HUF 4,000 (USD 11)
• 15-day Budapest pass: HUF 6,300 (USD 17)
• Monthly Budapest pass: HUF 9,500 (USD 26)
• Budapest Card (24h – 120h): Prices are between HUF 12,000 – 34,000 (USD 33 – 95) depending on the length of the validity. The costs are higher than a usual ticket but it includes free entries to a number of museums.

How to pay for public transport in Budapest?

To pay for public transport in Budapest, you can buy tickets at vending machines or from ticket counters.

The vending machines are usually located at the bus stops, metro stops or tram stops. They are widely available in the city centre and you can pay for the tickets by cash or bank card.

The ticket counters are located usually by the metro stops and although not all metro stops have ticket counters, you will find them at the biggest metro stations. In case the metro station does not have a ticket counter, you will find vending machines where you can buy your tickets.

In the suburbs in Budapest, it is rare to find ticket machines. In most suburbs, you only have buses and in those cases, you can just get on the bus and buy a ticket from the bus driver. If you buy the bus ticket from the driver, the bus ticket costs HUF 600.

How do I get around Budapest?

The best ways to get around Budapest is by public transport, taxis or on foot.

The public transport system in Budapest is well-connected and offers an affordable way to get around Budapest.

There are also many taxis in Budapest that provide a comfortable and faster way to get around the city. The main taxi companies in Budapest are City Taxi, FőTaxi, Uber and Bolt.

On the other hand, the city centre of Budapest can also be walked and there are many tourist attractions that are in close walking distance to each other. If you like to explore new places on foot, Budapest is definitely a good place to do so!

Is the Budapest Subway free?

No, the Budapest Subway is not free. However, the subway in Budapest is very affordable and has a good service in Budapest.

Public Transport Ticket Prices in Budapest:

• Single ticket: HUF 450 (USD 1.20) (valid for all types of transport for 1 trip)
• Batch of 10 tickets: HUF 4,000 (USD 11)
• 15-day Budapest pass: HUF 6,300 (USD 17)
• Monthly Budapest pass: HUF 9,500 (USD 26)
• Budapest Card (24h – 120h): Prices are between HUF 12,000 – 34,000 (USD 33 – 95) depending on the length of the validity. The costs are higher than a usual ticket but it includes free entries to a number of museums.

Does the Budapest metro go to the airport?

No, the Budapest metro does not go to the Budapest Airport but there is a shuttle bus from the city centre which is a great alternative.

The Budapest Airport shuttle bus is the 100E Bus. The tickets costs HUF 2,200 (USD 6) one-way and takes about 40 minutes to get to the Budapest city centre.

The 100E Budapest Airport Shuttle Bus makes the following stops:

1. Budapest Airport
2. Kálvin tér
3. Astoria
4. Deák Ferenc tér

Conclusion

In conclusion, Budapest has an extensive and affordable public transport system.

Budapest’s transport system includes metro lines, buses, trams, trolley buses and HEV trains. There is even a public boat that runs along the River Danube similar to that of the cruises in Budapest.

There are also many taxis in Budapest that provide a comfortable and faster way to get around the city. The main taxi companies in Budapest are City Taxi, FőTaxi, Uber and Bolt.

On the other hand, the city centre of Budapest can also be explored on foot and there are many tourist attractions that are in close walking distance to each other.

If you like to explore new places on foot, Budapest is definitely a good place to do so!