The Ultimate Guide for Getting Around Budapest

To help you enjoy a seamless holiday, we’ve put together a Budapest travel guide filled with tips and information on getting around Budapest, as well as getting to and from the airport. Budapest’s vibrant and grand historical quarters, including the Jewish Quarter, Buda Castle, and the Palace District, can easily be explored on foot, and since most areas are pedestrian-only, this is sometimes your only option. When you need to rest your tired legs or if you are short on time, you can utilize the city’s excellent public transport network, with the choice between buses, the metro, trams, and trolleys. Finally, in the cooler months or bad weather, or when you want to visit sights a little off the beaten track, a taxi or private transfer can be an affordable and convenient way to travel.

Transport Options in the City of Budapest

Getting around Budapest using public transport is not only a convenient way to explore the city, but it’s also very affordable. While there are over 40 different streetcar/tram lines in Budapest, most of the main sights on the tourist trail are reachable by catching lines 2, 4, and 6. For a scenic journey along the Danube River, passing iconic Budapest landmarks such as the Hungarian Parliament building, Castle District, and Chain Bridge, jump on board the No.2 tram line.

Alternatively, four metro lines service most areas across the city center. This includes the famous Millennium Underground, the first subway line in continental Europe.

• M1 (Yellow Line): The historic Millennium Underground.
• M2 (Red Line): Connects Keleti Railway Station with Déli Pályaudvar.
• M3 (Blue Line): Runs North-South.
• M4 (Green Line): The newest line, connecting Keleti and Kelenföld Railway Stations. 

Buses, which are the most popular method of public transport for locals, provide the largest transport network in Budapest, with over 200 routes in operation. 

Note that if you opt for a tour using GetYourGuide in Budapest, you’ll likely be using public transport, which can be a great introduction for first-time visitors. Similarly, a walking tour with a local Budapest guide can help you get your bearings within the city. 

Some tips to keep in mind when using public transport around Budapest:

• Most transportation options, including buses, metro, trolley cars, and trams, stop running at 23:00. There are some night buses that operate, but routes and departure times are limited.
• You can buy tickets that are valid across all public transport networks from the ticket machines at each subway station. There are several options, including:
  • Single ticket – €1.30 (HUF 500)
  • 30-minute ticket – €1.50 (HUF 600)
  • 90-minute ticket – €2.20 (HUF 850)

• Tickets must be validated by stamping or punching them at the validating machines by the doors on board the vehicle. Don’t get caught out, as you can incur a fine.
• The Budapest Card is ideal for short stays. You can choose between a 24-hour or 72-hour card, which grants you unlimited access to all public transport, with added benefits such as free entry to museums, walking tours, and discounts on attractions and restaurants. Prices range from €7.10 (HUF 2,750) to €14.90 (HUF 5,750).
• Trolley buses are available in Pest only, numbered from 70 to 83.

The following maps detail which lines go where around Budapest:

• Metro, Tram, Train
• Trolleybus Network

Transport Options from Budapest Airport

Taxi

A Budapest Airport taxi should cost around €28 (HUF 10,853) to the right bank and €35 (HUF 13,567) to the left bank. The journey to the city center takes about 35 to 45 minutes, depending on traffic conditions. All cabs are yellow with a roof sign and can be taken from outside Terminals 2A and 2B at the dedicated taxi rank.

Things to note about taxis:

• You may find that local taxi drivers don’t speak English, so be sure to have your address written down in advance.
• There’s only one official taxi company operating at the airport – called Főtaxi. Don’t accept a ride from any other taxi company that offers you a ride.
• All taxis departing from the airport accept card and cash payments.

Bus

Two bus lines operate between Budapest Airport and the city center. The 100E Airport Express bus travels directly to the city center in roughly 30-40 minutes, with stops at Kálvin tér metro station, Astoria metro station, and Deák Ferenc tér metro station.

Alternatively, you can catch the 200E bus to Kőbánya-Kispest Station, where you can transfer to the M3 Metro line towards “Újpest–Központ.” While this option is cheaper, the journey will take closer to 55 minutes.

Things to note about the airport bus:

• Both buses operate 24 hours a day, although wait times will increase from every 6-10 minutes during the day to every 20-40 minutes at night.
• The bus stops for both bus lines are located on the Arrivals Level between Terminals 2A and 2B.
• The 100E express bus is priced at €5.70 (HUF 2,200), while the 200E costs the same as a regular public bus at €0.90 (HUF 350).
• Tickets can be purchased either on board, from the post office, RELAY, or ticket machines at the bus stops.

Welcome Pickups Transfer

Finally, if the above options don’t suit you, it might be worth booking a Budapest Airport transfer directly from the airport to your hotel or to a city destination of your choice with Welcome Pickups. 

Welcome Pickups provides a personalized service for the same price as a normal taxi, but you can skip the queues and enjoy a meet-and-greet on arrival at Budapest Airport with a trained, English-speaking driver. You’ll also have access to 24/7 customer support, and you’re guaranteed an on-time pickup in a modern, air-conditioned vehicle. 

Similar to Budapest GetYourGuide, Welcome Pickups also offers sightseeing rides, where your driver will be your personal Budapest tour guide for the day, stopping at popular locations such as the Hungarian Parliament, State Opera House, and St. Stephen’s Basilica.

FAQs

What’s the best way to get around Budapest?

The cheapest way to get around Budapest is by using the extensive public transport network, with the help of the BudapestGo app to plan your journeys. It’s also a very walkable city, especially if your route takes you along the Danube River. Alternatively, you can hop in a local taxi or arrange a Budapest travel guide through Welcome Pickups.

What is the best way to explore Budapest?

The best way to explore Budapest is to combine walking among the city’s historical areas with using public transport or taxis and private transfers to cover larger distances between various sights. 

Do and don’ts in Budapest?

Do use the extensive public transport network and the BudapestGO app, but always keep an eye on your belongings and ensure you validate your ticket each time. 

Don’t hail taxis from the street unless you need to; instead, use taxi apps or prebook your rides with a trusted company like Welcome. 

How do I travel between Buda and Pest?

There are several ways to travel between Buda and Pest. If you prefer to save money and take in the sights at a leisurely pace, you can walk across Chain Bridge from Buda Castle. Otherwise, you can catch Tram Line 2 across Chain Bridge, or Bus No. 5, which offers a direct route between central Buda and Pest. Taxis and private transfers are also great for getting around Budapest, providing a quick and hassle-free journey from any point.

Does Welcome Pickups offer transfers in Budapest?

Yes, absolutely. Welcome not only offers private transfers to and from the city, but bespoke sightseeing tours can also be arranged for up to 12 people. Tours can include popular landmarks in and around the city, or you may opt to take a day trip to exciting destinations like Eger and Székesfehérvár.