Taxis in Budapest
Although taking a taxi in Budapest sometimes gets a bad rap, jumping in a cab is still one of the most convenient ways to get around the city. Since 2013, the BKK, the Centre for Budapest Transport, has regulated Budapest taxis and required them to meet specific vehicle and pricing regulations.
Taxis must be yellow and display the words ‘Qualified Budapest taxi/Minősített Budapesti taxi’ across the left front door. Furthermore, the number plates should be yellow, and an up-to-date pricing schedule should be displayed on the rear doors and dashboard. Individual companies also tend to display their logo on the door, and the classic ‘TAXI’ sign will be on the roof.
Grabbing a taxi in Budapest couldn’t be easier; you can hail one from the street, walk to a taxi rank at one of the main transport hubs or tourist attractions, download a local taxi app, book a private transfer, or call one of the many companies that work in the city.
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How much does a taxi cost in Budapest?
| Taxi prices | Day time (05:00 - 24:00) | Night time (00:00 - 05:00) | Duration |
|---|---|---|---|
| EASTERN TRAIN STATION TO SZECHENYI THERMAL BATHS | 7 € | 7 € | 7 MIN |
| BUDAPEST CITY CENTER TO FISHERMAN'S BASTION | 8.5 € | 8.5 € | 10 MIN |
| BUDAPEST CITY CENTER TO SZENTENDRE | 30 € | 30 € | 35 MIN |
| BUDA CASTLE TO THE CITY CENTER | 7 € | 7 € | 7 MIN |
| BUDAPEST TO BRATISLAVA | 233 € | 233 € | 2 H 25 MIN |
| BUDAPEST TO VIENNA | 285 € | 285 € | 3 H |
Budapest taxi prices
Since Budapest taxis are government-regulated, all vehicles must use a taximeter and follow a set pricing structure. Official taxis within the city don’t offer set-rate fees, not even Budapest Airport taxis, which means you’ll be charged based on the time and distance traveled. The cost of a taxi in Budapest is way below the average for European cities, and there’s no increase in fare for rides at night, so it’s a great option when exploring the city.
No matter what time of day or which day of the week you’re traveling, Budapest taxi fares remain the same:
Base fare – €2.80 (HUF 1,100)
Minimum rate/km in Budapest – €1.15 (HUF 440)
Minimum rate/km outside the Budapest border – €2.23 (HUF 880)
A time-based fee of €0.30 (HUF 110) per minute is applied to the final fare for speeds under 15 km/hour or if you keep your taxi driver waiting. Road tolls will also be added to your final fare. There are, however, no extra fees for luggage or additional passengers.
If you choose to take a ‘limousine’ taxi from the concierge at your hotel, you will pay a lot more than a regular taxi. Although having a taxi pick you up from the front door of your hotel is convenient, these taxis charge whatever price they see fit, usually setting a fare based on which zone of the city your destination is in.
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How to get a taxi in Budapest
Finding one on the street is quick and easy once you learn how to spot a fake Budapest taxi from an official one. When hailing a cab, raise your hand when you see the ‘TAXI’ light is on, and if the driver is free, they’ll pull over. Look for the company logo on the front door and check for a yellow license plate to ensure it’s a government-regulated vehicle. Once in the taxi, ensure the taximeter is set to the base fare, tell the driver your destination, and you’re good to go.
Another convenient option, especially when exploring the city on foot, is to take a taxi from one of the taxi ranks outside most major transport hubs, hotels, and tourist attractions. Some common places to take a taxi from are the Lukacs Baths, Budapest Parliament, Heroes’ Square, West Railway Station, and Buda Castle. When you spot a rank, walk up to the first taxi in the line and tell the driver your destination.
How to get a taxi from Eastern Station
Keleti Pályaudvar, known in English as Eastern Station, not only displays some of the city’s most stunning architecture but is also the busiest train station in Budapest. After disembarking, follow the signs for ‘TAXIS,’ which will lead you to a designated taxi rank. There is also a tourist information booth on site that can help arrange a taxi if, for some reason, there are none waiting when you arrive.
It’s important to note that unofficial taxis are known to operate regularly from the station, so always check that the official prices are on display, the meter is working, and that the driver accepts card payments or cash.
How to get a taxi from Heroes’ Square
There isn’t an official taxi rank at this monument square, so although there is ample space to be dropped off by a taxi, finding one for the return journey can be a challenge, especially at night. It is, however, within walking distance to the Széchenyi Baths, where taxis are more likely to be waiting, or there are hotels in the vicinity, which are more likely to have taxis waiting or passing by. Remember that Heroes’ Square can take up to 20 minutes to reach by car from the city center.
How to get a taxi from Buda Castle
Surprisingly, the immense Buda Castle complex doesn’t provide an official pick-up and drop-off area for taxis, although plenty of car spaces surround the building, so getting there is easy. That being said, this area is generally busy, and finding a taxi is usually pretty straightforward. If you find you’re stuck, the beautifully ornate Fisherman’s Bastion is just a 15-minute walk away, where it is expected to find taxis parked out front waiting for passengers.
How to get a taxi from Budapest Parliament
The most convenient place to find a taxi near the Budapest Parliament Building is across the road in front of the Kossuth Lajos Square Metro Station, where you’ll find a dedicated taxi area. Alternatively, the Light Museum is just a short walk away, with an official taxi rank near the corners of Hold Utca (Moon Street) and Báthory Utca.
How to take a taxi in Budapest with an app
Using a taxi app to arrange a ride is an excellent option for overcoming a potential language barrier and for peace of mind that the destination and price have been agreed upon upfront. Plus, they can often be more reliable for securing a ride late at night or during poor weather.
That said, while Uber and Bolt are available in Budapest, they currently only link passengers to regular taxi services, which means you’ll still be charged by the meter. Passengers will still receive a price estimate, however, and they can pay by card through the app to eliminate any discrepancies over the final charge.
If you prefer to arrange things ahead of time, there’s also the option to pre-book your taxi with a highly-rated company like Welcome Pickups. This guarantees you a fixed fare with no extra costs and a professional and reliable service.
Useful Budapest taxi numbers
If you don’t have access to the internet, phoning a taxi company directly may be a more reliable option. This way, you can immediately request a taxi to your current location or book one for a specific time.
Many Budapest taxi companies offer this service; most telephone operators speak fluent English. This is a great option if you’re in a remote location or don’t want to wait in the street for a taxi at night.
You can arrange a taxi in Budapest with these numbers:
- Főtaxi: +36 1 222 2222
- 6×6 Taxi: +36 1 666 6666
- City Taxi: +36 2 111 111
- Taxi4: +36 1 444 4444
- Taxim: +36 1 700 0000
Book your Budapest taxi in advance
If you’re planning a long trip, prefer to budget with a set-rate fee, or simply don’t want to risk taking a ‘fake’ taxi, booking your Budapest taxi in advance is a great option.
Pre-booking your taxi can actually save you a lot of money, as the fees are always set. Almost all telephone operators speak English, or they will happily pass you on to someone who does. While on the phone, they will take your name, mobile number, pickup location, and destination. You can ask them for the set-rate fee and agree on a pickup time during this time.
It’s always recommended to book a Budapest taxi in advance if you’ll be traveling on a Friday or Saturday night or during significant city events and public holidays. If you’re looking for great rates and reliable service, book your personalized Budapest Airport transfer with Welcome Pickups.
Budapest taxi tips
- Hungarian bills can all look very similar, so be careful not to hand the driver the wrong amount. If you need to pay with a larger bill, state how much it is when handing it to the driver so they give you the correct amount of change.
- Taxis in Budapest don't have car seats for children. However, you can bring and attach your own at no extra cost.
- If your ride was pleasant, it is customary to tip your driver 10% on top of the total bill.
- Not all drivers speak English, so you may wish to write down your destination or pull it up in Google Maps.
- When telling your driver your destination, make sure to include the district, as many street names are repeated in different districts.
- Most Budapest taxis accept payment in euros but be aware that they will give you a terrible exchange rate.
- Many taxis in Budapest accept credit card payments, but not all of them do. You can ask your driver before entering the taxi if you need to pay by card.
- A standard Budapest taxi can take up to 4 passengers.
- There’s no extra charge for nighttime hours, luggage, or extra passengers.
- Make sure you always ask for your receipt before you leave the taxi so that you can locate an item more easily if you leave anything behind.
Wheelchair-accessible taxis in Budapest
Unfortunately, regular taxis in Budapest’s city center aren’t wheelchair accessible. If you can comfortably sit out of your wheelchair, the driver will happily store it at no extra cost. However, standard taxi vehicles aren’t equipped with wheelchair lifts.
If you need a wheelchair-accessible taxi in Budapest, you must book one in advance with a private company such as Paratrans. They have select vehicles fully outfitted with spacious seating areas and wheelchair lifts and ramps.
- Phone: +36 30 900 1603
- E-mail: [email protected]
Budapest taxi safety and complaints
If your taxi driver was rude, overcharged you, or you feel that you were scammed by an unofficial taxi, you will need to contact the Budapest Tourist Police. Be sure to have your taxi receipt, as this contains the driver’s name, license number, taxi number, the time of your journey, the price, and any other helpful information, such as your route, on hand.
- Budapest Tourist Police Tel: +36 1 438 8080