Budapest Public Transport Guide: Tickets, Prices, Apps & Tips
Budapest has one of the most affordable, efficient, and well-connected public transport systems in Europe. Be it buses, metro, tram or even boats, getting around the city is easy and convenient. In this guide, you'll find everything you need to know about ticket options, prices, public transport apps, and tips for navigating Budapest like a local. 🚋🏙️
Where to get tickets for public transport in Budapest?
The Budapest Go App is the best option for buying tickets, planning trips, and getting real-time info on buses, trams, and subways. Alternatively, you can buy tickets on buses, but only with cash. Main stations also have machines for tickets, but are unreliable, and a bit tricky to use, so the app is recommended.
How much does public transport cost?
Public transport in Budapest is relatively cheap. A single ticket costs 450 HUF, but travel passes (24-hour, 72-hour, or weekly) offer better value for tourists.
Here are the current prices for Budapest public transport tickets and passes:
Single ticket: 450 HUF – only a single ride, no changes allowed.
30-minute ticket: 530 HUF – change as many times as you want within 30 minutes of activating the ticket.
90-minute ticket: 750 HUF - change as many times as you want within 90 minutes of activating the ticket.
24-hour Budapest-travelcard: 2,500 HUF
72-hour Budapest-travelcard: 5,500 HUF
15-day Budapest-pass: 5,950 HUF
Monthly Budapest-pass: 8,950 HUF
How to get from Budapest Airport to the city center?
Shared Airport Shuttle (MiniBUD):
Cost: ~4,000 HUF (approximately €12 or $13) per person
Duration: Varies depending on stops
Available 24/7
Airport Express Bus (100E):
Cost: 2,200 HUF (approximately €6 or $6.50)
Duration: 45-60 minutes
Frequency: Every 7-10 minutes during the day, 30-40 minutes at night
Operates 24/7
Taxi:
Cost: 10,800 HUF (approximately €27-30 or $30-33)
Duration: 30-35 minutes
Available 24/7
Public Bus 200E + Metro:
Cost: 950 HUF (approximately €2.50 or $2.70)
Duration: 45-55 minutes
Requires a transfer at Kőbánya-Kispest station
For more information on other modes of transport (Taxi, carsharing, bikes, scooters) check out our article!
Frequently Asked Questions:
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Budapest has plenty of bike-lanes, and a generally safe environment for biking. Exploring the city while biking is super common and really fun! The cheapest and easiest option is to rent bikes from MOL Bubi by the minute, or by buying a monthly pass for 1500 HUF giving you unlimited rides of under 30 minutes.
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Yes, generally all of Budapests public transportation is safe, and so is Budapest. They have police and security regularly monitoring in the central routes, and cameras on most rides. Although altercations are rare, keeping an eye out for shady figures is advised when traveling on a nightbus, or tram 4-6 at night.
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Yes, Budapest has four metro lines (M1, M2, M3, M4) that cover key areas, including major tourist attractions. They run often and are safe and clean.
