I’ll never forget my first time navigating Budapest’s public transport. Standing in front of a ticket machine at Deák Ferenc tér, squinting at the seemingly endless array of ticket options while a queue formed behind me.
But here’s the thing about Budapest: what initially seems complex quickly becomes one of the most navigable and efficient transport systems you’ll find in any European capital.
Budapest’s comprehensive network of metros, trams, buses, and boats isn’t just functional—it’s part of what makes this city special. The charming yellow M1 line (the continent’s oldest underground railway), the scenic tram 2 running alongside the Danube, and the surprisingly efficient night bus system have all become characters in my Budapest story. And they’ll become part of yours too.
Read on for everything you need to know about getting around Budapest like you’ve been doing it for years, from the ticket types that’ll save you money to the unwritten rules that’ll help you blend in with the locals.
Understanding Budapest’s Transport Network
Budapest’s public transportation system is managed by the Centre for Budapest Transport (BKK), and I’ve got to say, they run a tight ship. The network is extensive, clean, punctual, and—compared to other European capitals—wonderfully affordable.
The system consists of:
- Metro lines: Four color-coded lines (M1 to M4) connecting major parts of the city
- Trams: 33 lines snaking through the city, including the busy routes 4 and 6 along the Grand Boulevard
- Buses: Over 200 routes, including 40 night lines that keep the city connected after dark
- Trolleybuses: 15 lines primarily serving the Pest side
- HÉV lines: Suburban railways connecting the city to outlying areas
- Boats: Services like D11 and D12 operating on the Danube
- Specialty services: Unique options like the Castle Hill Funicular and Zugliget Chairlift
What I love most about Budapest’s transport is how the different modes complement each other. Miss a metro? There’s probably a tram or bus heading your direction within minutes.
Tickets and Passes: What to Buy
Let’s talk money. Budapest offers various ticket and pass options, and choosing the right one can save you a decent chunk of change.
Single Tickets and Short Rides
- Single Ticket: 450 Ft (about $1.25 USD)—valid for one uninterrupted journey
- Single Ticket Bought Onboard: 600 Ft—available from drivers (but expect some serious side-eye from locals if you hold up the queue)
- Block of 10 Tickets: 4,000 Ft—a slightly better value if you’re taking multiple trips
- 30-minute Ticket: 530 Ft—allows unlimited transfers within half an hour
- 90-minute Ticket: 750 Ft—perfect for longer journeys with multiple transfers
Travel Cards
- 24-hour Budapest Travelcard: 2,500 Ft—unlimited travel for a full day
- 72-hour Budapest Travelcard: 5,500 Ft—the sweet spot for most visitors, offering excellent value at less than $5 per day for unlimited transport
- Budapest Card: Starting at 14,990 Ft for 24 hours—includes unlimited transport plus discounts to attractions (worth it if you plan to visit several museums or thermal baths)
Top tip: If you’re staying for 3-4 days, the 72-hour travelcard is almost always your best option. Unless you’re planning to walk most places, you’ll quickly surpass the breakeven point of about 4 rides per day.
Airport Transport
The airport deserves special mention because it has its own ticketing rules. You have two main options:
- Bus 100E (Airport Express): Requires a special ticket at 2,200 Ft—direct service to the city center in about 30-40 minutes
- Bus 200E + Metro: Accepts regular tickets or passes but takes longer (about an hour) and requires a transfer at Kőbánya-Kispest station
Bear in mind that if you’re arriving late or leaving early, the 100E has a more limited schedule, so check the timetable before counting on it.
How to Buy and Validate Tickets
Getting caught without a valid ticket isn’t just embarrassing—it can result in hefty fines. Here’s how to stay legitimate:
Purchasing Options
- BudapestGO App: The most convenient option—plan routes and buy digital tickets right on your phone
- Ticket Vending Machines: Available at major stops and stations, offering multiple languages and accepting both cash and cards (though I’d recommend card payments, as the machines sometimes get fussy with cash)
- Customer Service Centers: Located at major transport hubs if you need assistance
- Budapest Pay&GO: On the 100E Airport Express bus and at M1 metro stations, you can tap your contactless bank card for instant ticket purchase and validation
Validation—Don’t Skip This Step!
- Paper Tickets: Must be validated in the yellow machines located at station entrances or near vehicle doors
- Digital Tickets: Validate by scanning the QR code or using NFC at validation points
- Travelcards and Passes: Show when requested by inspectors
The good news is that once a single ticket is validated, you can typically continue your journey to the end of the line without additional validation—except when changing between metro lines, which requires a new ticket.
Metro Line Highlights
Each of Budapest’s metro lines has its own personality:
- M1 (Yellow Line): The continent’s oldest underground railway outside London, opened in 1896. It’s shallow, charming, and runs beneath Andrássy Avenue, connecting the city center with Heroes’ Square and City Park. The vintage stations are an attraction in themselves, with their oxblood tiling and wrought-iron entrances.
- M2 (Red Line): Connects Buda and Pest, with stops near major attractions like Parliament and the Buda Castle district.
- M3 (Blue Line): Recently renovated, this line runs north-south through Pest, connecting residential areas to the city center.
- M4 (Green Line): The newest and deepest line, featuring futuristic stations with natural light filtering down from street level.
What I particularly appreciate about the metro is how clean and efficient it is. Trains arrive every 2-3 minutes during peak hours, and stations are well-maintained and generally accessible via elevators (especially on the newer M4 line and renovated M3 stations).
Tram Routes You Shouldn’t Miss
Budapest’s trams aren’t just about getting from A to B—some routes offer experiences comparable to tourist sightseeing buses:
- Tram 2: Runs along the Danube on the Pest side, offering stunning views of the Buda Hills, Castle, and bridges. It’s essentially a sightseeing tour for the price of a regular ticket.
- Trams 4 and 6: Europe’s busiest tram lines run 24/7 along the Grand Boulevard (Nagykörút), connecting major transport hubs. The trams themselves are modern and spacious—keep an eye out for the world’s longest articulated trams (CAF Urbos 3/9).
- Tram 1: Traverses along the Buda side of the Danube offering different perspectives of the river and Pest.
Top tip: If you’re short on time, a ride on tram 2 should be on your Budapest bucket list. Try to grab a seat on the river side for the best views of the Chain Bridge and Parliament.
After Hours: Night Transport
One thing I genuinely love about Budapest is that the city doesn’t shut down after the last metro. The night transport network kicks in from about 11:30 PM to 4:30 AM:
- Night Buses: Routes numbered 900-999 cover most of the city
- 24-hour Trams: Lines 4 and 6 run continuously, day and night
- Weekend Night Tram: Line 2 operates all night on Friday and Saturday
Night buses typically run every 30-60 minutes, with more frequent service on weekends. They follow routes similar to daytime buses, but always check the night network map—it’s not an exact match.
The best part? Your regular tickets and passes work on night services too. No surcharges or special night tickets needed.
Alternative Transport Options
While the public transport system is comprehensive, sometimes you might want other options:
MOL Bubi Bike-Sharing
Budapest’s bright green bikes are available for rent throughout the central areas. The first 30 minutes are included in the basic rental fee, making it perfect for short trips. The city has invested in decent bike lanes, though be cautious—not all drivers are used to sharing the road.
E-Scooters
Services like LIME, TIER, and Bird have scattered their scooters throughout the city. They’re convenient but relatively expensive compared to public transport. Remember to park them considerately—locals aren’t fans of scooters abandoned in the middle of sidewalks.
Taxis and Ride-Sharing
Always use official taxis (yellow with a taxi sign and company logo) or the Bolt app. The taxi market is regulated in Budapest, with fixed tariffs, but unofficial “freelance” taxis can still sometimes try to overcharge tourists. Insist on the meter being used, and keep Google Maps open on your phone to check the route.
Tips and Tricks for Transport Like a Local
Here’s where my years of navigating Budapest come in handy:
- Ticket inspectors are real and vigilant: They often wear plain clothes and check at metro exits or board trams unexpectedly. Always have your validated ticket or pass ready.
- Stand on the right, walk on the left: This unspoken escalator etiquette is strictly observed, especially during rush hour.
- Mind the doors: Metro doors don’t have sensors and will close on the dot, whether you’re in the way or not.
- Validate before boarding metro lines: Unlike in some cities, you need to validate your ticket before descending to the platform in most stations.
- Don’t eat or drink: Consuming food on public transport is frowned upon and can result in fines.
- Google Maps works well: While the BudapestGO app provides more detailed transport information, Google Maps is reliable for general route planning.
- Look for the “next vehicle” electronic displays: Most stops have real-time information showing when the next service will arrive.
Example Journey: Airport to Downtown
Let me walk you through a typical journey from the airport to the city center:
- At the airport: Follow signs for “Bus” from the terminal
- Option 1 (faster): Board Bus 100E with your Airport Shuttle Bus Single Ticket (2,200 Ft) for a direct ride to Deák Ferenc tér in the city center
- Option 2 (cheaper if you have a travel card): Take Bus 200E to Kőbánya-Kispest metro station, then transfer to metro line M3 to reach the city center
The 100E is worth the extra cost for most visitors—it’s more comfortable, has dedicated luggage space, and removes the hassle of transferring with bags.
Can’t Misses
If you’re a transport enthusiast or just want some unique experiences:
- Ride the M1 historic metro: The charming yellow line with its beautiful stations is a UNESCO World Heritage site
- Take the Castle Hill Funicular: While pricey for the short ride, the views are spectacular
- Catch a boat on the Danube: The public transport boats offer wonderful views for the price of a regular ticket (though they don’t run in winter)
- Try the Cogwheel Railway (Tram 60): This unique tram climbs the Buda hills, offering nice views and access to hiking areas
Budapest’s public transport isn’t just functional—it’s part of the city’s character. The historic metro stations, the rattling trams across the Danube, and the efficiency of the entire system contribute to what makes this city special.
What I appreciate most is how it balances affordability with quality. For the equivalent of a single London tube journey, you could have a full day of unlimited travel in Budapest. It’s clean, safe, and comprehensive enough that you rarely need to wait more than a few minutes for a connection.
So grab a 72-hour pass, download the BudapestGO app, and experience the city like a local. Just remember to validate your ticket—those inspectors don’t care how charming you find their city.