Budapest public transport: How to get around Budapest

Discover how to use Budapest public transport, from the public transport options you can take to how much Budapest public transport tickets cost.

Ellie

5 minute read

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17 Sep 2024

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Living

When you move to a new city like Budapest, you need to learn how to navigate your new home. Budapest has so much to offer to an international who wants to explore life in a different country, and what better way to explore your new home than with Budapest public transport. Public transport in Budapest is an efficient and affordable way to get to know the city better and make it feel more like home!

In this article, we’ll discuss all there is to know about Budapest’s public transport system and give you some tips on how to use it.

Public transport in Budapest is very affordable, no matter which tickets you purchase. If you’re living there, getting a monthly pass will probably be more affordable if you plan to use Budapest public transport a lot. All public transport in Budapest is operated by the BKK (Budapesti Közlekedési Központ), who set the following ticket prices:

Where to buy Budapest public transport tickets

You can get your public transport tickets in Budapest:

• On the BudapestGo app
• On the BKK website
• In a ticket office or vending machine
• In some shops and customer service centres

How public transport tickets work in Budapest

To validate your single transport ticket in Budapest, you’ll need to do the following:

For digital tickets: Scan the code at the entrance of the metro or outside by the doors on trams and buses

For paper tickets: Validate using the validating machine

You don’t need to validate monthly travel passes.

Budapest’s public transport system offers plenty of options that can help you get from A to B quickly. In Budapest, you can find:

• Metros
• Buses
• Trams

Let’s take a closer look at each type of public transport in Budapest.

The historical Budapest metro system has 4 lines, each a different colour.

1. M1 - Yellow line: The M1 line is the oldest of the Budapest metro lines. It extends the 5km from Mexikói út to Vörösmarty tér. The M1 line stops at a lot of tourist hotspots so this line is often very busy.

2. M2 - Red line: The M2 line connects east and west Budapest from Örs vezér tere to Déli pályaudvar. You can connect easily to HÉV trains at the eastern stop of Örs vezér tere. The M2 line crosses the Danube and is great for getting around the centre of Budapest.

3. M3 - Blue line: The M3 line connects north and south of the eastern (or Pest) side of Budapest from Kobánya–Kispest to Újpest-Központ. The M3 line is commonly used by those who take the 200E bus from the airport as it ends at Kobánya–Kispest.

4. M4 - Green line: Budapest’s newest line, which opened in 2014, connects Keleti to Kelenföld and crosses over the M3 at the Kálvin tér stop. Keleti and Kelenföld are two of the main railway stations in Budapest. There’re plans to extend the M4 line so it goes from Gazdagrét to Újpalota Bovítés.

Construction on Budapest’s metro

The M5 line is currently under construction, which will connect Varga Jeno tér to Pomázi út. The first sections of this line aren’t expected to be completed until 2030.

What hours does the Budapest metro run?

The Budapest metro lines all run from 4:30 AM to 11:50 PM every day. The frequency of Budapest metros varies throughout the day, but you can expect one to come every 5 to 10 minutes or every 15 minutes during quieter hours.

Buses are one of the most popular public transport options for getting around Budapest, with over 200 lines running across the city. During the day, buses in Budapest run roughly every 6-10 minutes and every 10-15 minutes in the early morning or evening.

As buses in Budapest are operated by BKK, you can use your standard public transport ticket or pass to ride them unless otherwise indicated. For example, some buses, like the 100E, will charge more to take you to the airport—this bus requires a special ticket.

The majority of buses in Budapest operate between 4:30 AM and 11:50 PM. After 11:30 PM, you have a number of night buses to help you get home safely.

Does Budapest have night buses?

Budapest has 41 bus lines which offer night services. You don’t have to pay extra to use the night bus. You can use the same pass or ticket you use during the day.

If you need to buy a ticket on the spot, you can purchase one at a BKK ticket vending machine or from the driver. You can also buy a ticket on the BudapestGo app or the BKK website.

Night buses in Budapest run roughly every 30-40 minutes. The main hubs of the transport network at night are:

• Astoria
• Deák Ferenc tér
• Móricz Zsigmond körtér
• Blaha Lujza tér
• Örs vezér tere
• Széll Kálmán tér

Budapest is home to over 40 tram lines, which are a popular way to navigate the city centre. Some tram lines will also connect the suburban outskirts to the centre of Budapest.

Trams in Budapest run between 4:30 AM and 11:50 PM every day. The frequency of trams varies depending on how much each line is used and the time of day. The most frequently used lines have a tram roughly every 5 to 10 minutes. This includes lines commonly used by tourists, such as the 2, 19, and 41V.

You can use your BKK pass or ticket to use trams, and the prices are the same.

The night tram line

Budapest has 1 tram line which provides a night service. Tram line 6 runs 24/7, so you can get home safely after a night in Budapest.

1. Plan your journey: Use the BKK website or mobile app to plan your routes and check schedules. This helps you navigate the city more easily and avoid confusion.

2. Keep your ticket handy: Ticket inspectors often check tickets on public transport. Always have your ticket ready and validate it before boarding if necessary.

3. Prepare for rush hours: Public transport can be crowded during peak hours (usually 7-9 AM and 4-6 PM). Depending on your schedule, it may be hard to avoid travelling at these times, but you should prepare to deal with crowds.

4. Learn basic Hungarian phrases: Although most signs and announcements are in English, knowing a few Hungarian words can be helpful and appreciated by locals.

5. Watch your belongings: As with any large city, keep an eye on your personal items, especially during rush hours. When public transport is full, it can be harder to notice that you’ve been pickpocketed.

Getting around Budapest is straightforward when you have so many excellent public transport options to choose from. If you’re preparing to move to Budapest or you’ve just started to explore homes for rent in Budapest, getting to know the public transport that’ll help you get around is a great first step. Once you get here, you’ll quickly realise why so many people say it’s the best place to live in Hungary!