Public transport in Hungary is a convenient and affordable way to get around, especially in larger cities like Budapest. Here are some practical tips to help you navigate the system more efficiently.
Buying Tickets
Tickets and Travel Cards for public transport in Budapest can be purchased at kiosks, ticket machines, or through the BKK, Budapest Go or Simple app. A single ticket is valid for metro, tram, and bus rides for one ride. In the apps you can also purchase a time-based ticket for either 30 or 90 mins, with this one you can change trams/buses/metro as many times as you want within the given time. You have to validate your ticket by scanning the QR-code upon getting on the vehicle. If you plan to use public transport regularly, consider getting a monthly or weekly travel pass for significant savings. For discounted student tickets, you’ll need to show proof of student status.
Understanding the System
The metro system in Budapest is divided into four lines (M1-M4). The metro is the fastest way to get around the city, but trams and buses are also convenient for shorter trips. Make sure you check the timetable and routes on your app before you set out.
Regional Travel
When traveling outside Budapest, it's good to know that Hungary’s train and bus networks are well-connected, especially to the surrounding countryside and cities. The MÁV (Hungarian State Railways) operates the majority of trains in Hungary, with options ranging from local trains to faster intercity services. Tickets can be bought at train stations or online through their website or apps.
Volánbusz operates long-distance buses that link smaller towns and cities with the capital. You can buy tickets at stations or directly from the bus driver, but it’s often easier and cheaper to purchase in advance through the website or apps.
Extra tip: You can purchase a monthly county pass for just 1 euro more expensive than the city pass and you get to use it on the suburban railway, trains and long-distance buses as well! You can also purchase a monthly country pass for a very friendly price with which you can use all of the public transport across the country.
Tickets and Fines
Don’t forget about the validation process! In Budapest, it's crucial to validate your ticket before boarding or entering the metro. Validating is done by stamping your paper ticket at a validation machine near the metro or bus entrance. For contactless or mobile tickets, the BKK app will automatically validate your ticket when you tap your phone or card at the gate.
It’s also essential to know that fines for traveling without a valid ticket are steep—often up to 16,000 HUF or more, which can be a huge shock, especially for first-time users. The inspectors (often in civilian clothes) can check for tickets at any time, so always make sure you’ve validated your ticket properly.
Regional Travel
When traveling outside Budapest, it's essential to know that MÁV trains offer discounts to young people under the age of 26. These can be purchased online or at train stations. The MÁV app allows you to buy tickets and view schedules, as well as plan train journeys throughout Hungary and to other European destinations.
Also, consider the HÉV suburban trains in the Budapest metropolitan area. These are suburban trains that connect Budapest to nearby towns like Szentendre, Gödöllő, and Vecsés. These are convenient options if you're looking to explore areas outside the city.
For intercity bus travel, Volánbusz operates not just regular routes but also some express services that are faster and more comfortable. You can check their schedules and book tickets online or via the Volánbusz app.
Countrywide Travel Passes
For those who plan to travel longer distances and across the country, besides the above mentioned BKK country pass the MÁV-Start offers countrywide travel passes that provide unlimited travel on the Hungarian rail network, which is extensive and covers all cities, towns, and villages. These passes are available in various forms:
MÁV Annual Pass: If you’re staying for a year in Hungaria for your mobility programand plan to commute frequently, this pass is for unlimited travel on the national rail network for a whole year.
Student Discounts: If you’re a student or under 26, there are significant discounts available for MÁV passes, making train travel more affordable.
Intercity Travel Passes
For longer trips, such as those from Budapest to another major city (e.g., Szeged, Debrecen, or Győr), there are special intercity tickets and passes that combine both bus and train travel. Many of these passes are available for discounted rates for students, young adults, and senior citizens.
You can typically purchase these passes at the MÁV ticket counters, online, or through the MÁV app, and they often include discounts when booking in advance.
Understanding the System out of Budapest
Hungary’s public transport system consists of several key modes of transport:
Trams, Buses, and Trolleys: Most cities and towns in Hungary have a reliable bus and tram network, which are the primary mode of public transport within these areas. Cities like Szeged, Debrecen, Pécs, and Győr all have well-developed networks of trams and buses.
Trains: The MÁV trains connect cities, towns, and even smaller villages across Hungary. Hungary’s rail system is extensive and relatively affordable, with trains running regularly between major cities and regional centers.
Buying Tickets
Tickets and Travel Cards for public transport in Budapest can be purchased at kiosks, ticket machines, or through the BKK, Budapest Go or Simple app. A single ticket is valid for metro, tram, and bus rides for one ride. In the apps you can also purchase a time-based ticket for either 30 or 90 mins, with this one you can change trams/buses/metro as many times as you want within the given time. You have to validate your ticket by scanning the QR-code upon getting on the vehicle. If you plan to use public transport regularly, consider getting a monthly or weekly travel pass for significant savings. For discounted student tickets, you’ll need to show proof of student status.
Understanding the System
The metro system in Budapest is divided into four lines (M1-M4). The metro is the fastest way to get around the city, but trams and buses are also convenient for shorter trips. Make sure you check the timetable and routes on your app before you set out.
Regional Travel
When traveling outside Budapest, it's good to know that Hungary’s train and bus networks are well-connected, especially to the surrounding countryside and cities. The MÁV (Hungarian State Railways) operates the majority of trains in Hungary, with options ranging from local trains to faster intercity services. Tickets can be bought at train stations or online through their website or apps.
Volánbusz operates long-distance buses that link smaller towns and cities with the capital. You can buy tickets at stations or directly from the bus driver, but it’s often easier and cheaper to purchase in advance through the website or apps.
Extra tip: You can purchase a monthly county pass for just 1 euro more expensive than the city pass and you get to use it on the suburban railway, trains and long-distance buses as well! You can also purchase a monthly country pass for a very friendly price with which you can use all of the public transport across the country.
Tickets and Fines
Don’t forget about the validation process! In Budapest, it's crucial to validate your ticket before boarding or entering the metro. Validating is done by stamping your paper ticket at a validation machine near the metro or bus entrance. For contactless or mobile tickets, the BKK app will automatically validate your ticket when you tap your phone or card at the gate.
It’s also essential to know that fines for traveling without a valid ticket are steep—often up to 16,000 HUF or more, which can be a huge shock, especially for first-time users. The inspectors (often in civilian clothes) can check for tickets at any time, so always make sure you’ve validated your ticket properly.
Regional Travel
When traveling outside Budapest, it's essential to know that MÁV trains offer discounts to young people under the age of 26. These can be purchased online or at train stations. The MÁV app allows you to buy tickets and view schedules, as well as plan train journeys throughout Hungary and to other European destinations.
Also, consider the HÉV suburban trains in the Budapest metropolitan area. These are suburban trains that connect Budapest to nearby towns like Szentendre, Gödöllő, and Vecsés. These are convenient options if you're looking to explore areas outside the city.
For intercity bus travel, Volánbusz operates not just regular routes but also some express services that are faster and more comfortable. You can check their schedules and book tickets online or via the Volánbusz app.
Countrywide Travel Passes
For those who plan to travel longer distances and across the country, besides the above mentioned BKK country pass the MÁV-Start offers countrywide travel passes that provide unlimited travel on the Hungarian rail network, which is extensive and covers all cities, towns, and villages. These passes are available in various forms:
MÁV Annual Pass: If you’re staying for a year in Hungaria for your mobility programand plan to commute frequently, this pass is for unlimited travel on the national rail network for a whole year.
Student Discounts: If you’re a student or under 26, there are significant discounts available for MÁV passes, making train travel more affordable.
Intercity Travel Passes
For longer trips, such as those from Budapest to another major city (e.g., Szeged, Debrecen, or Győr), there are special intercity tickets and passes that combine both bus and train travel. Many of these passes are available for discounted rates for students, young adults, and senior citizens.
You can typically purchase these passes at the MÁV ticket counters, online, or through the MÁV app, and they often include discounts when booking in advance.
Understanding the System out of Budapest
Hungary’s public transport system consists of several key modes of transport:
Trams, Buses, and Trolleys: Most cities and towns in Hungary have a reliable bus and tram network, which are the primary mode of public transport within these areas. Cities like Szeged, Debrecen, Pécs, and Győr all have well-developed networks of trams and buses.
Trains: The MÁV trains connect cities, towns, and even smaller villages across Hungary. Hungary’s rail system is extensive and relatively affordable, with trains running regularly between major cities and regional centers.