Getting around the capital city has never been so easy! Budapest has become a sprawling metropolis with numerous transport options available for both locals and tourists.
If you’re looking to be a public transport expert before you arrive in Budapest, check out this comprehensive guide to all things public transport put out by the BKK just for tourists! You can download the PDF file here for use online or off.
You’ll learn about everything from;
- Trolleybus
- Metro
- Suburban Railway
- Boat
- Tram
- Bus
- Bicycle
For the purposes of this article, we’ll stick to the top transportation methods available to and from your new apartment.
Biking and Walking
For active couples and families biking and walking is a great alternative to hopping on a crowded bus, boat, or tram. Stop wherever you like to check out shops or just take in the cityscape.
One of the most popular biking and walking routes in Budapest is the Danube route. Luckily for you, you can easily get on fairly close to Anna’s apartment. Check out the map below to see just how easy it is along with several other options for biking and exploring the city.
At less than 3km from Budapest City Centre, you’ll only have about a 30-35 minute walk… assuming you don’t stop to enjoy many of the shopping destinations and cafe’s along the way!
But biking in the streets has become more pleasant as of late as well. More and more bike lanes are being put into streets across the city. In fact, Budapest now holds the 13th spot on the most bike-friendly cities in the world.
Bike rental is readily available in Budapest also. Ask Anna about available options in your area.
Budapest even has a bike sharing program called the BuBi (Budapest Bicycle). Once registered riders can use bikes for free up to 30 minutes. After 30 minutes, you’ll be charge 500 HUF/ 30 minutes. Download the app in the GooglePlay Store here to find a location near you.
Payment method: Credit card
In many cases, you can also transport your bike via many public transportation hubs as well. You can take your bicycle on board public transport boats, several bus lines as well as several tram lines. For more information on exact routes that accept bicycles, please visit their website here.
Tram and Train Services
Trains and trams are often the most reliable source of transportation. You can easily get to just about any sight or attraction you desire throughout the city.
Children under 6 years of age can ride trams and metro trains for free.
Adults over the age of 65 get free transportation including railway transit as well.
Metro Lines in Budapest
While you’ll have more options when traveling by day (approx every 2-4 minutes during rush hour), nighttime travel via the metro train is not out of the questions. The metro runs from 4:30am to 11:10pm.
The four-line metro system to be familiar with are:
- M1-Underground
- M2-Red Line
- M3-Blue Line
- M4
The M1, M2, and M3 have a common meeting point at only at Deák tér.
Trams in Budapest
Trams run approximately every 3-6 minutes throughout the day and during evenings you can expect them about every 10 minutes apart. Most trams run from 7am to 8pm. However, tram 6 runs all night. Tram 2 runs from 6am-midnight.
Be aware, trams run on slightly different schedules and can be less frequent or on Sundays and holidays. If you’re unsure about the schedule, check the website which can be found here, for more information.
There are over 30 tram lines in Budapest. However, the major tram lines you’ll find yourself using are as follows:
- 2 (runs along the Danube, between Jászai Mari tér (at Margaret Bridge) and Közvágóhíd in IX. district)
- 4 (between Újbuda Központ and Széll Kálmán tér)
- 6 (between Móricz Zsigmond körtér and Széll Kálmán tér)
The number 2 tram is known as one of the most scenic routes, as it follows the Danube to the city center. You can hop on the #2 within close proximity to Anna’s apartment. Ask Anna for directions or take a look at the map below for more info on where to grab the #2 and head downtown.
Price chart and important information regarding tram and metro transport:
TUI River Cruises
https://www.tui.co.uk/river-cruises/danube/budapest-port/
Boat to City Centre
If you plan to visit from Spring to the Fall/Autumn season, you’re in luck. There’s also a wonderful boat ride located only minutes from the apartment. It’s a lovely way to take in the scenic Danube and experience the river.
Keep in mind, the boat does not run through the winter months.
For more information about how to take the Danube boat, speak with Anna.
Payment method: Free during the week with the public transport card.
Travelling by Taxi
For the most part taking a taxi is neither the quickest or most economical route when travelling throughout the city of Budapest. However, sometimes it is unavoidable. Flagging a taxi is fairly easy but there are a few things to look out for.
Payment method: Hungarian forint and yellow taxi’s also with credit card
To learn more about travelling via taxi, take a look at our taxi safety guide, which you can find here.
