Although Budapest is a sizeable city with almost two million people, it's easily walkable - most points of interest are within the Grand Boulevard in Pest, and near the Danube bank in Buda. The more far-flung locations are best accessed by public transport or MOL Bubi, the city's bike sharing network or Lime scooters.
Budapest has an excellent system of public transport. Today there are four metro lines, as well as a network of trams, trolley-buses and buses. The M1 line is the second-oldest underground railway in the world, and is probably the cutest little subway, and is even listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Tickets (which are accepted on all forms of public transport) can be purchased from the vending machines located at most stations or some hotels can provide them.
Tickets are available as single tickets (HUF 350/cca. 1.1 Euro) or in books of 10 (HUF 3000/cca. 9.2 Euro), alternatively, you can buy passes granting unlimited travel for 24 or 72 hours.
Do not forget to validate your ticket! You need to validate your ticket by inserting it into punching machines at the entrance to metro stations or on joining a bus/tram/trolley-bus. Ticket inspections are very common and can issue on-the-spot fines if you are travelling with invalidated ticket. Note that on some buses and trams you can only get on through the front door and you have to present a ticket or pass to the driver.
The Budapest Card – which gives free or discounted entry to many attractions around the city – also works as a transport pass. it is available for 24, 48, 72, 86 or 120 hours.
Daytime services are available between 4.30 a.m. and 11.30 p.m., while at night you can get around with night buses or Tram No. 6, which runs round the clock.
For more information, please check the following website: https://bkk.hu/en/
Click here to download the map of metro and suburban railway system of Budapest: https://bkk.hu/apps/docs/terkep/metro.pdf
Other useful maps to download are available here: https://bkk.hu/en/timetables-trip-planner/maps/
Taxis
All licenced taxis are painted yellow, they use a uniform charging system, must have a visible meter and they must accept credit card payment. Make sure to get the receipt printed by the taximeter at the end of your journey to ensure a swift remedy for whatever complaint you may have.
To avoid any inconveniences please use branded taxi companies such as:
- City Taxi: +36 1 211 1111
- 6x6 Taxi: +36 1 666 6666
- Fő Taxi: +36 1 222 2222