Public Transportation
Budapest has an extensive public transportation system with trams, metros, buses and more, which can be very confusing even to locals.
BKK
All these vehicles and lines are under the control of BKK (Centre for Budapest Transport), whose site you can find here. Their website contains all their available lines, routes and news about upcoming constructions or detours due to planned or unexpected events.
For information on traffic changes with details on times, affected lines and maps, check out BKK Info on their website or mobile app.
They also have a trip planner service, BKK Futár, which lets you see the fastest route to your destination with travel times, a map and alternate routes.
For information on traffic changes with details on times, affected lines and maps, check out BKK Info on their website or mobile app.
They also have a trip planner service, BKK Futár, which lets you see the fastest route to your destination with travel times, a map and alternate routes.
Tickets and Passes
If you want to venture into the city by public transportation you will need a ticket or a pass to travel legally. There are several options to choose from ranging from one trip tickets to yearly passes. BKK also provides discounts to students and pensioners, so be sure to check them out before purchasing if you are eligible. You can find the types and prices here.
If you are staying for a weekend or a short time and planning to travel in the city, we would recommend getting one of these:
- Budapest 72-hour travelcard
- Budapest 7-day travelcard
- 15-day Budapest-pass
For longer periods, there is an option for a monthly, quarterly or annual pass.
You can purchase these tickets and passes at:
BKK machines
BKK Customer Service Centres
Post offices (tickets only)
On where to find these machines and centres, check out BKK’s interactive map called Pontkereső.
MÁV
For longer travels to different cities, both in Hungary or abroad, you might consider using the Hungarian State Railways (MÁV)
Elvira is a route planning service operated by MÁV-START. Both on their website and inside the app, you can choose your starting and endpoint, dates and different discounts that apply to you.
If you want to get information on any MÁV train on the go, your best option is MÁV’s own mobile app, MÁV (Vonatinfó). Inside the app you can plan your journey, check arrivals and departures, get information on trains and stations, look at train lines on your map and look for tickets.
Elvira is a route planning service operated by MÁV-START. Both on their website and inside the app, you can choose your starting and endpoint, dates and different discounts that apply to you.
If you want to get information on any MÁV train on the go, your best option is MÁV’s own mobile app, MÁV (Vonatinfó). Inside the app you can plan your journey, check arrivals and departures, get information on trains and stations, look at train lines on your map and look for tickets.
Tickets
There are several ways of buying a train ticket in Hungary. Here is a list of your different options:
Ticket office
At most stations you will find a ticket office where you can buy your ticket for the ride. They are also able to help you which ticket to choose, as they can be cheaper, for example, if you have a BKK pass.
Ticket machine
They are very similar to BKK ticket machines. You have to select your starting point, your destination and anything that would modify your ticket, having a BKK pass, being a pensioner, etc., then you have to decide on your payment method and receive the ticket.
Ticket inspector
You can buy tickets on the train from the ticket inspector, but only if there were no ticket machines or a ticket office at the station where you hopped on the train.
E-ticket
There is an option to buy train tickets on their website. You simply have to follow the same steps as with the ticket machines, except you can only pay with card. MÁV will give you an electronic bill confirming your purchase. Lastly, you will either have to present your ticket on your phone to the ticket inspector, or print it out on an A4, white paper.
If you want to use this option, be sure to check if you are buying an e-ticket, because they are different from an online purchasable ticket. The latter has to be taken from one of the ticket machines.
Main terminals
Budapest-Keleti Railway Station
Address: Budapest, 1087
Budapest-Nyugati Railway Station
Address: Budapest, 1065
Budapest-Déli Railway Station
Address: Budapest, 1012
Travelling with pets
BKK
If you travel with your pet on any BKK (Centre for Budapest Transport) vehicle there a few rules you have to follow.
Small animals, such as, cats, birds, small dogs, etc., should be in carrier bags or cages. You do not have to buy a separate ticket for them.
However, medium and large dogs should be kept on a leash and wear a muzzle while aboard the vehicle. You should also purchase a ticket for them.
MÁV
In case of MÁV trains, live animals can only be transported in 2nd class cars, with the exception of blind dogs and service dogs. Small dogs and other small animals should be put into cages or holders where they cannot cause harm to others. You only need to buy a separate ticket for dogs, all other animals can travel for free.
Bigger dogs have to be on a leash and wear a muzzle. Dogs over 20 kgs can only be transported at the end of the passenger car. You also need to have your dog’s valid vaccination certificate on hand. Additionally, 1 person can only travel with up to 2 dogs.
