Navigating a new city can often be a daunting task for even the most seasoned traveler. Fortunately for travelers and locals alike, the Budapest Public Transport system, or BKK, is affordable, fast, and pretty easy to get accustomed to.
Public transport in Budapest is quick, efficient, and affordable; nevertheless, it certainly helps to know a bit about how the system works beforehand. In order to help you have the easiest, most comfortable ride possible, we’ve put together a quick overview of how public transportation works in the Hungarian capital.
Getting from A to B in Budapest
The Metro System
Budapest has four metro lines: the Yellow (M1), Red (M2), Blue (M3), and Green (M4) lines. Together, these underground rail lines connect the city, north to south, and east to west. They’re fast and convenient; and if that weren’t enough, the stations of the newest line, the M4, have won numerous architectural prizes for their bold design. Whether you want to get to Heroes’ Square, Parliament, the Gellert Baths, or the Corvin Quarter, many of Budapest’s greatest sights are just a quick metro ride away.
One of the award-winning metro stations of the M4 line, a true gem of the BKK system (credit:Flickr.com)
Fun fact: the Yellow Line, or M1, was built for the 1896 Millennium exhibition, and was the first underground rail line on the European continent!
Trams, Trolleys, Boats, and Buses
While the underground metro system is certainly fast, it won’t take you everywhere. In addition, due to the fact that it’s, well, underground, it doesn’t offer much in the way of a view. Fortunately, though, the Budapest public transport system offers a variety of ways to get around town, from buses to trolleys to trams, and even boats.
The most popular tram line in the city is the 4-6, which runs along Budapest’s bustling great ring boulevard at all hours of the day. Another popular line is the 2, which runs along the banks of the Danube on the Pest side of the city. As such, this tram is also a great way to take in the sights, as a trip on it will take you past Budapest’s most iconic bridges and the Parliament building, all while offering a great view of the Castle Hill.
The Combino trams represent the modernity of transportation in Budapest (credit:wikipedia.org)
And if the trams aren’t scenic enough, you can always take a cruise on Budapest’s public transportation boat lines. For the price of one public transportation ticket, tourists and locals alike can hop on a cruise running up and down the river and take in many of the beautiful sights downtown Budapest has to offer.
Logistics: Budapest Public Transport Tickets, Passes, Prices, and More
While the public transport in Budapest is certainly a user-friendly one, there are a few things you should be aware of before you hop onto a subway car, bus, tram, trolley, or boat in the Hungarian capital.
First and foremost, be sure to actually have a ticket or pass. While this might seem obvious, every year thousands of tourists are stopped and fined by undercover ticket inspectors. Considering how reasonably priced fares are, and how much of a hassle dealing with fines can be, it’s simply not worth it to take the risk of riding without paying. And on a related note: if you’re using tickets, be sure to punch them!
A map of the sprawling Budapest public transport system (credit:wikipedia.org)
You can buy Budapest Public Transport tickets and passes at service counters located in certain metro stations, or at automated kiosks that can be found at bus, tram, and metro stops throughout Budapest. The transportation authority sells individual, one-ride tickets rides ($1.25 USD), as well as packs of 10 tickets ($10.50). Alternatively, can also purchase individual 24-hour ($6) or 74-hour ($15) passes, as well as 15- and 30-day passes for those spending a longer time in the city. In addition, for those travelling together, a group pass ($12) allows 24 hours of unlimited travel for up to five people.
Where to Stay in Budapest?
After using Budapest’s public transportation network to traverse the city and see some of its truly breathtaking sights, you’ll eventually want a place to kick your feet up and just relax. Fortunately, with its great location, comfortable rooms, and luxurious accommodations, ESCALA Hotel and Suites is your best bet.
Located on the Pest side of the city, in the Corvin Quarter, ESCALA is ideally located for your stay in the Hungarian capital. And, since ESCALA is within easy walking distance of the both the 4-6 Tram and Metro Line 3, you’ll be on your way to wherever you want to go in no time at all.