PUBLIC TRANSPORTS
Budapest's public transportation systems are operated by the company BKV. The service includes buses, trolleybuses, trams, underground trains (Metro) and above-ground suburban trains (HÉV). Buses, trams and trolleybuses run daily from 4.30 a.m. until 11.0 p.m.
Tickets or passes must be bought before boarding; you cannot buy them from the driver. They are available at Metro stations, tobacconists and newsagents, and from vending machines at many bus and tram stops in the city centre.
Tickets
Single ticket - HUF 350 (1€)
Block of 10 tickets - HUF 3 000 (9.5€)
Budapest 24-hour travelcard - HUF 1 650 (5.5€)
When using single tickets, a new ticket has to be validated at the beginning of each journey, and this is done by inserting it into the slot in the small red or orange box situated at waist height near the doors of buses, trolleybuses, trams and HÉV trains. On the Underground system these boxes are in the stations at the top of the escalator. There are many ticket inspectors: they can ask to see tickets and passes on any vehicle and anywhere on the Metro system, including after you have got off - remember to validate your ticket and keep hold of it!
Citizens from the European Union over the age of 65 years can travel free of charge on BKV Budapest public transport services when they present to inspectors a personal identity card or document certifying their citizenship.
TAXI
Since Uber doesn't operate in Budapest - 😞 - you will need to rely on Taxis to take you from point A to point B, safely and reliably. All taxameters are equipped with a receipt-printing function, displaying the fares charged and identification of the driver. A typical journey in Budapest should cost around 5€. It is customary to tip the driver about 10% of the full fare, if you were satisfied with the service.
Some drivers are known for notoriously overcharging tourists. It is better to order from a reliable company than just hailing one in the street.
The Taxify app is a great way to move around in Budapest. It connects you with the best drivers and allows you to rate them at the end of the trip. You can add your credit card to the app so that you're automatically charged when you arrive.
