Airports & Stations

Budapest

Budapest

Logistics for Liszt Ferenc Airport (BUD) and the historic Keleti and Nyugati train stations.

Overview

Transfer Options

Tip

Always pay in HUF or by card; Euro exchange rates offered by drivers are often poor.
BKK Airport Transfer

Luggage Storage

Visitor Cards and Passes

For visitors staying several days, these all-in-one passes offer convenience and savings.

Budapest Card

Includes unlimited public transport (excluding 100E), free entry to St. Lukács Thermal Bath, and 30+ museums.

  • 24h: 16,990 HUF
  • 48h: 21,990 HUF
  • 72h: 27,990 HUF
  • 72h Plus: 47,990 HUF (includes a free airport shuttle)

Travelcards & Tickets

  • Single Ticket: 500 HUF (valid for 80 mins)
  • 24h Travelcard: 2,750 HUF
  • 72h Travelcard: 5,750 HUF
Budapest Card Official

Public Transit

Senior Travel

Free travel for passengers aged 65+ is restricted to EU, EEA, and Swiss citizens. Others must purchase tickets.

BKK Public Transport

Official Taxi

Official Budapest taxis are bright yellow with yellow license plates. They use fixed rates: a base fare of 1,100 HUF plus 440 HUF per km.

Avoid 'Hyenas'

Ignore drivers offering rides inside the terminal or station halls. These are unlicensed “hyenas” who often overcharge.

Főtaxi Official

Rideshare

Bolt Budapest

ATMs and Currency

The official currency is the Hungarian Forint (HUF). While cards are widely accepted, having some cash is useful for small shops or tips.

Avoid Euronet

Avoid blue/yellow Euronet ATMs. Use bank-affiliated ATMs like OTP, UniCredit, Raiffeisen, or Erste Bank. Always select “Decline Conversion” to let your home bank handle the rate.

Best ATMs at Hubs

  • BUD: OTP Bank ATMs are located in both terminals.
  • Keleti: OTP Bank branch/ATM in the underpass.
  • Nyugati: Erste Bank or OTP ATMs near the main entrance.
OTP Bank ATM Finder

Accessibility & Safety

Accessibility

M4 Metro Line

The M4 (Green) metro line (accessible from Keleti) is the most modern and fully barrier-free line in the city. Avoid the M2 line if you struggle with steep escalators, as several older stations lack elevators.

Safety

Budapest is generally safe, but be vigilant against these common transit scams:

  • The ‘Official’ Imposter (Taxi Hyenas): Ignore individuals inside the arrival halls holding “Taxi” signs. These are unlicensed drivers who significantly overcharge. Head to official kiosks (Főtaxi) or use app-based rideshares.
  • The ‘Money Police’ Scam: Be wary of plain-clothes individuals posing as “currency police” asking to inspect your wallet. Real police are always in uniform and will never handle your cash on the street.

Essential Services

Lost & Found

First Aid & Pharmacies

Emergencies

In the event of a serious medical emergency at any hub, dial 112 for an ambulance.

Overview

Transfer Options

Tip

Always pay in HUF or by card; Euro exchange rates offered by drivers are often poor.
BKK Airport Transfer

Luggage Storage

Visitor Cards and Passes

For visitors staying several days, these all-in-one passes offer convenience and savings.

Budapest Card

Includes unlimited public transport (excluding 100E), free entry to St. Lukács Thermal Bath, and 30+ museums.

  • 24h: 16,990 HUF
  • 48h: 21,990 HUF
  • 72h: 27,990 HUF
  • 72h Plus: 47,990 HUF (includes a free airport shuttle)

Travelcards & Tickets

  • Single Ticket: 500 HUF (valid for 80 mins)
  • 24h Travelcard: 2,750 HUF
  • 72h Travelcard: 5,750 HUF
Budapest Card Official

Public Transit

Senior Travel

Free travel for passengers aged 65+ is restricted to EU, EEA, and Swiss citizens. Others must purchase tickets.

BKK Public Transport

Arrival & Check-In

BUD Check-in Information

Security Controls

VAT Refunds

Accessibility & Safety

Accessibility

M4 Metro Line

The M4 (Green) metro line (accessible from Keleti) is the most modern and fully barrier-free line in the city. Avoid the M2 line if you struggle with steep escalators, as several older stations lack elevators.

Safety

Budapest is generally safe, but be vigilant against these common transit scams:

  • The ‘Official’ Imposter (Taxi Hyenas): Ignore individuals inside the arrival halls holding “Taxi” signs. These are unlicensed drivers who significantly overcharge. Head to official kiosks (Főtaxi) or use app-based rideshares.
  • The ‘Money Police’ Scam: Be wary of plain-clothes individuals posing as “currency police” asking to inspect your wallet. Real police are always in uniform and will never handle your cash on the street.

Essential Services

Lost & Found

First Aid & Pharmacies

Emergencies

In the event of a serious medical emergency at any hub, dial 112 for an ambulance.