If you plan on moving to Hungary and you don’t have your own car, you might have wondered about what the public transport system is like. In this post, we will be exploring your options, and we will also be sharing some great information on how to use the public transport in Hungary.
Basics about public transport in Hungary
Although the public transport in Hungary might seem a little old, it is very efficient. The system is inexpensive to use and can help you get around the country with the least amount of effort. Let us take a look at what your options are:
Buses in Hungary
United under the Volán Association, Hungary’s bus network is based on 28 state-run companies which operate throughout the country. Buses are great to use if you want to travel longer distances, but because they are just as fast as the trains in Hungary, they do tend to get crowded.
You can buy bus tickets at the bus stations or once you board the bus. Discounts for bus tickets do apply in some instances, including:
- Kids under six travel for free
- Kids between the ages of six and fourteen can travel at a 50% discount rate
- EU citizens and Hungarian nationals aged 65 and older can travel for free
- If you are in possession of a valid student card, you are eligible for a 50% discount of bus fare
Metro in Hungary
There are three metro lines that operate within the city centre of Budapest, the M1, M2, and M3. They operate from 4:45 am to 11:45 pm every day, running every 3-5 minutes during off-peak times and every 1-3 minutes during peak hours. Commuters that use the metro service have to purchase tickets for each one-way trip they wish to take.
Trains in Hungary
Run by Magvar Államvasutak, Hungarian trains are centred in Budapest. Should you wish to embark on a long-distance trip, you will be travelling through the capital of Budapest. Tickets can be purchased in advance at the train stations. You can purchase your ticket up to two months in advance by using either the train station ticket offices of the MÁV customer service centre.
Trams in Hungary
The trams in Hungary, also known as the Villamos, run on an extensive system of rails. Some of the most popular tram lines in Hungary are lines four and six, which operate between the city Budapest city centre. You can also find tram systems in the cities of Debrecen, Szeged and Miskolc.
Air travel in Hungary
The major airport in Budapest is Ferenc Liszt International Airport. It is situated roughly 20km outside of the Budapest city centre and services European and intercontinental routes. The airport has three terminals. One terminal service low-cost airlines, the other is for flights to and from the Schengen countries, and the last terminal is dedicated to non-Schengen and non-European flights.
For much of the public transport information for Budapest in English, the website: https://www.bkv.hu/en/ is helpful.
Need more help?
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