Transport
Getting around
How to travel to, between and within Hungary’s destinations. For times, routes and fares, always use the operators’ official sites.
For guidanceHungaryGo doesn’t show live timetables, journey times or fares.
Arriving at Budapest Airport
- Budapest Liszt Ferenc International Airport (BUD) is about 16 km south-east of the city centre.
- The 100E airport bus runs to the city centre; the 200E bus connects to the M3 metro at Kőbánya-Kispest.
- Use the official taxi stand outside the terminal or a ride-hailing app; avoid offers from people inside the hall.
- Check the airport and BKK websites for current routes, tickets and any changes.
Official sites
Getting around Budapest
- BKK runs the metro (M1–M4), trams, buses, trolleybuses, the HÉV suburban railway and some boat lines.
- M1, the Millennium Underground along Andrássy Avenue, is one of the oldest metro lines in continental Europe.
- Tram 2 along the Pest embankment is a scenic way to see the Danube; trams 4 and 6 run along the Grand Boulevard.
- Buy tickets or passes in the official app or at machines, and validate paper tickets before you travel.
- Plan journeys with BKK FUTÁR, the official real-time journey planner.
Official sites
Trains between cities
- Most intercity trains are run by MÁV. Every HungaryGo destination can be reached by rail from Budapest — a few (such as Visegrád) with a short bus or ferry connection.
- Budapest has several main stations — Keleti, Nyugati and Déli, plus Kelenföld — so check which one your train leaves from.
- Some InterCity trains need a seat reservation; the ticket site shows this when you book.
- Search timetables and buy tickets on the official MÁV site or app.
Official sites
Long-distance buses
- Domestic coaches are run by Volánbusz, part of the MÁV group.
- Népliget is Budapest’s main coach station; some routes leave from other terminals.
- Buses can be handy for smaller towns and villages that trains don’t reach.
Official sites
Lake Balaton by boat
- BAHART runs passenger boats and car ferries on the lake, mainly in the warmer months.
- The Tihany–Szántód ferry links the north and south shores at the lake’s narrowest point.
- Trains run along both shores, so you can combine a boat trip with a train back.
Official sites
Driving
- Motorways and some expressways need an electronic vignette (e-matrica), bought online before you drive on them.
- Hungary has zero tolerance for alcohol when driving.
- Dipped headlights must be on outside built-up areas, also during the day.
- City centres have paid parking zones; check the signs and pay by machine or app.
Official sites
Taxis
- Licensed Budapest taxis are yellow, with an official taxi plate and a visible meter.
- Fares in Budapest are regulated; ask for a receipt (számla or nyugta) at the end of the ride.
- Ride-hailing apps also operate in Budapest.
Bikes & walking
- Budapest has a public bike-sharing system, MOL Bubi, run by BKK.
- Margaret Island, the Danube embankments and Lake Balaton’s cycle path are popular for cycling.
- Many historic centres — Eger, Pécs, Győr, Sopron — are compact and best explored on foot.
Official sites