Budapest Travel: Best Places To Buy Tickets

Budapest offers a range of transport options for visitors, including metro trains, trams, buses, trolleybuses, and boats. The city's public transport system is extensive and efficient, and cheaper than in most Western European cities. Tickets and passes can be purchased online, via the BudapestGO app, or from ticket vending machines, BKK customer service centres, ticket offices, and retailers. The Budapest Card is a good option for tourists, offering unlimited public transport and discounts on tours, museums, and spas. Single tickets are also available, but it is more cost-effective to purchase a 24-hour, 72-hour, or 7-day travel card if you plan to use public transport multiple times during your stay.

At the airport

Budapest has two airports: Ferenc Liszt International Airport (formerly known as Ferihegy), which is the larger of the two and a hub for Wizz Air, and Győr-Pér International Airport, located 12km from the city centre. Ferenc Liszt is the more likely destination for international travellers, and it has its own dedicated train station, Ferihegy, which is connected to Terminal 2 by a skybridge. Tickets for the train can be purchased at the airport's customer service desks, ticket offices, and ticket vending machines. These are usually located in the arrivals hall of Terminal 2, and the ticket office is typically open from 6 am to 10 pm daily. The train runs from the airport to the central Puskás Ferenc Stadion P+R, stopping at various stations along the way, including Köbánya-Kispest, where you can change to the metro (M3). The journey usually takes around 25 minutes.

If you prefer to take a bus, you can buy tickets for the 100E bus at the airport's ticket office or vending machines. These are often located near the bus stop outside the terminal. The 100E bus runs to Deák Ferenc tér in the city centre, which is a convenient hub where you can change to the metro (M1/M2/M3). The journey typically takes around 35 minutes, depending on traffic.

Tickets for both the train and bus are also available for purchase online via the official BKK website or the BKK mobile app. This can be a convenient option, as you can buy single tickets or passes for multiple trips in advance, which may save you time and provide some discounts. Having passes may also be more convenient if you plan to use public transport frequently during your stay.

Finally, if you prefer a private transfer, taxi services are available at both airports. Official Főtaxi stands can be found outside the arrivals hall at Ferenc Liszt, and you can book and pay for these in advance or directly with the driver. The journey to the city centre usually takes around 30 minutes, depending on traffic conditions.

Metro stations

You can buy travel tickets at the various metro stations in Budapest. Ticket machines are available at most metro stations, and there are also ticket offices at a few locations.

• Corvin negyed M3/blue line
• Népliget M3/blue line
• Nyugati tér M3/blue line
• Blaha Lujza tér M2/red line
• Széll Kálmán tér M2/red line

If you are at the airport, you can also buy tickets from the BKK Customer Sales Points.

Tobacconists

Single tickets are valid for one uninterrupted journey on all routes, including the Cogwheel Railway, but excluding those parts of the HÉV that lie outside the metropolitan boundary of Budapest. A transfer ticket is required if you need to change lines on the Budapest metro.

If you plan to use public transportation multiple times a day, it is more convenient and cheaper to buy a travel card. You can purchase 24-hour, 72-hour, or 7-day travel cards. These passes allow you unlimited rides on all forms of public transportation, including the metro, tram system, and urban buses.

In addition to tobacconists, you can also buy tickets and travel cards at the airport, major metro stations, newsstands, and from vending machines at many bus and tram stops in the city centre.

Newsstands

If you're looking to purchase travel tickets at a newsstand in Budapest, there are a few things to keep in mind. Firstly, Budapest's public transport system is fairly extensive and efficient, offering a wide variety of trams, buses, trolleys, and metro trains to get you around the city. The city also has a well-connected network of newsstands where you can purchase your travel tickets. Here's what you need to know:

Location of Newsstands

Types of Tickets Available

At the newsstands, you'll be able to purchase a range of tickets and passes. These typically include single tickets, which are valid for one uninterrupted ride on any mode of public transportation within Budapest, including trams, buses, trolleys, and the metro. You can also buy blocks of 10 tickets, which offer a small discount compared to buying single tickets individually.

Advantages of Newsstands

Purchasing tickets from newsstands offers several benefits. Firstly, it provides flexibility, as you can buy tickets on the spot without having to rely on ticket vending machines or apps. This can be especially useful if you're in a hurry or don't have access to a mobile device. Additionally, newsstands often sell a variety of other items, so you can conveniently pick up a snack or a drink for your journey.

Ticket Validation

Remember that buying a ticket is not enough—you must also validate it before boarding. Validation machines are usually located at the entrance of metro stations or on board other vehicles. For paper tickets, use the validating machine to stamp a code or punch a hole in your ticket. For digital tickets, scan the code stickers at the designated locations. Make sure you always carry your validated ticket with you during your journey, as ticket inspectors may ask to see it.

Other Ticket Options

If you plan to use public transportation extensively during your stay in Budapest, consider purchasing a travel card. These offer unlimited travel within a specified period, such as 24-hour or 72-hour options. Travel cards can be more convenient than single tickets, as you won't need to worry about validating your ticket each time you board. Additionally, the Budapest Card provides both unlimited public transport and discounts on attractions, making it a great option for tourists.

Transport inspectors

You can buy tickets at any time from BKK ticket vending machines, which accept cash or bank cards. These machines are located at the airport, metro stations, and other points of sale across the city. You can find a map of these points of sale on the bkk.hu website or in the BudapestGO app.

You can also purchase tickets from BKK customer service centres and ticket offices, which are located at the airport and various other points in the city. Both cash and bank cards are accepted at these locations.

If you're looking to buy a ticket on board a bus, you can do so for 600 HUF, but you'll need to have the exact amount in cash as the driver does not provide change.

Alternatively, you can use the BudapestGO app to buy single tickets, time-based tickets, and 24/72-hour travel cards. This app is also useful for planning your route, providing real-time travel information and recommendations.

Finally, you can buy tickets from newspaper kiosks or tobacconists, and at metro stations.

Frequently asked questions