The recent threads on free transportation got me a few PMs about Budapest. So to answer them:
65 or over.
- All Public Transportation in the nation of Hungary is free.
- Including every town and city and national means of public transportation; metro, tram, bus, train – local or cross country.
- Present a government issued ID with a photo and a birthdate is required (a driver’s license does well) when requested.
- Train seat reservations are not covered.
- Not considered public transportation are the Funicular, the Chair Lift, the BKK run Ferry Boats on the Danube River.
- Oddly the 100E Express Bus to the Airport is not covered by a TravelCard or Pass or Ticket, but remains free for 65 and over.
Getting On and Off the Trams, Buses, Trolly Buses and the Metro.
Mind the Doors
- Doors to all conveyances generally say open less than 15 seconds.
- Move briskly and don’t think bad of the locals that go around you because you are too slow.
- When you get on, move away from the door.
- As you approach your stop, start making your way to the door.
- When you get off, move away from the door then look and see where you are.
Push the Green Button (PTGB)
PTGB if the door does not immediately open when the tram, bus, trolly bus or metro stops (common in cold weather)
PTGB if the doors close before you can get on or off.
PTGB on all but the metro to tell the driver you want off at the next stop. If no one is waiting at the stop and no PTGB the driver may go past the stop.
If a green light is on over the door, someone already PTGB.
Tickets and Passes
- Individual tickets and the Tap & Go metro passes are generally not the best investment.
- Individual tickets must be validated at the entrance to the metro station and onboard buses, trollybuses and trams. No other pass or TravelCard requires validation.
- TravelCards and Passes must be presented when requested by inspectors.
- Get a TravelCard or pass for the duration of your stay.
- There are 24-hour TravelCards, 72-hour TravelCards and an inexpensive One-Month Pass for anything over 72 hours.
- The Discount + Travel Card called "The Budapest Card" is expensive. They are difficult to justify the cost for the discounts you get, but do the math and decide for yourself.
- Monthly passes must be tied to a government issued ID identification number. Use your driver’s license number and carry your drivers license.
- Purchase tickets and passes at vending machines at the metro stops and some tram and bus stops; or buy electronic versions using the BudapestGo App (but you phone must have data service while you are traveling).
- Not covered by standard Tickets, TravelCards and Passes are the Funicular, the Chair Lift, the BKK run Ferry Boats on the Danube River and the 100E Express Bus to the Airport (but the 200E Express Bus to the Airport is covered).
- The fine for not having a validated ticket or a proper pass is 15.000 Ft on the spot (about $50). No talking will get you out of it.
Navigation
- Download the "BudapestGo App." It has good maps and directions and will tell you when the next tram or bus or metro is arriving and where the stop is located.
Other
- Pickpocketing is rare in Budapest (I haven’t heard of a case in over 20 years, but it can happen). In crowded trams or metro cars you might want to keep things deep in your pockets.
- Carrying a passport is law in Hungary. But its rare you will be asked to produce it so burry it deep (money belt for example).