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Budapest travel pass vs. single ticket

Posted by (USA) on

I will be in Budapest later this summer for 2 1/2 days (arrive on a Wed at 13:00 at airport and depart from airport Saturday 10am. I plan to take the 100E bus both ways.
I expect to walk a lot so considering just buying tickets for trams as needed on the go. I'll be staying near Opera House.
For single tickets, I understand they are only valid for one uninterrupted trip. Can I just buy on the app and validate when boarding? Can I purchase a few at once and just validate each ticket as needed? I'm concerned of not getting internet on phone when out and about and not able to purchase a ticket. I do have eSIm for travel but sometimes even that fails.

But I am also considering getting the 72 hour pass which makes things more convenient. In that case, do I still need to "validate" before boarding each time?

Posted by
25580 posts

You buy the 72 hour Travel Card at the BKK counter in the arrivals hall of the airport. https://bkk.hu/en/tickets-and-passes/prices/72-hour-budapest-travelcard/ I didn’t do the time math, but if its close tell the sales person to start it 90 minutes from what ever time it is when you get to the counter. You put it some place you can easily retrieve it if asked. The locals use inside their phone case as often as not. 50/50 chance someone will ask.

The 100E will still cost you 2.200 ft. ($7). You can buy the tickets when you get the Travel Card or the bus has a card reader at the door. 40 minutes and you are close to your hotel.

Single tickets only exist to make money off tourists. You may think you will walk most everywhere and maybe you will, but to see more and have a lot of fun you will ride the trams and at least the M1. Coming here and not riding the trams is like going to SF and not riding the cable cars.

Posted by
25580 posts

Oh, the big question: No Validation Required. Show when asked. If asked. Otherwise hop on and off to your hearts content. With the Travel Card you own the public transportation.

Remember 65 or older (most RS tourists), its all free. All you need is a picture ID with your birthday on it.

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