RESOLVED: i saw the Getting around map in Mr E's pdf but I'm looking for something that gives me a better look at the area, especially since we will probably be using Google Maps to wander around. Thanks, Bill
Here is what works:
Use the Transit Layer! (bottom left) Not the Transit Button on the top. Picture below.
Have you tried using Google's My Maps? You can create your own map/route using all the Google Maps features but tailoring it to your own trip. It helps people create their own custom maps on top of Google Maps. There is a simple interface for adding placemarks, drawing lines and shapes. It's really a wonderful tool.
Not for this. I am trying not to reinvent the wheel that someone has already done all the necessary research and created one.
I am probably not understanding your question, but on Google Maps, I choose “Transit” under “Map Details” and it shows me all the metro lines by color, plus bus and tram stops when I zoom in.
I'm not sure, but I think Bill's looking for a map showing the actual bus lines, etc., rather than just the locations of the stops.
I just want to mention that when we were in Krakow, Poland, Google refused to give Tram directions. That turned out to be quite "right", because there was so much simultaneous construction. Anything they could have said would have been wrong.
Sorry, your question was a little unclear to me.
Your best option, I think would be to use the tool TexasTravelMom suggests, which is to open up the "transit" option in Google Maps. Just click on the "Layers" at the bottom, which will open up a menu of options, including "Transit." If you want more info, you can click on each individual station.
If you're looking for a look at bus lines, etc., you can find maps at the BKK website with the various routes: https://bkk.hu/en/journey-planning/maps/
“I'm not sure, but I think Bill's looking for a map showing the actual bus lines, etc., rather than just the locations of the stops.“
A map showing the actual bus lines is exactly what you get if you follow the advice of TexasTravelMom. Google Maps will then project the transport map with all the routes, with a different color for each route, on top of the regular map.
A similar thing will happen if you tap on a specific bus stop. You will then get a projection on the map of all the bus routes that serve that particular bus stop.
BTW: This works for cities all over the world, not just for Budapest.
Bill the diagram in the pdf is what it is because I havent figured out a better way. I know its frightening to look at. Distance is time, so if you wanted to guess the time from A to B on that diagram, use 3 minutes between stops and you will be pretty close.
Google Maps: The problem is that when using the transit mode, Google will not let you plan multi-stop trips. You can plan the individual legs then save the directions with a link (I send it to myself on WhatsApp). The other problem is that quite often it doesnt show the best option. For example if I want to go to the Great Market Hall, Google Maps will send me walking down Andrassy ut to the 47/49 tram, when the eaiest option is to take the M1 to the 47/49 tram and avoid the walk. The good news is that it will tell you which public transportation to get on and give you the end stop so you know which direction to get on. Also, what Dutch_traveler said about clicking on stops. Works most of the time.
BudapestGo: This app also has a trip planning mode and seems to present better choices, but again one stop at a time, you cant plan out the day. And you cant save the stops to pull up later.
The reason why the planning is so important here is that the tourist zone is very large and the destinations are well spread out. Good news, if you are into 19th and pre-WWII urban environments, and explorying the city between the stops is facintating. The great old architecture just goes on forever. But if you spend a little time planning you will discover that most of what you want to see will be on 3 or 4 trams and one metro line. You will also note that they cross so often that you can plan a trip with little or no back tracking or retracing steps.
How big is it? You will be working in an area of about 10 square miles. Prague and Vienna both have 90% of their top sights in about 1.5 square miles.
You can google "Tourist Map Budapest" and find maps like this that will help: https://maps-budapest.com/img/1200/budapest-walking-map.jpg and here is another good one https://www.isango.com/Files/map.jpg
The word "bus" got used a few times. I ride a few buses a day but I am not so much a tourist. Generally speaking a tourist will not have a lot of need for a bus. The most frequently used one by tourists is to get from Pest to the Castle in Buda. Otherwise the trams get to the vast majority of the sights. Of the trams, you probably will find yourself on the M1 a few times and if you are returning to either the Parliament or the Great Market Hall, you might use the M2 or M3 but there are trams that will get it done without putting you underground and where you can not see the city. Oh, and we have two types of busses. Regular Bus and the Trolly Bus (powered by an overhead electrical line) .... not that it matters.
If you will be here a few days, maybe the best thing you can do is to do a self instruction course on the system. Take the M1 down to the 47/49, then the 19/41 to the 4/6 and back to the M1. By the time you finish you will have traveled through the heart of Pest and along both river banks and will have changed trams / metro often enough to be a pro and feel confident.
Do be sure you have a pass. The fine isnt worth it and they dont take excuses.
I will keep rambling.
I have had to plan out a few holidays for folks. I found it easiest to plan around the transportation and not the sights. "This morning we do the M1" Then my pdf will show you what is along the M1. "In the afternoon we do the 47/49 Tram, and if we finish early we do the 2 Tram." Tomorrow we will start with the 4/6 to Buda then the 19/41 with a stop half way to go up to the castle and we end at the 47/49 which we already know gets us back home"
Not in Google Maps, and not an overlay, but the Budapest Transit map in the RS Budapest guidebook gives a great overview for planning your day. It's an abstract, but it shows the Metro lines, tram lines and key bus lines, in addition to key tourist sites.
Having a basic understanding of the ring roads and their trams, and where the Metro intersection points are, should be a great help. Then fill in the individual hops with the Go app.
Look at this. See what you think. You have to turn off a lot of layers to make it readable. And since it's google maps it will not give the best transit directions for a tourist. https://scootertour.hu/budapest-smart-map-user-guide/
@TexasTravelMom You solved it! That works and I had never seen that layer! I always saw the Transit icon on the main map and thought that was all there was. And I use the Traffic Layer all the time.. Geez. Thanks, Bill
@Mr E I was under the impression us old folks didn't need a pass? just ID showing we were old...;)
My ID is written all over my face. I just smile.
Glad it worked!
I also find that Google Maps does a decent job of routing me within the city. Although it never gives me the Opera to Deak M1 choice because I can supposedly walk it faster. LOL. Sometimes I compare directions on the BudapestGo app.
Bill, thank you. TTM's instructions are now in the pdf .... and a few other updates the last week.
