Hello,
We will be in Budapest for 5 nights at the end of September. I've been researching the Budapest transportation passes. I think purchasing the Budapest Card, available in different durations, makes the most sense. Should we have passes for all 4 days we will be there? Having never been to Budapest, I have no sense of how far away sites are. Is it essential to have a pass for every day? We also enjoy walking around and wandering sort of aimlessly. Also, we are considering visiting Szentendre for one day, so perhaps we wouldn't need the pass for that day? Or should we just buy the pass for 4 days so we have more flexibility?
Thanks,
Karen
Posted by
TX, USA
5572 posts
That’s a tough one, Karen, and I don’t think there’s a shortcut for looking at what you need.
First, for it to make any kind of sense, you need to be under 65. 65 & over, all public transportation is free and there are often discounts at sites.
If under 65, you then need to decide what you want to see. I just went through the list of what is covered and found maybe 3-4 free museums a tourist might visit on their first trip with only 4-5 days. The worth of that was @ $25-$30 for adult prices. Once you get into 10% - 20% discounts, I don’t pay any attention. It takes a while for that to add up. I think it’s perhaps possible to get your money’s worth - but that would not include any wandering aimlessly (which is indeed a delight in Budapest). But I also see no point in buying several 24 hour Budapest Cards. That gets more expensive than buying one for a longer duration.
For transportation (not including attractions), if you need passes (under 65), it makes a lot more sense to get the 15 day travel pass. It costs HUF 5950 for all your time. A 72 hour (3 day) travelcard is HUF 5750. Only 60 cents more but covers all 5 days. So while you might technically not need that much, it’s nice to have handy for only $18.
And yes, I do advise getting a travel pass at the train station (or airport) when you arrive. Many things are walkable but some things aren’t - and really, riding the trams (and the little M1 metro) is, for me, one of the attractions. On the other hand, I think the Budapest Card would be a lot of work to make it pay off.
Edit: Just making sure you know the 1) Budapest Card and the 2) BudapestGo travel cards and travel passes are different. Plus I mistakenly was thinking 5 days instead of 5 nights, but the same logic applies. No sense in 24 travelcards with 4 days. And a 72 hr + a 24 hr (or even 3 24 hr cards) costs more than the 15 day pass. Makes no sense, but it’s true.
Posted by
Republic of Texas / U.S.A. / Magyarország / Budapest
23691 posts
Everything TexasTravelMom said is correct.
You can do electronic with the BudapestGo App, but I find that to be a pain to use. If i even understand how to use it correctly (when to scan, when not to). So, paper worked better for me before I turned 65. You just carry it and show it when asked.
At the airport there is a BKK office in the Arrivals Hall (look for purple). At Keleti Train Station, go to the front of the station and down the stairs, and you will see the BKK office ahead on the right. You csn also buy them from the vending machines at the airport, train station and many metro and tram stops.
For the 15 day which really is tge best choice. You will need an ID number to match it to. Your US Drivers License is fine for that.
Posted by
OP
Massachusetts, USA
2015 posts
Wow! Somehow I missed the part about transportation being free for people over 65. We are in our 70's! Do we just board the tram, bus, etc.? Does someone come around and ask for an ID to show proof of age? And this is for tourists, right? Not just citizens.
Thank you!
Posted by
Republic of Texas / U.S.A. / Magyarország / Budapest
23691 posts
LOL, yes for everyone. You show any photo ID if asked. No tickets. Hop on and off at will.
I have been asked for my ID maybe twice this year and I ride public transportation every day, and a lot each day. In both instances they waved me on before I got my ID out of my pocket.
Here is more of interest. The trains are free within Hungary. Some trains require you buy a seat reservation, and you will still have to pay about 2 euro in that case. Technically you dont need a ticket but I still "buy" one from MAV as just feels wrong to have nothing.