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Read before you use Budapest Metro:

Posted by
649 posts

James
Read all the above on the area I am thinking of purchasing but they do not answer my question.
I want to purchase the 7 day travel card. Do I have to validate the card each time I use it OR just the first time I use it??
Now, also if I validate it the first time I use it for day 1, do I have to validate it once only on day 2 etc.?
Your knowledge of the city and it's transportation system can help me with this I am sure.

Posted by
17639 posts

Easy. Buy the card. The clerk will ask you if you want to start it at that moment. Say yes. Now you are done.

A longer explanation: There is a place on the back where you write the date and time that you wish your 7 days to begin. You must fill it in very carefully to ensure you have no problems. Rather than me screwing up, i just say yes when the clerk asks and she fills it in. :) The 7 day card also requires you show an ID, your passport is best. That number will also be put on the card. I am not entirely sure that every metro stop window sells the 7 day card or if you can get one out of the machine. They might, but I know you can purchase it at the Deak Ferenc ter metro stop, M1 level, service office near the museum (also worth visiting).

Posted by
5697 posts

My recollection is that I bought a 7-day pass at a machine at Oktagon station, put in my California driver's license # as ID, and validated it for immediate use at the machine (once for rhe entire 7 days)
Thanks for the attachments, James E.

Posted by
17639 posts

I just couldnt remember. We generally use a ticket the first few days (have an old spice jar full of them left behind by visitors) and pick up a card at Deak Ferenc when we are that way.

Posted by
17639 posts

Anything longer than a week I believe requires a photo. You could go to that information desk at Deak Ferenc ter and discuss it with them.

Posted by
2599 posts

I have bought a 7 day (hetijegy) card twice--2016 at the airport kiosk and this year at the ticket office at Keleti, prior to getting on the M4. Both times they needed my passport, and I was issued a pass with my full name on it and the expiration date. No one asked if I wanted to delay using it, and I never validated it anywhere or wrote anything on the front or back. I flashed it at the transit people at the entrance to the metro and upon entering a bus and on the tram showed when asked by an official. Even if staying less than 7 but more than 4 days it's the best-priced option. If I were to stay longer than 7 days I'd just buy more cards.