So, re: free public transport in Budapest for over 65?

The Metro doesn't have turnstiles - just validation machines at the entrance. So you can just walk through.

There are many videos on YouTube showing how to ride public transport in Budapest - this one has a good view of the Metro entrance area:

https://youtu.be/eQWBGoLleIM?si=QpAI_u14vtNluGTJ

I'll be there next week as well - maybe we'll cross paths.

No metro turnstiles and validation machines are for single ticket users. On ocassion, there will be spot inspections at the entrance or exit. If you don't look your age, get ready to present your ID. In the last two years no inspector has actually tried to read it. Presenting it gets you waved thru.

On the trams you get on and off at will unless you are traveling on single tickets, which require validation. From time to time inspectors will board and check tickets and passes and IDs. Again, none has ever actually tried to read mine.

Busses only require you to show a pass or ID when the FRONT DOOR ONLY sign is on. Single tickets always need to be validated.

AND, the BKK (public transportation co.) cops must have been forced to take sensitivity training classes, cause at one time they were difficult individuals. Now, they laugh and smile and show compassion when they make tourist violators caught up 12.000 forints each on the spot. Hint, break the rules, and nothing will get you off if you are caught. So, just smile and pay. Your fines contribute to my and the OPs free rides.

Oh, you know the trains are free (nearly) too.

You have answers - so I will just say the only thing you are missing is how easy it is when you are over 65. And not bad even if you have to have a pass. :)

Good video except know that the 24 and 72 hour passes work like the longer passes.

Please don't buy single tickets. Please use the public transportation. Fun and efficient

I guess it just sounds too good to be true! I was in Budapest about 5 years ago, so not over 65, and I bought tickets for transportation. This truly makes it seem so easy that I keep thinking I’m missing some details. So, I don’t need to purchase any sort of ‘ticket’ even if it costs nothing? I can board a tram or bus or metro without a ticket. Just need to be able to show a valid photo ID proving I’m over 65. Am I correct?

We didn’t believe it either. We thought only Hungarian citizens, or EU, or…. Until we got scolded by a spot check ticket inspector and told plainly we ride for free!

Nothing at all except be prepared to show ID if asked. My last trip in October, I kept enjoying how fun it was to just figure out where I was going and how to get there (Google Maps does pretty good) - and then just head out!

The Budapest Go app is a good resource for directions. Sometimes Google Maps thinks I can walk somewhere faster than taking public transportation - but I don’t WANT to walk. Ha!

Terry, yup. Just get on and off as you want. i almost never even attempt to show an ID. I look old so I just smile and walk past. On the trams they will get on and start checking tickets and ask everyone around me, but never me. All I do these days is, sometimes, put my had on my wallet in my pocket when I see a spot check, but I dont pull it out unless I get a look which ha been maybe twice in the last month and I ride public transportation every day. But this is a new law. Why not just EU folks? I think too hard to enforce.

Over 65? Take a trip up to Eger for the afternoon. Will cost you about 3 euro for the seat reservation each way. Otherwise its free.

By the way, I believe over 65 rides free in Prague as well.
Vienna I believe only sells "discounted" single tickets for old folks. I believe it still costs more than a full price single ticket in Budapest.

EDIT: A few more tips

1. The doors of all the forms of conveyance generally stay open for 10 to 15 seconds. In that time everyone has to get off and on. Its tight when things are busy. Move to your door before your stop if the tram, metro, bus is busy.
2. When you get off, walk straight till you hit a wall or a railing. Then turn around and decide what to do next. Dont stand at the doors.
3. If you go to a bus stop and you are the only one at the bus stop, stand by the blue and white sign. If you dont, and the bus has no one wanting to get off at your stop, the bus will go right past you.
4. On the bus, push the green button before your stop come up. See number 3 above.
   

Few means of getting around are HC Accessible to US standards. No, none are actually. Maybe none in Europe so this isnt a Hungary thing. There are now vertical lifts of some sort at all of the M3 and M4 stations, but not at the M1 and and only a few on the M2 which requires stairs to reach. http://subway.umka.org/map-budapest.html

Trams will have at least 2 very high vertical steps to enter. Three if the platform is not elevated. Buses more often than not, but not always, are flush with the curb or the platform. When not, they have a drop down ramp at the back door if you ask (or the driver sees you).

When I see someone in need of assistance, I always see them getting assistance.

Interesting tidbit. Buses are Blue, Torlleybuses are Red. Trams are Yellow.

You all are awesome, thank you so much for all the helpful information! Knowing we can ride public transportation without worrying about tickets really simplifies city travel….who cares if we get a little lost, right! We plan to search out some of the Christmas markets that are out of the beaten path and just have fun.

Here is the list. And if any more come up, I will update the list. If you are staying here long enough I suggest its worth the time to run up to Szentendre for a few hours. If staying yet longer, then there are a few towns within a 1 or 2 hour trian ride that have markets as well. Remember over 65 on the train is the cost of a the seat reservation.

https://community.ricksteves.com/travel-forum/hungary/the-christmas-markets-open-soon-in-budapest