Budapest Card and weekly transit pass

I am all thumbs up for passes. London pass even though people hated it, it saved me soo much time and money. I do a lot of research and spread sheets on all my trips. I am on my 12th Moleskine and 4 days in Budapest, I find the card pointless and useless. It was quickly crossed off my list. Instead I went with the 3-day Travelcard. There were no line in any of the sites we visited, and we were always there in the height of August. We bought the Parliament tickets online along with a 2 us dollar convenience fee. Totally worth it.

I go to Budapest a lot and I did buy the "Budapest Card" on the first and second trip about a dozen years ago. I've done the math and the "Budapest Card" really doesn't pay unless you plan on visiting a lot of museums and high price souvenir shops. "Travel Cards" are generally worth the investment. I don't know if you will see a lot of savings over individual tickets but the convenience of not having to fool with the tickets can make it well worth the effort. You want to use public transportation as Budapest is sort of large. Also the yellow trams are convenient, enjoyable and are as good as any hop-on/hop-off tour bus at a fraction of the cost. Go have a blast.

If you need any information on the transit system please ask. it really easy to use and really does add to the enjoyment of the visit.

Hi, Generally speaking, I would say, "skip the Budapest Card, get the transit pass."
wayne iNWI

Hi, Generally speaking, I would say, "skip the Budapest Card, get the transit pass."
wayne iNWI

Since Wayner's message posted twice, you don't really need a "three-peat," but here goes. Skip the Budapest card, but do get a transit pass for the duration of your stay. Budapest is large and you will be using the Metro and trams many times a day (and buses occasionally, particularly to Buda). Check the prices so you get the best deal; I was there 10 days, and a two-week pass was cheaper than other arrangements. The ticket inspectors on the Metro are so notorious that there's a whole movie just about them - Kontroll. Don't even THINK of riding without a valid ticket. Buying tickets for Budapest museums and attractions is not hard, and unless you're running around a lot, it's very hard to make the Budapest Card pay off. So, it is neither more convenient nor money-saving for most visitors. Of course, you have to do the math. If the cost of what you will definitely see, plus the cost of a transit pass, is close to the cost of the card, then get it.

Thanks so much for all of your advice. Appreciated. One last question: Just buy the card at a metro station in Budapest? Easy to do?

That is correct. Very easy to do.

Public Transportation Tickets A single ticket is 350 ft. A book of ten tickets is 3000 ft A 24 Hour Travel Card is 1650 ft A 72 Hour Travel Card is 4150 ft The Budapest Card The 24 Hour Budapest Card is 4500 ft The 48 Hour Budapest Card is 7500 ft The 72 Hour Budapest Card is 8900 ft Here is a really good map of the metro system http://www.emta.com/IMG/jpg/budapestnetwork.jpg And here are some directions http://visitbudapest.travel/budapest-info/getting-around/ A lot of folks get suckered into private transfers from the airport. Don't bother, use the airport contract company FOtAXI, compared to most of Europe it is really cheap. Second choice is the shared van service. Information on both can be found on the airport website.

Thanks James!

James, you are a WEALTH of information. My sister and I are flying to Budapest on 10/11. Spending a week there, then taking a train to Prague and spending a week there before returning to Budapest for one more night before heading home. I am finding superb information on the Rick Steve's site. Wish I hadn't waited so long!

Deanna, thanks. Its fun. Am in Budapest today, still beautiful.

James: Is FoTaxi a cash service or can you pay with credit card?

They say cash or credit card but I have never tried with a card. There is also an ATM near the exit of the arrivals hall.

James, thanks for all of your advice. Land in Budapest on Wednesday. Really looking forward to it.