Budapest metro tickets

Yes, welcome to Hungary where the local currency is the Forint. You can spend your euros and even dollars in a lot of places but at off the cuff exchange rates that really are not a great deal. For your metro ticket you will need forints as I doubt the clerks at the ticket windows will take anything else and the machines obviously will take nothing less.

We just spent a week in Budapest last month. We have been going back for 3 – 4 weeks every year for the past decade. In that time I have received truly bad service twice; but never rude service. Last month my wife and I were in the number 6 tram discussing if we were going to get off at the Oktogon or at Kiraly utca; we live half way between the two so it's which street do we want to visit this time. A woman overheard our discussion and assumed we were lost tourists and "came to our rescue". This happens at least once each week and on a few occasions more often. Also on this trip we were approached on the street and welcomed on four separate occasions by people we had met or done business with on previous trips. These are truly nice people.

Yes, You can purchase your metro passes and hit the ATM at the train station. If I recall, the ATM is inside the station and we purchased passes out on the platform.

I will email you a map of Keleti Station where I believe you will be arriving. The location of the ticket machines and the ATM is shown on the map. If for some reason the ATM is broken you may have to exchange a few dollars at the exchange house at a miserable rate. I don't know that any of the ticket machines issue metro passes. If they don't then just go down the stairs to the metro and there should be an open window or a machine there. If not the guard who ensures that you punch your ticket before you enter the station will generally sell you a ticket.

Thanks for the help. Think we'll be ok for euros, but will need forints to buy metro ticket...right?
Thanks for the reminder...will check map of Keleti station

We have arrived. The cash machine is on the front wall of the station to the right of customer information (as you are exiting the train and walking down the track). There are metro ticket machines, but only if you have change. There is a ticket booth outside the station as you walk towards the metro in a blue metal Container...unmarked as you approach from the station, the front faces people heading towards the train station.
Also there is a ticket booth at the entrance to the metro after going down the stairs.

Hi, In my experience. A 72 hour or week long pass is available. But you have to get to Deak ter station to get it. We buy one every time we go. Budapest is our favorite city. It works for Trams, buses, and the subway.
wayne iNWI

You can purchase the passes at most of the stations if you can find an open window. Here are your options: http://www.bkv.hu/en/types_of_tickets_offered_for_tourists/types_of_tickets_offered_for_tourists And the Budapest transit system, especially the trams, beat any town's HOHO bus line http://www.bkv.hu/en/our_thematic_routes_with_/our_thematic_routes_with If you purchase the multi hour or multi day Travel Card I put them in a clear pouch on a neck lanyard so I don't have to dig for it when asked. You just present it as you walk past the ticket punch machines in the metro or when requested on a bus or tram. The individual tickets you punch in the orange machines as you enter the metro station. With the bus and tram they are located on board. Don't cheat. There are undercover inspectors.

Linda, how was the trip?

James, We had a fantastic time in Budapest. You're right - the public transportation is excellent. Loved the 'super mario' line on Andrassy - more of an attraction than a transportation option! The tram along the Danube was great for getting to our concert and for the views on the way. Just loved walking around and taking it all in. We spent most of our days wandering and exploring...Andrassy, Hero's Park, Terror Museum, Jewish quarter, Buda Hill, along the river, on the bridges... Your detailed explanations and suggestions were so helpful...not to mention that The Pond became our home away from home. We weren't sure about having an apartment and not a hotel room (with front desk help) - but the central location and having a kitchen and livingroom turned out to be the perfect choice. And sooo quiet and peaceful.
We also enjoyed Prague - but we will definitely be returning to spend more time in Budapest.

Linda, I am glad it worked out for the two of you. Now you understand why I get excited when I talk about Budapest and maybe now you know why the apartment. What you didn't see is the door between The Pond and the apartment next door. It is currently plastered over. The one next door which we will call Paty's Place is about twice the size of the Pond and the two together are about 1200 sf which is very adequate for retirement in about 15 years. When you are ready to return let me know. I didn't tell you about the secret places because you have to see the big stuff first. James

James, we too just returned from Budapest. I appreciate all the help you gave us before the trip. We had a great time and will return. I dont know if you've heard of it but we stumbled across a great restaurant called Cici Papas. It has great local food at great prices. We also checked out Castle Hill and the big thermal bath near Heroes square. Loved the little old subway and the great views from Castle Hill. Like you said, all the people were friendly, except for a guy at the newspaper stand i tried to buy a book of metro tickets from. What a great city, i can see why you like it. Erich