Metro in Prague, Budapest, Vienna

For Prague, see Jason's page at livingprague.com:

https://livingprague.com/prague-transport/prague-public-transport/

For Vienna, get the Wien Mobil app - purchase passes on your phone:

https://shop.wienmobil.at/en/products

For Budapest, first of all, public transport is free if you're 65+. You can plan trips and purchase tickets on the BudapestGo app:

https://bkk.hu/en/tickets-and-passes/budapestgo/

Hi, Karen. Depending on how long you will be in Budapest, if you are under 65, I would buy a pass. It would be good on busses, trams, and metro. The absolute easiest way is to buy a paper ticket at the train station when you arrive. You can get a 24 hr card or a 72 hr card. You never have to do anything with it except show it if asked by an inspector. Single tickets are an option but you have to validate (ugh).

I have read that you can now buy a metro ticket (but not busses or trams) tap to pay before boarding. It is considered buying and validating at the same time. But since I don’t need a ticket any longer, I haven’t tried it myself. Cash won’t be useful except on busses but even there you can use a card. I don’t think there is an option for buying a ticket on a tram……

Very helpful info.

We are 68/69 years old so it sounds like we can use local transportation for free with a passport that proves our ages in both Prague and Budapest. Anything else we need, just board? We have carryon 20” suitcases so can I assume we don’t have to buy luggage tickets in Prague?

In Budapest, just board and be prepared to show ID (for age) if asked. I usually say “over 65?” and they wave me on.

And in Budapest you dont need a passport for ID on the public transportation. Any photo ID with yout birthday on it will work. Just hop on and off and show it if asked. I am a very, very young looking 68 and I never get asked.

But to carry your passport is the law in Hungary. Put it someplace deep and safe and show your Drivers License if you need to demonstrate age.

Enjoy your visit.

Oh, and you said for "local transportation". In Hungary all public transportation, including the trains within the boundaries of the country are free. So you can take that afternoon trip to Szentendre on the commuter train, or go up to Eger on a MAV train for $0.

Public transportation is not free for seniors in Vienna.

In Vienna, you will want to purchase a pass, rather than individual tickets. Passes can be purchased using the Wien Mobil app or at one of the many ticket machines at the major stations (both the app and the machines switch to English). You cannot buy tickets from drivers. You definintely do not need cash. I live here and I haven't used cash for months.

The public transportation system in Vienna is an honor system, meaning that there are no gates or anything you need to go through to enter a mode of transport. You just need to have a valid pass in your possession in case there is a random inspection.

A pass allows you to use all forms of public transportation (subway, bus, tram, regional train within the city limits). You will definitely want to expand your horizons beyond just the subway. Use Google Maps public transportation directions to figure out how to get around.

You didn't say how you were getting to Budapest, or leaving Budapest; but the 100E Airport Express Bus is also free to us old folks. It isn't covered on a public transportation pass, its a seperate ticket. But! There is the 200E Airport Express Bus that is included on public transportation passes.

In Prague, more than likely just saying over 65 will be fine. Once I had to show ID and used my passport card.

You will only be asked if there is a ticket inspector on board. Otherwise, there are no ticket barriers anywhere. Just board and ride.

Forgot to add Krakow. Looks like there is a 30% senior discount on train from airport. What about the trams. Discount or free?

We are arriving and departing Budapest by train, already have tickets, but will use metro to and from stations

I guess in Prague the penalties for ignoring the rules are low enough where it doesnt matter if you get caught. Don't break the rules in Budapest. First its bad form; second, that 1.5€ ride will cost you not less than 35€ when you get caught.

Forgot to add Krakow.

For Krakow, download the Jakdojade app to your phone - it works for transportation in major cities throughout Poland. If I'm remembering correctly, in Krakow you have to enter the car number once you get onboard if you buy your ticket or use a pass via the app.