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Budapest, the capital of Hungary, is not only renowned for its impressive architecture and rich history but also for an efficient public transport system. For tourists looking to explore the city, the metro is one of the fastest and most economical options.

In this article, we will will cover key insights about the Budapest metro and provide tips on using other transport options around the city.

The Budapest Metro

The Budapest metro is one of the fastest and most convenient ways to get around the city. With four lines connecting the main tourist and cultural areas, the metro will allow you to move quickly between iconic places in the city, such as the Parliament, Heroes’ Square, and City Park. In addition to being practical, the Budapest metro is also a scenic ride, especially the oldest line, the M1, which was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Is it easy to use the Budapest metro?

Yes, the Budapest metro is very easy to use, especially for tourists. Although the metro system has four lines, the structure is quite simple. Three of the lines intersect at a single point, Deák Ferenc tér station, which makes connections between them very convenient. This means you can change lines quickly and get to your destinations without wasting time.

The metro lines in Budapest are clearly signposted, and the stations are equipped with signs in English and Hungarian, making it even easier for visitors to navigate.

How much does a metro ticket cost?

The price of the metro in Budapest is affordable compared to other European capitals. Single tickets cost 450 HUF (approximately €1.20), giving you access to a direct ride on any of the metro lines. If you plan to make several trips during your visit, you can opt for a pack of 10 tickets at a price of 4,000 HUF (approximately 10 EUR), which offers you a small discount.

If you’re staying in Budapest for a long time or plan to use the metro frequently, you may want to consider purchasing an unlimited transport pass. More information can be found in our article on the public transport in Budapest.

How to pay for the metro in Budapest?

There are several ways to pay for metro transportation in Budapest. The most common way is to buy tickets from station vending machines. These machines are easy to use and offer the option to select the language in English, so you will have no problems when purchasing your ticket.

In addition to the machines, tickets can also be purchased at the tobacconists or newsagents distributed throughout the city. If you prefer to do it directly with the driver, this option is also available on some buses and trams.

Remember that all tickets must be validated before entering the metro. To do this, you will find orange validating machines at the entrances of the stations. If you have a transport pass, you will only have to show it to the staff or when entering the metro. Not validating your ticket may result in a fine, as the conductors are present at most stations.

How does the metro operate in Budapest?

In Budapest, you can choose between four metro lines depending on the destination you want to reach or the monuments you want to see:

Metro Line 1 (Yellow)

There are four metro lines in Budapest, but one of them is much older (and more special) than the others. It is Line 1, in operation since 1896, making it the oldest metro line not only in Hungary but in all of continental Europe.

This line connects the center of Budapest, from Vörösmarty Square, to City Park (Városliget). It runs under Andrássy Avenue, making it ideal for traveling between different points of interest along the avenue, such as the Opera House and Liszt Ferenc Square, and ending at the unforgettable Széchenyi Baths.

Declared a World Heritage Site in 2002, the preservation of its charming original design makes it, without a doubt, the most photographed metro line in Budapest.

In addition to the metro, yellow trams also run through the city, adding color to the streets and brightening up tourists’ photographs. If you are one of them, don’t miss traveling on Tram Line 2.

Metro Line 2 (Red)

Line 2, also known as the Red Line, crosses Budapest from east to west, starting from Déli Pályaudvar station in Buda and ending at Örs vezér tere station in Pest. This line connects some of the city’s most important landmarks, including the Hungarian Parliament at Kossuth tér, the Fisherman’s Bastion at Batthyány tér, and the Great Synagogue at Astoria.

Line 2 is essential for visiting the Danube bank on the Pest side and nearby neighborhoods. Due to its strategic locations, it is one of the most accessible lines for tourists.

Metro Line 3 (Blue)

Line 3 is one of the longest routes of the Budapest metro, running from north to south. It connects the northern area of Budapest, starting at Újpest-Központ, to the southern part at Kőbánya-Kispest. This line is particularly useful for travelers arriving from the airport, as the final station of bus 200E, which connects the airport to the center, is also the starting station of Line 3.

One of the key stops on Line 3 is Kálvin tér, which is within walking distance of the Central Market, one of the most visited tourist attractions in Budapest.

Metro Line 4 (Green)

Line 4 is the newest of all Budapest’s metro lines. Opened in 2014, it connects the city’s two main train stations: Kelenföld on the Buda side and Budapest-Keleti on the Pest side. Although it is the least touristy of the four lines, it is highly practical for travelers needing to connect with other forms of transport.

What About the Outskirts?

Not only is Budapest an interesting and accessible city in the center, but its surroundings also offer a variety of unique means of transportation that are worth exploring. From traditional public transport to more unusual options, the outskirts of the city provide fascinating alternatives for a different experience.

Interesting Facts in Pest

Pest, the eastern side of Budapest, is known for its vibrant architecture, nightlife, and famous tourist attractions. However, it is also home to some unique transportation trivia that make getting around the city even more interesting.

Tram Line 2

Running along the banks of the Danube on the Pest side, Tram Line 2 is considered one of the most beautiful tram routes in the world by National Geographic—and with good reason! From this tram, you can enjoy some of the most iconic views of the city, including Gellért Hill, Buda Castle, and the Fisherman’s Bastion. It also retains a traditional style and a charming aesthetic, making it a scenic tour for the price of a single metro ticket.

You can use Tram Line 2 to reach the meeting point of our Budapest free tour: at the Kossuth Lajos tér stop, next to the Parliament. Look for the orange umbrella!

The Longest Tram in the World

Although not a typical tourist attraction, Budapest is home to the longest commercial tram in the world. In 2016, the company CAF launched the URBOS 3 tram model, which measures an impressive 56 meters in length and operates on Line 1.

Interesting Facts on the Buda Side

It’s not only in the center of Budapest that you can find unique and fascinating means of transport. In Normafa, a beautiful park on the Buda side that offers nature and the possibility of enjoying a delightful day trip, there are two curious modes of transport that you surely wouldn’t expect to see in the Hungarian capital.

The Zugliget Chairlift

Since its construction in 1969, the Zugliget chairlift has been soaring over the Buda Hills, offering a scenic 15-minute journey from the Zugliget tram stop to János Hill. The single ticket costs 1200 HUF for adults and 600 HUF for children. This charming attraction operates daily from 10 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.

The Children’s TrainChildren's Train on Buda Side

A great complement to the chairlift excursion is the iconic Children’s Train (Gyermekvasút). This unique railway has been operating since after World War II and is entirely run by children in all roles, under adult supervision. Yes, that’s right! The children sell tickets, stamp them, and signal the train’s departure.

The train’s starting station, Hüvösvölgy, is accessible from Gellért tér by Tram 56. At this station, there’s also a small museum dedicated to the history of this one-of-a-kind train.

The entire journey takes approximately 50 minutes, running from Hüvösvölgy to János Hill (Jánoshegy) through Normafa. Along the route, passengers can find parks, picnic areas, and beautiful forest trails to explore.

The Children’s Train operates daily from 09:10 a.m. to 4:10 p.m., except on Mondays from September to April. Tickets cost 1000 HUF for adults and 500 HUF for children. Tickets can be purchased at the stations, either in Hungarian forints or by card. Be prepared to use your best communication skills, as not all the children operating the train speak English—but it’s definitely worth the experience!

To discover these and many other fascinating aspects of the Hungarian capital, don’t miss our free walking tours in Budapest!