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How to Use the Budapest Metro Subway

Budapest, Hungary Subway Guide Introduction This is a guide for using the subway/metro system of Budapest, Hungary. It is four lines that traverse the city. It is a convenient way to travel around Budapest. Map of Budapest subway Subway metro map for Budapest, Hungary Cost of taking the Budapest metro/ subway The cost of a [...]

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Budapest, Hungary Subway Guide

Introduction

This is a guide for using the subway/metro system of Budapest, Hungary. It is four lines that traverse the city. It is a convenient way to travel around Budapest.

Map of Budapest subway

Subway metro map for Budapest, Hungary

Cost of taking the Budapest metro/ subway

The cost of a single ride on the Budapest metro 270 HUF. It has an open fare system, so you can transfer to other lines with a single ticket.

Daily/ weekly passes

A 1-Day-Pass is 1550F

A 3-Day-Pass is 3400F

A 7-Day-Pass is 4000F

Purchasing tickets

Tickets can be purchased at stations from a ticket vending computer, an official vendor in a ticket sales stall, or from one of the cigarette vendors in the station. The prices are the same for all of the above options.

Time table

The trains of the Budapest metro run from 4.30 AM to 11:10 PM daily. The trains generally stop at each station in 4-5 minute intervals throughout the day, and in two to three minute intervals during rush hour. After eight PM the trains run every 10-15 minutes.

More information

More information about the Budapest metro system can be found at the stations themselves. Most have printed maps of the lines available for free.

Fare evasion

It is possible to get on the Budapest metro and ride for free. But you MUST use extreme caution when doing so. There are often ticket checkers at the exits of major stops, who check the tickets of ALL passengers. The fine is rather large and NO AMENDS are given to foreigners who act stupid and pretend they did not know what they were doing.

It is possible to evade the Budapest metro fare, but make sure you know the lay of the land ahead of time. I highly do not recommend not paying your fare to ANY major stop, especially those on the tourist track — the ticket checkers bust fare evading tourists all day long. But out in the suburbs or outside of the major tourist areas, it is easy to evade the metro fare. The Hungarians that I have known often scoff at paying for tickets, and ride for free. It is best to have a friend or two who can advise you on where you can and can not ride for free.

Photos

Muscians playing in Budapest Subway

Musician in Budapest Metro

Conclusion

The Budapest metro system is relatively clean and efficient. A good way to get around the city.

Filed under: Hungary

About the Author:

I am the founder and editor of Vagabond Journey. I’ve been traveling the world since 1999, through 91 countries. I am the author of the book, Ghost Cities of China and have written for The Guardian, Forbes, Bloomberg, The Diplomat, the South China Morning Post, and other publications. has written 3699 posts on Vagabond Journey. Contact the author.

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2 comments… add one

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  • Lorne Walton October 15, 2010, 3:33 am

    In October 2010, the single-ride transit fare in Budapest is 320 forints. A book of 10 tickets costs 2800.

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  • Kathryn December 27, 2010, 10:55 pm

    If you have an ISIC card, you can buy a one month pass that is good for the subway, streetcars and buses. That pass costs less than a 3 day pass because it is not designed for tourists.

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