Hungary
Budapest
Buda and Pest face each other across the Danube. The M1 metro has run since 1896 — continental Europe's oldest.
Bus / trolleybus (autóbusz / trolibusz)
No bank-card tap here - buses carry no readers. Buy first from a machine or the app, then stamp the moment you board. A single covers one vehicle only; for transfers, the app-only 30- and 90-minute tickets do the work.
Updated on August 5, 2026
How to ride
- 1Buy your ticket before you boardBuy from a ticket machine (open around the clock, cash or card) or in the BudapestGO app - not every stop has a machine.
- 2Check whether the line is front-door boarding onlyOn lines signed 'Front-door boarding only', board at the front door and show the driver your ticket or pass.
- 3No ticket? Buy one from the driverOnly on buses and trolleybuses with a sticker on the driver's cabin, and only with exact cash - drivers carry no change.
- 4Validate the moment you boardUse the validator by the doors before departure - pull the black frame on red ones; orange and yellow ones stamp automatically.
- 5Stamp a new ticket every time you changeA single ticket covers one vehicle only - change to another bus or tram and you must stamp a fresh one.
- 6Keep the ticket until you get offInspections are random - keep the validated ticket or pass to hand, and carry the photo ID your pass is registered to.
Fares
Single fares5
Single ticket (machine or app)
One vehicle, no transfers; the trip must end within 80 minutes of stamping (120 on night services)
500 HUF ≈ $2
Single ticket bought on board
Only on vehicles with a sticker on the driver's cabin, and only with exact cash
700 HUF ≈ $2
30-minute ticket (app only)
Unlimited transfers within 30 minutes; app-only, and you scan the QR each time you board
600 HUF ≈ $2
90-minute ticket (app only)
Same but for 90 minutes - if your last transfer falls inside the window the ticket lasts to the end
850 HUF ≈ $3
Metropolitan area ticket (on blue VOLAN buses)
For the stretch outside the city boundary; sold only by drivers of the blue VOLAN suburban buses
400 HUF ≈ $1
Passes & multi-ride5
Block of 10 tickets
Ten single tickets in one block; use them one at a time, or stamp one per person for a group
4,500 HUF ≈ $14
24-hour Budapest-travelcard
Unlimited travel for 24 hours from the start time you choose; no stamping needed, not valid on the 100E
2,750 HUF ≈ $9
72-hour Budapest-travelcard
Same terms for 72 hours, and it also covers MAV trains, selected VOLAN buses and ferry D14 inside the city
5,750 HUF ≈ $18
Monthly Budapest-pass
One month from a start date you pick; valid only with the photo ID it was registered to (a passport works)
8,950 HUF ≈ $29
Budapest Card (tourist pass)
Price span of Classic 24/48/72/96 hours plus FLEXI and PLUS; every version includes free city transport
17,990〜39,990 HUF ≈ $58–130
Estimates use exchange rates as of September 5, 2026
Payment
Tap to ride No tap-to-ride on buses; Pay&GO covers only the metro and the 100E
IC card Budapest has no stored-value transit card
App tickets Buy in BudapestGO; the 30- and 90-minute tickets exist only in the app
Paper tickets Machines run around the clock and take cash or cards; 79 of them are card-only
Cash Accepted at ticket machines and by drivers - drivers carry no change
Tap for where to get the app
Quick facts
Fares from
500 HUF+
Heads-up
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The 100E takes only its own ticket, not singles or passes
The 100E airport bus needs its own ticket - ordinary single tickets, 24/72-hour travelcards and monthly passes are all invalid on it, so check before you head for the airport.
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The on-the-spot penalty is capped and needs a receipt
An on-the-spot penalty fare never exceeds 12,000 HUF and the inspector must give you a receipt. If you are treated differently, do not pay - contact BKK.
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On night buses hold your bag in front of you
Watch for pickpockets on night buses - BKK itself advises carrying your bag crosswise or held tightly in front of you, and sitting near the driver.