Budapest is a beautiful city with a rich history and vibrant culture, and one of the best ways to explore it is by using the Budapest Metro. The metro railway system in Budapest is not only a convenient and efficient way to get around the city but also a fascinating experience in its own right.
However, navigating the Budapest metro system can be confusing, especially when it comes to buying tickets, understanding fares, identifying routes, and locating stations. In this article, we will provide a comprehensive guide to the Budapest Metro ticket system, including the fare chart, various passes, routes, stations, zones, fare card, and operating hours. Whether you are a local or a tourist, this guide will help you make the most out of your Budapest Metro journey.
Timing: The Budapest metro system operates from 4:30 am to 11:20 pm every day. The timings may vary depending on the line and the day of the week, so it’s essential to check the schedules beforehand.
Ticket price
Ticket price for Budapest Metro starts from 300 Ft ( US$ 0.90) (up to three stops), Book tickets on official website. Check more information.
| Single ticket | 350 Ft ( US$ 1) |
|---|---|
| Short section metro ticket | 300 Ft ( US$ 0.90) (up to three stops) |
| Transfer ticket | 530 Ft ( US$ 1.60) |
| 24-hour travel card | 1.65 Ft ( US$ 0) |
| 72-hour travel card | 4.15 Ft ( US$ 0) |
Tips to keep in mind before using the Budapest Metro:
You must validate your ticket in any of the transport company’s orange validating machines before you get on the metro.
A single ticket is only valid for a one-way uninterrupted ride. This means that you may not change lines. You should validate another single ticket if you need to take another metro line. Moreover, a one-journey is valid for 80 minutes (120 minutes at night-time).
Buying and Using Budapest Metro Fare Cards
How to Purchase Budapest Metro Fare Cards
Budapest Metro fare cards can be purchased at ticket vending machines, which are available at all metro stations. You can pay with cash or card, but it’s recommended to use a card for contactless payment. The fare card is reusable and can be topped up at any of the ticket vending machines.
How to Use Budapest Metro Fare Cards
When entering the metro station, swipe your fare card at the electronic reader, and the gate will open. Keep your fare card with you until you exit the metro station. Don’t forget to swipe your card again when you exit, or else you’ll be charged a maximum fare.
Ticket portal
Book tickets on official website.
Information on the various lines and most significant metro stations:
Line 1 (yellow line)
Line 1 runs from Vörösmarty tér to Mexikói út. This line stops at numerous landmarks and museums, making it very useful for tourists.
It runs through Andrássy Avenue and stops at the Hungarian State Opera House, the Oktogon Intersection, Heroes’ Square and City Park. It also stops very near the Chain Bridge.
The Metro line 1 is one of the easiest lines to take since it is not very deep and; therefore, you will not have to walk down many stairs. In addition, its stations are curiously decorated.
Line 2 (red line)
It crosses Budapest from Buda’s Déli Pályaudvar (Déli Railway Station) to Pest’s Örs vezér Square. The most useful stations for tourists are Kossuth Square, where the Hungarian Parliament is located, Batthyány Square, which is the Fisherman’s Bastion metro stop and Astoria, the closest station to the Great Synagogue.
Line 3 (blue line)
You will find this route useful if you take the bus 200E from the Airport to the city centre. The bus’s final destination is Köbánya-Kispest, which is the first Line 3 metro station.
Line 3 also stops at the Great Market Hall (Kálvin Tér).
Line 4 (green line)
Opened in 2014, the metro line 4 runs for 4 miles (7 kilometres). It connects the two main railway stations in the city: Keleti Railway Station and Kelenföld Railway Station.
Metro map
There are four metro lines in Budapest. The yellow is the oldest one, which is the second oldest subway/metro line in Europe. The red is the third, and the green line was opened on March 28th in 2014. On the map on this page, you can see all four metro lines, and you can also see the lines of some of the city trains (HEV lines) in Budapest.
You can see the maps in an even bigger version if you click on the maps. Enjoy your travel to Budapest using public transportation and the metro.
Do you want help to get from Budapest Airport to your hotel? Read more about our airport transfer service in Budapest here.
Budapest M1 Metro Stations
- Vörösmarty Tér.
- Deák Ferenc Tér.
- Bajcsy-Zsilinszky Út.
- Opera.
- Oktogon.
- Vörösmarty Utca.
- Kodály Körönd.
- Bajza Utca.
These are 4 Metro lines in Budapest.
- Budapest M1 Metro / Metro 1 Budapest / Yellow metro line Budapest
- Budapest M2 Metro / Metro 2 Budapest / Budapest metro red line
- Budapest M3 Metro / Metro 3 Budapest / Budapest metro blue line
- Budapest M4 Metro / Metro 4 Budapest / Green Metro line Budapest
New Budapest Metro map with all four metro lines
Which metro line should you use to get to famous attractions, shopping malls, and other popular activities in Budapest? Here you have some examples:
Where to get off the metro in Budapest?
- The Parliament: Kossuth Lajos tér (red line).
- Széchényi Thermal bath: Szecheyi fürdő (yellow line).
- Vaci utca (shopping street): Vörösmarty tér (yellow line).
- Heroes Square: Hösök tere (yellow line)
- Big Market Hall: Fővám tér (green line)
- Allee Shopping Mall: Ujbuda kozpont (green line).
- West End City Center: Nyugati Palyaudvar (blue line).
- Arena Plaza: Keleti Palyaudvar (red/green line).
- Köki Terminal: Kobanya-Kispest (blue line).
- Árkád Mall: Őrz Vezér tere (red line).
- State Opera: Opera (yellow line).
- Puskás Arena/Budapest Sportarena: Puskás Ferenc Stadion (red line).
- Castle: Széll Kálmán tér (red line) – walk or take the bus from there.
- Hungarian National Museum: Astoria (red line), Kálvin tér (blue/green line)
- The big synagogue: Astoria (red line)
- New York Confectionary: Blaha Lujza tér (red line).
- Gerbeaud confectionery: Vörösmarty tér (yellow line)
Navigating Budapest Metro Routes and Stations
Overview of the Budapest Metro Route Map
The Budapest metro railway system has four lines. The first line was constructed in 1896 and was the first metro railway system in mainland Europe. The Budapest metro system has grown over the years and now has a total of 52 stations that cover almost 40 kilometers. The four lines are colored differently and identified as M1, M2, M3, and M4. The metro routes are designed to serve commuters traveling to the different districts of Budapest.
How to Plan Your Budapest Metro Journey
To plan your Budapest metro journey, you need to understand the route map, the different lines, and their respective stations. You can use the Budapest Metro app or the official website to find all the information you need about the metro routes, stations, and timings. You can also use Google maps or other public transit apps to plan your journey. The Budapest metro system is known for its timely service, but it’s always wise to check the schedules before you start your journey.
FAQ
1. What is the Budapest Metro?
The Budapest Metro is a rapid transit system in the city of Budapest, Hungary. It was the first underground railway system in continental Europe and has been in operation since 1896.
2. How do I buy a Budapest Metro ticket?
You can purchase a Budapest Metro ticket at any metro station from ticket vending machines. You can also buy tickets from ticket offices during their opening hours. However, it is recommended to buy a Budapest Metro pass or a fare card if you plan to use the metro frequently.
3. What is the Budapest Metro fare card, and how does it work?
The Budapest Metro fare card is a reusable smart card that allows you to load multiple tickets or passes at once. You can purchase a fare card at any metro station, and then you can load it with tickets or passes that you buy from ticket vending machines or ticket offices. The fare card can be used by multiple people, making it an excellent option for groups.
4. How do I plan my Budapest Metro journey?
You can plan your Budapest Metro journey using the official Budapest Metro website or mobile app. These resources provide real-time information on routes, stations, fares, and schedules. You can also use Google Maps or other third-party journey planners to plan your Budapest Metro trip.
