Getting around
Public Transport
Budapest’s public transportation system includes buses, trolley buses, trams and metros. Buses, trolley buses, trams and metros run daily from 04:30 until 23:00.
Tickets or passes must be bought beforehand from metro stations, tobacconists, news agents or vending machines at bus and tram stops in the city centre. A single ticket costs HUF 350 (approximately EUR 1.15).
Taxi
The easiest way to order a taxi is by phoning one of the listed companies. Taxis can also be hailed on the street. A taxi fare is split into three parts:
- Basic fee (HUF 450)
- Per kilometre charge (280 HUF/km)
- Waiting fee (70 HUF/min)
6×6 Taxi: +36-1-666-6666
Barát Taxi: +36-70-773-2000
Buda Taxi: 2-333-333
Budapest Taxi: 4-333-333
City Taxi: 2-111-111
Főtaxi: 2- 222-222
Max Taxi: 2-222-333
MB Elit Taxi: 232-32-32
Mobil Taxi: 333-2222
Penta Taxi: 555-55-33
Police Taxi: 278-5290
Rádió Taxi: 7-777-777
Taxi 2000: 2-000-000
Taxi4: 4-444-444
Taxi Plus: 7-888-999
Tele5 Taxi: 5-555-555
Volán Taxi: 361-4-3333-22
Zóna Taxi: 365-55-55
We advise using only the official taxi companies recognisable by their taxi sign and yellow number plate. It can be difficult to recognise official taxis on the street, so when in doubt look for the companies listed above. Always double-check that taxi metre is running.
Tourist Information
Budapest Tourist Information Office
Address: Sütő u. 2. 1052 Budapest, (Deák Square)
Email: info [at] budapestinfo [dot] hu
Visa Information
We will provide you with an invitation letter upon request after you have registered. We will include details on how to apply for the invitation letter in your registration confirmation email.
Please check the Visa Information page RIPE 74 visa page for more information about an entry visa for Hungary.
Health and Safety
Pharmacies called “gyógyszertár or “patika” are generally marked with a green sign or flashing cross and are open until 18:00 or 20:00. For an out-of-hours pharmacy, look for Ügyeletes Gyógyszertár/Patika.
Emergency Clinic: Peterfy Sandor Street Hospital
Address: Péterfy Sándor u. 8-20, 1076 Hungary
Telephone: +36 1 461 4700
Useful Telephone Numbers
Hungary uses the universal European emergency number 112 for Police/Fire/Ambulance. An operator will redirect the call to the appropriate service.
For specific cases, use the following numbers:
- Ambulance: 104
- Police: 107
- Fire Department: 105
The telephone prefix for Hungary is +36.
Currency and Banking
Currency
Hungary’s currency is Forint.
Abbreviation: HUF
Exchange rates for foreign currencies, valid on 5 January 2017:
EUR 1 = HUF 308.08
ATM
ATM machines are available at main banks and at airports and shopping centres.
Credit Cards
Major credit cards including American Express, Mastercard and Visa are accepted in large hotels, car rental companies and stores in the main cities.
Business hours
Specialty stores (handicraft / gift / souvenir) in the city are usually open from 10:00 to 18:00.
Malls and superstores are open until 18:00.
Banks are usually open from 8:00 to 14:00, Monday through Thursday. On Friday, banks close at 13:00.
Post offices are open from 08:00 to 18:00.
Time Zone
In May, Hungary operates on UTC+2.
Electricity
EU standard: 230V 50 Hz — round two-pin plugs, Type C and Type F.
Weather
In May, the average temperature is around 16 degrees Celsius and the weather is rainy with overcast skies.