Budapest Metro Information
The Budapest metro is a rapid transit system and a popular means of public transportation in Budapest, Hungary. The system began operations in 1896 and is the second oldest in the world. It presently has 4 lines that serve 52 stations. The network has a total track length of 38.2 kilometers. The system is also the oldest electrified underground system in Europe. It is operated by Budapest Transport Center (BKK) and Budapest Transport Pic.(BKV). As per 2011 statistics, the metro had a daily ridership of 1.27 million passengers and an annual ridership of 463.6 million passengers.
Budapest Metro Map
Map of Budapest Metro showing various Lines and Stations of Budapest Metro in Hungary is below. Click on the Map to view Enlarged version. You can also Download the PDF of Budapest Metro Map.
Interactive Map of Budapest Metro
Budapest Metro Hours, Timetable and Schedule
The metro service starts operations at around 4:30 am and continues until 11:30 pm.
Budapest Metro Fare, Tickets and Cards
A Single ticket for one uninterrupted trip for an adult costs HUF 350. These tickets must be validated before the journey starts. The ticket is valid for 60 minutes after stamping and 120 minutes during night time. During the validity period, changes are permitted between metro lines and the underground network. When this ticket is bought on the spot, it costs HUF 450.
There is an option of buying a Block of 10 tickets for HUF 3000. The block contains 10 single tickets.
Riders can purchase a Transfer Ticket, which allows one change on lines 1-299, 900-999, M1, M2, M3 as well as on lines H5, H6, H7, H8, and H9. The ticket needs to be validated twice, first while starting the trip and second when making a change. The validity time is 90 minutes during day time and 120 minutes during night time, when the ticket is validated at a stamping machine. If the second validation is done at a metro station entrance, then the ticket remains valid for another 60 minutes, even if the total trip time exceeds the limit of 90 minutes. Similarly for night service, the validity is increased for 120 minutes after the second validation. The Transfer ticket costs HUF 530.
There are tickets for short journeys. Riders can purchase a Short section metro ticket for up to 3 stops, for HUF 300. The ticket is valid for 30 minutes after validation. During this time, changes are allowed between metro and underground network, but only up to 3 stops altogether.
Tourists can purchase a Budapest 24-hour travel card or Budapest 72- hour travel card that provides unlimited travel on various public transports for 24 hours and 72 hours. The card costs HUF 1650 and HUF 4150 respectively. A Budapest 7-Day Travel Card can be purchased for HUF 4950 and is valid for 7 consecutive days from the starting time. The card is personalized.
In addition, various monthly passes are also available. Monthly Budapest Pass is a personalized pass and provides unlimited travel for a month on various public transports. It costs HUF 10,500. Monthly passes are also available for seniors and students at a discounted rate of HUF 3330 and HUF 3450 respectively.
Children under the age of three years can travel free.
For more information on tickets and pricing, visit
http://www.bkk.hu/en/prices/
Budapest Metro Parking
Budapest offers a convenient park and ride near the metro station outside the city center. You may have to pay a daily fee around HUF 320. You can park your vehicle at biggest park and ride locations.
Budapest Metro Rules and Tips
Bicycles may be transported only on the HEV lines, by validating another ticket. A maximum of 2 luggage bags per person is allowed with the dimensions of the bag not exceeding, 40x50x80 cm or 20x20x200 cm. One pair of skis, one sledge and wrapped sapling tree or a pram can also be carried. The rules for the transportation of animals is a little bit different in this metro. A dog, irrespective of its size can travel in the metro provided a full-price ticket is purchased for its ride. You can even purchase a monthly pass for your dog. Animals such as cats, hamsters, ferrets etc. can travel free of cost, provided they are in their cages which do not exceed the maximum size of baggage allowed.
For a more comprehensive guide to the rules of the metro network, you can visit the official website at: http://www.bkv.hu/en/travel_conditions/
Budapest Metro Places of Interest
One way to visit some of the most famous spots in Budapest is by the Millennium Underground Railway. A UNESCO’s World Heritage site, this line was opened in the year 1896, serving 11 stations. With the use of this means of public transportation, some of the most beautiful spots one can visit are:
● Széchenyi fürdő – One of the largest and most beautiful baths of Europe, it is located in the heart of the City Park. The Budapest Zoo, is not too far away as well.
● Hősök tere- The biggest of all squares in Budapest, the Hősök tere was built as a sign of respect for the Hungarian conquest. The Castle of Vajdahunyad, is located just behind the square.
● Opera- The cultural and musical centre of Budapest, it is one of the most magnificent monuments in the capital city.
● Bajcsy Zsilinszky út- Not too far off from the station, one can visit the Bajcsy Zsilinszky út. It is one of the most significant cathedrals of Budapest.
For more information on some of the place you can visit while availing the metro service in Budapest, you can visit the official website at: http://www.bkv.hu/en/our_thematic_routes_with_/#mill%20underground
Budapest Metro Lines
Budapest Metro consists of three lines and each lines are recognized by its name and color. The all three metro lines meet at Deak Ferenc Ter in the city center. The fourth line is under construction and scheduled to open in 2014. Details of all three lines are given below.
● Line 1 (Yellow Line)- is the oldest and shortest metro line and it runs from the heart of city Budapest city center to city park through Andrassy Avenue. The line is also known by the name Millennium Underground. The underground line was built during the 19th century. In 1970 the metro trains were replaced by modern ones. Line 1 covers eleven stations and the length of the line was 3.7 km and the metro train used to run every two minutes.
● Line 2 (Red Line)- runs from the city’s transit hub, east to west from Deli palyaudvar towards Ors vezer there. Line 2 provides a connection between Keleti railway terminal to Deli railway terminal. Line 2 is the only metro with stops in Buda and it is planning to move through line 4 route, which is under construction.
● Line 3 (Blue Line)- runs from the city’s transit hub and south east station Kobanya –Kispest towards north of Ujpest. Line 3 metro runs through Ulloi ut to the city center. The metro system runs mostly underground and all the lines touch Deak Ferenc Ter in the city center. Line 3 is the longest route with maximum number of stops.
● Line 4 (Green Line)- runs from Kelenfoldi Station to Keleti Railway station. The line is of 7.4 km in length, serving 10 stations along the way. The construction of 4 mor stations connecting Eastern Railway Station and Bosnyak Square, will not begin until 2020 at least.
● Line 5 (Purple Line)- planned to be a rapid rail line which will be connected to the Budapest-Esztergom heavy line rail. No exact date has been put on the commencement of the project, although it is highlighted in the city’s projects.