Budapest, Hungary
Most useful bus stations for travellers in Budapest are following:
* Népliget Bus station (Népliget autóbuszállomás, metro M3, Népliget station, tram 1 and 1A). Buses from abroad and most of Western Hungarian destinations arrive (and depart) here. Fairly modern station with reliable facilities. Do not forget to check in if you travel abroad.
* Stadion Bus Station (Stadion autóbuszállomás, formerly known as Népstadion autóbuszállomás, metro M2 Stadionok station, tram 1 and 1A). The biggest hub for Eastern Hungarian destinations, quite modern but somewhat dirty station built underground.
* Ãrpád Bridge Bus Station (Ãrpád hÃd autóbuszállomás, metro M2 Ãrpád hÃd station). A smaller station for some Northern destinations and suburban traffic; it can be used by you if you intend to visit Szentendre, Esztergom or Visegrád by bus.
* Etele tér Bus Station (Etele téri autóbuszállomás, bus 7 fast (red) , 173 fast (red)). A newly built station next to Kelenföld Railway Station, at the future terminus of metro line 4, intended mostly for agglomeration traffic. It is useful for getting to Statue Park.
By boat
There is a scheduled hydrofoil service on the Danube to and from Vienna and Bratislava daily between early April and early November operated by Mahart.
Get around
Public transportation in Budapest is run by BKV, which has a useful English-language site. As of February 2007, single tickets cost HUF 230 (HUF 260 if you buy them on board – note that tickets are sold by the driver only on selected routes). If you intend to travel a lot, it’s a better option to get a one-day travel card (HUF 1350) or a discount coupon book (10 tickets for HUF 2050, 20 tickets for HUF 3900) or a three-day travel card (HUF 3100). Information about tickets and prices can be found on BKV’s ticket and pass information site. One ticket is good for only one journey; anytime you take a new vehicle, you should validate another ticket.
The Budapest Card is an excellent discount card for travel in the city. There are 2 and 3 day versions, and besides allowing free travel on all public transport, it gives you discounts at museums, restaurants, etc. The 2-day card costs HUF 6450, the 3-day card is HUF 7950.
You might get lost in Budapest or be unable to find a bus or tramline using the maps found in some foreign published guidebooks. Many tourists experience this problem. Buy a map of Budapest published in Hungary, which may help prevent problems. You can get them at Budapest bookshops (könyvesbolt or könyváruház in Hungarian) for about 1000-1300 HUF (4-5 €).
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