Getting Around Hungary by Train & Bus

MÁV-START runs Hungary's national rail network — comfortable, cheap, and ideal for intercity trips. Popular routes from Budapest: Lake Balaton (~1.5–2.5h), Eger (~2h), Pécs (~3h), Debrecen (~2.5–3h), plus the international Railjet to Vienna (~2.5h) and Bratislava (~2.5h). Buy at the station, on MÁV's site, or compare and book everything in one place (see below).

Volánbusz is the national intercity coach operator — often the fastest or only option for towns without a direct rail line, and handy for the Danube Bend and smaller villages. Tickets are available at the station or online.

Just landed at Liszt Ferenc? The cheapest direct option is the 100E airport bus to Deák Ferenc tér (~2,200 HUF, 30–40 min, dedicated ticket). For door-to-door without a taxi fare, the official miniBUD shared shuttle starts around 2,490 HUF. Bolt and Főtaxi (Uber) cost ~9,000–10,000 HUF.

See our full guide: Budapest Airport to the city — every transfer option.

BKK runs the metro (lines M1–M4), trams, buses and trolleybuses, while the suburban HÉV reaches Szentendre and the city's edges. Download the BudapestGO app for tickets and routes — and ride the scenic tram 2 along the Danube past Parliament. Always validate your ticket; single tickets, 10-packs and 24/72-hour travelcards are available. Arriving early or with a gap between trains? See our guide to luggage storage in Budapest, and grab data for your phone with our eSIM & SIM cards in Hungary guide.

Book popular international trains in advance for the best fares. Interrail (for EU residents) and Eurail (for non-EU visitors) passes are valid on Hungarian trains. Students and seniors often qualify for discounts. Summer weekend trains to Lake Balaton can sell out — reserve ahead.