Budapest questions
 

We will be visiting Budapest in early September for about 3 days. I have done a lot of research but have several questions that I need your help with.
1) For the1day pass for all metro lines, that I would purchase from the ticket vending machines how is this pass validated? Also is it valid from the day/time validated until the next day at the same time or is it just for that calendar day regardless of what time that day it is validated?

2) We will be arriving at the train station, so I will need to exchange some money for local currency. I assume there is an exchange booth at the station? (YesI understand it will not be the best rate but I need some currency for a cab to our hotel).

3) We are staying at the Marriott on the Danube, can you tell me how far that would be from the station?

4) if I buy a single use ticket, is it time limited? I understand that one cannot change modes of transportation on a single ticket but are there other restrictions?

5) How to get to the castle from the Marriott using public transportation?

6) I am considering the hop on hop off bus option, but am not sure it is worth it?

Hi!

1. When you by the one day pass, you can set the day and time of the validation. It is written on the pass. You don't have to validate it, just show it when you are asked to.

2. Cab at the station. As you get off, turn right. Taxis are there, they are yellow. Try to find a CITY TAXI or a FOTAXI. They are reliable. The name of the company is written on the door. To Marriott it takes 15-20 min, depending on the traffic. It costs some 2500-3000 huf. Ask the driver for the price BEFORE you get in.

3. Single tickets are valid for 60min. Metro section tickets are for 3 stops and only for 30 min.

4. From Marriott to the Castle Hill. Walk towards Chain Bridge, the square there is called SZECHENYI Square. On the other side of it, in front of the Accademy of Sciences is the busstop. Bus no 16. It crosses the bridge. The 3rd stop is the nearest one to the Royal Palace, the 4th one is in front of Matthias Church.

5. Ho-Ho bus is not worth it. Most of the major sights are within walking distance an public transport within the city center is good and cheap.

For money - you don;t need a cash exchange booth - just pull cash from an ATM with your debit card. You will get much more for your money.

The rate at the station is some 20% less than the normal rate. Use the ATM or change only max 15 EUR.

For the day pass, when I buy it from the ticket machine how does it get validated? Also is it good for a full 24 hours or just that calendar day?

The FO taxis that we take from the airport all have meters which accept credit cards. I'd assume that FO taxis from the train station are the same and if so you will not need cash to pay for the ride.

And depending on when you are in Budapest in September there is the wine festival for four takes and which takes place in the Castle District. I believe this year it starts on the 9th and it would be good to go if you are there then.

Pjk

You don't have to validate the day pass. The time (hour and minute) until the ticket is valid is written on it. It is valid for 24 hours.

1)
When you buy the pass, they will stamp the date and time on the pass. Usually they would not validate it unless at some metro stations where there are personnels stationed at the entrance to check your passes. Also if you take tram no. 2, which runs after midnight for all the party goers, they will definitely check your pass.

2) We will be arriving at the train station, so I will need to exchange some money for local currency. I assume there is an exchange booth at the station? (YesI understand it will not be the best rate but I need some currency for a cab to our hotel).
It is best not to change at train stations because the exchange rate is really the lowest at train stations

3) Your hotel is near Vorosmarty Ter metro station. It will just take 25-30min from the station

4) if you buy a single use ticket, ya you can just use it once.

5) If you are in for a walk and adventurous, you can easily walk to the Buda castle> actually i recommend a walk as you get to enjoy the sceneries.
6) I dont recommend the bus, it is extremely easy to navigate your way in Budapest and you can get to see so much more. And you have 3 days there, it is enough to see most of the attractions.

How mobile are you? You're going to be near the river and can walk about 1 km (if that) to the Castle from your hotel. Just go along the river and cross the Chain Bridge.

HOHO buses tend to be a waste of time and money. Instead, check out these potential itineraries that you can use with your 1-day pass:

http://www.bkv.hu/en/our_thematic_routes_with_/

There is an office for booking taxis at the train station at a set fee if you prefer.Also I used the ATM in the station.

Spoon cafe is a nice place to unwind to enjoy the view of the bridge.

Bus works great up the hill.

I have a trip report about Budapest and Vienna if you want to get some restaurant names and things I did with my mom on a lovely trip.

It's a great city. One of my favorites