Budapest Transfer Question
 

I'm a bit confused regarding taxis in Budapest. I'm looking for the easiest transfer from the Keleti train station to our hotel on the Buda side of the Chain Bridge (Carlton Hotel). It looks like the easiest way is using the Red Metro line to Batthany station but then what? Would a taxi be easier and how to you tell an honest driver from a mafia driver(if they exist)?

Certainly a taxi would be easier. enerally, I'd call for a taxi from one of the major companies, such as City Taxi. Fo, Taxi 2000 or a couple of others. However, from the train station, just look for one from one of those companies and you should be fine.

Betthany has bus and tram stops also...we too took the metro to this stop from the train station and took the tram..then realized we could walk. Ask your hotel the best way to get there/do they have directions on their website?

Kathy, take a taxi, but BEFORE you enter the taxi, handle the price! The Carlton is not soo easy to reach by public transport. The easiest way by public transport would be to take the Red metro from the Keleti to Deak ter, than take the castle bus from there, and cross the Chain bridge, than you have to walk 1 block up the Castle hill, and few steps down, and there you are! If you deside to take a taxi, the maximum you can pay for that ride is ca 3500 Forints...

Thank you very much for your suggestions. I'm really looking forward to my trip to my parents homeland and anything to make the transportation part easier helps.

Dear Kathy,hello from Budapest!
First of all I am very sad that the taxi drivers are feared everywhere, here too. But if you choose a reliable taxi company, this is an easy and cheap way to get to your hotel! I would recommend: City, Radio, Buda or Fõ taxi companies. Look for these signs on the cars and the price will not be more than 7-10 USD. Gabriella www.privatetoursbudapest.com

Thank you Gabriella. It is too bad that the taxi drivers have such a bad reputation. NYC use to have the same problem but the last several times I've been there the drivers have been great, friendly, talkative. I'll make sure to look for the companies you mentioned.