Budapest transport
 

Hello.

We are going to Budapest in a month and are aware that you can get multi-day passes good for the subway, trams, etc.
Does anyone know if we can buy these at a tourism office (like at the airport)? Also, with a multi-day pass, do they need to be validated everyday or just the first time?
Thanks...

Seven-day passes can be purchased in metro stations for 3600 Forints (about 14 euros). They cover metro, tram, and bus services in the city. They are timed from when you buy them, and you never validate them. Make sure you write your name on them. The inspection regime is strict.

Hi Padraig:
About those seven-day passes - am I correct in believing they are seven consecutive days only? Instead of, for example, use it on Monday, that's one day gone; don't use it on Tuesday, that doesn't count; use it on Wednesday, two days gone?
Thanks!

Poohgirl: yes, it is just as you suppose. When you get the ticket it is marked with the date, and is valid for that day and the six following days -- so don't buy one at 11.00 p.m.!

It's great value, and public transport in Budapest is easy to use.

They also have a carnet of 10 tickets. The problem is that you have to use a ticket for each transfer, which I really haven't seen in other countries. So price it out, but you are probably better with a multi-day pass.

Thanks, Padraig. That sounds like a good way to go - I think I'll be doing it that way.

A small additional tip: if you decide to use the HEV (suburban rail system) for, say, a visit to Szentendre or Godollo, then you should show your weekly pass because it covers the part of the journey to the city boundary and reduces the cost of your HEV ticket accordingly.

Thanks for all the input.
Padraig, do you know if we will also need to buy transit tickets for our luggage? We will be taking the bus/subway from the airport to the hotel.
Thanks again...

There is no metro connection from the airport to anywhere, and I don't know about buses. Taxis are strictly regulated, and are very good value: see http://www.bud.hu/english/transport/...ticle_hid=1270 The fare covers baggage (or luggage, if you prefer). They will take you back to the airport for 3500 HUF.

Another possibility is the Airport Minibus Service, but I don't think it is great value except for the solo traveller.

dinks: Take a look at www.budabab.com under the DIRECTIONS section. This gives you excellent instructions on taking the bus and subway from the airport.