Keleti Train Station in Budapest/Safety
 

Plan to take a train (back and forth) from Budapest to Vienna and return. Advise regarding Keleti train Station: safety and distance from metro. Thank you.

As I posted on your other thread, I felt quite safe in Budapest. I've used Keleti station, but I took a taxi as I was limping. There is a metro station, but you may have to take a round about route from your hotel. Actually, if you're traveling light, you could walk it from the Corinthia Grand. Suggest buying a Streetwise map and a guidebook. And using Google maps.

Why are you so nervous about Budapest?

We went straight to the tourist bureau in the station near the main exit and booked a car from there to our hotel. We ignored al the taxi drivers trying to get us to their cars when we alighted from the train. I also stopped at teh ATM in the station to get some local cash.

I don't think you will feel unsafe in Budapest, but take care, regardless. I am sure there is plenty of petty crime there, just as there is all over.

I hope you can get the cheap tickets on the train. There used to be some 19 euro- fares each way. No need for first class.

The ride is uneventful and not particularly scenic, but pleasant.

The metro is not nearly as efficient as some of the bus and tram lines.

I forget to add a lovely place up near the ponds across from Gundel.It is a restauant called "Robinson". Defintely worht a stop or drink if not meal.

There is a metro stop at Keleti Station. There is a walk of a couple of hundred metres, mostly in an underground concourse, to get to the platforms.

It's not a dangerous area but, as is generally the case with mainline stations, you will find some vagrants and potential pickpockets around. Normal vigilance should be sufficient (orange alert rather than red alert).