The Transit System

This map makes it look complicated - it's not.

The tram, bus and metro system in Budapest is really good. Sure, some of them are a bit old and well-worn, but that's all part of their charm. In saying that, there are some new trams with air-conditioning, which has been really nice on those days when it was 30+ C and you're baking hot.

The other good thing is that a monthly ticket, with which you can use the tram, bus, and metro, is really cheap - ok, cost is always a relative thing, but at just under 15 euros for a monthly student pass, I think that's pretty cheap considering a 3-zone monthly student pass in London costs almost 100 euros*!!!). And that reminds me, there's no zone system in Budapest - you can just travel around on the buses, trams, and metro as much as you like :-)

Obviously you have to have a valid student card - if you're studying at an EU institution then a valid card should be fine. If you're from outside the EU and studying here, then you should be able to get a card from the Hungarian institution and use that. It's important to carry your student card around with you (because the inspectors can demand to see it) AND make sure you write the student card/id number on the pass (where it says Diakigazolvany szama, see picture below) I've heard that if they're in a bad mood, then the inspectors will fine you if it's blank.

A ticket for just one ride costs about 350 forint, and if you buy these then remember to stamp/clip them in the tram/bus/metro. I met some Dutch students who accidentally forgot to clip their tickets and they got fined 6000 forint each - if you can't pay straight away then it's double! So remember to validate your ticket.

For prices and other information, have a look at the official website www.bkv.hu/en/

* Of course, exchange rates and prices may change, but nonetheless, I think it's a huge difference.