Since this is such an exciting city with so much to do in all of its different neighborhoods, it will be important for you to know some of the ways remote workers get around Budapest. Indeed, the Hungarian capital is a modern city with adequate infrastructure meant to support the large number of visitors it receives each year. Trains, trams, buses and even chairlifts are popular methods of transportation in Budapest, and offer affordable ways of getting around to all citizens. In general, we believe the public transport system in Budapest is safe and easy to navigate, although we recommend keeping an eye out for pickpockets and always having a map handy. Below, we highlight some of the best ways for remote workers to get around Budapest.
Before you set out on your public transport experience across the city, of course, you will need the right ticket to ride. Budapest’s public transport system is run by the publicly-owned Budapesti Közlekedési Közpönt (BKK) and offers a range of tickets for use on public transport. A single ticket to ride any of the city’s transport options has a cost of 350HUF and does not allow interchanges between different transit methods, except for on different metro lines. A daily ticket has a cost of around 1650HUF, and all options are available for purchase at machines found at all metro stations as well as in designated kiosks around major transport hubs. We recommend installing the BKK app on your phone to keep track of the nearest stations and ticket agents.
The city’s metro will be a hugely convenient way for remote workers to get around Budapest, with 4 lines serving the city daily. Line 1 is actually Europe’s oldest metro line and a UNESCO-designated World Heritage Site! All lines stop at the major sites and neighborhoods around the city - Line 2 serves the Hungarian Parliament area and Line 4 connects Kelenfold and Keleti train stations making for easy transfer between Buda and Pest. Line 3 has stayed true to its soviet origins and connects the areas south of Belvaros, making it the perfect choice for visiting the eclectic Central Marker Hall. The metro is open every day from 4:30am until 11:30am.
Certainly the easiest way for remote workers to get around Budapest, the Tram has six lines serving all areas of the city. Unlike with the metro, you must validate your ticket on board the tram using one of the available machines. Riding the tram is generally easy and certainly provides a picturesque experience in this beautiful city - hope on Line 2 for a beautiful ride up the banks on the Danube on the Pest side up to the Szechenyi Chain Bridge and Parliament. Lines 4 and 6 are the most popular, serving the Grand Boulevard around Josefvaros and the Palace District. Conveniently, Line 6 functions all throughout the night.
The city’s bus system is huge and serves practically all parts of the city, meaning it will often be the best way for remote workers to get around Budapest. Just like on the city’s trams, you must validate your ticket onboard. The city’s buses are blue and have designated stops across the city, but do keep in mind that they tend to be very very crowded and that you should always be extra-careful with your belongings when using this transit option. There are a number of red trolleybuses serving residential parts of Pest also, but expect to see the blue city buses everywhere. There is a convenient night bus services also, operating after 11:30pm each night.
One of the most beautiful and perhaps even least congested ways for remote workers to get around Budapest will be to catch a boat across the Danube. This will be perfect if you’re looking for a more picturesque journey or wish to get from the south to Margaret Island quickly. Boats tend to leave from the Kopaski Dam and disembark in Római in the north of Budapest, making stops along all the major landmarks on the Danube. Prices on these services vary and we suggest checking times directly at Kopaski Dam or any of the piers along the river.
These are mostly touristic transit options which provide useful ways for remote workers to get around Budapest, but particularly around hilly Buda. Hop on the chairlift from Zugliget to get to Budapest’s highest point, and take the light rail transit from Szent János up the Buda hills to Szechenyi-hegy for truly spectacular landscapes.
For more information about living in Budapest as a remote worker, check out our complete Budapest guide.