Currency exchange in Budapest
Hungarian currency is forint=100 fillers.
Firstly, since we are in Europe, it is most profitable to exchange euro for forints.
Secondly, if possible, you do not need to do this at the airport. In the city center, exchangers are at every step.
The exchange rate is approximately the same everywhere, they usually do not charge a commission for the exchange. But you need to pay attention to this, an exchanger with a commission may also come across.
An important point – almost all exchange offices in Budapest set a much less favorable rate for the weekend. Therefore, on Saturday-Sunday it is better to refrain from exchanging currency, well, or still look for an exchanger with a normal rate – there are also those that do not raise the rate for the weekend. You can pay by card almost everywhere, the exchange rate will depend on your bank.
Budapest Airport – how to get to the city center
Franz Liszt Airport, formerly known as Ferihegy, is about 20 km away. from the center of Budapest. The nearest (and only convenient) public transport is bus 200E, the stop of which is located right at the exit from Terminal 2. Using the ticket machine you can pay in cash (forints only) or by card. The fare in the ticket machine is about 1 euro, the driver is a little more expensive.
Bus
The bus runs from the airport to Deák Ferenc tér metro station, from 4 am to 11 pm. The interval of movement during the day is 10 minutes, in the morning and in the evening less often. Travel time is about 50 minutes. The route passes through the center of Pest, where tourists most often settle, so there is a chance to drive directly to the place of residence.
In almost all cities of the world, the airport has the most unfavorable exchange rate. The Budapest airport is no exception, so it’s better not to change anything there, and if you plan to get to the city by public transport, pay for the fare by the card.
Taxy
At night, you will have to call a taxi to Budapest airport, unless you live right next to the southern bus terminal, which is unlikely – this is the far outskirts. From 23 to 4 from this terminal there are night buses to the airport, but of course, you first need to get to the terminal itself, and at night it is not easy (again, only by taxi). Taxi Budapest-Airport costs about 25 euro.
Train
There is a railway station near the airport, and even called Ferihegy, hinting at the proximity to the airport, but, in fact, it is about 5 km away. Those who wish, of course, can walk on foot, but in fact, you need to go all the same bus 200E. It’s just not clear why you need to change trains if the bus goes about the same place. In general, in this sense, the Budapest airport has something to improve.
Public transport in Budapest
City public transport in Budapest is represented by buses, trams and metro. Tickets are valid for all transport, bought at the box office or subway machines, or at special kiosks. As elsewhere, there are single tickets and different travel options. A single ticket costs about 1 euro. Detailed information about the types and cost of tickets on the website of the Budapest Transport Company (BKK).
In general, most of the sights of Budapest are within walking distance – not that everything is very close, but walking is not a problem. Now, if you are going somewhere further (for example, to Aquincum), then of course you will have to go already.
Suburban
If you leave the city limits on a suburban train (HÉV), then a strange rule comes into effect, according to which you need to buy a separate ticket for travel around the city and a separate one for the rest of the route. And vice versa is the same – a ticket is bought to the first station within the city and another ticket for travel around the city. Not to say that it was very convenient.
Although, if you already have a city pass, it’s not so scary.
By the way, the trains there are not the most comfortable – without a scoreboard and air conditioning.
Budapest – Train HÉV
Metro
The metro in Budapest is small, the distances between stops are short. But the city can be proud that one of the subway lines is the oldest on the continent. This line (yellow) even now looks the same as it did immediately after construction, even the trains are stylized as old trailers.
Historic yellow metro line in Budapest
Yellow line of the Budapest metro
At one of the interchange stations of the yellow line (Deák Ferenc tér) there is a small metro museum, but there is nothing particularly interesting there. Just a few old cars and posters with information and old documents (tickets, etc.).
See also – sights of Budapest.
City transport map of Budapest
