Getting around a new city can seem challenging on your first visit, but no worry, in Budapest it’s easy. Which lines should you use? How do you pay? Let’s see how to get around in Budapest like a local!
Walking
Walking is definitely one of the best ways to get around in Budapest. Most of the sights are close to each other, and the more you walk, the more you discover. Take your time to stroll along the river and cross the bridges to the other side. Walk the cobblestoned streets of the Castle District on the Buda side, and don’t miss the vibrant streets of the Jewish Quarter on the Pest side.
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Public transport
Budapest has a really well organised public transport system, and travelling with the city dwellers is part of the local experience. The street system was inspired by Paris, with boulevards and avenues connecting the smaller streets. I recommend trying everything: buses, trams, metro lines and trolleybuses. The same tickets and passes work on all of them. Let’s see which lines not to miss.
Good to know
On the metro, tap your contactless Visa or Mastercard, or your phone, on the validator. It buys and validates one single ticket (500 HUF, about 1.4 EUR) in one step. For trams and other buses, buy a ticket or pass before you board, from a ticket machine or in the official BudapestGO app, which also plans your route. A 24-hour pass costs 2,750 HUF (about 7.5 EUR) and a 72-hour pass 5,750 HUF (about 16 EUR). Prices checked in November 2026. You can read more in my post: All you need to know about public transport tickets in Budapest.
Tram 2
One of the most beautiful tram lines in Europe is tram 2, the sightseeing tram of Budapest. It takes you through the World Heritage part of the city along the romantic river bank. You can see the Central Market Hall, Liberty Bridge, Elisabeth Bridge, Chain Bridge and the Parliament building while admiring the breathtaking view of the Danube.
Metro line 1
Don’t miss the first underground of continental Europe, the Millennium Underground (metro line 1, the yellow line), which opened in 1896. With its fairy-tale interior from the 19th century, it feels like stepping onto a movie set. It runs from the city centre (Vörösmarty and Deák Ferenc squares) to the City Park, where you’ll find Heroes’ Square and the Széchenyi Thermal Bath.
Now you know how to get around in Budapest like a local. If you’re wondering how to get to the city from the airport, check out my post: How to get to the city from the airport in Budapest.
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