Hungary has an extensive domestic transportation network that covers the whole country. No matter where you are, you can easily find access to buses, trains or both. At the same time, travel websites and mobile apps make the process of finding tickets and checking the time-schedules a breeze. Here's how you can make the most of it
The public transportation system in Hungary
While there are many horror stories of the so-called “taxi hyenas” in Budapest, the system has significantly improved since, as all licensed taxis have a standard yellow color and signage showcasing their status, with regulated travel fares and base fees. That said, you can reliably use ride-hailing apps in the capital in the form of Bolt and Uber (which is run in collaboration with local taxi company Főtaxi), which is a clearly superior option. Hailing a cab in smaller cities can still be an iffy proposition, but in general, the country's public transport system is so robust you won't miss taxis at all.
For Budapest, you can rely on the BudapestGO app for detailed information on schedules and transport lines. For country-wide information, Menetrendek.hu's travel planner is the way to go. This will help you plan trips that involve more than one means of transport, check the exact route and time-schedule, and find transfer options and connecting times. Once you decide on your trip, you can visit the website of the rail or bus company, which have now been merged, with MÁV and Volánbusz under the same auspices as of 2025, and purchase your ticket(s) there. The MÁVPlusz app (formerly Vonatinfó) is a great way to prepare for trips across the country.
Good to know:
Menetrendek.hu also comes in the form of a mobile app for you to download to your smartphone.
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Travelling by train in Hungary
Hungary's railway hub is definitely Budapest: from the capital, you have access to three large terminals that serve different regions covering the whole country. The trains are operated by MÃV-Start, and tickets can be bought online. Hungary is currently modernizing its fleet with 93 refurbished Swiss GTW trains and new double-deck KISS units from Stadler, but the reliability of train services remains a common concern in the nation. Find out more here.
Good to know:
In Hungary, you can bring your bicycle on board any train, as long as you have purchased a specific 'bicycle ticket'.
Travelling by bus in Hungary
The bus network in Hungary is extensive and is now operated by MÁV under the Volán brand (following the 2025 merger). As part of a 10-year concession contract signed in 2025, the company is purchasing 1,000 new buses in 2026, including many electric and hydrogen fuel cell buses as part of the Green Bus Program. They work together to make sure there are good connections from place to place.
Ticket prices vary based on the distance travelled; there are also express bus lines that go on the motorways for faster transport (but also cost a bit extra). You can buy your bus tickets at vending machines at bus terminals, or directly from the driver in cash. There are also some bus companies that offer their ticket sales online, but this is mostly the case for buses to and from Budapest.
Good to know:
In most Hungarian buses, you are only allowed to board at the front door, where the driver will also check your tickets.
Travelling by boat in Hungary
Hungary may be a landlocked country, but waterway transport is more than just an option you have: it's actually quite traditional. After all, Hungary is home to the largest lake in Central Europe, Balaton, where boats have been carrying passengers for more than 175 years. Nowadays, there are scheduled lines and various day trips for sightseeing throughout the year. And of course, there's the Danube River, where you can find cruise ships and hydrofoils from spring to autumn. The boat services on Lake Balaton are operated by Balaton Shipping Company (BAHART), with modern catamarans and ferries introduced in recent years.
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