QUICK FACTS
Population
» 1.9 million
Time zone
» GMT + 1 (GMT + 2 from last Sunday in March to Saturday before last Sunday in October)
Currency
» Hungarian Forint (HUF)
» 1,000 HUF ~ €4.00
» 1,000 HUF ~ $5.60
Electricity
» 220 volts AC, 50Hz; round two-pin plugs are standard
Average January temperature
» 0°C (32°F)
Average July temperature
» 21.5°C (71°F)
Annual rainfall
» 635mm (25 inches)
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Budapest public transport is well covered with services provided by BKV,  the company operates buses, trolleybuses, trams, suburban railway lines, the metro, boats and many other special vehicles.
Budapest's tram network is extensive, and reliable despite poor track infrastructure and an ageing fleet. Routes 4 and 6 combined form the busiest traditional city tram line in the world, with 50 metre (164 ft) long brand-new Siemens Combino trams running at 60 to 90 second intervals at peak time and 3-4 minutes off-peak and usually packed with people.
There are three metro lines (M1 yellow, M2 red, and M3 blue) that intersect at Deák tér. The M1, built for the 1896 exhibition, is the oldest line (click here for Budpest metro map).
 The BKV Cog-wheel Railway (Fogaskerekû vasút) operates from Városmajor útca to Széchenyi Hill daily.
Tickets are available for purchase at metro stations, some tram stops and newspaper stands. Tickets are valid for one trip on one mode of transport and must be validated on the bus or tram, or when changing lines on the metro. Single tickets, ticket booklets and day passes (napijegy) are available.
Day services operate from 4:30 a.m. until 11:30 p.m. each day. Night traffic (a reduced overnight service) is outstandingly good.
HÉV trains are Budapest’s commuter suburban train lines. The two northern lines connect with the metro at Batthyány tér, while the four eastern and southern lines can only be reached by tram. The line to Szentendre at Batthyány tér (see Excursions) is the best of the six lines and is probably the only line visitors will use.
Taxis
Taxis without a yellow number plate, which is required by law, as well as a reputable logo on the side doors and a table of fares posted on the dashboard should be avoided. Visitors should ask the driver for a taxi card, for a better fare on the next journey. |
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