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Getting Around Public Transport Budapest's cheap and effective transport system is run by Budapesti K?zlekedÉsi Vállalat (BKV) (tel: (1) 317 5518; fax: (1) 461 6557). The network includes the underground, trams, buses, trolley buses (a cross between a bus and a tram) and trains. In summer, there are also BKV Danube ferries. Public transport runs from 0430 to 2300. There is a limited night bus service, all of which are marked with É. 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. The other lines still have Russian trains. Trains run every 3-6 minutes on weekdays and 5-8 minutes at weekends, but less frequently before 0630 and after 2000. Tickets can be purchased 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 underground. A single ticket costs Ft95; ticket booklets cost Ft900 for ten, Ft1750 for 20; a day ticket costs Ft740. Three-day tourist passes cost Ft1500; a weekly pass costs Ft1850. The cog-wheel railway runs every 15 minutes from Városmajor to SzÉchenyi Hill daily (0517-2330). Ticket prices are as above. The children's railway (gyermekvasút) from H?vösvölgy to SzÉchenyi Hill (hourly from 0900 to 1600) was formerly run by the Communist youth organisation and is still largely run by children. Tickets cost about Ft120. A chair-lift (libeg?) runs daily (September to May 0930-1600; October to April 0900-1600) from Zugliget to János Hill, the highest point of Budapest. Tickets cost Ft250. The 100m (328ft) funicular (sikló) runs up from Clark Ádám tÉr to the Castle District daily 0730-2230. Tickets cost Ft200. Taxis Taxis without a yellow number plate should be avoided. Recognised companies include: Rádió Taxi (tel: (1) 377 7777) one of the cheapest and most reliable firms, offering significant discounts if taxis are ordered by telephone, F?taxi (tel: (1) 222 2222) recognised by their red and white checkered patterned doors, are generally honest, as are the English-speaking City Taxi (tel: (1) 211 1111). The tariff is the sum of the basic fee, kilometre charge and waiting tariff. Tips are customary but not compulsory. Limousines American Dream Ltd (tel: (30) 201 8000 or 975 4545; fax: (1) 386 9198; e-mail: budalimo@altavista.net; website: www.amdream.hu), have a selection of limousines, rates start at Ft6000 per hour, with chauffeur. Driving in the City Central streets are frequently jammed due to roadworks, cobble stones make for a jolting journey, and the tram lines and unusual Hungarian driving techniques can make driving a hair-raising experience. Ingenuity is required to find parking spaces in Budapest. Vehicles are not permitted to exceed three hours' stay in central parking lots and clamping is enforced. However, on-the-spot fines will not be more than Ft2000. There are four large car parks: V. AranykÉz utca 406, V. Szervita tÉr 8, VII. Nyár utca 20 and VIII. Kálvin tÉr. The hourly rate is Ft60-200 in parking areas and Ft160-180 in secure car parks. Cars should be locked and alarmed, valuables or radios should not be left on display inside. There are numerous traffic restrictions in Budapest. Only taxis and cars with a special permit are allowed in the Castle District. The Várbusz (Castle Bus) service runs from Moszkva tÉr to Szent Gy?rgy tÉr. Margaret Island can only be accessed from Árpád híd as far as the car park outside the hotels. Bus 26 crosses the island. Traffic is limited in some parts of Óbuda Island, the NÉpliget, the Inner City, Városliget and the Római area. Car Hire It is advisable to arrange car hire prior to arrival to save money and dispel the language barrier. The majority of hire cars in Budapest have manual transmission; it is wise to ensure that the price quoted is inclusive of Áfa (VAT). A credit card is usually requested for the deposit. The minimum age for car hire is 21 years and extra charges are made for additional drivers. Car hire is available at Ferihegy airport or at Volán, Express and Budapest tourist offices as well as at large hotels. Major companies include Americana Rent-a-car, XIII. Dózsa György út 65 (tel: (1) 350 2542; fax: (1) 320 8287; e-mail: americana@mail.matav.hu; website: www.americana.matav.hu); Avis, V. Szervita tÉr 8 (tel: (1) 318 4240) and Budget, I. Krisztina körút 41-43 (tel/fax: (1) 214 0420; e-mail: rentacar@budget.hu; website: www.budget.hu). Bicycle Hire Although there are some bicycle lanes, Budapest is not cycle-friendly. The only exception is Margaret Island where bicycles and tandems can be hired in the summer (by the bus stops). ID cards are requested as deposits. |
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