Travel Information
To Budapest by plane
The Budapest airport is located 20 km away from the city centre. You can choose Malev, the Hungarian Airlines or almost all European airlines for your flight to Budapest Ferihegy International Airport. Budapest has a good connection with major European cities also through discount airways. Discount flight passengers arrive at Terminal 1, Malev passengers at Terminal 2A, all other passengers at Terminal 2B.
For access and flight information please check the » You can » rent a car at the airport, take a taxi to the city centre, use the » shuttle bus service or public transportation. Check » http://www.bud.hu/english/transport for further details.
To Budapest by car
Budapest is situated in the heart of Europe so it can be easily accessed by car also. Please note that driving to Budapest from Western Europe, or from Slovakia or Slovenia there is no passport control on borders, since these countries are members of the Schengen Area. However, crossing the borders on motorways, you always have to buy a new motorway sticker which are different in every members of the European Union.
In Hungary speed limits are 130 kph on motorways, 110 kph on main roads, 90 kph on other roads and 50 kph in cities. For vignette information check the » Hungarian Motorway Portal about the toll and where to buy the motorway fee stickers.
To Budapest by train
There are three railway stations in Budapest: Déli pu. (Southern Railway Station), Keleti pu. (Eastern Railway Station) and Nyugati pu. (Western Railway Station). Trains from other countries arrive at one of the above listed stations.
Déli pu. (Southern Railway Station) and Keleti pu. (Eastern Railway Station) are along the red underground line (M2). Nyugati pu. (Western Railway Station) can be reached by the blue underground (M3).
To Budapest by bus (coach)
Buses (coaches) from other countries arrive at Népliget Bus Station, which is along the blue underground line (M3). Check the following websites for direct coach connections between European cities and Budapest:
» www.orangeways.com
» www.eurolines.com
Local transportation in Budapest
Budapest has a good public transportation network that serves also during the night. Budapest Arena is at the Stadionok underground station of the red underground (M2). Recommended hotels are also located along the undergrounds. Check the website for service hours, tickets and travelcards at » www.bkv.hu/english/home/index.html
Entry for foreigners to Hungary
Since Hungary is member of the European Union and member of the Schengen Area, non EU country citizens and visitors from some overseas countries can enter Hungary only with a valid entry visa. Entry visas can be obtained at any Hungarian embassy, consulate, and in some cases at border crossing points. Please refer to the » Portal of the Hungarian Ministry of Foreign Affairs where you can check the visa and immigration regulations, and can find Hungarian missions in your country where you can apply for visa.
Practical Information
Language
The official language of the country is Hungarian, but English and German are widely spoken. We provide you with a short » Survival Hungarian Course to help you to prepare for your stay in Hungary.
Currency
The official currency is Hungarian Forint (HUF - Ft). The exchange rate is cca: 1 EUR = 250 HUF, 1 USD = 180 HUF. Though Hungary is not a member of the Euro Zone, you may use EUR cash for payment in hotels and some shops, supermarkets and petrol stations. Please see special signs indicating this possibility.
Banking
In Hungary banks are usually open between 8.00 - 16.00 on weekdays, although some close an hour earlier on Fridays. With the exception of some shopping mall bank branches, Hungarian banks are not open on Saturdays. ATM machines and currency exchange machines are available throughout the country. Credit cards - Diners Club, Euro/MasterCard and VISA - can be used to withdraw cash from banks and ATM machines and to pay bills in hotels, restaurants and shops.
Climate
The climate is continental. The weather in May is usually warm. The average daytime temperature is 25° C. For local weather report check » this page
Time zone
In May, clocks are on Greenich Mean Time (GMT) plus 1 hour.
Electric Current
Electricity is supplied at 220 Volts. Two-pin electric outlets (220 V, 50 Hz) are used.
Telephone
Telephones operate by phone card or coins. Cards are available at post offices and tobacconists's.
Country code for Hungary is +36 | Area code for bUDAPEST is 1. | Ambulance: 104
Fire Brigade: 105 | Police: 107
