Orientation
Budapest
Budapest is in north-central Hungary, some 250km (155mi) southeast of Vienna. The focal point is the Danube River, which bisects the city into two distinct parts: Buda is mostly residential and built on the hills and high river terraces of the western side; and commercial Pest is on a large, sandy plain across to the east. It is a sprawling city, with the areas beyond the Nagykörút (literally the `Big Ring Road') in Pest and west of Moskva tér in Buda mostly residential or industrial and of little interest to visitors. It is also a well laid-out city; you'll have done well to get yourself lost. Ferihegy international airport is 24km (15mi) southeast of central Budapest.
Visas Overview
Citizens of the USA, Canada, New Zealand, Australia, some Asian countries and virtually all European countries don't require visas. Nationals from these countries can stay in Hungary for a maximum period of 90 days during the six months following the date of first entry into Hungary. A separate permit is required for longer stays. Visas are not available at the Hungarian border or Hungarian airports.
Getting There and Away
Budapest's Ferihegy airport has thankfully emerged from the 1970s brown-veneered chaos of its old terminal, and is now serviced by over three dozen international airlines. The national carrier Malév Hungarian Airlines operates nonstop flights between Budapest and North America, the Middle East and most European centres. There is no schedule for domestic flights.
The bus is also a popular means of getting to Budapest. There are three main stations, with all international buses and some domestic ones to/from Hungary's south and west arriving at and departing from Népliget bus station.
The Hungarian State Railway (MÁV) links to the European rail network, with different stations handling various destinations.
Getting to Budapest and Away by Bus
All international (and some domestic) buses operate from Pest's Népliget bus station. The international ticket office is upstairs. Stadionok bus station serves cities and towns to the east of Budapest. Buses to southwest Hungary use Etele tér bus station in Buda, while the Árpád Bridge bus station on the Pest side of Árpád Bridge, is the place to catch buses for the Danube Bend and parts of northern Hungary. Some of the journeys are long, so take a cushion to avoid flat bottom syndrome.
Getting to Budapest and Away by Hydrofoil/catamaran
For the extravagant traveller, a hydrofoil along the Danube to Vienna is a luxurious possibility.
Getting to Budapest and Away by Train
Most international trains arrive at and leave from Keleti station, but always check the station when making bookings. Hungarian trains are clean and punctual but hardly luxurious, so bring along snacks and drinks for longer voyages.
Getting Around
Ferihegy international airport is 24km (15mi) southeast of Budapest. It is pointless getting a taxi unless in a real hurry, with several much cheaper options linking the airport and city. The buses provide a thriftier alternative, with the Airport Minibus offering an ultra convenient door to door service.
Budapest has an ageing but safe, inexpensive and efficient public transport system that won't have you waiting more than five to 10 minutes. If you plan to travel extensively by public transport pick up a copy of the invaluable Budapesti
Közlekedési Hálózata Térképe (Budapest Transport Network Map) available at most metro ticket booths.
Getting Around Budapest by Taxi
If you are compelled to take a taxi from the airport into town, phone one from arrivals - it will save you about one-third off the posted airport fares.
Getting Around Budapest by Bus
The ultra budget option between the airport and town is the airport bus between the airport and Köbánya-Kispest metro station, 20 minutes from Budapest. Look for the stop marked 'BKV Plusz Reptér Busz' between terminals 2A and 2B.
Getting Around Budapest by Rail
Public transport is by far the supreme way of getting around Budapest, with links between the metro, HÉV (green trains), yellow trams, red trolleybuses and blue buses abounding. Tickets are readily available from kiosks, newsstands or metro entrances.
