Budapest has one of the most extensive and reliable public transportation systems in Europe. Whether you're travelling to university, exploring the city, or visiting friends, you can easily get almost anywhere by metro, tram, bus, or trolleybus.
Getting Around Budapest: Fast, Reliable and Student-Friendly
One of the biggest advantages for students is the affordability of public transport. With a valid student ID, you can purchase:
- County Pass (Vármegye Pass) – less than €3/month
- Hungary Pass– less than €5/month
Both passes offer excellent value and make travelling around Budapest and beyond very affordable.
Types of Public Transportation
Budapest has four metro lines, each identified by both a number and a colour.
· M1 (Yellow Line) – also called the Millennium Underground or Little Underground. It is the oldest underground railway on continental Europe.
· M2 (Red Line)
· M3 (Blue Line)
· M4 (Green Line)
The metro is the fastest way to travel across the city. Unlike buses or trams, metro trains always stop at every station and the doors always open automatically.
More information
· M1 connects Vörösmarty tér and Mexikói út
· M2 connects Déli Railway Station and Örs vezér tere
· M3 connects Kőbánya-Kispest and Újpest-központ
· M4 connects Kelenföld Railway Station and Keleti Railway Station
Budapest has more than 30 tram lines, making it one of the largest tram networks in Europe.
The most famous lines are Tram 4 and 6, which run along the Grand Boulevard almost 24 hours a day.
Unlike the metro, many trams only stop if someone presses the stop button or if passengers are waiting at the stop. When you're approaching your stop, it's always a good idea to press the stop button.
More information
· Tram 2 runs along the Danube and offers one of the city's most beautiful routes.
· Tram 4 and 6 are among the busiest tram lines in Europe.
Budapest uses different types of buses.
· Blue buses operate within Budapest.
· Yellow buses are regional services that travel outside Budapest.
· If you travel to another city in Hungary, you may also see buses in different colours depending on the transport operator.
Most buses only stop if someone presses the stop button or signals the driver from the bus stop.
Trolleybuses are easy to recognise because they are always red and run on overhead electric wires.
They operate only within Budapest and mainly serve the city centre and eastern districts.
Like buses, trolleybuses usually stop only on request.
The HÉV railway connects Budapest with several nearby towns and suburban areas. You may use it if you decide to explore places outside the city centre.
HÉV always stops at each stop and doors open automatically. There is no option to indicate your intention to get off.
Request Stops
This is something that surprises many international students.
- ✅ Metro and HÉV trains always stop at every station and open their doors automatically.
- ⚠️ Buses, trolleybuses and many trams only stop if:
- someone presses the STOP button inside the vehicle, or
- someone is waiting visibly at the stop.
When in doubt, simply press the stop button before your stop.
Tickets and Passes
Public transportation is operated by BKK (Budapest Transport Centre).
You can buy tickets and passes:
- at the purple BKK ticket vending machines found at metro stations and many tram and bus stops
- in the BudapestGO mobile app
- at BKK customer service centres
The BudapestGO app also lets you:
- buy tickets and passes
- plan routes
- check live departures
- receive service updates
If you purchase a paper pass, always keep it with you while travelling. Ticket inspectors may ask to see it at any time.
Getting to BGE Campuses
The Budapest University of Economics and Business (BGE) has three campuses located in different parts of the city, all of which are easily accessible by public transportation.
City Centre Campus
The City Centre Campus hosts the Faculty of International Business and the Faculty of Marketing and Business Communication.
Faculty of International Business
📍 Alkotmány utca 9–11, 1054 Budapest
Faculty of Marketing and Business Communication
📍 Markó utca 29–31, 1054 Budapest
Public transport access:
- Tram 2B
- Metro Line M2 (Kossuth Lajos tér station) within walking distance
- Several trolleybus and bus lines nearby
The City Centre Campus and its two historic buildings are located in the heart of Budapest, close to the Hungarian Parliament and the Danube River. The Alkotmány and Markó buildings date back to the late 19th century and feature large lecture halls, modern learning spaces, and vibrant student areas. After classes, students can enjoy a walk along the Danube and experience some of Budapest's most iconic landmarks.
Zugló Campus
📍 District XIV, Zugló
The Zugló Campus hosts:
- Faculty of Finance and Accounting
- Faculty of Management
Public transport access:
- Metro Line M2 to Pillangó utca station
- Trolleybus 80
- Bus 130
- Tram 3
Located in a quieter and greener part of the city, the Zugló Campus offers a pleasant study environment while remaining well connected to the city centre. The campus provides excellent facilities, including a library, sports facilities, and a gym.
Berzsenyi Campus
Public transport access:
- Metro Lines M2 or M4 to Keleti pályaudvar station, followed by a 5-minute walk
- Tram line 23 to Keleti pályaudvar station, followed by a short walk
Alternatively:
- Metro Line M2 to Blaha Lujza tér
- Bus lines 5, 7, or 112 to Huszár utca
- 1–2-minute walk to the campus
Thanks to Budapest's efficient public transportation system, all BGE campuses can be reached quickly and conveniently from almost any part of the city. Whether studying in the city centre or at the Zugló Campus, students benefit from fast connections, affordable travel options, and easy access to everything Budapest has to offer. The city's excellent transport network helps make student life both convenient and enjoyable, allowing students to spend less time commuting and more time making the most of their university experience.