How to Choose the Right Budapest Card?

Choosing the right Budapest Card mainly depends on how long you plan to stay in the city and how actively you want to explore its attractions. Since all Budapest Card types include the same core benefits — such as unlimited public transportation, free museum entries, walking tours, and discounts at numerous attractions — the main difference between the cards is the validity period.

The exeption – 72h

The 72-hours Budapest Card is often an exception in terms of value, as it includes additional exclusive benefits that make it especially attractive for a three-day visit. In addition to the standard benefits, the 72h card offers free door-to-door airport transfer with miniBUD, free Lángos and Kürtőskalács experiences, free entry to Matthias Church, and a free ride on the Buda Castle Funicular, providing extra value and making it a particularly worthwhile option to consider for a typical city trip.

When choosing your card, it is helpful to consider how many attractions you plan to visit, whether you intend to use public transportation frequently, and how many days you want to spend discovering Budapest.

You can find a detailed comparison of benefits and ideal choices for each option on the Budapest Card Prices page.

How to Buy the Budapest Card?

Buying the Budapest Card is quick and simple, and purchasing online in advance is the most convenient option for most visitors. Start by selecting your preferred card duration and completing the online booking process on this page. After your purchase is confirmed, you will receive a voucher by email, which you can exchange for your physical Budapest Card at your chosen pick-up location in Budapest.

We recommend buying your Budapest Card online before arrival, as purchasing it from ticket machines or sales points in the city may involve waiting times, especially during peak tourist periods. Once you collect your card, you can activate it at your first use and immediately start enjoying the included benefits and discounts.

Where to Pick Up Your Budapest Card?

After purchasing your Budapest Card online, you can exchange your voucher for a physical card at several official Budapest Card sales and voucher redemption points across the city. Simply present your confirmation email or voucher at one of the locations listed below, where staff will assist you with issuing your card.

Budapest Card Sales & Voucher Redemption Points:

• BKK Customer Service Center – Budapest Card Centre
  1052 Budapest, Városháza Park / Deák Ferenc Square, next to the 100E Airport Express bus stop 
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• BKK Customer Service Center
  Liszt Ferenc International Airport, Terminal 2A
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• BKK Customer Service Center
  Liszt Ferenc International Airport, Terminal 2B
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• BKK Customer Service Center
  1051 Budapest, Deák Ferenc tér M
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• BKK Customer Service Center
  1115 Budapest, Kelenföld Railway Station – Őrmező Exit
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• BKK Customer Service Center
  1077 Budapest, Baross tér, M4 Metro Underpass
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• BKK Customer Service Center
  1012 Budapest, Déli Railway Station
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These locations are situated at major transport hubs, making it easy to collect your Budapest Card either upon arrival at the airport or while traveling within the city.

How to Activate Your Budapest Card?

Activating your Budapest Card is simple and happens automatically when you use it for the first time. The card becomes active the first time you use it on public transportation or present it at a participating attraction or service. From that moment, the validity period begins and runs continuously for 24, 48, 72, 96, or 120 hours, depending on the card you purchased.

Filling in and Activating Your Budapest Card

Your Budapest Card becomes valid from the date and time written on the card — not from the moment you buy or receive it. Before using the card for the first time, you need to fill in a few details on the back to activate it.

1. Fill in the start date and time
   

   Write the starting date using numbers in this order: month, day, and hour. Please use rounded hours and the 24-hour format. Your card will be valid from the time you write here.

2. Enter your ID number
   After filling in the start date and time, add your ID or passport number in the last box using clear, readable characters. When visiting attractions or using services, simply show your Budapest Card and let the staff know you would like to use it to receive your free entries or discounts.

Important Notes

• Use a blue ballpoint pen and allow the ink to dry properly.
• Do not use pencil, marker, or other writing tools.
• Corrections, crossed-out text, or smudges will invalidate the card.
• Write clearly and legibly.
• Use the 24-hour clock format (do not use AM or PM).
• Round the hour backwards and ignore minutes.

How to use your Budapest Card?

Once your card is activated, you can use it on public transport and at participating attractions simply by showing it when requested.

When traveling on public transportation, keep your Budapest Card with you at all times. If a ticket inspector asks, you must show your activated card together with your ID or passport. On buses or services where boarding happens through the front door only, just show your Budapest Card to the driver when getting on.

At attractions, present your card at the entrance or ticket desk for free entry or discounts, and let the staff know you would like to use your Budapest Card. Your card remains valid for the selected period (24, 48, 72, 96, or 120 consecutive hours), so you can enjoy the included benefits freely during that time.

Budapest Card – Frequently Asked Questions